The 19 Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers, According to Child Development Experts

Sand is a sensory experience like no other — your toddler will be transfixed by the unique texture and infinite malleability. But you don’t have to schlep to the beach in order to introduce the granular material. Available in a resealable zip bag, Kinetic Sand can be played with on its own or with cups, toy cars and even tools like shovels. Parents love that it sticks to itself for easy cleanup (plus, it’s non-toxic and hypoallergenic to boot). This particular brand comes in a multitude of color choices and even different scents to truly stimulate your little one’s senses. 

Whether your little one wants to give a baby doll a bath or you’re looking for a DIY way to contain the mess inherent with many sensory toys, this clear bin (a top “non-toy toy,” according to Monness) fits the bill. Its see-through material allows children to observe what they’re doing from all different angles so that they can more easily observe cause and effect. Fill it with water or kinetic sand, and let the fun begin.

And a few WTE moms shared in the community forums they have successfully filled similar containers with shredded paper, food coloring and rice. But the best part? It can also double as toy storage when playtime is over.

One of the best examples of sensory play is with water — splashing and dumping and submerging items or seeing what floats. While water tables are a great outdoor toy to pass the time during the summer months, it’s not exactly feasible to set one up in your living room. If you’re looking for a tabletop alternative that can entertain year-round, why not try this play sink from B.toys? (It's also an affordable alternative to Lovevery's kit.) 

Your toddler will be plenty preoccupied by scrubbing pretend produce clean and washing the dishes; the latter of which will change in color as it’s rinsed with warm water. Parents absolutely adore the fact that it’s a working sink (complete with running water!), describing it as a serious upgrade from a typical sensory bin. 

Sound-making, dumping, pouring and stacking — all with one toy! This set of five stainless steel glasses is technically for beverages but serves another purpose as a perfect sensory toy for little ones. Use them alongside kinetic sand, for water play or just on their own. Your child will love banging them together, scooping, measuring and more. (Bonus: They’re dishwasher-safe, making for easy cleanup.)

Lacing cards have successfully helped my children slow down, focus and work on their fine motor skills. This adorable Very Hungry Caterpillar set stars Eric Carle’s caterpillar, along with its butterfly form and other recognizable graphics from the beloved book. It also provides 10 lacing cards that tots can use and re-use. I love that this set comes with plenty of laces, so you don’t need to undo a previously laced card to work on another.

Pop-up tunnels provide active toddlers with new ways to explore and release pent-up energy. This option from Melissa & Doug has a sweet caterpillar design with removable doors at the ends to create a fort on demand. It’s also crafted with water-resistant fabric, so it can be enjoyed indoors or out, allowing you to take the fun nearly anywhere. I like that it folds flat for easy storage, too.

Therapy putty elevates basic modeling compounds by offering different levels of resistance to improve your child’s fine motor skills and hand stretch. Better than Play-Doh, Special Supplies offers a set of four resistance levels, enabling your toddler to power through extra soft to firm over time. To up the fun factor, parents recommend burying beads, buttons or other small toys inside that little fingers can pinch and pull to discover. 

Parents also appreciate the non-toxic formula, which features premium silicone rather than rubber latex, as it’s gentler on sensitive skin. Plus, when playtime is over, you can easily return the three-ounce putty into each container and stack them up for easy storage.

A sensory body sock lets kids create what they want just by using their own body movements. They can be a star, octopus, blob or whatever they put their imagination to in seconds. This popular product from Sanho is easy for little ones to climb into and manipulate, thanks to its soft, stretchy fabric. It comes in five different colors and four sizes, although some parents note you might want to size up. 

Teetering toys are always a hit with toddlers, but the Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper — available in three bright color combos — takes things to the next level with the addition of suction cups. Positioned on the bottom, these silicone cups delightfully stick and unstick (expect lots of laughter!). In addition to making a loud popping noise, this toy doubly delights by allowing your toddler to rock, tilt and wobble within it to their heart’s content. It also includes built-in handles for stability, so you don’t have to fret about little ones toppling over. Do note, however, that lots of parents say their kids inherently stand on it like a balance board, so it’s recommended for only those ages 3 and older.

Lovevery’s subscription toy kits take the guesswork out of what to do with your children whether they’re only a few months old or a few years old. The educational toys company just expanded to provide kits through age four and also just released a Montessori-inspired toy shelf to display toys. Each kit comes with a variety of age-appropriate play things (think: a play sink with dishes and cups) and a short packet explaining childhood development, when to introduce certain items and how to engage your children in certain activities. If you’re hesitant to spend $80-$120 every two months on toys, check out the brand’s more affordable offerings at Target —some of which are sensory toys.

My kids can’t get enough of the Poke-a-Dot books, and this version of Old MacDonald’s Farm continues to be a big hit in our household. The durable board book pairs “buttons” on every page that kids can “pop,” along with fun illustrations and a sweet plot that’s sure to hold their attention throughout the duration of the story. In fact, my 2-year-old spends a minimum of 10 minutes sitting quietly and popping all of the dots. And, admittedly, it’s also strangely soothing to play with as an adult. There are several Poke-a-Dot books, including one focused on ocean life and another featuring zoo animals.

Your kid will love stretching, connecting, bending and shaking these fun tube toys in seemingly endless ways. The BPA-free plastic tubes are lightweight and easy for kids to hold and manipulate. Use them in a sensory bin, blow into them like a trumpet or connect them together to make shapes and letters. (And according to parents, you might have a blast playing with them, too!) However, the soft plastic might not always stand up to rougher play.

If your child loves to paint, line things up or stack items, these rocks suit a variety of interests. Smooth to the touch, they are fun for small hands to feel, and they’re easy to decorate. You can bring them in the bath, use them as a part of a sensory bin or play with them on their own around the house or outside. However, they’re not appropriate for children who are still putting toys in their mouths — as your child may choke on the small rocks — so save this activity for older toddlers.

My toddlers are obsessed with bubbles and I’m obsessed with Fubbles Bubbles, thanks to the signature no-spill bottle design that’s easy for little hands to hold. So when my independent 2-year-old wants to play with these all on her own, I don’t have to worry about cleaning up a sticky mess afterward. And given how many bottles of bubbles my kids have broken and spilled over the years, the higher price tag is a worthwhile investment for my family. 

If you have travel plans coming up, whether by car or plane, keeping a toddler busy is easier said than done. But the Gojmzo Busy Board features eight pages of more than 30 sensory-fueled activities to limit screen time. This particular busy board features soft, felt materials and tactile features such as zippers, shoelaces, buttons and threadable laces. And at just 14 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to bring along wherever your next trip takes you.

While you can technically DIY your own sensory bin, not everyone has the time to spare. The Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin Construction Zoneis an all-in-one set that toddlers ages 3 and up can dive into independently. The construction-themed box features a total of 21 pieces — such as trucks, a shovel, road signs, sand and rocks — providing multiple ways to play. 

This 12-pack of light-up waterproof cubes will shock and delight upon first use. All you need to do to activate their glowing capabilities is just add water — making them a great addition to bathtime. Toddlers will love the silly faces adorned on each cube, and the vibrant shades of purple, yellow, green and red when each is submerged during cause-and-effect play. Parents also appreciate that these automatically turn off when dry so as not to waste the 16-hour battery life, which sadly can’t be replaced.

While finger painting is good and fun, sometimes the mess is a bit much on parents. This Crayola tablet allows young artists to doodle without dirtying their fingers or requiring extra materials like paper. But the best part? It emits 12 different colors and lights as well as six sounds, engaging the senses. Similar in concept to an Etch-a-Sketch, all your toddler has to do is press down to draw.

If you have an older preschooler at home (or a mini who loves watching reruns of Great British Beak Off with you), a great way to engage their sense of taste is with a cooking or baking activity. KiwiCo’s all-in-one kits include kid-friendly recipes and every tool you need to whip up a batch of ice cream or a loaf of bread. Doing so walks curious minds through the scientific process of freezing or rising dough before enjoying the fruits of their labor. It also doubles as a yummy bonding. A win-win!

Of course, you don’t need to purchase anything to introduce taste to your toddler — experimenting with different flavors during mealtime or sampling new foods and asking what they taste like is just as beneficial.