As moms, we all know that sometimes silence is golden. Of course, they call it that because little ones need constant stimulation, making silence about as precious as literal gold.
From the shrieks of toddlerhood antics to playing with siblings and friends to the blaring off-notes of teen musical favorites, growing up is not a quiet activity. Indeed, kids are the original noisemaker, and in most households, they don’t exactly need toys to keep the volume high. So, while drum sets and toy guitars and light-up kazoos have their time and place in childhood development, kids — OK, mostly their parents! — also need toys that can travel through childhood a little more quietly.
From innovative new inventions that turn parts into toys to classic building blocks that keep kids busy for hours on end, we’ve compiled a list of the top noise-free toys that will entertain kids without filling the air with unwanted blasts of sound. Here are our top picks.
Creativity for Kids The Very Hungry Caterpillar Toy: Ready to Grow Garden
Just in time for springtime gardening with grownups, little ones can decorate, plant, and grow their own apple-shaped terrarium based on the classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar book! Bring your mini garden to life with quick-grow chia seeds, colorful translucent stickers, and an adorable hungry caterpillar toy.
Slumberkins Unicorn Kin
$48
from
Slumberkins
Slumberkins is a leading children’s brand that is on a mission to promote early emotional learning. The brand created age-appropriate books with accompanying cuddly creatures to help parents teach important emotional and social skills like stress management, gratitude, and conflict resolution. The Slumberkins Unicorn Kin knows she is different and lets her light shine!
Wooden Grasping Toy by MORI
Perfect for little hands to hold, the Wooden Grasping Toy is made from natural FSC Beech wood and FSC MDF, which is durable and safe to chew. It's designed to encourage fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination through clutching and grasping practice.
Hanging Sensory Squares by Etta Loves
$29
from
Modern Nursery
This triple pack of hanging squares makes sensory play easy, anywhere. The scientifically developed sensory squares are reversible and designed for babies 0-5 months and feature patterns designed to support cognitive and visual development. Attach to the baby gym, car seat, stroller, or more.
Learning Resources New Sprouts Picnic Set
Pretend play sets like this one from Learning Resources encourages creative play, problem-solving, and cooperation with others. Let little ones use their imagination while working on fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Mega Bloks Big Building Bag 80-Piece Building Set
Get creative with the classics. Kids love this 80-piece set, which comes in an eco-friendly bag for easy storage. The set features bright primary-colored blocks that are big, making it easy for little fingers to assemble! Encourage hands-on exploration, problem-solving, and cooperation while kids develop their fine-motor skills. Compatible with all Mega Bloks First Builders sets.
