Toys That Develop Empathy
Our Top 5 Picks
Dipper Dalmatian: Cuddle and Play!
Aurora® Adorable Mini Flopsie™ Dipper Dalmatian™ Stuffed Animal is the perfect companion for imaginative play and cozy cuddles! With its soft, cloud-like feel, this delightful Dalmatian encourages sensory exploration and emotional bonding, making it an excellent choice for young learners. Children can develop their social skills through role-playing and storytelling while interacting with Dipper, igniting their creativity and nurturing empathy. 0+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Dipper Dalmatian's soft, cloud-like feel makes cuddly storytelling adventures not only cozy but also a lovely way to boost empathy and social skills in young learners.
Whimsical Unicorn Penguin Plushie
The Aurora® Playful Pompom Penguin™ Unicorn Stuffed Animal is not just an adorable plushie; it's a delightful companion that sparks creativity and imaginative play in children. This soft and fluffy penguin dressed as a colorful unicorn invites kids to explore storytelling, develop empathy, and expand their creative horizons, making it a wonderful addition to any child's collection. Perfect for snuggling or as a playful conversation starter, this plushie encourages social interaction and artistic expression, appealing to parents who value playful learning. All ages
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Whimsical Unicorn Penguin Plushie is a soft and fluffy companion that inspires imaginative adventures and encourages kids to express their creativity through storytelling and play.
Yoda Plush: An Educational Adventure
Manhattan Toy Lego Star Wars The Child is the perfect companion for inspiring imaginative play! This delightful plush captures the charm of Baby Yoda, encouraging storytelling and creativity while kids adventure through their very own galaxy. With soft, tactile features and durable construction, this cuddly friend is designed for comfort and longevity, making it a wonderful addition to any playroom. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Yoda Plush: An Educational Adventure features soft, tactile materials that invite kids to explore friendship and courage while they embark on their own galaxy quests.
Sushi-Scented Squishmallow Fun
The Squishmallows 16-Inch Sushi Jaiya is not just an adorable plush toy; it’s also a fantastic companion for kids aged 3 and up. This ultrasoft plush encourages imaginative play and emotional growth as children snuggle and interact with their new friend, helping to develop empathy and social skills. Its inviting grapefruit scent adds a sensory element that enhances creative storytelling during playtime, making Jaiya a delightful addition to any learning environment. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Sushi-Scented Squishmallow Fun is a 16-inch soft plush that encourages cuddles and creative storytelling, making emotional connections feel like a delicious adventure.
Pookie Panda Family Playtime Adventure
The Calico Critters Pookie Panda Family invites children to engage in imaginative play that fosters social skills and cognitive development. With four charming figures to explore nurturing themes, kids can role-play familial scenarios, enhancing empathy and understanding while developing fine motor skills through dressing and arranging their adorable characters. A wonderful addition to any toy collection, these soft and poseable figures can be combined with customizable dollhouses, promoting creativity and interactive storytelling. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Pookie Panda Family Playtime Adventure features four charming figures that spark imaginative storytelling and teach kids the importance of nurturing relationships in their little worlds.
Calico Critters Crib with Mobile Fun
Calico Critters Crib with Mobile is an enchanting addition to any dollhouse! This interactive furniture set not only captivates our little ones’ imagination but also promotes creative play. As children turn the flower dial to make the mobile spin, they develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while nurturing empathy through pretend play scenarios. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Calico Critters Crib with Mobile features an interactive flower dial that spins a mobile, inviting little ones to nurture creativity and compassion through engaging pretend play.
Peppa Pig's Caring Checkup Kit
The Peppa Pig Checkup Case Set with Carry Handle is an imaginative 8-piece doctor kit crafted for children aged 3 and up. This delightful playset not only brings the joy of pretend play to life but also nurtures empathy and social skills as kids step into the role of caring for their stuffed animals and family members. Perfect for developing fine motor skills and role-play creativity, this engaging kit makes healthcare fun while teaching children about compassion and the importance of looking after others. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Peppa Pig's Caring Checkup Kit features an 8-piece doctor kit that makes healthcare fun while teaching children the value of compassion and caring for others.
Enchanting Adora Baby Ballerina Doll
Adora Baby Ballerina Collection is a delightful 13-inch baby doll set that sparks imagination and encourages nurturing play. With her adorable pink heart-print dress and matching headband, Aurora is not just a toy; she’s a companion that helps children build empathy and develop fine motor skills through pretend play. The realistic features, like her opening and closing blue eyes and thumb-sucking ability, make interactions even more engaging. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Enchanting Adora Baby Ballerina Doll features realistic open-and-close blue eyes and a comforting baby powder scent, making nurturing play feel truly magical and engaging for little hearts.
Spidey Adventure Awaits: Ghost Spider Costume!
Rubies II Toddler Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends Ghost Spider Deluxe Costume is not just a playful outfit; it’s a gateway to imaginative play! When our little ones slip into this vibrant and comfortable jumpsuit, they’re not just dressing up; they’re stepping into a world where creativity flourishes and problem-solving skills are honed. This costume encourages role play, helping children develop empathy as they embrace their favorite superhero’s adventures. 3-4 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Spidey Adventure Awaits: Ghost Spider Costume features a vibrant and comfortable jumpsuit that transforms everyday play into superhero adventures, sparking creativity and building essential life skills.
DC Superheroes Dress Up Adventure
The DC Comics Superheroes Dress Up Trunk for Kids is the perfect toolkit for little ones to unleash their inner hero! This delightful set includes costumes for Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl, providing fantastic opportunities for imaginative play that helps foster creativity, social skills, and confidence. As parents, we know that dressing up is not just fun; it allows children to explore different roles, build empathy, and even learn to cooperate with friends during playtime. 4-5 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
DC Superheroes Dress Up Adventure includes costumes for Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl, sparking imaginative role-play that builds confidence and fosters cooperation among friends.
Everyday Heroes Dress Up Adventure
Rubies Child's Frontline: Everyday Heroes Trunk Set is the ultimate invitation to play and imagination for our little ones! With vibrant costumes featuring police officers, firefighters, and doctors, kids can step into the shoes of their favorite everyday heroes. We love how these costumes don't just spark creativity but also promote role-playing, which is essential for developing social skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Everyday Heroes Dress Up Adventure features vibrant costumes for police officers, firefighters, and doctors, making pretend play a joyful way to inspire courage and teamwork in our little ones.
Mood-Expressing Reversible Plushie
The TeeTurtle - The Original Reversible Axolotl Plushie is a fantastic tool for helping kids communicate their feelings effectively and creatively. Designed not just for cuddles but also to promote emotional awareness and expression, this plushie allows children to visually represent their moods through a simple flip. With delightful designs and the opportunity for imaginative play, it encourages empathy and understanding—making it a must-have for parents and educators alike! 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Mood-Expressing Reversible Plushie features a delightful flip design that helps kids visualize and communicate their feelings, turning emotional expression into a playful adventure.
Mood-Expressing Reversible Axolotl Plushie
The TeeTurtle - The Original Reversible Axolotl Plushie is a delightful tool for emotional expression, perfect for kids aged 3 and up. This plushie isn't just a cuddly companion; it encourages children to communicate their feelings in a tangible way through flipping. It's an engaging way to teach emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills, making it an ideal addition to any learning environment or home! 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Mood-Expressing Reversible Axolotl Plushie encourages kids to flip and express their feelings, making tough conversations a little softer and a lot more fun.
Emotional Learning with Reversible Plushies
The TeeTurtle - The Original Reversible Bunny Plushie is a delightful way for kids to explore and express their emotions. This cuddly plushie not only encourages effective emotional communication and awareness but also fosters fine motor skills as children flip it around. As parents and educators, we appreciate how this sensory toy makes it fun for little ones to learn about their feelings while promoting a safe space for conversations about emotions. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Emotional Learning with Reversible Plushies features a cuddly design that turns feelings into fun, helping kids navigate their emotions while snuggling close and flipping the plushie with ease.
Vet Adventures: Heal Your Teddies!
Bigjigs Toys Veterinary Set is the perfect way to spark a child's imagination while teaching them about empathy and care. Kids can nurse their sick teddies and poorly animals back to health, learning the value of responsibility and nurturing. This engaging set not only promotes creative role play but also enhances fine motor skills as they use the tools to examine and treat their plush patients. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Vet Adventures: Heal Your Teddies! comes in a handy, plastic-free carry bag, making it easy for little caregivers to take their veterinary practice wherever they go.
Mood Expressing Plushie Fun
The TeeTurtle - The Original Reversible Narwhal Plushie is a delightful way for children to express their emotions while also promoting emotional intelligence. By flipping this cuddly companion, kids learn to identify and communicate their feelings, fostering empathy and understanding of others' emotions as well. Parents and educators will appreciate how this playful plushie can serve as a comforting tool for developing social skills in a fun and engaging manner. 3+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Mood Expressing Plushie Fun features a reversible design, helping kids identify and express their feelings in a playful way that promotes emotional growth and understanding of others.
Explore with City Babe: Travel Adventures
The L. O. L. 4+ years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Explore with City Babe: Travel Adventures includes 15 surprises that empower kids to role-play and engage with different cultures, making learning about the world a fun journey.
Care Bears Togetherness Bear Plush Cuddles
Care Bears 9" Fun Size Plush - Togetherness Bear is more than just a cuddly companion; she's a wonderful way for kids to learn about sharing, empathy, and the power of love. With her motto "Love All", Togetherness Bear inspires our little ones to express their feelings and connect with their friends and family. This delightful plush encourages imaginative play and emotional development, making her an ideal addition to any child’s toy collection. 4+ years
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Why we love it:
Care Bears Togetherness Bear Plush Cuddles is a super soft and huggable companion that teaches kids about love and connection in the coziest way possible.
Berry Bear's Huggable Learning Adventure
The Mary Meyer Marshmallow Zoo Berry Bear Soft Toy is a delightful companion for little ones aged 2 and up. This plush teddy bear not only encourages imaginative play but also boosts emotional development through comforting snuggles and companionship. Designed with charm and safety in mind, Berry Bear helps kids express their feelings and fosters a nurturing attitude as they care for their cuddly friend. 2-5 years
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Why we love it:
Berry Bear's Huggable Learning Adventure is a soft teddy bear that makes snuggling into a nurturing experience, teaching kids to express emotions while creating lasting friendships.
Parker Puppy: Your Child's Softest Friend
The Mary Meyer Marshmallow Zoo Parker Puppy is a delightful companion that's perfect for children who crave comfort and cuddles. With its plush textures and charming features, this soft toy not only provides a sense of security but also enhances emotional development through imaginative play. As kids snuggle with Parker, they're encouraged to express their feelings and engage in storytelling, helping to foster creativity and social skills. 0-5 years
Develops skills:
Why we love it:
Parker Puppy is a plush companion that encourages expressive storytelling, making every cuddle a chance for creativity and emotional growth.
Heroes of Imagination: Optimus Prime Toy
The Transformers Playskool Heroes Rescue Bots Academy Team Optimus Prime Action Figure is a wonderful way for young heroes to engage in imaginative play. This toy not only promotes creativity as kids convert it between a robot and a truck, but it also enhances fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities through easy transformation. Inspired by the beloved TV series, this engaging figure invites children to invent their own rescue missions, encouraging teamwork, empathy, and storytelling. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Heroes of Imagination: Optimus Prime Toy transforms easily between a robot and a truck, sparking creativity and adventurous rescue missions for young minds.
Marshall's Emergency Rescue Play Set
The Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Marshall's Wooden Rescue EMT Caddy is a delightful tool for igniting imaginative adventures in preschoolers aged 3 to 5. This interactive playset not only enhances fine motor skills through hands-on activities like using tweezers and scissors, but it also instills empathy and teamwork as kids role-play various rescue scenarios. With its charming design and educational elements, this caddy encourages screen-free play while supporting social-emotional development and problem-solving skills. 3-5 years
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Why we love it:
Marshall's Emergency Rescue Play Set includes interactive tools like tweezers and scissors, making role-playing rescue missions a fun way to build important social skills.
Imaginative Play with Fabric Masks for Dolls
Manhattan Toy Pretend Play Fabric Play Masks for Stuffed Animals and Dolls with Adjustable Strap is an incredible tool for imaginative play! These colorful masks allow children to engage in nurturing scenarios as they dress up their Baby Stella, Wee Baby Stella, and other plush companions. By using these accessories, kids not only explore their creativity but also develop empathy and social skills, learning to understand and care for others. 3+ years
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Why we love it:
Imaginative Play with Fabric Masks for Dolls includes adjustable straps for a snug fit, making it easy for kids to transform their plush buddies into whoever they want and cultivate nurturing skills.
Transform Your Child's Learning with Butterflies!
Insect Lore Butterfly Garden is the perfect hands-on experience for our little explorers! Watch as 10 live Painted Lady caterpillars transform before your eyes, offering an engaging glimpse into the world of metamorphosis. This kit not only sparks curiosity but also teaches responsibility and patience as children care for their new friends. 4-12 years
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Why we love it:
Transform Your Child's Learning with Butterflies! includes 10 live caterpillars, offering kids a firsthand lesson in metamorphosis—talk about an unforgettable science experience right at home!