Picking toys for your little one can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to help them learn and grow while having fun. Developmental toys are a great way to do just that—they’re designed to encourage everything from hand-eye coordination to problem-solving, all wrapped up in play. Whether it’s a colourful puzzle or a baby walker, these toys help kids explore and discover new things. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to some of the best developmental toys for every age and stage.
We all want to give our kids the best start, right? Developmental toys aren’t just about keeping them entertained, they help build skills that’ll stick with them as they grow. The best part is finding educational toys that grow alongside your child, keeping playtime interesting and meaningful, from those first wobbly steps through the toddler years and beyond. Choosing the right toys is a simple way to support their natural curiosity and learning, without any stress.
Helping your little one learn and grow through fun & engaging developmental toys
Comfort Me Raffy™
RRP: $69.95
WHERE TO BUY: Kitty & Raffy
For big feelings and little hearts.
Kitty and Raffy’s Comfort Me Raffy™ isn’t just a soft and snuggly plush—he’s a calming companion specially made to support kids dealing with anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm.
With a gentle press, Raffy plays soothing sounds and calming words to help children regulate their emotions and feel grounded when things get a bit too much. His soft, plush design offers comfort through touch, while his encouraging audio reassures kids they’re never alone.
Whether it’s bedtime nerves, school jitters, or just an emotional day, Raffy is a non judgemental friend always ready for cuddles, calm, and quiet time. Loved by children and adults alike, he’s more than a toy—he’s a little dose of emotional well-being in fluffy form.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: CODE: MUMCENTRAL OFFER: FREE SHIPPING EXPIRES: 30 AUGUST 2025
Techy Tikes 3D Printing Pen for Kids
RRP: $54.95
WHERE TO BUY: Techy Tikes
The 3D Printing Pen for Kids by Techy Tikes brings together STEM learning, creativity, and hands-on fun in one brilliant gift. It lets children draw in three dimensions using non-toxic PLA filament—no screens, no mess, just open-ended play.
Perfect for curious minds aged 6 and up, this second-generation pen features an easy-to-read LED screen and adjustable temperature settings so kids can create dinosaurs, jewellery, or entire fantasy worlds with total control. It’s intuitive and safe, with thoughtful extras like finger covers and a travel case included.
Loved by parents and a favourite for holidays, birthdays, and car rides, this STEM toy inspires big thinking and fine motor skills—without the chaos of traditional craft kits.
Recommended for ages 6+ with supervision. The product includes small parts.
Not suitable for children under 3 years.
SWIM Australia™ SplashSave Parent Pack
RRP: $55
WHERE TO BUY: Swim Australia
Make a splash, safely.
Created by SWIM Australia™, the SplashSave Parent Pack is a must-have for families wanting to build water confidence and safety awareness from the very beginning. Designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers, this easy-to-follow program walks you through step-by-step water safety activities ideal for children aged 0–8 years.
Filled with engaging games and supported by e-learning, the SplashSave program helps families build vital skills in and around water, perfect for homes with pools or for those without easy access to formal lessons or aquatic centres.
It’s not a learn-to-swim program—but it is a powerful tool for creating safe, positive water experiences right from your own backyard or bath.
BAKOBA Build Your Own World
RRP: $119
WHERE TO BUY: Stemtoy
The building blocks that float, flex, and fire up imaginations!
Meet BAKOBA, a whole new way to build, bend, and create! These award-winning Danish-designed building blocks are soft, flexible, and water-friendly, giving kids the freedom to explore and create without the clatter of hard plastic.
Made from high-quality EVA foam, BAKOBA blocks are STEM-certified and perfect for bath time, beach play, or the backyard. They’re even machine washable, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, clever “Connectors” mean you can combine them with LEGO for endless creative combos.
From 3 to 9 years and beyond, Stemtoys BAKOBA grows with your child, helping them build motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and big ideas—one squishy block at a time.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: CODE: mumcentral2025 SAVE: 20% OFF ALL BAKOBA PRODUCTS EXPIRY: 31 DECEMBER 2025
tonies® Book Tonies
RRP: $199
WHERE TO BUY: tonies®
Not just story time, story on their time.
Meet Book Tonies, the newest addition to the tonies® family. These hand-painted little storytellers are packed with full-length, unabridged chapter books, perfectly suited to independent listeners aged 5–7. They’re made for kids who love turning pages—and those who’d rather press play.
From bestsellers and page-turners to quirky favourites, Book Tonies are building blocks for a growing audiobook library, powered by imagination, not screens. And yes, they’re collectible (good luck stopping at just one).
Pop a Book Tonie on the Toniebox, and your little listener is off—no cords, no screens, no fuss. Just hours of magical, hands-free listening that helps boost reading, language, and focus skills (we see you, reluctant readers).
The Totli Box
RRP: $89
WHERE TO BUY: Totli
One box. Infinite possibilities.
Say goodbye to toy clutter and hello to the Totli Box — a beautifully designed Montessori sensory box that brings meaningful, contained play into your home. Designed by child development experts, the Totli Box features three interactive sides that invite babies and toddlers to push, pull, post, and explore, all while developing real developmental skills like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and cause and effect.
From peekaboo silks that satisfy the irresistible tissue-box obsession to colourful posting coins and sensory balls that help kids explore weight and texture, every element of the Totli Box has a purpose. Even better, all of it stores neatly inside, making it a go-to staple you won’t mind leaving out on display.
Thoughtfully made from baby-safe materials and free from noise, screens or flashing lights, the Totli Box encourages open-ended play that grows with your child. It’s the original Montessori sensory box — and it might just be the only toy you need.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 15% OFF SITEWIDE* CODE: MC15 EXPIRES: 30 AUGUST 2025 *Excludes gift cards and can't be combined with other offers.
CONNETIX Rainbow Ball Run Pack – 92 Piece
RRP: $145
WHERE TO BUY:CONNETIX
Let the ball roll – in the most colourful way possible.
Bring playtime to life with the CONNETIX Rainbow Ball Run Pack – a 92-piece set that transforms magnetic tiles into a vibrant world of STEM learning, open-ended play, and hands-on fun. Designed to spark creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and confidence, this exciting addition to the CONNETIX range grows with your child as their builds become bolder and more complex.
Made with strong magnets and a durable, clever design, the Ball Run features vibrant rainbow wooden balls, fluted tubes (including an exclusive X-shape), double-entry bowls, and special-effect staircases for sensory-rich exploration. Whether they’re building simple tracks or epic obstacle runs, kids are encouraged to use their imagination, test ideas, and build resilience through creative play.
Proudly STEAM and MESH accredited, CONNETIX supports learning across science, arts, and social development. Tiles are crafted from non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free ABS plastic, sealed and riveted for extra safety, and finished with a unique bevelled edge for dazzling light refractions. Safe. Engaging. Built to last. CONNETIX Tiles are designed with care and meet leading international safety standards.
Counting Stacker Board Puzzle
RRP: $40
WHERE TO BUY: Lime Tree Kids
Counting and stacking made fun
Introduce your child to the world of numbers and colours with the Counting Stacker Board Puzzle. This beautifully crafted wooden toy offers a hands-on approach to learning, allowing children to explore counting, patterns, and colour recognition in an engaging way.
Designed to foster early numeracy skills, the puzzle encourages kids to build towers, sort by colour, and understand concepts like taller vs. shorter and bigger vs. smaller. Its interactive nature also promotes language development when played with an adult, making it a perfect tool for collaborative learning.
Made with non-toxic paint and durable materials, this puzzle is both safe and long-lasting. Measuring approximately 43cm in length, it’s suitable for children aged 2 years and up, providing endless opportunities for educational play.
LeapFrog My 1st Phonics Spin & Learn
RRP: $34.99
WHERE TO BUY: Casey’s Toys
Spin into phonics fun!
Introduce your little one to the world of phonics with the LeapFrog My 1st Phonics Spin & Learn. Designed for toddlers, this engaging educational toy helps develop essential reading and vocabulary skills through interactive play.
Featuring a large red button that activates vibrant lights around the illustrations, this toy captures children’s attention while reinforcing phonics concepts. As the lights illuminate various pictures, kids hear phrases that encourage connections between visuals and sounds. With ten light-up buttons and easy-turn pages, the toy offers a variety of playful scenarios, including a cat in a castle and a yeti with a yo-yo.
The LeapFrog My 1st Phonics Spin & Learn is an engaging educational toy designed to help young children develop essential reading and vocabulary skills.
VTech First Steps Baby Walker
RRP: $69.99
WHERE TO BUY: Toymate
Encourage your little one’s first steps with fun and learning.
The VTech First Steps Baby Walker, in pink, is designed to support your baby’s development as they take their first steps. With a sturdy design and engaging features, it provides both support and entertainment.
As your baby begins to walk, the walker offers stability and balance. The interactive panel introduces numbers, colours, shapes, and animals through fun sounds and music, keeping your child engaged while learning.
This walker grows with your child, transitioning from a seated activity centre to a walking aid, making it a versatile addition to your baby’s developmental toys.
Investing in developmental toys for babies and kids is more than just buying playthings, it’s about nurturing your child’s potential and creating joyful moments of discovery. With the right tools, you can watch your little one gain confidence, develop important skills, and have plenty of fun along the way.
Remember, the best developmental toys aren’t about flash and noise but meaningful play that sparks imagination, learning, and connection. Your child’s growth is a beautiful journey, and the right developmental toys can be wonderful companions every step of the way.
Our Developmental Toys shopping guide is a sponsored roundup editorial, where we handpick and collaborate with brands we genuinely admire to bring you the latest trends. If you’re interested in joining our future editions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
