Exploring the realm of toys and seeking those that specifically cater to emotional development in children? You’re making a wise move. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness are foundational skills that can be nurtured from a young age, and the right toys play a pivotal role in this process.
Fortunately, the toy industry offers a multitude of options designed to tap into a child’s emotional world, helping them recognize, express, and manage their feelings in healthy ways.
Drawing from my expertise in child development and play-based learning, I’ve curated a comprehensive guide spotlighting the top toys that are currently championed for emotional development.
Let’s navigate this emotional landscape together, identifying toys that promise to foster self-awareness, empathy, and emotional resilience in young hearts and minds.
Best Emotional Development Toys
1. LLAMA Social Emotional Games – Editors Choice
Dive into the world of emotions with a game that’s as fun as it is educational. The LA·LA · LLAMA’s Social Emotional Game is the complete package, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding, expressing, and coping with emotions.
With its interactive and versatile play elements, it’s no wonder this game stands out as our Editor’s Choice.
Perfect for both individual play and group sessions, this game is a gem for fostering emotional intelligence in toddlers.
Pros
- Encourages children to explore and talk about their emotions
- Open-ended Montessori play allows for creativity and imagination as well as critical thinking skills.
- Comes with prompt cards to start conversations and offer coping strategies
Cons
- Some reviewers found the toy to be too generic and not engaging enough for their child
- Only comes with one double-sided face board, which may limit play options.
This social-emotional learning toy is designed to help children identify and express their feelings, as well as learn to empathize with others. The open-ended Montessori play allows children to create any face they like using the 28 soft facial expression elements included, while the double-sided face board and prompt cards provide a starting point for conversation and emotional exploration.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
This game is specifically designed to help kids talk about their feelings, learn to empathize with others, and identify emotions in themselves and others. The inclusion of face boards and flashcards allows children to visually represent and understand various emotions. Score: 5/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
The game emphasizes helping children to empathize with others and is built for both independent and group play. It encourages recreating stories or describing personal feelings, fostering social interaction. Score: 5/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The game’s design aids kids in identifying emotions and provides advice and simple actions on the flashcards to enhance mood or handle tricky feelings. This promotes coping mechanisms and emotional regulation. Score: 5/5
2. Feelings and Dealings Card Game – Runner Up
A card game that goes beyond fun, the Feelings and Dealings game is a doorway to a world of emotions, empathy, and understanding. Whether it’s identifying emotions or navigating social scenarios, this game covers it all.
Its versatile approach, coupled with an affordable price tag, makes it our Runner Up. It’s a fantastic tool for parents and educators alike to promote emotional literacy.
Pros
- Versatile and comprehensive tool for teaching children about emotions.
- The game teaches empathy and emotional intelligence through play.
- The card game is perfect for parents, therapists, teachers, and counselors.
Cons
- Some users may find the cards too large for small hands, making it difficult for toddlers to handle.
- The back of the emotion cards do not offer options for additional activities or discussions.
- The game may not be suitable for children who are not yet able to read or understand emotions.
The Feelings and Dealings Card Game is an excellent tool for parents, teachers, and therapists who want to help children develop their emotional intelligence. The game comes with a variety of cards, games, and activities that teach children about emotions, empathy, and social emotional learning skills.
However, the cards may be too large for small hands, and the back of the emotion cards do not offer additional activities or discussions. Overall, the Feelings and Dealings Card Game is a great purchase for anyone who wants to help children learn about emotions and develop their emotional intelligence.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The game comes with 48 expressive feelings cards that cover 24 universal emotions. This design directly aids children in identifying emotions through facial expressions, body language, and in various social contexts, offering a comprehensive understanding of emotions. Score: 5/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
This game is specifically aimed at teaching empathy and emotional intelligence through play. The social scene cards are designed to develop social intelligence – social and emotional skills, making it a valuable social emotional development tool for fostering empathy and promoting social interaction. Score: 5/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The emotional skills cards in the game teach coping and social emotional skills. By understanding emotions and scenarios, children can better navigate and cope with similar real-life situations. Score: 5/5
3. hand2mind Express Your Feelings Memory Match Game – Best Budget
The hand2mind Express Your Feelings Memory Match Game is your go-to choice. Combining the classic memory game format with the nuances of emotions, it offers both fun and emotional learning.
Its engaging design and affordable price point make it our pick for the Best Budget toy, ensuring that emotional development doesn’t break the bank.
Pros
- Build memory skills and explore diverse feelings with this fun, interactive memory game!
- Encourage conversations about feelings as they play, and use the Feelings Chart on the back cover of the Getting Started Game Guide as a reference.
- Spark conversations, build emotional vocabulary, and keep children engaged as they learn about their own feelings and those of others.
Cons
- The cards are very diverse, and some children may find it difficult to match the emotions.
- The size of the cards may be too small for some children.
- The game may not be challenging enough for older children.
The Express Your Feelings Memory Match Game includes a wide variety of expressive faces that reflect how feelings can look and feel different. Children learn to recognize that people can look very different when they’re expressing the same feeling. Children will match 20 unique feelings in a familiar memory game format.
This set includes 80 sturdy, full-color Feelings Tiles. There are 4 tiles for each of the 20 different feelings with 2 different faces portraying each feeling. Also includes a Getting Started Game Guide!
Encourage conversations about feelings as they play, and use the Feelings Chart on the back cover of the Getting Started Game Guide as a reference. Each of the tiles has a color-coded border that is aligned with the colors on the Feelings Chart.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The game is designed to explore diverse feelings in an interactive memory game format. The cards offer a variety of expressive faces that reflect different feelings, allowing children to understand and recognize the diversity in emotional expressions. Score: 5/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
The game aims to spark conversations, build emotional vocabulary, and engage children in understanding not only their feelings but also the feelings of others. By matching different faces portraying the same emotion, kids can grasp the idea that people might express the same feeling differently. Score: 5/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The game promotes emotional regulation through the Feelings Chart, which serves as a reference. While it’s a memory game that inherently involves cognitive challenges, the focus on feelings can indirectly aid in coping by fostering discussions about emotions. Score: 4/5
4. Learning Resources Feelings & Emotions Puzzle Cards
Puzzle your way through emotions with the Feelings & Emotions Puzzle Cards from Learning Resources. These cards aren’t just puzzles; they’re gateways to understanding and articulating feelings.
With self-correcting designs, they ensure kids grasp the core concepts while having a blast. Perfect for preschoolers, these cards are a delightful blend of fun and learning.
Pros
- These 24 double-sided puzzles are self-correcting, making it easy for kids to learn without frustration.
- The puzzles feature real-life photos of kids portraying different emotions, helping kids to match emotion words and emoji-style faces with pictures of those feelings in action.
- The packaging doubles as a reusable storage box, making it easy to store and transport.
Cons
- Some reviewers have found the emotions to be a bit advanced for younger children.
- The puzzles may be overwhelming for some preschoolers.
- The puzzles are made from durable, BPA-free plastic, which may not be as eco-friendly as other materials.
The Learning Resources Feelings & Emotions Puzzle Cards are perfect for kids as young as 3 who are just starting to develop their social-emotional learning skills. The puzzles are designed to help kids identify, talk about, and feel their feelings, while also building vocabulary skills.
These puzzles are great for use in calm down corners, therapy sessions, or even as a gift for holidays or birthdays. They’re made from durable, BPA-free plastic, so they’re sure to last for years of learning fun.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The product is designed to help kids identify, talk about, and feel their emotions. The use of emotion words and emoji-style faces offers a direct method to understand and express feelings. Score: 2/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
The puzzle cards match emotion words and faces with pictures of those feelings in action. This can foster understanding of how others might be feeling, promoting empathy.
While it doesn’t explicitly mention cooperative play, puzzle activities can be done collaboratively, enhancing social interaction. Score: 4/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
Puzzles inherently challenge problem-solving skills. By matching emotions and understanding them, children can also gain coping mechanisms, though this aspect isn’t explicitly detailed in the product description. Score: 4/5
5. SOLOBO Emotions Montessori Coin Sorter
The Montessori method meets emotional intelligence with SOLOBO’s Emotions Coin Sorter. Crafted with care and intention, this toy aids toddlers in distinguishing and understanding a range of emotions through interactive play.
The colorful coins serve as tactile reminders of the rich tapestry of human feelings. It’s a classic Montessori approach with a twist of emotional learning.
Pros
- This toy is a great tool for teaching children about emotions in a fun and natural way.
- The vibrant colors of the coins are perfect for helping children recognize and understand specific feelings.
- The durable wood construction ensures that this toy will last for years of daily play.
Cons
- Some children may lose interest in this toy after a short period of time.
- The coin slots may be a bit too narrow for some children to easily insert the coins.
- The toy may not be challenging enough for older children.
The SOLOBO Emotions Montessori Coin Sorter features 30 coins with six different emotions, including happy, sad, angry, surprised, silly, and anxious. This makes it a great tool for helping children learn about emotions and develop their emotional intelligence in a fun and natural way. The vibrant colors of the coins are perfect for helping children recognize and understand specific feelings from as young as 12 months old, making it a great companion in play therapy as well as helping with fine motor skills.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The toy features 30 coins with six different emotions, directly aiming to help children understand and recognize specific feelings. Such a hands-on approach can aid toddlers in grasping the concept of emotions more concretely. Score: 5/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
While the primary function seems to be individual play and understanding of one’s emotions, discussing the coins and their feelings with caregivers or peers can foster social interaction. Sorting and recognizing emotions can also lay the groundwork for empathetic understanding of others. Score: 4/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The Montessori approach inherently promotes problem-solving through hands-on activities. However, while the coin sorter might challenge cognitive skills, there’s limited information on how it addresses coping mechanisms related to emotions. Score: 3/5
6. Just Smarty Flash Cards
Dive into a world of vibrant learning with Just Smarty’s Flash Cards. Beyond the basics of ABCs and 123s, these cards bridge the gap to emotional understanding. Tailored phrases help articulate feelings, and the musical element adds a touch of fun. It’s a holistic learning tool that every toddler will adore.
Pros
- Educational and fun: With 120 double-sided flashcards covering 16 subjects, this toy is perfect for enhancing cognition, building vocabulary, and learning preschool skills.
- Includes phrases: This toy is the only flashcard product on the market with full sentences, which makes it great for sensory therapy for autistic children and late talkers.
- Musical with adjustable volume: The cards include children’s favorite songs, making it a great alternative to screen time.
Cons
- Limited age range: While the product is marketed for children from 18 months to 6 years old, it may be too advanced for some 18-month-olds.
- Limited battery life: The product is rechargeable, but the battery life may not be long enough for extended use.
- Limited durability: The cards may not hold up well to rough handling.
The Just Smarty Flash Cards are a great way to help your toddler learn while having fun. With 120 double-sided flashcards covering 16 subjects, your child will be able to build vocabulary, learn preschool skills, and enhance cognition.
The cards also include commonly used phrases to express needs and feelings, making them great for sensory therapy for autistic children and late talkers. Additionally, the cards are musical and come with children’s favorite songs, which makes them a great alternative to screen time.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The flash cards include subjects such as feelings and needs, which are directly related to understanding and expressing emotions. The inclusion of commonly used phrases to express needs and feelings can help toddlers articulate their emotions better. Score: 5/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
While the primary function of the product seems to be individual learning, discussing the cards with caregivers or peers can foster social interaction. The cards also serve as a tool to understand the feelings and needs of others, promoting empathy. Score: 4/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The flash cards focus mainly on cognition, hearing, and vocabulary. While they indirectly aid in coping by helping kids articulate and understand their feelings, they don’t seem to offer explicit tools or methods for problem-solving or coping mechanisms. Score: 3/5
7. Edushape Feelings Friend Plush Toy
Cuddly, soft, and brimming with lessons on emotions — the Edushape Feelings Friend Plush Toy is every child’s dream companion.
This isn’t just a toy; it’s a friend that guides toddlers through the maze of feelings. Every hug and play session becomes a step closer to understanding emotions.
Pros
- Spark imagination and creativity with Edushape’s plush toys – great for pretend play.
- Teach your baby about social and emotional awareness while at play with our plush animals.
- Our stuffed animals for girls and boys are developed to be safe and educational for children of all ages.
Cons
- The toy may not be suitable for children under three years old.
- Some children may not be interested in playing with stuffed animals.
- The toy may not be as durable as other toys on the market.
This plush toy is designed to be played with for years and is made with durable and safe materials. The toy is suitable for children of all ages and development stages, making it a great choice for parents who want to encourage their child’s emotional and social development. The Edushape Feelings Friend Plush Toy is also perfect for sparking imagination and creativity in children.
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
The product emphasizes using the Tub Buddies for storytelling to teach emotional awareness. This offers children an opportunity to understand and discuss various emotions through play. Score: 4/5
Empathy and Social Interaction:
While the primary focus seems to be on individual play, the use of characters can promote discussions about feelings and understanding others. Also, bath time often involves interaction with a caregiver, which can enhance social learning. Score: 4/5
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
The toy teaches important cause and effect skills, which are foundational for problem-solving. However, there’s limited information on how it specifically addresses coping skills. Score: 4/5
Toys play a crucial role in supporting emotional development in children. When evaluating toys for their potential to foster emotional growth, consider the following three key criteria:
Expression and Understanding of Emotions:
- The toy should allow children to express their feelings, whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, or any other emotion.
- Toys that encourage role-playing, such as dolls, action figures, or puppet theaters, can be especially beneficial in this area. By acting out scenarios, children get the chance to navigate and understand complex feelings.
- Games or toys that provoke reactions or discussions about emotions, such as storytelling cards or emotion-matching games, can also be instrumental.
Empathy and Social Interaction:
- The toy should promote cooperative play, helping children understand the feelings and needs of others.
- Board games or card games that require turn-taking can teach patience and the importance of considering others’ feelings.
- Toys that replicate real-life scenarios, like a doctor’s kit or kitchen playsets, can help children role-play situations where they can practice caring for others or understanding various roles in society.
Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
- The toy should challenge children in a way that they might experience some level of frustration, but it should also provide the means for them to overcome these challenges. This helps children develop resilience and the ability to cope with setbacks.
- Puzzles, construction sets, and certain strategy games can be good for this. They challenge a child’s cognitive skills and, at the same time, require emotional regulation when facing challenges.
- Toys that promote relaxation and self-soothing can also be beneficial. For instance, sensory toys, fidget tools, or even craft sets can help children find calmness and focus.
When evaluating toys based on these criteria, it’s also essential to ensure that the toys are age-appropriate. What’s emotionally stimulating and beneficial for a toddler might not be the same for a pre-teen. Always take into consideration the developmental stage of the child and the intended purpose of the toy.
It’s important that the toy is both a toy and a learning tool which can help teach kids about their own emotions and help kids learn about social skills. Imaginative play is also vital in this area, so if a toy allows a child to explore emotions (whether through pretend play, sensory play or with emotions presented on a card), this helps a child develops these vital skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some educational toys that can help toddlers with their emotional development?
There are many toys that can help toddlers with their emotional development. Some examples include stuffed animals, dolls, and puzzles. These toys can help toddlers learn about emotions and how to express them in a healthy way – they use them to practice identifying emotions and big emotions.
Which toys are considered the best for promoting emotional development in toddlers?
The best developmental toys for promoting all the emotions in toddlers are those that encourage them to explore and express their emotions and ones which teach emotions. Some examples include play kitchens, musical instruments, and art supplies.
Can you recommend any specific toys that aid in emotional development for infants?
For infants, toys that promote emotional development to help them get emotional maturity include soft toys, such as stuffed animals and blankets, and toys that encourage sensory exploration, such as rattles and teething toys. Some examples of social emotional toys include the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy and the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy.
Toys that promote social development in toddlers include those that encourage sharing and cooperation, such as board games and building blocks. Some examples include the Hape Quadrilla Wooden Marble Run Construction Set, Big Feelings Pineapple (like potato head) and the Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures Board Game.
