best interactive toys for fostering social skills in children

In today's digital age, encouraging children to develop social skills is more important than ever. Interactive toys play a crucial role in this development by providing engaging platforms for children to connect with others. In 2026, we have seen a variety of toys that not only entertain but also foster communication, cooperation, and empathy among young ones. Here we explore some of the best interactive toys available, specifically designed to nurture these essential social skills.

Cooperative Board Games

Board games have evolved beyond the traditional formats, with many new games focusing on cooperation rather than competition. One standout is "Hoot Owl Hoot!" This game encourages players to work together to help the owls return to their nest before the sun comes up. It fosters teamwork and strategic thinking as children must communicate and plan their moves together.

Another excellent choice is "Outfoxed!" This interactive whodunit game requires players to collaborate to solve a mystery. It teaches critical thinking and promotes dialogue among players as they discuss clues and share ideas, thus enhancing their ability to work as a team.

Robotic Companions

Robotic toys like "Botley 2.0" have taken the market by storm. This hands-on coding robot encourages children to communicate their ideas and instructions through coding challenges. As kids work together to programme Botley to complete various tasks, they improve their verbal skills and learn how to articulate their thoughts effectively.

Furthermore, the "LEGO Boost" kit allows children to build and programme their robots. This interactive experience encourages collaboration, as children can share their designs and coding solutions, thereby enhancing their problem-solving skills and fostering social interaction.

Role-Playing Sets

Role-playing toys are incredibly effective in teaching kids about social roles and interactions. The "Play-Doh Kitchen Creations" set is a fantastic option that allows children to role-play as chefs and restaurant owners. This imaginative play scenario encourages children to interact with peers, negotiate roles, and discuss their culinary creations, thus improving their conversational abilities.

Similarly, "The Fire Station Playset" from Melissa & Doug offers children a chance to engage in imaginative play while learning about teamwork and community roles. As they act out various scenarios, children improve their ability to empathise with others and understand different perspectives.

Interactive Storytelling

Storytelling toys such as the "Story Cubes" game are perfect for inspiring creativity and language skills. By rolling the cubes and creating stories based on the images, children learn to express themselves while also listening to their peers. This activity promotes collaborative storytelling, where children can support each other's ideas and contribute to a shared narrative.

Another engaging option is the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books, which encourage groups to read together and make decisions about the story's direction. This interactive approach not only improves literacy but also enhances communication and group decision-making skills.

Musical Instruments

Musical toys like the "Hape Pound and Tap Bench" allow children to explore sound while encouraging group play. Children can join in rhythm games, encouraging them to listen to one another and respond musically. This cooperative play fosters social bonds and teaches kids to appreciate teamwork in creating harmonious sounds.

Furthermore, the "Little Tikes Musical Activity Garden" is another excellent choice, enabling kids to discover music and share their creations with friends, promoting interaction and socialisation.

Emotional Development Toys

Toys that focus on emotional intelligence, such as the "Feelings Flashcards," help children recognise and express their feelings. These tools can be used in group settings to facilitate discussion about emotions and support children in developing empathy for others. This is vital in fostering healthy social interactions and understanding in a diverse environment.