Toys to Foster Social Development in Kids

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
As parents and educators, we understand that social development is crucial for our children's growth. This page explores engaging activities and play experiences that promote teamwork, empathy, and communication skills in kids. Discover how specific play scenarios can help little ones build friendships, resolve conflicts, and express their emotions effectively, setting a strong foundation for their social lives.

Social Skills Board Games for Learning Fun

Our Rank:
Didax 500063 Social Skills Group Activities are a fantastic way to engage our elementary-aged kids in important social skill development. These six entertaining board games are designed to promote teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence in a fun, interactive setting. As we watch our children collaborate and learn from each other, we’re not just having fun, we're investing in their ability to navigate social situations confidently. Elementary
Why we love it:
Social Skills Board Games for Learning Fun includes six entertaining games that make mastering social situations feel like a joyful team adventure—because why shouldn’t learning be this much fun?

Feelings Learning Kit for Kids

Our Rank:
The Learning Resources Skill Builders Feelings Learning Kit is a fantastic way for young children to explore and express emotions! Packed with 24 vibrant feelings counters and 40 engaging workbook-style activities, this set encourages little ones to talk about their feelings while building vital social skills. Not only does it foster emotional intelligence, but it also supports the development of fine motor skills through play. Toddler
Why we love it:
Feelings Learning Kit for Kids includes 24 vibrant feelings counters, making emotional exploration fun and interactive while helping little ones express themselves and build essential social skills.

Learn About Feelings Set for Kids

Our Rank:
The hand2mind Learn About Feelings Set is a wonderful resource for fostering emotional intelligence in children. Designed to help kids navigate their feelings and develop social skills, this set makes learning about emotions both fun and engaging. As parents and educators, we recognize the importance of helping children identify their own emotions and empathize with others—laying the groundwork for healthy relationships and self-management. 4-10 years
Why we love it:
Learn About Feelings Set for Kids includes engaging activities that turn emotional exploration into fun adventures, making it easier for children to understand themselves and others.

Good Behavior Buckets for Social Skills

Our Rank:
Learning Resources Good Behavior Buckets are an engaging tool for preschoolers to develop crucial social-emotional learning skills. Designed for children ages 3 and up, these delightful buckets feature easy-to-visualize shapes that help kids distinguish between good and bad behaviors in a fun, interactive way. Parents and educators can customize activities or use preprinted stickers to create meaningful discussions about feelings and appropriate social interactions, ensuring a robust learning experience that fosters empathy, communication, and self-regulation. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Good Behavior Buckets feature engaging shapes that turn social skills learning into a fun game, making tough conversations about feelings feel like a delightful adventure.

Social Emotional Task Cards for Kids

Our Rank:
The hand2mind Social Emotional Task Cards are a fantastic resource for nurturing social-emotional growth in kids aged 3 and up! These interactive cards spark essential conversations around feelings, kindness, and collaboration, making learning both engaging and fun. Designed for use in classrooms or at home, they offer a delightful mix of hands-on activities that not only enhance emotional regulation but also cultivate a thoughtful mindset. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Social Emotional Task Cards for Kids offers interactive features that spark crucial conversations about feelings, transforming learning into a fun, supportive journey for emotional growth.

Engage and Move with Active Learning Fun!

Our Rank:
Learning Resources Ready, Set, Move! Classroom Activity Set transforms playtime into a vibrant learning experience. As fellow parents and educators, we appreciate how this set not only emphasizes gross motor skill development but also encourages social interaction among kids. 4+ years
Why we love it:
Engage and Move with Active Learning Fun! includes colorful foam circle mats and inflatable exercise cubes, transforming movement into an exciting learning adventure for our kids.

Diverse Career Adventures Await!

Our Rank:
Constructive Playthings Pretend Professionals 24-Piece Career Toy Figure Set sparks our children's imaginations while introducing them to a world of exciting careers! This engaging set reflects our vibrant community, showcasing inclusive and diverse role models that teach little ones they can be anything they dream of—regardless of race or gender. As they play, our kids will develop essential social skills, learn to cooperate with friends, and navigate the wonderful worlds of empathy and understanding through imaginative peer interactions. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Diverse Career Adventures Await! features 24 inclusive figures that inspire kids to explore various professions while learning valuable social skills through creative play.

See My Feelings Mirror for Kids

Our Rank:
The hand2mind See My Feelings Mirror is an engaging and delightful way to help our children understand their emotions! With vibrant emojis and easy-to-use emotion slides, our little ones will learn to identify feelings like Happy, Angry, and Scared while building essential social-emotional skills. This interactive tool not only nurtures emotional regulation but also encourages empathy and connection among peers, making it a perfect addition to our cozy corners at home or in the classroom. Toddlers and Preschool
Why we love it:
See My Feelings Mirror features vibrant emojis and emotion slides, making it a fun way for kids to confidently explore and express their feelings while connecting with others.

VTech Magic Star Learning Table Fun

Our Rank:
The VTech Magic Star Learning Table is a delightful educational toy that keeps our little ones engaged and learning! With engaging bilingual activities in both English and Spanish, kids are encouraged to explore new concepts while developing essential skills. As our toddlers turn the steering wheel to drive the bear, flip through nursery rhyme pages, and press light-up buttons, they enhance their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities—all while having a blast! 6-36 months
Why we love it:
VTech Magic Star Learning Table features engaging bilingual activities that inspire our kiddos to explore while enhancing their skills in a fun, interactive way.

Feelings Family Hand Puppets for Kids

Our Rank:
The hand2mind Feelings Family Hand Puppets are the perfect companions for toddlers aged 4-8 to explore emotions and build social skills. These friendly puppets engage young minds with their unique designs, inviting children to express themselves through play. Each puppet not only showcases different feelings through its expressive faces and body positions but also offers delightful crinkle sounds that enhance sensory experiences. 4-8 years
Why we love it:
Feelings Family Hand Puppets for Kids invite toddlers to express a range of emotions while engaging in delightful role-play, fostering communication and connection in a fun, interactive way.

Toddler Gardening Play Set

Our Rank:
The Learning Resources New Sprouts Grow It! Toddler Gardening Set introduces little ones to the joy of gardening in a playful and engaging way. Perfect for children aged 2 and up, this set sparks imagination, encourages social interaction, and aids vocabulary development as kids pretend to plant and pick their favorite flowers and veggies. 2+ years
Why we love it:
Toddler Gardening Play Set includes durable, easy-to-grip plastic pieces that spark imagination and cultivate a love for nature while enhancing essential developmental skills.

Explore Community Careers Flash Cards

Our Rank:
Community Helpers & Careers Pocket Flash Cards offer a vibrant way to engage children in learning about various occupations that shape our communities. With 27 unique jobs represented, these cards introduce kids to important concepts in language arts while promoting diversity and inclusion through varied imagery. They are not just fun and informative; they help develop crucial skills like critical thinking and communication as children discuss and explore each profession. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Explore Community Careers Flash Cards feature 27 unique jobs, turning learning about professions into a colorful adventure that sparks discussions on diversity and inclusion in our communities.

Wooden Activity Workbench for Future Builders

Our Rank:
The Early Learning Centre Wooden Activity Workbench is an incredible addition to any little builder's playtime! Designed for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, this engaging workbench sparks imaginative play while enhancing essential skills like hand-eye coordination and physical development. With 22 fun accessories including tools and a chalkboard, it turns construction play into a lively experience. 18-36 months
Why we love it:
Wooden Activity Workbench for Future Builders includes 22 fun accessories that spark imaginative construction play while doubling as a sturdy platform for practicing balance on those wobbly first steps.

Social Skills Games for Collaborative Learning

Our Rank:
Junior Learning 6 Social Skills Games is a delightful way for our kids to grow together! Designed to enhance important social abilities, these games provide fantastic opportunities for children to engage with one another, differentiate between right and wrong, and effectively express their emotions. We love that they not only learn how to recognize their feelings but also understand the emotions of those around them. 5-10 years
Why we love it:
Social Skills Games for Collaborative Learning features self-correcting elements that help kids engage with emotions and each other while keeping the fun frustration-free.

Engaging Outdoor Activities for Kids

Our Rank:
Busy Ideas for Bored Kids Outdoor is the perfect tool for parents and educators looking to spark creativity and energy in children. With 50 diverse activity cards, kids can explore their imaginations, develop physical skills, and enjoy quiet moments outside. Whether they’re painting a masterpiece, running around with friends, or diving into a good book under a tree, this handy travel tin ensures they're always engaged and learning in the fresh air. 4-10 years
Why we love it:
Engaging Outdoor Activities for Kids includes 50 diverse activity cards that turn outdoor moments into imaginative adventures, encouraging kids to learn and play beyond screens.

Gear Up for Learning Fun!

Our Rank:
Learning Resources Build & Spin: Farm Friends brings imaginative play to life while encouraging essential developmental skills! This vibrant 17-piece set captivates little builders, helping them boost their fine motor skills and spark creativity as they create dynamic designs and spinning fun. We love how this engaging toy introduces the basics of cause and effect, all without a screen in sight! 2+ years
Why we love it:
Gear Up for Learning Fun! features a vibrant 17-piece set that transforms playtime into a dazzling adventure of dynamic designs while building essential skills without any screens.

Community Helpers Puzzle: Learn and Play!

Our Rank:
Community Helpers Fun-to-Know Puzzles bring the excitement of real-life learning directly into your child's playtime! These delightful 3" x 3" pieces are perfect for sparking curiosity and discussion about the world around us. As parents and educators, we cherish how these puzzles not only enhance problem-solving skills but also foster social awareness and understanding of community roles. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Community Helpers Puzzle: Learn and Play! includes 3" x 3" pieces that make learning about community roles a fun family activity, turning playtime into interactive discussions.

Empowerment Through Play: Puzzle for All

Our Rank:
Ridley’s Inspirational Women Feminist Circular Jigsaw Puzzle invites families to piece together the powerful stories of 54 incredible women who shaped our world. This 1000-piece circular puzzle not only fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also promotes discussions about women's achievements across history. As we work together to complete this beautiful puzzle, we’ll enhance our teamwork abilities while inspiring our young ones with the legacies of real-life role models. 8+ years
Why we love it:
Empowerment Through Play: Puzzle for All features 1000 pieces that encourage families to piece together the stories of incredible women, making learning about history a collaborative adventure.

Emotion-Exploring Big Feelings Pineapple

Our Rank:
The Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set is a must-have for any child learning to navigate their emotions! With over 40 facial expression pieces, this interactive toy helps kids recognize and articulate their feelings while developing essential social emotional skills. Its double-sided design offers a unique way to compare and contrast emotions, making discussions about feelings engaging and fun. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Emotion-Exploring Big Feelings Pineapple features over 40 facial expression pieces, making it a fun and interactive way for kids to articulate their feelings and understand emotions.

SoftZone Play Patch: Engage, Explore, and Grow!

Our Rank:
ECR4Kids SoftZone Play Patch Activity Mat Squares are the perfect addition to any child's playtime! These colorful, cushioned mats create a safe and inviting space for tummy time, rolling over, and taking those first wobbly steps. As parents and educators, we know how vital it is for kids to have environments that encourage movement and confidence. Infants to 3 years
Why we love it:
SoftZone Play Patch features colorful, cushioned mats that transform any space into a safe haven for play, making early movement and exploration a joyful adventure.

Montessori-Inspired Soft Activity Book

Our Rank:
The Skip Hop Discoverosity 6-Page Activity Book is an exceptional resource for sensory exploration and early learning. Designed with engaging textures, crinkle and squeaker sounds, and a mirror for self-recognition, this book encourages fine motor skills, cognitive development, and visual stimulation from the very start. It’s the perfect companion for curious little ones, making playtime both fun and educational wherever you go! 0+ years
Why we love it:
Montessori-Inspired Soft Activity Book features engaging textures and crinkle sounds that bring each page to life, making it an adventure in sensory exploration for little ones. This interactive book isn't just about turning pages—it's about encouraging those tiny fingers to learn and discover the world around them, all while boosting their self-recognition skills. Plus, who doesn't love that moment when they catch their little one gazing at themselves in the mirror—self-love starts young!

Explore with SoftScape Playtime Grow-n-Learn

Our Rank:
FDP SoftScape Playtime Grow-n-Learn Tunnel Climber Plus Pads for Toddlers and Kids transforms playtime into an exciting adventure! This engaging all-in-one climber encourages little ones to discover their physical capabilities as they climb, crawl, and slide. With the ability to rearrange its configuration, children can continually evolve their play experience, fostering creative problem-solving and enhancing gross motor skills. 1-3 years
Why we love it:
Explore with SoftScape Playtime Grow-n-Learn includes a versatile tunnel climber that turns every play session into an adventure while building essential physical skills.

Outdoor Fun: 50 Engaging Activities

Our Rank:
On-The-Go Amusements: 50 Great Things to Do Outside is the perfect companion for families eager to embrace screen-free adventures. We absolutely love how this compact tin encourages our kids to explore, learn, and create memories outside. Each activity not only sparks creativity but also promotes physical movement, teamwork, and problem-solving skills! 5+ years
Why we love it:
Outdoor Fun: 50 Engaging Activities is a compact tin packed with ideas that inspire screen-free adventures, turning any setting into a memorable outdoor classroom.

K's Kids My First Activity Book

Our Rank:
K's Kids My First Activity Book is the perfect introduction to fun and engaging learning for our little ones! Crafted to captivate babies and toddlers, this soft 8-page book includes delightful activities such as buttoning and buckling that stimulate fine motor skills and sensory development. We love how the peek-a-boo game and colorful designs promote color recognition while enriching early learning experiences in a hands-on, screen-free way. Birth to 2 years
Why we love it:
K's Kids My First Activity Book features delightful activities like buttoning and buckling, turning early learning into a colorful adventure that's also mess-free!

Engaging Time Learning Activity Set

Our Rank:
Learning Resources About Time! Group Activity Set is the perfect tool for turning time lessons into fun, interactive experiences for our kids! This set not only includes plastic mini clocks but also write-and-wipe teaching clocks that allow children to explore and master their time skills creatively. 5+ years
Why we love it:
Engaging Time Learning Activity Set includes write-and-wipe teaching clocks that turn mastering time concepts into a playful and interactive adventure, making learning feel like playtime!

Dinosaur Techno Tiles Adventure

Our Rank:
The Learning Journey Techno Tiles - Dinosaur - Construction Project is an exhilarating way to spark creativity in kids ages 5-10. With over 200 building pieces, this engaging STEM toy not only cultivates a love for engineering but also enhances fine motor skills and boosts problem-solving abilities through fun construction challenges. As kids connect pieces and navigate their designs, they'll build confidence and gain a sense of achievement that every parent loves to see. 5-10 years
Why we love it:
Dinosaur Techno Tiles Adventure includes over 200 building pieces that turn construction challenges into a confidence-boosting journey, perfect for aspiring young engineers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Big Life Journal: Empower Young Minds

Our Rank:
Big Life Journal is a fantastic daily journal designed specifically for kids ages 6-11, fostering a growth mindset through interactive prompts. As fellow parents and educators, we love how this workbook encourages our children to reflect on their day, express their feelings, and identify areas for improvement in a fun and engaging way. It not only supports emotional health but also nurtures resilience and confidence. 6-11 years
Why we love it:
Big Life Journal features interactive prompts that help kids reflect on their day while fueling their confidence and emotional health—plus, who doesn’t love joyful stickers?

Empathy-Building Conversation Flashcards

Our Rank:
What Do I Do? Conversation Flash Cards are a delightful resource for nurturing empathy and social understanding in young children. Designed for ages 3 and up, these beautifully illustrated cards spark meaningful conversations about complex emotions and everyday social situations. 3+ years
Why we love it:
Empathy-Building Conversation Flashcards feature beautifully illustrated prompts that inspire kids to navigate complex emotions, turning every conversation into a chance for growth and connection.

Curious Minds Activity Center

Our Rank:
The Dream On Me Curio Sit N Seek Baby Activity Center in Mint is a delightful way to support our little ones' growth through play! With its adjustable height and 360-degree rotating seat, it encourages exploration and engagement, promoting fine motor skills and cognitive development. The detachable toys and built-in music make learning fun while fostering curiosity, making this activity center a must-have for every parent eager to nurture their child's early learning journey. 6 months to 2 years
Why we love it:
Curious Minds Activity Center features a 360-degree rotating seat that invites exploration, making learning a joyful adventure while parents can enjoy a moment of hands-free peace.

Engage & Learn with Hippo Activity Wall

Our Rank:
SPARK & WOW Hippo Activity Wall Panel is the perfect blend of fun and learning for our little ones! Designed for ages 18 months and up, this Montessori-inspired sensory wall toy offers three delightful activities that encourage exploration and creativity. Not only does it enhance coordination and spatial reasoning, but it also promotes descriptive language and social interaction during group play. 18m+
Why we love it:
Engage & Learn with Hippo Activity Wall features three delightful activities that spark curiosity, turning any room into a vibrant hub of exploration and imaginative play for our toddlers.