What do you put in your shoe? 3 sensory shoe gifts
Let's face it... most shoe gifts are plastic junk that breaks after two days. And if you put candy in the shoe, you'll spend the whole day arguing about "when can I eat it?" And that usually doesn't make me very happy.
I was looking for shoe gifts that were actually meaningful. Small enough for the shoe, but not messy. Sensory toys work fantastically well as shoe gifts for us. They're small, there are many sustainable options (like sensory bean bags ), and best of all: they help your child de-stress during the busy Sinterklaas season.
Why sensory toys make the perfect shoe gift
December is busy and exciting for everyone, but especially for young children. The house is decorated, you can put out your shoe, the arrival of the new arrival, making wish lists, and so on. For many children, Sinterklaas is an exciting time. That's why a sensory shoe gift is so great. Sensory toys help your child relax.
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that stimulate your child's senses through touch, smell, hearing, or sight. They help with sensory development and offer calm and relaxation. They are incredibly valuable toys for children to play with.
3 sensory shoe gifts for Sinterklaas that are always a hit
Sensory bean bags to play with
Sensory bean bags are perfect for shoes. They're filled with cherry pits and grape seeds. The different fillings and materials make each bag feel unique. They stimulate the senses of hearing and touch.
These play bags are wonderful to touch and shake, but also great for throwing games and all sorts of role-playing. No plastic junk, just durable toys that will last for years.
From what age is this a nice shoe gift?
The beanbags are fun for babies up to about 9 years old. They're open-ended toys that grow with your child's imagination. This makes them a great gift for toddlers and preschoolers.
Extra tip:
Choose one or two individual bean bags in your child's favorite color or a soft texture. Or buy the rainbow bean bags and give half as a gift for a shoe and the other half for Christmas Eve. The more bean bags, the more fun.
Need some play ideas? Here's how to play with beanbags .
photo of Laura's Bakery
Recipe + ingredients to bake gingerbread together
Baking together is also sensory play! Kneading, smelling, tasting... all the senses are engaged. Especially during busy times, it's nice to do something relaxing together. Plus, you'll be making something the whole family can enjoy.
It's also very educational. Your child will learn to measure, mix, and be patient. But how do you make it a fun shoe gift? Simple! Put all the ingredients in a nice bag or box and leave a note saying the butter is in the fridge. Write down or print out the recipe, and you're done! A perfect shoe gift for kids who love to help.
We always use this gingerbread recipe .
Photo from www.grennn.nl
Magic sand for hours of fun
Magic sand feels almost like cookie dough. You can knead, build, and scoop with it, and it doesn't stick. It stimulates children's fine motor skills, helps develop hand-eye coordination, and offers a soothing experience thanks to its unique texture.
Add a small shovel, gemstone, or natural treasures, and your child can play with it endlessly. The recommended age for magic sand is 3 years. So, if you're giving this as a Sinterklaas gift to a toddler or preschooler, enjoy playing together.
The best magic sand is from Grennn and nowadays they also have a small package for a nice price .
Sinterklaas doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes the greatest magic lies in small Sinterklaas gifts that bring peace to a busy time. Sensory toys are therefore the perfect gift for shoes. Would you like to celebrate Sinterklaas more consciously and sustainably? Then read my blog post, " A peaceful and sustainable Sinterklaas: this is how we do it. "
