15 Best Sensory Toys for 1 Year Olds – Child Development

At the age of one, kids are learning to explore and discover the world through their senses. The best sensory toys for 1 year olds will provide children the opportunity to learn about a lot of things, such as colors, animals, noises, textures, etc. An engaging toy can introduce all these, so it is crucial to find the perfect sensory toy.

There are many options available in the market, which makes choosing the best one a real challenge. However, what I have here are product reviews that can give you a good idea of several online toys to consider.

Comparison Table:

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Moreover, there’s a buying guide in the next section to aid you in narrowing down your options. So, read on.

Top Picks Sensory Toy for 1 Year Olds

1. Fat Brain Toys FA192-1 Dimpl Baby Toys

Babies can have a great time playing with activity toys for 1-year-olds. Every parent should know the importance of play sessions to young kids.

Consider getting them this vibrant baby toy that features five silicon bubbles. It is an attractive built-in plastic toy that can keep the attention of toddlers.

In detail, it is a simple yet brilliant push-and-pop toy that is portable. You can bring this sensory toy wherever and whenever. Besides, it is easy to use by poking and grabbing. This makes it ideal for babies and toddlers ages ten months and older.

This toy is BPA-free, and the bubbles are made of 100% food-grade silicone. Teething babies can safely chew on this without putting themselves in danger. Moreover, it is high-quality and comes in frustration-free packaging. Kids can have fun with it right out of the box.

This is an excellent sensory toy that can engage children’s senses. It can aid them in developing motor skills and help them learn about cause and effect. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for sensory exploration as it familiarizes them with their surroundings.

2. Learning Resource LER8904 Hedgehog

Toys that can stimulate the tactile system of a child is vital. This is why adults should think about getting sensory toys that can entertain kids as well as help develop essential skills.

Take a look at this colorful hedgehog sensory toy. It is an educational toy that is packed with many objectives assisting kids their early development stages.

Children can play with this and build their fine motor skills by working their little hands on the chunky and peg-shaped pieces. This is a relatively easy toy to use with a simple fitting of the sticks to the hedgehog’s back, removing, and repeating all over again. It also acts as an occupational therapy exercise for adults.

The bright quills help toddlers recognize colors as well as sort and count the pieces. It is a fine motor intrinsic toy that features easy-to-grasp parts, which are the perfect size for kids’ small hands.

The package comes with two main components: the hedgehog is around six inches in diameter and the 12 quills that go on its back. Besides, there is an activity guide included for users to grasp a detailed explanation of how to handle the product.

Each piece is made of plastic, thus making it easy to clean with just simple wiping. Moreover, the back of the hedgehog opens for convenient storage of the quills.

3. Infantino 215026-00 Sensory Balls

Children of all ages need an entertaining and educational play as they grow. It can start as early as when they are one years old.

Sensory toys are great for kids of all ages, just like this sensory exploration set containing 20 pieces of toys. Everything in this kit is designed smartly to ensure happy parenting.

This toy helps babies and toddlers explore their surroundings via senses. By handling this sensory toy’s textures, they can work on their fine and gross motor skills. Besides, this toy serves as a learning tool to help kids recognize objects through stacking and sorting.

The kit comes with eight colored and textured balls, eight soft yet sturdy versions of the balls, and four soft play animals. All of the pieces are made with BPA-free materials, making them safe for kids.

Furthermore, the components of the toy make it effortless to care and clean. Wipe it with a cloth, and you are good to go. Besides, it comes with easy-to-wrap packaging, which means that it is splendid for gifting right out of the box.

4. Crayola 81-1395 Musical Board

Each child has a different need, but there is no doubt that brain development toys for 1-year-olds are necessary for all. It does not only give them fun playtime but also helps in their development.

This musical doodle board for toddlers is a great sensory stimulator. It is mess-free, portable, and easy to use. Besides, it comes with many fantastic features that engage the senses and keep children entertained.

In detail, it has 12 colored lights and six songs that are fully operational with a simple touch. The board lights up and plays music. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in and portable handgrip that makes it easy to hold and carry anywhere you go.

The gel is sealed tightly, so its surface is safe to doodle on with fingers. You can choose between three play settings: lights and music, just lights, or no lights and just sounds.

Children will no doubt enjoy hours of doodling on this reusable coloring tablet. When they’re done with playtime, you can store it conveniently to be used again the next day.

This sensory toy is recommended for kids ages 24 months and above. It is safe and non-toxic, so no need to worry too much. Let your kids unleash their creative side with this self-contained gel tablet.

5. Infantino 216-051 Sensory Blocks

There are many ways that you can allow your kid to explore and discover. This includes getting them sensory toys that can help them become familiar with their surroundings.

There’s this 24 blocks set that can be stacked up or built sideways. Children will have no problem putting the blocks together and pulling them apart at any angle. Less frustration means more fun hours of entertainment and learning.

The high contrast colors and interesting textures in this set are very useful in engaging young ones’ senses. They can learn how to identify colors and textures. Besides, the blocks are just the right size, so they can grip it comfortably while playing with them.

It is the perfect first block collection to develop early engineering skills and encourage imaginative play. There are many play opportunities with these blocks, and kids can let their creativity flow freely. Moreover, this stimulates and develops kids’ senses while guaranteeing fun. Your little one can attach the blocks in any shape they want.

6. Ancaixin Montessori Sorting Puzzle

Most one-year-olds use their senses to get to know the world around them. As a parent, you can help them with this by giving them sensory toys for newborns.

Think about getting this harvest puzzle sorting and sensory toy. This wooden toy offers an entertaining sorting game where kids can sort through the different sizes of carrots and put them in the slot where they fit. They can have extended hours of fun, repeating the process over and over again.

This is no simple toy. It offers sensory stimulation and comes with many developmental benefits as one of the best Montessori toys for 1-year-olds.

Children can have an exciting experience and develop their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and shape recognition. These are important for a growing child. Thus, having this kind of toy is vital.

There are a lot of fantastic things about this sensory toy. It will put parents at ease with the fact that it is made of safe materials. From the natural pine wood coated with water-based paint to the non-toxic and smooth surface, every component of this toy is 100% safe for your little one.

Furthermore, it is effortless to clean by simply wiping it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Just be careful not to soak it in water and expose it under the sun as it can cause the paint to peel.

7. Lemostaar Sensory Balls

There are lots of activities for a one-year-old kid. When picking one, you shouldn’t forget about sensory toys.

This set of squeezy balls and stacking cups is great for children ages one and above. In detail, the pieces feature different textures, and it has bright colors. The combination of these two makes it ideal for tactile and sensory stimulation.

The vibrant color encourages visual stimulation, and the textures are an opportunity for tactile exploration. It can also spark their imagination, promote a sense of calm, increase focus and attention, reduce anxiety, as well as relieve stress.

The cups and balls are soft, lightweight, and durable, so you can expect them to last for a long time, even with continuous use. They are easy to grasp for toddlers’ tiny hands, making them even more effective as a sensory toy. Moreover, it doesn’t require much to clean. It can be cleaned with soap and water, wet wipes, or a damp cloth.

This toy has ASTM and CPSIA certification, so you can rest assured that it is a safe toy for kids to use. Besides, it is composed of food-grade paint and Evade glue, making it usable by teething babies.

8. Skip Hop 306202-CNSZP Bandana Toy

One-year-olds’ growing minds need to be stimulated and surprised. Parents can do this by providing them sensory toys that can develop their senses.

Take a good look at this plush character with a textured bandana. It features colorful patterns and fun sounds that offer a multi-sensory play. Childrens’ small hands and fingers can stay active and explore, crinkle, rattle, and engage in other entertaining possibilities with this toy.

This soft baby toy is filled with textures and works as a teether toy. It is a perfect infant toy that is easy to carry around. Besides, the bandana can be removed and attached to the wrist for easy access anytime, anywhere.

The toy is made of materials that are free of phthalate and PVC. You can rest assured that it has no harmful toxins and is safe for kids of all ages to use. Moreover, it can be washed in machines since it is made from polyester. According to the package’s instructions, for visible dirt, it is best to spot clean.

9. Fat Brain Toys GREFA208-1 Dimpl Duo

Children are always full of wonder about their surroundings. At this young age, they are curious and are just starting to master their fine motor skills.

To feed their needs and aid them in their growth, an excellent sensory toy is what you need, like this unique tablet toy that is ideal for toddlers ages one to two. Children can feel the button, push, pop, and repeat. It encourages sensory exploration, which is very important for a growing child.

This tablet features textured buttons with shapes and words written in English and Braille. Children can have a fun time feeling the outline of the figures as well as the embossed names. It will also help them develop their reading skills, identify colors and shapes, and engage in tactile learning.

It provides a unique and hands-on learning experience that every child must undergo for healthy development. Rest assured that you will get a good value toy because this product is made from high-quality materials. The safety and craftsmanship of this toy are top-notch.

10. Intock Magnetic Blocks

Keeping kids engaged is a challenging task, but it is not impossible. With the help of a sensory toy that encourages exploration without frustration, you can keep children entertained.

Consider purchasing these innovative magnetic blocks. With the most fundamental cube, children can let their imagination run wild. There are endless fun possibilities with this kit, and you have an option to extend it even more. This set is compatible with other block products by the same brand, allowing kids to build larger building blocks.

With this sensory toy, young ones can have a good time while simultaneously learning. It is a brain-developing toy that aids them in cultivating critical life skills that they need growing up.

This toy is easy to build and convenient to store. Any face of the cube is equipped with a magnet so it can effortlessly attach. Just click and connect all the blocks. Watch as they stick to each other, no need to pick up the pieces individually.

When it comes to safety, you can rest assured that this product is made of durable and non-toxic ABS plastic. Moreover, it passed the necessary test and is tagged as safe for kids of all ages to use.

What to Look for When Buying Sensory Toys for 1 Year Olds

When you buy sensory toys by age without knowing anything about it, you are putting yourself in a difficult situation. To make it easier for you to take your pick and narrow it down, you must have a list of things that you are looking for and considerations that will make the toy you are purchasing ideal. To help, we have provided just that, below.

1. Types

Just as other toys, there are many types of sensory toys. From the list above, you will have noticed that there are doodle boards, squeeze balls, puzzles, stacking cups, etc.

However, apart from these meticulously manufactured products from renowned brands, you can also consider DIY sensory toys for 1-year-olds. There are many straightforward video tutorials on the Internet that you can follow. Making your sensory toys is a good choice if you are on a tight budget.

2. Safety

While all products, especially toys, have safe to use labels on their packaging, there are still some factors that you should consider. This includes checking for parts that can cause choking hazards. It is also essential to check if some loose screws and joints can break after a rough use.

Keep an eye on flaking and sharp edges while buying wooden toys. In addition, don’t forget to consider age-appropriate toys since certain types of toys are more suitable for older toddlers.

3. Multi-sensory Experience

Since we are talking about sensory toys, the toy must provide a multi-sensory experience. The different types of stimulation can help children stop unlikely behaviors, reduce their stress, and aid those with special needs.

What qualifies as a multi-sensory toy? This is if it stimulates or engages more than one of the senses. These are toys with different textures, have bright colors or lights up, make a sound or noise, and those of different shapes.

However, be careful of toys that can provide too much of these sensory experiences. Instead of helping, it can confuse your child. Observe their behaviors and know which senses need stimulation.

4. Encourages Physical Activity

Children need to exercise or get involved in physical activities that can help them develop their muscles. It would be wise to invest in physical toys that require them to walk and push or use their tiny hands.

Outdoor toys like kites or ride-on toys are good examples. Classic toys like building blocks and play-doh are also ideal. Anything that can get them working their hands and fingers is good.

5. Promotes Creativity

Kids can significantly benefit from toys that promote creativity. It allows them to play-pretend and put into reality what they have running in their head. Building blocks and dolls do a good job of providing an outlet for kids and their imagination. You can opt for something they are interested in, like toys inspired by their favorite show or film.

Conclusion

Once you find the best sensory toys for 1 year olds, rest assured that you are giving your child a sensory experience that is fun and beneficial to them. It might be a challenge to settle on just one or two sensory toys for toddlers, but I hope that what I have presented here made the process a bit easier for you.

These are only some tips and tricks I compiled based on research and experience. If you happen to have any that are not on the list, please share them in the comments!

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