Kmart vs Target vs Big W vs Small Business for Sensory Toys

As parents navigate the vast array of sensory toys flooding the market, the challenge lies in selecting the right one for their child. We will help you with the different Australian options. 

In the dynamic landscape of childhood development, the role of sensory toys has emerged as a crucial component. Designed to engage and stimulate the five senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste—these toys play a pivotal role in fostering cognitive development in children. While the emphasis often revolves around touch, sight, and sound, the impact of these toys extends far beyond just entertainment. From enhancing problem-solving skills to facilitating language and social development, sensory toys offer a multifaceted approach to nurturing a child's overall awareness and wellbeing. 

We dive into the world of sensory toys, exploring their benefits, diverse applications, and the considerations crucial to making an informed choice. As the popularity of these toys continues to soar, understanding the intricacies of their impact and tailoring choices to a child's age and sensory preferences becomes increasingly vital. 

Big W - Sensory Silicone Fidget Push Pop Ball $5

This option is a soft silicon fidget ball, a versatile and engaging option that caters to a wide range of ages. 

Designed with interactive 'bubbles' that can be pushed inwards to create a convex shape, this ball transforms into a pliable canvas for exploring shapes and textures. When squeezed, the bubbles respond by pushing outward, effortlessly returning to their original form. 

This tactile experience not only captivates the senses but also serves as an educational tool, teaching children an early awareness of shapes and encouraging fine motor skills.

PROS:

• The toy is easily washable, making it a hygienic choice for children, teens, and adults alike. 
• Its compact size ensures portability, allowing it to be conveniently taken on the go—ideal for moments when a calming, sensory experience is needed. 
• Additionally, the affordability factor adds to its appeal, with a price tag of only 5 dollars.

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• It is not suitable for children under the age of 3 due to potential choking hazards. 
• Its focus solely on touch limits its sensory engagement to this particular sense, missing out on the opportunity to address a broader sensory spectrum.

Kmart - 12 Pack ToyMania The Sensory Toy Box Fidget Fun Box $9.00

Tailored for free play and fostering creativity, this thoughtfully curated collection comprises twelve distinct toys designed to engage young minds in a multisensory adventure. 

PROS:

• Diverse Play Possibilities: With twelve different toys nestled within, children are invited to explore textures, shapes, and sounds. 
• Encourages creativity and imaginative play.
• Crafted to stimulate touch, sound, and sight. This intentional targeting of multiple senses amplifies the educational value of the box

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• Parents should exercise caution with small children due to the presence of some small parts.

Kmart - Sensory Bin Under the Sea Kit $15.00

ToyMania's Under the Sea Sensory Play Kit invites children to embark on a creative journey by crafting their own mesmerizing undersea or beach scene. With a comprehensive assortment of 900g slime, 400g magic sand, ocean animals, and more, this kit promises an immersive and tactile experience that encourages artistic expression.

PROS:

• All-Inclusive Kit: One of the standout advantages of ToyMania's Under the Sea Sensory Play Kit is its comprehensive nature. The kit includes everything needed to create a captivating undersea or beach scene, eliminating the need for additional purchases or searching for complementary items.
• The convenience of easily packing away the kit ensures that parents can maintain a clutter-free space when the sensory play adventure concludes. 

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• While the inclusion of slime adds a tactile and squishy element to the sensory play, it comes with the caveat of potential messiness, which may stain fabrics and surfaces. 
• Choking Hazard Warning: The kit's small items, such as ocean animals, may pose a choking hazard for young children. 

Target - Fidget Cube by Antsy Labs Series $7

Fidget Cube is a compact solution designed to aid concentration and alleviate stress. Crafted from durable hard plastic, this handheld device boasts six different sides, each offering a unique tactile experience to engage the senses. 

PROS:

• Is suitable for both adults and children. 
• Available in 7 colours
• Affordability: Priced at a modest $7, the Fidget Cube proves to be an affordable option for those seeking a cost-effective solution to aid focus and alleviate stress.
• Convenient  and accessible 

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• Age Restriction: While the Fidget Cube is suitable for a broad age range, it is important to note that it is not recommended for children younger than 3 years old. 

Grace & Maggie - DIY Calm Down Bottle by Jellystone Designs $24.95AUD

Step into the world of tranquillity with the award-winning DIY Calm Down Bottle—an innovative design that not only captivates attention but also serves as a therapeutic tool for children needing focus and relaxation. With all the elements provided for a personalised creation, this bottle offers a more tailored approach to sensory toys. 

PROS:

• Customisable Design: The DIY Calm Down Bottle provides a canvas for creativity, allowing parents and children to design the bottle according to the child's interests and needs. 
• Reusable and Refillable: The ability to empty and refill the bottle ensures a dynamic and ever-changing experience. This feature prevents monotony, keeping children intrigued and preventing them from getting bored with the sensory elements within the bottle.
• Variety of Colors: The DIY Calm Down Bottle is not just a tool; it's a visual delight. Available in different colours, the aesthetic appeal adds an extra layer to the sensory experience, making it visually engaging and appealing to a broad audience.
• Improves Focus: The calming elements within the bottle, combined with the act of creating and interacting with it, contribute to an improved focus. This makes the DIY Calm Down Bottle a valuable resource for activities requiring concentration and attention.
• Involvement of Older Children: Older children can actively participate in the filling process, fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement in the creation of their personal calming tool. This engagement empowers them to take charge of their emotional well-being.

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• Promotes Calm Play: The DIY Calm Down Bottle goes beyond mere entertainment—it's a tool for focused, calm play. The sensory elements within the bottle create a soothing environment, encouraging a state of tranquillity for the child.
• Regulating Breathing: Parents and teachers have found the DIY Calm Down Bottle to be a valuable tool for helping children regulate breathing.

Grace & Maggie - Feelings Cube by Jellystone Designs $19.95AUD

The collaborative effort between Two Little Ducklings and Jellystone Designs has given rise to a remarkable tool for emotional exploration—the Feelings Cube. This unique creation seamlessly blends textured illustrations with vocabulary development, offering a versatile and engaging resource for children. 

PROS:

• Ease of Cleaning: The Feelings Cube stands out for its practicality, being easily cleanable in various ways. Whether tossed in the dishwasher, sterilized for hygiene, or cleaned with simple water and soap, maintenance is a breeze, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for both parents and children.
• Vocabulary Development: Each side of the The Feelings Cube showcases a textured illustration of an emotion accompanied by four different synonyms. This intentional design not only introduces children to a rich vocabulary but also facilitates language development, contributing to a well-rounded linguistic foundation.
• Communication of Feelings: By featuring a range of emotions,  The Feelings Cube becomes a powerful tool for children to communicate and express their feelings. The combination of tactile feedback and verbal exploration enables children to navigate and understand their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence.
• Versatile Play: The Feelings Cube transcends traditional learning tools by incorporating interactive play. Its design allows for throwing, rolling, and squishing, transforming emotional exploration into a dynamic and engaging activity. This versatility adds an element of fun to the learning process.

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• A notable feature of The Feelings Cube is its ability to target both touch and sight. The textured illustrations engage the sense of touch, while the visual aspect enhances the learning experience, providing a comprehensive and multisensory approach to emotional exploration.
• So many ways to play with The Feelings Cube. 

Grace & Maggie Sensory Ball $19.95

Crafted from food-grade silicone, this innovative Sensory Ball is more than just a plaything—it's a developmental tool designed to encourage motor skill development, shape exploration, and hand-eye coordination in a sustainable and engaging manner. 

PROS:

• Versatile Teething Aid: The Sensory Ball serves a dual purpose by functioning as a teether for babies. Its food-grade silicone construction provides a safe and soothing experience for teething infants.
• Sensory Engagement for All Ages: Beyond its use as a teether, the Sensory Ball extends its utility to older children and even adults as a sensory toy. The textured surface stimulates tactile exploration, making it a versatile tool for individuals of varying ages, catering to diverse sensory needs.
• Ease of Cleaning: Practicality is a key advantage as the Sensory Ball is easy to clean. Whether tossed in the dishwasher or simply washed with warm water and soap, maintaining hygiene is a straightforward process, ensuring a convenient experience for caregivers.

INTERESTING FEATURES:

• Environmentally Friendly: The use of food-grade silicone not only ensures safety but also aligns with environmental consciousness. The Sensory Ball is crafted with eco-friendly materials, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible approach to manufacturing.
• Learning Through Play: The design philosophy behind the Sensory Ball emphasizes learning through play. By encouraging motor skill development, shape exploration, and hand-eye coordination in an interactive manner, the toy aligns with educational principles that make the learning process enjoyable and effective.

Sensory toys are versatile tools that cater to various age groups, providing both educational benefits and a calming influence. These tactile experiences stimulate exploration and shape learning about textures, shapes, and emotions, making them universally appealing. 

Whether found in play chests at home or in classrooms, sensory toys contribute to interactive and engaging environments, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Do you have a question about our sensory toys? Feel free to email us.

We also have review comparisons on Kmart Vs Grace and Maggie Teethers, Playmats, Baby Swaddles, Toy Cars and Tummy Time Mirrors.

Written by Laura Agrimi, mother of 2 and owner of Grace & Maggie.

Grace & Maggie

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orders@graceandmaggie.com.au

PO Box 2852, Cheltenham, VIC 3192

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia