10 Sensory Toys Toddlers Can’t Put Down

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Toddlers learn with their whole body. They squish, shake, pour, bang and taste their way through the day (mostly taste).

Sensory toys lean into that. They give toddlers a safe way to explore texture, sound, movement and cause and effect, and a lot of them are surprisingly calming.

Why Sensory Play Matters

When toddlers touch something rough, hear a rattle or watch water pour, their brains are sorting and connecting that information. Sensory play builds fine motor skills, language (“squishy,” “bumpy,” “cold”), and focus. It can also help a cranky toddler settle down.

The 10 Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers

1. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set

Best for: Touch

Bumpy, ridged, nubby balls that are easy to grab and fun to chase.

Check the price of Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set on Amazon →

2. Toddler Sensory Bin Kit

Best for: Touch, fine motor

A ready-made kit with a bin, scoops and fillers. Great if you want sensory play without hunting down supplies.

Check the price of Toddler Sensory Bin Kit on Amazon →

3. Sensory Bottles for Toddlers

Best for: Sight

Bottles filled with glitter, beads or colored water that swirl when shaken. Calming to watch.

Check the price of Sensory Bottles for Toddlers on Amazon →

4. Hape Pound and Tap Bench

Best for: Sound, cause and effect

Hit the ball, hear the note. Loud, satisfying and great for hand-eye coordination.

Check the price of Hape Pound and Tap Bench on Amazon →

5. Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog

Best for: Touch, fine motor

Pop the quills in, pull them out. Simple and weirdly soothing.

Check the price of Learning Resources Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog on Amazon →

6. Kinetic Sand

Best for: Touch

Sand that sticks to itself and molds like wet sand without the beach. Supervise little ones who still mouth everything.

Check the price of Kinetic Sand on Amazon →

7. Boon Pipes Bath Toy

Best for: Water play

Tub-wall pipes that send water in different directions. Sensory play that also counts as bath time.

Check the price of Boon Pipes Bath Toy on Amazon →

8. Edushape Sensory Balls

Best for: Touch, gross motor

Soft textured balls in different sizes for squeezing, rolling and throwing indoors.

Check the price of Edushape Sensory Balls on Amazon →

9. Toddler Musical Shakers

Best for: Sound

Easy-to-hold shakers with different sounds. Instant toddler band.

Check the price of Toddler Musical Shakers on Amazon →

10. Toddler Bean Bag Chair

Best for: Body awareness

Not a toy, but a squishy place to crash. Lots of toddlers love the deep-pressure feel.

Check the price of Toddler Bean Bag Chair on Amazon →

Quick Comparison

Make Your Own Sensory Bin

Grab a shallow plastic bin. Fill it with dry rice, oats or big pasta shapes. Add scoops, cups and a couple of small toys to dig for. Done. Stay close, because dry food is still a choking risk for some toddlers, and skip anything small enough to fit through a toilet paper tube.

What to Skip

Water beads. They’re a serious swallowing hazard, and the most dangerous types can no longer be sold as toys in the U.S. Our are fidget toys good for kids? post explains why. Also skip anything with tiny parts, loose magnets or button batteries.

FAQ

What is a sensory toy?
Any toy that invites kids to explore through touch, sound, sight, movement or smell. Textured balls, shakers, sensory bins and water toys all count.

At what age should toddlers do sensory play?
Babies start sensory play from the first months. Sensory bins work best around 18 months and up, with supervision.

Are sensory toys good for kids with autism?
Many families find sensory toys helpful. Every child is different, so follow your child’s lead and ask their therapist for ideas.

Is sensory play messy?
It can be. A shower curtain or old sheet under the bin makes cleanup a lot easier.

Keep reading: fine motor toys, bath toys that teach and brain-boosting toys for toddlers under 3.