Are you are always on the hunt for toys that keep your children entertained but also help them learn and develop? It's difficult to balance them receiving gifts that they feel are exciting, while also hoping they are embracing new skills. I don't mind listening to a noisy fire engine if I know it helps somehow!

We now know a lot about the benefits of Sensory Toys and how they can offer much more than a way to pass the time. Children being able to use their hands, solve problems, feel texture, all lets their imaginations run wild and provides some stress relief.

From classic building blocks to calming sensory bottles and fidget spinners, this type of play gives children the freedom to discover the world around them and is so popular with my own kids.

So whether you're looking for ways to build skills through play in younger children or encouraging creativity during homework breaks for older kids, there are plenty of options. My daughter and I have tested some just for fun, and to make your life easier.

Here are four sensory toys we’ve chosen that your children will love to explore.

LEGO DUPLO: Disney Anna and Elsa's Frozen Castle

To say we are a LEGO family is a bit of an understatement. This toy based on simple Building Blocks is brilliant for creative construction and most importantly develops your child's fine motor skills. DUPLO bricks are timeless in our experience, easier to handle for little ones and ideal for beginning to develop coordination and dexterity.

For Frozen fans, in this LEGO DUPLO Disney Anna and Elsa's Frozen Castle there is the added delight of the light-up star on the front of the tower. Visual stimulation, colour changes and gentle motion help children relax so this is a perfect addition to the castle.

All the familiar characters from Frozen are in the build even a Baby Sven which my daughter thought was amazing. A lot of thought has gone into the sensory aspect, even some of the characters have tactile, fabric skirts which is another great way of helping children experience different textures.

Apart from the main activity of building a castle, which encourages kids to think about how different pieces fit together, if they are older they can try and follow the instructions. Or if like my son, they will conjure their own completely unique creation! All help them develop, Building Blocks are great for hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. These are all sensory tools and your child won't even know they are learning.

Clementoni Abracadabra Chemistry Set

If you have school-age children and those who love asking questions or finding out how things work, this Clementoni Abracadabra Chemistry Set is a lovely choice.

Science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) toys are often very good for sensory play.

This is a tactile and visual experience, from making a bit of a mess, for good reason! To enjoying pouring, shaking, seeing floating, and foaming creations. Children discover what happens and solve problems. Obviously you need an adult to supervise but it's a fun way to spend time together. We had a lot of laughs making mini volcanos and bubbles.

If your child finds traditional sit-down learning difficult, or has ADHD symptoms, something practical can help them use that excess energy in restless moments. This type of play can encourage concentration and self-regulation.

If you are looking for Christmas Toys this year a Chemistry Set would be perfect for curious, primary school age children.

Tonies Pokémon Pikachu Starter Set

What I love about Tonies is that they are screen-free! It's so nice to able to give your child a storytelling experience that doesn't involve an app or having your phone there with them.

If you haven't heard of a Toniebox yet, this is a screen-free little interactive audio player. They have figures on top which play stories relating to their character. There are many to choose from such as Bluey, The Gruffalo, Mickey Mouse and much more. We have the Pikachu figure.

This is one of the most calming and serene ways to offer a sensory feel to your kiddies day. The actual box is soft, tactile and colourful. The little characters, of which there are many to choose from, are sweet and engaging and sit on a light-up platform!

Sound is a really soothing way to create a routine each evening, manage emotions and listen to music or stories. It can be a ritual that you all snuggle down and look forward to. Even for us over-stimulated parents knowing you can cuddle your child and both listen is much more relaxing for both of you after a long day.

Apart from all the obvious calming benefits, listening to stories also encourages language development which I didn't know about until recently.

This is not just for bedtime though, lots of children use these to wind down after a busy school day which can sometimes be taxing. We all need that bit of time to regulate after work or school. Adults tend to do it on our commute by reading or listening to music. Children can do this with their Toniebox.

Learning Resources Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles

This very sweet set of Sensory Bottles offer a simple way for children to explore movement, colour and exciting swirling patterns and bubbles. We've seen some of these before, however what makes this set unusual is that these provide an opportunity to talk about emotions.

I've always found children open up more when the conversation is seen an aside to doing another activity, such as walking, playing or when we're in the car. This is usually when you find out how they're really feeling.

Watching colours, shapes and moving glittery contents can encourage children to pause and focus their attention on what they see. On the bottles there are faces showing various emotions so if your child doesn't want to talk about something they can choose that bottle to show you how they feel with a different method.

The bottles can also provide a starting point for conversations about feelings. An adult might ask a child how they feel, what the colours or movements remind them of, or what helps them feel calm when they are frustrated.

They are also a very satisfying way to spend time, watching the colours and sparkles move from one side to another, making shapes and swirling around. It reminds me of the effects of the kaleidoscope we all had as kids. You marvel, you take in patterns, colours and it's very relaxing.

Learning Resources Express Your Feelings sensory bottles

Choosing the Right Sensory Toys for Different Needs

Every child experiences the world differently. Some seek out movement, sound and tactile stimulation, while others prefer predictable routines, softer textures and quieter surroundings.

You will know best what your child responds to, but it always worth trying something new as well and you might both benefit from it, such as with easier bedtimes with a Toniebox.

Some children need a type of fidget toy for the repetitive motion and they don't necessarily need to be the most complicated or expensive. Even old school stress balls and therapy putty is helpful. Squeezing stress balls or stretching pliable putty is very tactile input on little hands. Whatever works for your child from Pop tubes, Wikki Stix, a balance disc or bouncy bands. Even gloopy slime has become very popular! Other children may prefer a lap pad and a quiet listening activity.

If your child has attention difficulties, ADHD or autism spectrum disorder they may have particular sensory needs, but there is no single set of toys that works for everyone. My son can't cope with anything mucky and my daughter would roll in mud it if she could. They are all unique!

The best types of sensory toys depend on a child's age, interests and preferences. There are many options above which will help bring a bit of curiousity and joy to everyday life. I hope this helps with your shopping gift list and maybe some of these will be in letters to Santa!