If you’re still toy hunting perhaps this list of what’s catching my eye this season might provide some useful ideas! No particular order but have stared loosely with younger kids first.
This box of tactile smooth, click in place pieces is a quirky way to construct. There are patterns and ideas to follow or freestyle. They do require a bit of strength to use so I’d say probably best for strong 4s and up. I actually also think these would be a mindful fidget type experience for older kids.
I love these smooth sensory stones - perfect to add other materials like foam, water etc.
Although this doesn’t have great online reviews I am adding it because it’s been one of the most played things Scout has had! It’s compact, has some (granted annoying at times) voices that he was really listening to and waiting for the ‘donuts to be cooked’. A neat role play if you don’t have loads of space.
Wipe their eyes to wake them up. They drink water from their bottles and use their nappies a cool pattern appears. Good for small hands.
Mix up vehicle play with this open ended way to race.
Handmade, the best quality, sparkles never looked this good at playtime.
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