Stimulate their senses with these developmentally appropriate sensory toys.
By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founderMommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Sensory toys help babies, toddlers, and big kids play creatively while exposing them to novel sensory experiences that enrich their little worlds.
To find the best sensory toys, we squeezed, squished, shook, molded, crinkled, and contorted over 60 sensory toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers!
We worked with Danielle Feerst, licensed occupational therapist to rank-order them and help determine their appropriateness for each age group.
If we made our own sensory toys, here is what we'd prioritize:
✔️ Age-appropriate.
✔️ Safe & non-toxic materials.
✔️ Multi-sensory stimulation.
✔️ Open-ended play.
✔️ Fine motor stimulation.
✔️ Durable & easy-to-clean.
✔️ Stimulating, not overwhelming.
✔️ Supports sensory regulation.
✔️ Encourages exploration.
✔️ Developmentally meaningful.
✔️ Sustainable materials.
✔️ Portable for travel.
✔️ Reasonably-priced.
Ideally, the sensory toys would also be inclusive and adaptable for a range of sensory profiles, including sensory seekers and avoiders.
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- Top 5 Best Infant Sensory Toys (0-12mo)
- In-depth Reviews of Infant Sensory Toys (0-12mo)
- 1. Best Overall: Mortimer Moose
- 2. Splashin' Kids Tummy Time Mat
- 3. Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball
- 4. Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle
- 5. Musical Learning Sensory Table
- 6. Melissa & Doug Soft Cars Trucks
- 7. The First Years First Baby Rattle
- 8. Edushape See-Me Sensory Balls
- 9. Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain
- Top 5 Best Toddler to pre-K Sensory Toys (12-36mo)
- In-depth Reviews of Toddler Sensory Toys (12-36mo)
- 1. Best Sensory Toy Overall: Outree Sensory Peapod Chair
- 2. TickiT Pods
- 3. Infantino Sensory Press & Stay Blocks
- 4. Battat Original Bristle Blocks
- 5. Melissa & Doug Latches Board
- 6. TickiT Sensory Building Blocks
- 7. First Musical Instruments
- 8. Coogam Matching Eggs Toy
- 9. TickiT SiliShapes Soft Bricks
- 10. Harkla Hug Inflatable Peapod
- 11. Kinetic Sand Beach Castle Kit
- 12. Impresa Monkey Noodles Strings
- 13. Sensory Pop Tubes
- Top 5 Preschool Sensory Toys (36mo+)
- In-depth Reviews of Preschool Sensory Toys (36mo+)
- 1. Best Sensory Toy Overall: Water Beads
- 2. Spooner Balance Board
- 3. Sanho Sensory Body Sock
- 4. Fabric Texture Squares
- 5. Ooblek Fluffly Slime
- 6. DreamGym Indoor Cocoon Swing
- 7. Reusable Water Balloons
- 8. Hedgehog Spikey Rings
- 9. Colorations Play Dough
- 10. Expanding Ball Toy
- 11. Playhut Expanding Tunnel
- 12. Chuchik Fidget Cube
- Why to Use Sensory Toys
- Are Sensory Toys Safe?
Full disclosure: Some of these sensory toys, including the TickiT, Spooner, and Playhut products, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommended ages. Sensory toys make great gift ideas for kids, and many of them can be found at very reasonable prices.
The Top 5 Best Infant Sensory Toys of 2025 (0-12mo)
Sensory toys are suitable for infants who begin testing out their grip, shaking things around, and putting things in their mouths.
Avoid toys with hard surfaces, corners, and edges. Soft and squishy is ideal!
The below options are great first sensory toys for use in the car seat, bouncer seat, baby swing, baby carrier, or stroller, whereas others are great for tummy time, sitting, and scooting around as a roller, crawler, or bum-scooter!
Check out list of the best teething toys if you want to see more teether options.
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A beloved first sensory toy with crinkly paws, jingling feet, silky legs, a squeaky tummy, and BPA-free teething rings. Clips to strollers, car seats, carriers, or diaper bags and keeps babies entertained with textures, sounds, and bright patterns. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A top-rated inflatable water mat that builds early motor skills during tummy time. Features colorful floating sea creatures, a soft water-filled surface, leak-proof design, and easy setup and storage. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A parent-favorite sensory ball with chunky textured bumps, bright colors, and gentle rattles. Easy to grip for early sitters and great for building fine motor skills, though not ideal for teething. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A classic award-winning teether and rattle with soft BPA-free tubing that’s easy to grasp from any angle. Lightweight, safe, durable, and perfect for newborns through early sitters. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A feature-packed sensory activity table with lights, music, sounds, and language elements. Supports seated play, pull-to-stand practice, and early walking with removable legs and engaging fidgets. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW |
Those are just the top 5, but there are plenty more! Below we provide in-depth reviews of not only the top 5 best sensory toys for infants, but also addition options!
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Infant Sensory Toys
1. Lamaze Mortimer The Moose
Your baby will love moosing around with Mortimer the Moose! He's an adorable moose with silky swinging legs, crinkling and jingling paws, a squeaky tummy, teething rings and antlers, and a super soft furry body. Mortimer is more than happy to clip onto an infant car seat, stroller, diaper bag, or baby carrier for super fun and colorful entertainment that stimulates vision, touch, and hearing. Mortimer the Moose knows the importance of the little things: the silky smooth legs have little knots on them, the bottom of the paws have unique patterns like polka dots and checkers, and the teething rings clink together when shaken. Together, this little sensory stuffy gives hours of exploration and is perfect for babies from birth up to about 6 months. Lamaze is totally forthcoming in their manufacturing process and materials and has disclosed that the antlers are EVA and teething rings are ABS plastic, and they were proud to say that both are BPA-free. We love it, and so did our test babies! Only about 12 bucks online, this is a great deal for a versatile and fun first sensory toy!
Not into Mortimer? Lamaze also makes this type of toy in a Calamari, Dragon, Firefly, Piggy, Peacock, Bug, Inchworm, and Octopus style (here is a full list of these options)! Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
2. Splashin' Kids Inflatable Tummy Time Mat
This is one of the highest-rated tummy time play mats for infants. The squishy, soft water mat provides a delightful and safe experience for a baby’s first time at the "beach," no matter where you are located! It has a 100% money-back guarantee against air or water leakage, making this the perfect addition to your living or play space for your baby. The benefits of the play mat and of tummy time are endless! Strengthen head and neck muscles, practice rolling from tummy to back and back to tummy, improve gross motor skills needed for crawling, and let your baby enjoy this deep blue ocean sensory experience.
This mat has a 26" by 20" play area, so it will not consume too much floor space, but is sure to keep the baby occupied with its silly sea creatures: ducks, octopus, dolphins, turtles, starfish, and crabs abound! It’s simple and easy to set up, allowing you to fill up the outer and inner rings with tap water. When playtime is over, drain, let dry, fold, and store the mat to prevent mold and to save space. The toy boasts of also being environmentally friendly and BPA-free, providing quality that moms can trust. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
3. Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball
This ball is so sassy we needed to give it a time-out! What's not to love about the Sassy Bumpy Ball!? Loved by daycares, parents, and babies around the world, this ball of fun has multiple textures, varied materials, rattle sounds, and bright colors and patterns. The chunky bulges covering the outer surface are well-sized for baby hands learning how to grasp and squeeze, the clear domes have little balls that gently rattle around when moved, and there are no sharp surfaces or edges to find. Designed for 6 months and up, this is a great option for babies enjoying tummy time and learning how to sit and play. All of the fabrics, stitching, plastics, and seals were high quality. Note that this does not make a good teething toy, as growing teeth might shred the fabric.
Usually only about $10 or less, this is a must-have sensory baby toy that will drive hours of fun and make a great baby gift idea! Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
4. Manhattan Toy Company Winkel Rattle
Winner of several newborn toy awards, the Manhattan Toy Company has been making the Winkel Rattle toy for several years now and has continued to improve it along the way for safety, colors, and fun! The Winkel has its characteristic maze of soft tubes that weave and wind their way around a soft center cube that houses a subtle rattle. The cool thing about this maze of tubes is that it always lands upright no matter where your baby throws it! It makes a great sensory teething toy from birth and up and then turns into a fun and motivating toy for tummy time and sitting. It's easy to grasp from any angle, soft everywhere, and super lightweight. The tubes are safe and do not get brittle or crack over time (one of the things that Manhattan Toy Co. has improved over the years), and the toy doesn't use BPA or PVC, and meets SPSIA and European requirements for any phthalate content. In our testing, we didn't have a single issue, and appreciated that it can be hand-washed, though dishwashing would have been ideal. Definitely an awesome first sensory toy, and makes a great baby gift! Note that the Winkel also comes in adorable Lion and Owl varieties. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
5. Musical Learning Table
Engage your baby and help develop core strength with this awesome activity table for ages 6 months and older. This early-education activity center has multiple sounds, modes, and fidgets to engage your baby from 6 months to 12 months in a multi-sensory experience. Delight in new music, language learning, and visual stimulation! The best part is that this table encourages your baby to sit and play! It lights up and has classic melodies to help improve visual and auditory perception and cognition. The table has a beautiful song voice that helps to draw attention to language and learning opportunities. Babies can explore playing the piano and hearing different songs. Flashing lights in rhythm with the music helps your baby learn how to keep the beat while playing independently. Babies can hear the animal noises in the book and toggle different sounds for language learning. The other amazing feature about this table is that it grows with your child! Once your child is older, you can attach table legs to allow for practice pulling to stand, around age 9 to 10 months, or to strengthen leg muscles needed for standing and walking, around age 12-15 months. With 4 adjustable legs, 2 adjustable straps, this table accommodates many different play styles and settings! Hang this from a stroller or walker for on-the-go fun. This product also has the AA batteries included in the box, and has a 2-year warranty for peace of mind. If you are not satisfied with your baby’s reaction and enjoyment of the product, you can get a full refund or replacement service within 90 days of purchase! Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
6. Melissa & Doug Soft Vehicles
Melissa and Doug make some of the best baby and toddler toys, and these soft toy cars, trucks, and school buses are no exception! Made for babies who are a little older and beginning to sit and scoot around (about 8-9mo+), these pull-back toys are super fun to use! Pull them back a tiny bit, usually by accident the first time, and watch them scoot across the floor! These make a great tool for motivating babies to begin scooting and crawling around to catch up to the toy. Built with soft fabric outsides and soft rubber wheels, they are easy to grab onto, super lightweight, and easy to pick up. They work best on hardwood, tile, and linoleum floors, but we did get them to work on Berber carpet as well. Some cool aspects are that the wheels can detach so you can throw the body into the washing machine, the entire toy is BPA-free and safe to explore with the mouth, and they don't always go in a perfectly straight line which helps keep babies interested and guessing where they'll go! Be sure you close your baby gates and doors to stairs to prevent them from rolling off and being followed by a curious baby. Sturdy, fun, safe, and reliable, what more could you ask for!? Maybe a slightly lower price, but about $20 does seem reasonable for a set of 4. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
7. The First Years First Baby Rattle
The First Years First Baby Rattle - that's a mouthful of firsts, but it might also be the first little toy your baby falls in love with! What's not to love with that adorable little smile and cute antennae? Add in the bright colors, the crinkly nubs on the side, and the easy-grip middle ring, and you've got a sensory toy that looks cute, feels great, and has some texture and auditory feedback with its crinkly nubby feet. With the convenient clip and the fact that this first baby rattle is only about 6 bucks, and you've got some seriously good versatility and bang for the buck. We threw it into the washing machine and dryer with clothing and it came out just fine, and our test baby sucked and chewed on it for days and it didn't show any sign of deteriorating. This rattle uses polyester fibers and the surfaces being touched or put into the mouth are all BPA free according to a phone call with the manufacturer. Simple, cute, lightweight, safe, and fun - all for only about $6. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
8. Edushape See-Me Sensory Balls
Edushape makes a great range of sensory products that can be used for play and are well-accepted among the special needs community for making not only fun but also therapeutically valuable products. These include tons of teething toys, wooden toys, foam building blocks, stuffies, bathtub play toys, puzzles, toy musical instruments, and a ton of different sensory balls of various sizes and designs (some of their animal ones are truly adorable). You can check out the full Edushape catalog here if you want to be overwhelmed by the number of options! This company, Edushape, is very careful in their manufacturing and materials sourcing, and only makes products that meet US and international CE and ASTM toy safety standards. These balls are no exception, and they are free of BPA, phthalates, lead, PVC, and latex. Edushape makes both small (4" diameter) and large (7" diameter) versions of their sensory massage balls, and we got our hands on both of them for testing. They're simple, fun, durable, and safe. They are fun for your baby to play with, but also a nice tool for rolling gently on their backs, arms and legs for some soothing sensory input. Because they're soft and malleable, they are easy to grab for babies about 3 months and up, and they are fun to roll back and forth during tummy time and learn how to sit up. And the spikes are on the softer side, so don't worry about when your baby learns to throw them at you! They come in a ton of different colors and are only about $3 each for the small ones, and about $14 for the big ones. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
9. Fat Brain Toys Spinagain
Fat Brain Toys makes some awesome sensory toys that stimulate the visual, tactile, and auditory senses while also engaging reasoning processes and fine and gross motor skills. The Spinagain is a great example of that, combining a corkscrew-style pole and stand with a series of threaded colored cogs that spin on and off the pole. The cogs vary in color and size, and facilitate color differentiation and sorting and stacking by size or color. You can use the long corkscrew part either on the stand or off the stand, and our kids loved spinning the post itself with or without spinning the cogs and figuring out clever ways to get things spinning in different directions. It's a lot like the baby version of the Little Tikes workbenches with the little bolts and nuts that can screw on and off each other but without the choking hazard! Made of BPA-free plastic, you don't need to worry about pieces ending up in the mouth once in a while, and we found the overall product to be pretty well-made and the pieces worked well together. Our only gripe was that the parts did feel a little flimsy, especially the post and stand, and the entire thing easily toppled over on the stand. Coming in at about $30, maybe it could be a bit cheaper given the quality. In any case, it was a lot of fun and we definitely recommend it! Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
The Top 5 Best Toddler Sensory Toys of 2025 (12-36mo)
Toddlers are an interesting age for sensory toys, because they are not quite at the age where you can trust them not to put everything in their mouth, but they are also quickly growing out of the super simple baby toys.
Right up to pre-K, this is a fun age range because you can begin to introduce several new sensory toy options including building blocks, toy instruments, bathtub play products, cause-and-effect toys, some fidget toys, balance boards, stacking toys, and more.
These sensory toys not only provide the multi-sensory input you're looking for, but also start to challenge fine and gross motor skills, logical thinking, socialization, and hand-eye coordination.
We reviewed 13 different popular sensory toys for toddlers, and we came away with 10 awesome products that won't break the bank. Looking to reduce auditory input for children with sensory needs? Check out our BuddyPhones headphones review!
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A calming and supportive inflatable sensory lounger that provides gentle compression, rocking motion, and a cozy retreat for toddlers through big kids. Durable, soft, and perfect for emotional regulation and sensory breaks. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A versatile set of textured silicone circles for floor play, balancing, color learning, tactile exploration, and fun gross-motor games. Safe, durable, and endlessly creative. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | Soft, bristled sensory blocks that press and stay together with minimal effort. Perfect for early builders, tactile exploration, and frustration-free stacking fun. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A classic sensory construction toy with soft bristles, bright colors, and dozens of building possibilities. Encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative group play. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A beautiful set of wooden sensory blocks filled with beads, liquid, colors, and textures for visual and tactile engagement. Durable, unique, and endlessly fascinating. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW |
Those are just the top 5, but there are plenty more! Below we provide in-depth reviews of not only the top 5 best sensory toys for toddlers, but also additional options!
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Toddler Sensory Toys
1. Outree Peapod Sensory Floor Chair
For kids who love a snuggly secure retreat that is comfortable, soft, and supportive, the Peapod Floor Chair is amazing! Suitable for toddlers, pre-k, big kids, and even adults up to 200 pounds, this inflatable sensory chair makes the perfect place for reading, rocking, calming, or napping. The gentle side compression offers whole-body sensory input ideal for emotional regulation. We loved the rocking motion, durable soft-touch material, easy-carry handles, long 60" body, and included electric pump. Deflates for travel and includes a 6-month warranty. Highly recommended! Use code MOMMYHOOD at the Outree website for over 20% off.
2. TickiT Silicone Sensory Circle Pods
These tactile circles offer endless sensory fun! Toddlers can walk, hop, crawl, or balance on them, play matching games, use them in hopscotch layouts, or even create a color-texture guessing challenge. Their silicone construction makes them safe for mouthing, and the 10-piece set includes 5 large and 5 small discs with unique textures. We used them under a highchair for subtle sensory seating, during group play for socialization, and even in obstacle courses. Versatile, durable, and worth the cost!
3. Infantino Sensory Press and Stay Building Blocks
Perfect for toddlers just beginning to build, these soft bristled blocks easily press and stay together without frustration. They offer bright colors, great tactile stimulation, and endless building possibilities. Award-winning for sensory play, safe for mouthing (BPA-free), and durable. Best for ages 12–18 months and up due to the firmer edges. At around $25 for 24 blocks, these are a fantastic early-builder option!
4. Battat Original Bristle Blocks
A timeless toddler favorite! These BPA-free bristle blocks offer tons of shapes, including wheels, triangles, and pyramids, and allow creative building from simple towers to cars and helicopters. The tactile bristles provide sensory feedback and promote fine motor skills and imaginative play. The 112-piece set is an amazing value at around $16. Ideal for toddlers 2+ and small-group play.
5. TickiT Sensory Building Blocks
These beautifully crafted wooden blocks contain beads, water, oils, tinted panels, and colored inserts that make them visually mesmerizing. Toddlers love shaking, stacking, sorting, and building with them. We appreciated the durable construction, rounded edges, consistent color-shape patterns, and overall quality. Best for ages 2+. A bit pricey, like most TickiT products, but totally worth it!
6. Melissa and Doug Latches Board
This wooden latches board offers a fun challenge in fine motor precision, sequencing, and problem-solving. Children unlock numbered doors to reveal hidden pictures, strengthening hand strength and dexterity. High-quality build, colorful illustrations, and endless replay value. A beloved preschool favorite! Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
7. Baby's First Musical Instrument Set
Add this 22-piece pack of musical instruments to your wish list for your baby’s first birthday this year! Use the various instruments to help improve cognition, rhythm, hand-eye coordination, and musical aptitude. Try showing your baby 12 to 24 months how to tap the xylophone to imitate your movements. For babies who are younger, 6 to 12 months, use the tambourine to improve hand coordination and stimulate your baby’s sense of hearing and inner ear development. For a fun game, hold up the tambourine and tap it while your baby watches. See if the baby can imitate hitting the tambourine to make the same noise. This instrument’s drum shell is made of birch and the drum exterior is polyester leather, a natural material. The metal jingles make for a fun music and dance experience. It has a shaped grip with curved edges so young hands can practice grasping and learn to play. It’s about 6 inches in diameter, making it easy to store and pack to take on the go! Are you an early childhood specialist? Add this to a pediatric outpatient practice space for improving floor time play routines and demonstrating activities to new parents. You can play an instrument in rhythm, sing, or dance to enhance cognition and brain development, increase eye contact and engagement, and bring joy to playtime. What is great about the full 22-piece set is that some of the instruments last into early childhood, such as the flute, which is more appropriate for toddlers 2 to 3 years of age. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
8. Coogam Matching Egg Toys
This 12-piece plastic egg-matching puzzle is one of the most captivating toys we've found for kiddos 36 months all the way up to preschool age! Just opening and closing the egg halves is enough of a fun-filled sensory experience for most children, who wonder what shape and color they'll find next. Each carton contains 12 white eggs that open up to colorful interiors with an engraved shape and corresponding color. Made with child-safe material, a smooth exterior shell, and unbreakable mold, even the strongest throw can’t crack these eggs! For more advanced shape sorting and color matching practice, scramble up the halves and have kids practice sorting; this can also help with working memory (similar to the card game ‘Memory’, have your child pick up one piece at a time and try to remember where its match is located.) These eggs are brightly colored, for visual impairments or visual stimulation. Since the outsides are slippery, children have to try not to drop the eggs! Just holding the halves in tiny hands increases fine motor skills and dexterity. This set provides fun, tactile, sensory-based play for early shape and color matching. For pre-school-aged children, hide the eggs for a new game with friends, a scavenger hunt, and work together to promote social problem-solving. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
9. TickiT Silishapes Soft Bricks
As the name suggests, Silishapes soft blocks are made of translucent silicone, which is free of BPA, phthalates, and other nasty chemicals. This set of 72 soft bricks comes in several colors, including blue, green, red, and yellow, and has a really nice rubbery feel that stays warm no matter the room temperature. They are soft and squishy, providing an awesome sensory experience that really isn't achieved with soft fabric or plastic toys. The soft silicone makes them easy to grip, and they stack together surprisingly easily even with the rubbery feel. Because they are translucent you can put them in front of a light board or light panel and they make a really cool glowing display. Since they are so soft, they are great for toddlers who might throw, swing, or bang blocks around. They are easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher. These blocks provide a great visual and tactile sensory experience, and the color categories and building aspect keep toddlers mentally stimulated and encourage creativity. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
10. Harkla Hug Inflatable Sensory Peapod
This inflatable sensory pod is shaped like a cozy kayak and offers deep pressure on the arms, legs, and torso, providing calming sensory input for toddlers who need a safe and comfortable retreat. During our testing, toddlers climbed in and out, flipped it over, filled it with toys, and eventually began using it as a relaxing reading and calming zone. The velvety fabric is soft and durable, it includes an electric air pump, and the large valve allows quick deflation for easy storage. Suitable for kids about 2 to 3 years and up. Available in two sizes (48" and 60"), and we suggest sizing up to accommodate growth. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
11. Kinetic Sand Beach Castle Starter Kit
Kinetic Sand brings the fun of wet beach sand into your home without the mess! Made of real sand combined with non-toxic, hypoallergenic polymers, this sand never dries out and is wonderfully squeezable, moldable, and addictive to play with. The included storage box contains 2 pounds of sand plus seven molds and tools. Toddlers love the soft, stretchy texture, and the sand sticks to itself rather than to clothing or furniture. Cleanup is surprisingly easy. We did find that 2 pounds wasn't enough to build the large structures shown on the packaging, so we bought additional sand for bigger creations. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
12. Impresa Monkey Noodles Stretchy Sensory Strings
Stretch them, pull them, twist them, tie them, or squeeze them! These sensory noodle strings are incredibly fun for toddlers ages 2–3 and up. Each stretchy tube starts at about 12 inches and reaches up to 8 feet long. They provide fantastic visual and tactile stimulation, and toddlers enjoyed wrapping them, tugging on them, and connecting them into long chains. They resist attracting dirt and hair, and cleanup is easy with soap and water. Soft and flexible, they rarely cause accidental bumps or injuries. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
13. Sensory Pop Tubes
These pop tubes became one of our biggest bathtime hits! Toddlers love pouring water through them, connecting them into twisty shapes, rolling balls through them, making bracelets and letters, or simply stretching and collapsing them for auditory and tactile fun. They pop on and off easily, bend flexibly, and come in bright, engaging colors. Occupational therapists love them because they support fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and sensory exploration. At about $10 for a 6-pack, they're a fantastic value. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
The Top 5 Best Preschool Sensory Toys of 2025 (36mo+)
Below are the top 5 best sensory toys for preschoolers, generally starting around 36 months and older. At this age, children are ready for a whole new realm of multisensory possibilities! These are activities that challenge their coordination, spark creativity, and invite deeper exploration.
Preschoolers are becoming more independent, more imaginative, and more capable of engaging in longer, more complex play routines, which makes this an ideal stage to introduce tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, and messy sensory experiences. These toys not only deliver fun, but also support school-readiness skills, body awareness, emotional regulation, and early problem-solving. Here are the sensory toys that stood out most in our hands-on testing!
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A mesmerizing tactile experience as tiny beads expand into squishy, marble-sized sensory spheres. Fantastic for scooping, pouring, sorting, and creative sensory play for preschoolers. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10) | A durable, kid-loved balance board that strengthens core stability, coordination, posture, and whole-body sensory input. Perfect for active indoor play and endless wiggle-burning. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A stretchy, full-body compression sleeve that supports proprioception, coordination, self-regulation, and calming sensory input through whole-body resistance play. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A soft, stretchy slime-making kit that encourages creativity and provides irresistible tactile stimulation without stickiness. A preschool sensory classic. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW | |
| ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10) | A cozy indoor cocoon swing and trapeze system that provides calming vestibular input, gross-motor strengthening, and a relaxing private retreat for sensory seekers. | CHECK PRICES | READ FULL REVIEW |
Those are just the top 5, but there are many more great preschool sensory toys! Below we provide in-depth reviews of not only the top 5 items, but also additional excellent options.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Preschool Sensory Toys
1. MarvelBeads Water Beads
Water beads offer a truly unique tactile sensory experience, starting as tiny hard pellets and expanding into large squishy beads after soaking in water for several hours. They’re fantastic for sensory bins, water tables, scooping, pouring, sorting, and creative crafts. We used them for painting projects, stuffed them inside balloons for squishy sensory balls, and even filled bottles for squeezing fun. A little goes a long way, and only a small amount is needed to fill a bowl once expanded. They shrink when dried and deteriorate if left in water too long, so we recommend straining and air-drying after play. Non-toxic and biodegradable, they’re made from super-absorbent polymers similar to diaper filling. Note: These can be a choking hazard, they're only appropriate for kids above the age of 3-4 years who no longer mouth non-food items. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
2. The Spooner Balance Board
The Spooner is a durable, wildly fun balance trainer that has become a staple in our home. Kids rock, spin, swivel, slide, or stand on it while practicing balance, coordination, postural control, and whole-body sensory input. Ours gets used daily, including at the table, in the driveway, during wiggle breaks, and for tricks! It works great on hardwood, tile, carpet, or outdoors, and doesn’t slip or damage flooring. Suitable for kids 3+ and strong enough for adults, the Spooner is an outstanding whole-body sensory tool. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
3. Sanho Sensory Body Sock
This stretchy full-body compression sleeve provides calming proprioceptive input, supports motor planning, and delivers a deep-pressure sensory experience kids love. It’s like a wearable cocoon that helps children regulate their bodies. We tested multiple sizes and recommend choosing based on height for proper resistance. Kids use it for stretching, rolling, wriggling, dancing, and even pretend play. Made of high-quality hypoallergenic fabric. A zipper-free version is also available. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
4. Teachable Touchables Texture Squares
This simple yet brilliant kit includes 20 fabric-covered sensory squares (10 matching pairs) with textures like silky, bumpy, fuzzy, slippery, corduroy, and mesh. They’re perfect for tactile discrimination games, matching challenges, descriptive language learning, and sensory play. We loved blindfold-matching games and using them to teach adjectives through hands-on experience. The only drawback is the small size for the price, but it’s still cheaper than making dozens of textures yourself. Ideal for ages 3+. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
5. Elmer's Fluffy Slime Kit
This slime kit includes everything kids need to make their own fluffy slime, with no contact solution or baking soda required. The texture is soft, stretchy, and non-sticky, melting lazily through fingers in the most satisfying way. Our testers loved the hands-on creative experience as much as the finished product. Non-toxic and ASTM-certified, but not edible. Best for preschoolers ages 4–5 and up. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
6. DreamGym Indoor Cocoon Swing and Trapeze
This doorway-mounted indoor gym includes a cozy cocoon swing and a trapeze bar, offering vestibular input, calming sensory pressure, and gross motor fun. Installation is simple, and the system fits most doorways. The cocoon swing is incredible for reading, relaxing, and sensory regulation, while the trapeze supports climbing, hanging, and strengthening. A great option for children with sensory needs. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
7. SoppyCid Reusable Water Balloons
These reusable magnet-closing water balloons are a blast for warm-weather sensory play. Easy to fill, easy to reuse, and incredibly durable, they create big splashes with no mess left behind. Great for outdoor group play, tactile stimulation, and motor coordination. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
8. Hedgehog Spikey Fidget Rings
These squishy spiked fidget rings are ideal for tactile stimulation, early grasp development, hand strengthening, and sensory calming. Easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and perfect for pockets, backpacks, or on-the-go sensory support. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
9. Colorations Play Dough Putty
This allergy-friendly dough set includes 14 bright, soft colors that don’t crumble or stain. Perfect for sculpting, squeezing, stretching, and strengthening fingers while encouraging creativity. Resealable containers keep it fresh for repeat use. A great alternative for kids with food allergies. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
10. Expanding Ball Fidget Toy
This mesmerizing geometric fidget ball expands from handheld size to a large colorful sphere with a simple pull. Great for visual stimulation, repetitive fidgeting, hand-eye coordination, and cooperative play. Popular among kids with ADHD and Autism for its calming rhythmic motion. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
11. Playhut Expanding Tunnel Toy
A six-foot collapsible tunnel perfect for fort building, calm-down spaces, obstacle courses, and social imaginative play. Encourages crawling, core strength, bilateral coordination, and sensory retreat. Folds down compactly with Velcro straps for easy cleanup. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
12. Fidget Cube
A compact tactile fidget toy combining buttons, switches, dials, rollers, and sliders into one palm-sized cube. Ideal for improving focus, reducing anxiety, and satisfying tactile cravings with silent and clicky options. Durable, portable, and beloved by both kids and adults. Interested? Click the photo to check it out.
Why use sensory toys?
Sensory toys are far more than fun accessories! They are carefully designed tools that help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers explore, understand, and regulate their bodies and the world around them. The best sensory toys engage multiple developing systems at once: vision, hearing, touch, proprioception, and the vestibular system. When these systems work together through play, children build essential skills that support emotional regulation, early learning, communication, and physical development.
For babies, sensory toys introduce concepts like cause-and-effect, object permanence, and early motor coordination. As children enter toddlerhood and early preschool years, sensory toys expand their world even further by promoting independent problem-solving, imaginative play, cooperative social interactions, and hands-on experimentation. Sensory toys can also help children practice and strengthen:
- Fine motor skills (grasping, pinching, twisting, manipulating objects)
- Gross motor skills (jumping, balancing, climbing, coordination)
- Hand-eye coordination
- Self-regulation and calming strategies through tactile, vestibular, and deep-pressure input
- Language development via descriptive, open-ended play
- Logic and reasoning through sorting, matching, cause-and-effect, and creative exploration
- Multi-sensory integration, which supports readiness for academic skills such as writing, reading, and focused attention
Sensory toys also hold a special place in the therapy world. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists commonly integrate sensory tools into treatment sessions because they help children remain regulated, engaged, and motivated. For children with developmental delays, autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or trauma histories, sensory toys can be grounding tools that help them explore safely at their own pace. But even for neurotypical children, sensory play is a powerful foundation for lifelong confidence, creativity, and resilience.
Are sensory toys safe?
They can be, but safety requires careful attention. Sensory toys vary widely in materials, textures, sounds, small parts, and moving mechanisms, which means parents need to be thoughtful when selecting the right toy for their child’s age and developmental stage. Recalls of popular sensory toys are unfortunately common, often due to choking hazards, small detachable components, sharp edges, overheating, or unsafe chemical materials.
To choose a safe sensory toy, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Check the age recommendation. Manufacturers test products for specific age ranges. Use these as a starting point, not a guarantee.
- Consider your child's developmental abilities. Does your child still mouth objects? Are they steady on their feet? Do they understand how to use the toy safely? Choose toys that match their abilities, not just their age.
- Inspect materials and construction. Look for durable, non-toxic materials (BPA-free plastics, untreated wood, food-grade silicone, hypoallergenic fabrics). Avoid toys with loose beads, weak seams, exposed magnets, or components that can break under pressure.
- Watch for choking hazards. Any piece smaller than 1.75 inches in diameter is a risk for children under 3, or older children who still mouth objects.
- Avoid toys with strong scents or questionable finishes. Fragrances, dyes, and paints should be labeled non-toxic and meet safety standards (ASTM, CPSIA, EN71).
- Search recent recall lists. A quick check of CPSC recall alerts can prevent purchasing unsafe toys, especially for trending fidget or slime-based products.
- Supervise play with messy or expanding materials. Water beads, slime, sand, kinetic compounds, and sensory fillers should always be used under adult supervision and stored safely afterward.
- Adapt for children with developmental or sensory differences. Some children may be more sensitive to noise, lights, textures, or movement-based toys. Others may crave deep pressure or heavy work. Tailor your choices to your child’s unique sensory profile.
Ultimately, you know your child best. If a toy seems unsafe, overstimulating, or too challenging, it’s perfectly fine to wait or choose an alternative. When in doubt, especially if your child has specific developmental needs, consult your pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other specialists for guidance.
Sensory toys can offer years of enriching, developmentally beneficial, joyful play! They are powerful tools not only for skill-building but also for helping children feel grounded, confident, and connected to their world.
