Santa Claus, little rascal, throw something in my shoe
Author: Jorieke Kroeze
Stimulus processing supervisor
Choice stress shoe gift 
With the start of the Sinterklaas news, the Sinterklaas experience has finally begun. At our house, they're allowed to put out their shoes once, knowing they'll also put them out at school or daycare, and that grandpa and grandma often put out shoes for their grandchildren as well.
Still, I always find it a challenge to find a shoe gift, because what do you choose and what's also reasonably priced? They'll actually play with it, and it'll contribute to their development. Something I, as a coach and outpatient counselor with extensive experience in sensory development, find important.
I've been searching for my top 5 shoe gifts, but I came across a sixth item I'd like to add to the list. I'm putting them in random order, because it's almost impossible to distinguish between which ones are more fun.
1. The stringed Christmas tree €3.75
Great for fine motor skills, made of beautiful materials, and a Christmas tree game they can keep repeating at home for ages. It's so much fun to create your own creations again and again.
2. Sensory blocks €7.95
Price-wise, one of the most expensive on this list, but with so many endless possibilities, these sensory blocks are a must-have for me. From tactile and auditory games to expanding other block sets, they're a real asset to any toy cupboard.
Maybe it's also an idea not to give them all at the same time.
3. Waterbeads €3.50
100 grams may seem like a small amount, but with waterbeads, it equals hours of fun. The wonder of it all is the wonder of seeing the waterbeads absorb all the water and grow bigger and bigger. They're used to make pancakes, pour tea, or happily rummage around in the bowl. After playing, we rinse them so they can play right away again. When they're ready for a different toy, I simply let the beads dry and shrink back to their original size. Adding water again a while later provides endless fun.
4. Lava Bubble Blubber €3.95
A wonderful toy to dream away with. Our favorite is to use while waiting at the doctor's office or on car rides. At the end of the day, the Lava Bubble Slush is also a great way to de-stress and recover from school or daycare.
5. Pocket puzzle giraffe €3.50
Adults don't usually put out shoes, but this one is secretly on my own list since I've just snatched up the kids' pocket puzzle. It's a great pocket puzzle fidget toy ; it's durable and silent, so it won't disturb anyone around you. I often use it during my online sessions to keep my hands moving.
6. Mad Mattr Quantum Pod €7.50
This is my all-time favorite. I love the texture of Mad Mattr . It doesn't dry out, has no odor, is gluten-free, and easy to store. It feels wonderfully soft in your hands without sticking. Perfect if your little one doesn't like sticky clay.
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