5 Toy Websites That Offer More: Fun Gifts & Functional Resources

Dec 8

As a BCBA, I spend a lot of time looking for and purchasing toys for someone who doesn’t actually live with any children. While fostering connection, rapport, and social engagement are the foundations of our child-led, naturalistic sessions, sometimes a really cool novel toy can motivate to spark communication and opportunities for engagement, learning, and plain old fun. I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to! Check out this comprehensive list; I’m confident you’ll find something worth adding to your cart.

I’m often asked to recommend toys caregivers should buy to support motor skills, independent play, or imaginative play. The parents I talk with are usually looking for toys or activities that are beneficial and fun, and so am I! So I’ve taken some time, in hopes of saving you some of yours, to engage in one of my favorite activities, internet window shopping, to come up with a list of educational and developmentally appropriate toy websites for the holidays, upcoming birthdays, or just-because occasions. Have friends and family asking what they should get your loved one for the next special occasion? Consider saving this blog with a short list of preferences to send to help them with their shopping! Because we both know you don’t have time to explain all of this to every well-meaning person who asks.

I’m often asked to recommend toys caregivers should buy to support motor skills, independent play, or imaginative play. The families I work with usually want toys that are both beneficial and fun, and honestly, so do I. So I took some time (okay, a lot of time) engaging in one of my favorite hobbies, internet window shopping, to create a curated list of educational and developmentally appropriate toy websites for holidays, upcoming birthdays, or just-because gifts. Have friends or family asking what they should buy your child or loved one? Save this blog and send it along with a short list of preferences; it might save you from having to explain all of this for the tenth time.

Please note: While I can share general ideas about toys that promote play, communication, and engagement, recommendations addressing specific motor, sensory, or physical development goals should be made in collaboration with an Occupational Therapist (OT). Partnering across disciplines helps ensure your loved one receives comprehensive, individualized support.

While looking into these websites and their offerings, I’ve also sprinkled in some specific recommendations or suggestions to questions I commonly get about toys and play. If you’re short on time, don’t you worry. A quick, concise, but expanded list of websites is at the end.

What Actually Makes a Toy Great?

Before we start browsing together, it’s important to consider what makes a toy great. And the best person to answer this question is the person you’re buying it for. I have definitely started a session, super excited to show a client a cool new toy I got, and personally love, only for them to be totally uninterested. Picture me, dejectedly trying to entice my client with my fun toy while they return to their preferred items. But that’s the important part: my perceived cool new toy did not align with their interests. SIGH. If you’re looking for toys or other items for a particular person in mind, be sure they align more with their interests than yours if you really want it to be a winner. Now, of course, this doesn’t mean we can’t introduce novel toys or expand upon current interests. But if you’re shopping for someone who HATES getting their hands messy (*cough* me *cough*), a 12-pack of slime likely isn’t going to be beneficial in terms of engagement, learning opportunities, or fun unless you’re targeting refusals and self-advocacy, because ✋ “no thanks” slime.

Quick Tips for What Can Make Toys Great

Open-ended play opportunities (e.g., blocks, pretend sets)

Open-ended play: unstructured play where we use our imagination to explore and create without specific rules, goals, or predetermined outcomes.
Toys like magnetic tiles, blocks, or play food sets let us use our imagination to build, create stories, or explore cause-and-effect. There’s no “right” way to play, which encourages creativity and flexible thinking.
Pretend play sets can help with routines (doctor's office, dentist, haircutting, etc.)

Toys that encourage interaction, communication, or problem-solving

Games that require turn-taking or cooperative building sets help us practice language, social skills, and teamwork while having fun.
Simple board games or building blocks can offer opportunities for communication to indicate turn-taking, waiting, and social engagement.

Materials that are sensory-friendly or adaptable

Toys with different textures (like kinetic sand, water beads, or soft fabric toys) can provide calming sensory input. Look for items that can be used in multiple ways, such as play dough or sensory bins, to meet each person’s unique preferences.
Things like Play-Doh or sand can also be used to introduce new or less preferred toys. New letter blocks can be used to build in the sand.

Durability and long-term use (growing with the child’s skills)

High-quality wooden toys or durable plastic sets (like LEGO or Hape) often grow with us and changing developmental needs, first for stacking or sorting, later for building complex designs and storytelling.
Simple blocks can start off as ways to develop motor skills and grow into making complex structures and imaginative play.

Inclusivity and representation

Dolls, puzzles, and books featuring individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and family structures help everyone feel seen and valued during play.
Being mindful of incorporating diversity into toys and books can help address more complex social skills.

Developmentally appropriate challenges (the “just right” level of difficulty)

A toy should be engaging but not frustrating, like puzzles with large knobs for toddlers or beginner STEM kits for older people ready to explore cause-and-effect and problem-solving.
Look at the current favorite toys and find the next step up, or, if a toy is too difficult and not being utilized, consider finding the next step down to target prerequisite skills.

Quick Tips to Keep in Mind when Choosing Toys

Match the sensory profile:

Some people seek sensory input (heavy motion, vibration, textured items), while others avoid it (quiet, gentle sensory). When picking fidgets, tactile materials, and textured surfaces, consider the individual's needs.
Which sensory experience does the recipient enjoy or avoid? (Lights, colors, sounds, smells, smooth or rough textures, pressure, weight, etc.)

Consider regulation vs learning:

Some toys are primarily regulatory (reduce anxiety, help calm) while others are developmental (fine motor, communication, social skills).

Check for accessibility:

For example, toys with large buttons, simplified switches, or different physical access if the person has mobility or motor differences.

Representation matters:

Toys that reflect diversity and differences in ability may help with self-esteem, identity, and inclusion.
Books are a great option to showcase diversity. But toys that represent people can too!

Durability & safety:

For people who stim, chew, or engage in intense sensory interaction, items need to be sturdy, cleanable, and not easily breakable.
Keep the recipient's habits in mind when choosing your gifts. Something with many small pieces may not be appropriate for someone who puts small objects in their mouth.

Play environment & support:

Sometimes the “play” needs scaffolding, or caregiver support, visual cues, and structure. Some of these websites include resources for this. Check them out!

Budget & multiple options:

Sensory/fidget toys sometimes need trials to see what “works”; having a small set or bundle can be helpful.
If you know something is a favorite item, consider buying more than one!

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in a truly functional, engaging toy, let’s get into the fun part, where to actually find them. Below are five thoughtfully curated toy websites I have looked through and sometimes purchased from, offering high-quality, developmentally informed, and inclusive options for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Another quick note: I’m not affiliated with or sponsored by any of these companies. These recommendations come purely from professional experience, caregiver questions, and a whole lot of thoughtful toy research.

Fat Brain Toys: https://www.fatbraintoys.com/

Initially launched in 2002 after a 10-year-old struggled to find more of a favorite specialty toy, Fat Brain Toys has become a go-to source for engaging, brain-boosting play.

You can search by age (babies through adults), skills, and categories like STEM, Montessori, and active play. Their Special Needs section allows filtering by diagnoses and developmental goals, including cognition, language, physical skills, sensory, and socialization. A standout feature is their customer-generated Age Appropriateness Graphs, which often provide more realistic guidance than manufacturer age labels alone.

Quality: Mid-to-upper tier, educational focus
Price/Shipping: Accessible but not a bargain; free shipping over ~$99
Values: Inclusive design, targeted toy selection

Fun and Function: https://funandfunction.com/

Founded by occupational therapists seeking better sensory tools for therapy sessions, Fun and Function blends clinical insight with practical home use.

Their site includes sensory tools, adaptive equipment, calming supports, and even full sensory room design services. Unique categories include sleep supports and easy-to-clean toys. They also offer blogs and sensory coaching videos.

Quality: Professional-grade, therapist-informed
Price/Shipping: Mid-to-high range
Values: Built by OTs for children of all abilities

National Autism Resources: https://nationalautismresources.com/

Founded by a parent-turned-advocate and author, this company offers tools created by educators and therapists across multiple disciplines.

Their site is organized by teaching supports, calming tools, sensory materials, developmental age, and function (cause-and-effect, fine motor, hand-eye coordination, etc.). Their Expert Gift Guide is especially helpful. They also offer AAC resources, therapy FAQs, and learning supports.

Quality: Mid-to-upper tier
Price: Budget items to large sensory equipment and bulk buying
Values: Autism-centered, multi-disciplinary support since 2006

Discovery Toys: https://www.discoverytoys.us/

Started by an early childhood educator, Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play with clearly defined age and skill categories.

Their Play Packs (ages 0–36 months) are curated collections targeting specific developmental stages. They also provide a Special Needs Guide broken down by skill domains and sub-domains and a blog that offers useful resources for parents.

Quality: Durable, long-lasting materials
Price: Mid-to-high range
Values: Developmental learning & inclusive play

Sensory Kids Co.: https://sensorykids.co/

Created by two moms passionate about inclusive sensory play, Sensory Kids Co. offers Montessori-inspired toys and calming tools for neurodiverse children.

Their selection is smaller but thoughtfully curated. A standout item is their sensory toothbrush line, and their caregiver blog offers helpful education and strategies.

Quality: Durable, safe, non-toxic
Price: Mid-to-high, free standard shipping
Values: Neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive design

Toys are about so much more than just entertainment; they’re tools for connection, communication, regulation, skill-building, and joy. The right toy, at the right time, for the right person can open doors to learning in ways that structured instruction alone sometimes can’t.

Whether you’re shopping for your own child, a client, a classroom, or a loved one, I hope this list helps make the process easier and more fun. There are so many wonderful, thoughtfully designed options out there, and you deserve resources that feel both supportive and exciting.

There are many more great companies still to explore, so join me next time as I highlight additional toy and sensory resource websites to keep on your radar. Until then, here are a few more to check out on your own.

TLDR; Quick list & Links

Fat Brain Toys

Focus: Educational, fine motor, logic

Why it Stands Out: Skill-based search filters; cause-and-effect play

Lakeshore Learning

Focus: Academic learning, fine motor

Why it Stands Out: Teacher-designed; structured but playful

MindWare

Focus: STEM, puzzles, cognitive skills

Why it Stands Out: Grows with the child’s problem-solving abilities

Melissa & Doug

Focus: Pretend play, sequencing