The best holiday gifts are the ones that inspire kids to explore, create, and stay engaged long after the festivities are over, and sensory toys do just that. They are unique gifts that provide hands-on experiences and encourage kids to use their senses while exploring new textures, movements, and creative activities. Designed to spark curiosity and inspire active play, these sensory-rich activities offer fun ways for kids to learn while experiencing the world around them. Discover some Crayola favorite sensory play toys, sensory activities for toddlers, and holiday gift ideas for every age and stage.
Top Sensory Toy Gift Ideas for Kids & Toddlers
From squishy sensory experiences to colorful hands-on activities, there are plenty of ways to bring sensory play to gift-giving this year. Here are some of our favorite Crayola sensory toys and gift ideas for the 2026 holiday season:
Goo Mix-In Mania
From mixing in colorful add-ins to stretching and squishing their creations, the Goo Mix-In Mania playset delivers something new to discover at every step. Kids can mix their own slime, then customize each batch with scented paints, colorful mix-ins, and washable marker details for unique sensory experiences. The set also includes modeling compound and molds that encourage kids to shape fun characters and imaginative creations. As they experiment with different materials, colors, scents, and textures, children can enjoy sensory-rich play that keeps them engaged from one activity to the next. For even more ways to play, kids can try the Goo Mix-In Mania Turtle Slime Kit and Frog Slime Kit, which feature character molds and their own mix-ins for creating and customizing slime. With so many ways to personalize each creation, this all-in-one activity offers hours of hands-on fun.
Globbles
Crayola Globbles offer a tactile activity that's easy to pick up and play with in a variety of ways. Kids can stretch, squish, stack, toss, and stick these colorful balls to smooth surfaces while exploring their unique texture. The tactile nature of Globbles makes them especially appealing for fidget-friendly play, whether at home, in the car, or during quiet moments throughout the day. Reusable and easy to clean, Globbles offer a simple way to incorporate sensory play into everyday routines, making them one of the most versatile sensory tools for kids and even adults.
Color Wonder Mess Free Coloring Magic Light Brush
For toddlers and young kids who enjoy creative sensory experiences, the Color Wonder Magic Light Brush offers a unique way to explore painting. The light-up brush adds an interactive visual element as kids experiment with colors, patterns, and designs, while the mess-free format makes it easy to focus on the activity itself. By combining art and sensory engagement, this painting set encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on exploration in a format designed for younger children.
Ultimate Light Board ColorVibe
The Ultimate Light Board ColorVibe blends drawing with light and sound for a sensory-rich creative experience. Kids can sketch, trace, and experiment with colorful designs on the reusable surface while watching their artwork glow and react to its surroundings. The combination of visual effects, sound-responsive features, and hands-on creativity encourages children to experience art in a different way than traditional drawing activities. As they create and redesign their artwork, kids can continue exploring new ideas through sight, sound, and play.
Mini Light-Ups Reindeer
The Mini Light-Ups Reindeer pairs coloring with a festive light-up element that brings kids’ designs to life. Children can decorate the reindeer with colorful patterns, drawings, and creative details, then watch their artwork glow when the light is turned on. The reusable surface makes it easy to wipe away designs and start fresh, giving kids plenty of opportunities to make the reindeer their own throughout the holiday season. Kids can keep the fun going with other Light Ups characters, including the fox, owl, penguin, and many more! By combining coloring with light-based sensory engagement, this activity offers a fun way for kids to express themselves while creating something uniquely their own.
Encourage Learning Through Play
Kids engage with different types of play in different ways. Some may gravitate toward squishing, molding, and tactile activities, while others enjoy coloring, light-up creations, and interactive art projects. No matter their interests, sensory toys can help children build fine motor skills while encouraging self-expression through play. By choosing a gift that matches the way they naturally like to play, you can create memorable moments that last well beyond the holiday season.
Shop our full Sensory Toys Gift Assortment for more sensory-rich gifts and creative activities.