The Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers

BunMo XL Pop Tubes

Multi-Purpose

There are fun sensory toys that work your child's brain and body.

Best Overall

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When it comes to active sensory toys, it is important to find an option that provides lots of learning opportunities. They should make it so your child needs to use their imagination and brainpower to manipulate them. The BunMo XL Pop Tubes are an excellent choice because they offer lots of feedback and teach your child to think outside the box.

These tubes twist together, so the more you have, the better. Meanwhile, the fun shapes provide both tactile and auditory feedback, which keeps your child interested in them long enough to learn to use them. They can be turned into fun ropes, tube cities, car ramps, and more. Your kids will love finding new and interesting ways to twist them, wrap them, and attach them. The fun texture and crinkly noises help them really get a feel for the movement, which adds to the fun.

Pros:

• They are uniquely designed to be twisted, turned, and attached to each other
• These toys provide several ways for your child to learn to explore, which in turn keeps them interested for longer
• They are large and easy to manipulate for toddlers
• We appreciate how durable they are

Cons:

• It is tough to get them back into their original shape once extended

Impresa Products Monkey Noodles

Noodlin' Around

These simple stretchy noodles keep your kid's hands busy.

Stretchiest

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Kids love things that stretch, squish, and twist. The more something can be manipulated and changed, the better. That said, you want to ensure that the toys you buy for your child will last. The Impresa Products Monkey Noodles are the best of both worlds, and both you and your kids will love them.

These squishy rope toys are made of non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials, making them safe for all kids, no matter their needs. We love that they can be pulled, twisted, tied, and bent and they’ll still go back to their original shape after. A single 12-inch rope can even be stretched all the way to 8 feet just to pop right back. How crazy is that?

Pros:

• Each set comes with five fun-colored monkey noodles
• They are extremely durable and will last a long time
• Your child can easily manipulate them into different shapes and squish and pull them for hours
• They are safe for kids with allergies
• The price is very affordable

Cons:

• They have a sticky texture that easily picks up hair and lint

Pilpoc theFube Fidget Cube

Bright and Entertaining

Keep your child busy with this fidget cube.

Best for Older Toddlers

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As your toddler gets older, they may get bored with some of the one-dimensional sensory toys. They will also be expected to sit still more as they enter school. Fidget cubes are a great choice for these kids because they are portable and easy to manipulate without making a mess. One of our favorites is The Pilpoc theFube Fidget Cube.

This six-sided fidget cube comes with several different tactile options that provide your child with plenty of opportunities to keep their mind busy. They can click buttons, switch the on/off switch, massage the bumpy side, roll around the joystick, twist the gears, and click and spin the wheel. All of these options provide plenty of stimulation to their brain, which in turn helps them to focus better. Overall, it is an awesome choice for kids who struggle to stay still in situations that require it.

Pros:

• This cube comes with a carrying case, making it easy to throw in a bag or backpack
• There are several silent fidget options for quiet places
• Your child will be able to switch through the different sides in order to avoid becoming bored with it
• Available in several colors
• The size is perfect for older toddlers and young preschoolers

Cons:

• We wish it was more durable

Bristle Blocks Jungle Adventures In a Tube

Long-Lasting Fun

Your child will have fun for hours with these high-quality sensory blocks.

Best Blocks

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Blocks are always a hit with kids, but most of them are very simple. They are smooth and connect in very specific ways, which can stifle a child’s imagination. That is why we think all toddlers need a set of versatile and imaginative Bristle Blocks.

Bristle Blocks connect using rubbery, soft, and flexible bristles. They can be attached in any direction or angle, and the tactile feedback of the bristles is very satisfying for kids. In addition, the bright colors, fun faces, and distinct shapes can keep them interested for hours while they find new and exciting ways to arrange them. The blocks are BPA-free, as well, making them an excellent choice for young toddlers who still like to put everything in their mouths.

Pros:

• This set comes with 54 chunky Bristle Blocks
• They are designed to look like fun jungle animals and flowers
• Care is easy — simply wash in soapy water and air dry
• These blocks help with fine motor skills, concentration, and hand-eye coordination
• They are affordable

Cons:

• It can be hard for your toddler to pull them apart without help

Kinetic Sand Castle Containers

Creative Choice

Your child can mold, cut, and play for hours with this sand.

Most Imaginative

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Although we generally prefer for our kids to play with clean toys, sometimes it makes more sense to make a mess. Messy sensory toys often have the most to offer in terms of learning, and Kinetic Sand Castle Containers are a fantastic example of that.

Kinetic Sand is specially made to be easy for toddlers to move around and shape. This set comes with ten unique colors, and each one comes in its own castle mold for a fun start to your child’s exploration. It feels soft and squishy, and unlike Play Dough and other manipulatives, it never dries out. Give your child some cookie cutters, a plastic knife, and an area to play, and they’ll fall into their own world for hours with this sand.

Pros:

• The vibrant colors attract and keep your kid’s attention
• This ten-pack is very affordable
• You get both the sand and the molds in one convenient set
• Encourages imaginative play and creativity
• This sand offers tactile feedback, visual entertainment, and an open-ended way for your child to explore

Cons:

• It gets messy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do toddlers need sensory toys?

Sensory toys help your child to learn and explore their senses. They usually offer a combination of new textures, colors, and smells. The good ones are versatile and force your child to use their imagination and intelligence to manipulate them so they can learn cause and effect, as well. Overall, they are an awesome choice for parents with busy toddlers who love to learn. In many cases, they are also a great way to help calm a special-needs child’s mind.

What makes a good sensory toy?

A good sensory toy is hard to find. The best ones are durable and able to stand up to heavy use and abuse from kids of all ages and abilities. In general, they need to be versatile, as well. For example, if all your toddler can do is squish it, they will become bored. However, if they can squish it, stretch it, and twist it, they will always find new ways to use it.