Did you know that the first Wednesday of every August is National Play Day? To mark the occasion, blind writer Charlotte Bateman shares her memories of play as a child, and her top toy picks especially suited for children with sight loss.
One of my happiest memories from childhood is spending endless hours just playing.
I was born in 2001, before tablets and smartphones took over. Back then, it was all about toys. And as a blind child, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Everything was tactile. I spent hours building Lego houses, clicking magnets together, squishing putty, acting out scenes with my velvety Sylvanian Families and plastic Playmobil characters. I loved toys that made sounds too, from classic woopie cushions to my all-time favourite: a battery-operated chimp from Argos. And don’t even get me started on Bop It. I was obsessed.
But play isn’t just fun and games. It’s serious business when it comes to child development. Research shows that toys support cognitive, social, emotional, language and motor skills. For blind children, tactile and sensory-rich play is especially powerful. It helps build spatial awareness, fine motor coordination, sensory integration and most importantly, confidence and independence. Through touch, sound, scent, texture and movement, blind children can explore, create and imagine on their own terms.
And let’s not pretend that play is just for kids. I’m now 23, and I still find playing with tactile or creative toys deeply therapeutic. I’m not the only one. Adult toy sales are booming, particularly when it comes to building sets, the fastest growing toy category in the UK.
So, in honour of National Play Day, here’s our list of top tactile and inclusive toys for blind children and their families. These are tried and tested favourites across all ages.
Kefii Bubble Cleanser
What it is: A natural bubble bath that creates fluffy, mouldable bubbles with fruity fragrances.
Why it’s great: Combines scent, touch and sound in one sensory-rich experience. The bubbles can be squished and shaped, making bath time both playful and calming.
Where to buy: Amazon UK
Kinetics Magnetic Tiles
What it is: Brightly coloured magnetic tiles used to build 2D or 3D structures.
Why it’s great: The clicking magnets and stackable shapes give great tactile and audio feedback. Fantastic for spatial learning, imagination and coordination.
Where to buy: John Lewis, Amazon or most toy shops
Plus Plus Building Blocks
What it is: A construction toy made from one simple puzzle-shaped piece that clicks together in endless ways.
Why it’s great: All pieces feel the same so they’re easy to recognise by touch. Great for fine motor skills and building complex structures.
Where to buy: Amazon, John Lewis, independent toy shops
Big Potato Games
What it is: Fun, fast-paced games based on sound and conversation like Sounds Fishy, Herd Mentality and The Chameleon.
Why it’s great: These games are designed around talking and listening, so they’re naturally accessible for blind kids without needing much adaptation.
Where to buy: Big Potato Games website, Amazon, or game shops
Brain Master Braille Puzzle Ball (8+)
What it is: A 3D spherical puzzle, similar to a Rubik’s Cube, but with Braille on the coloured segments.
Why it’s great: Created specifically for blind users. You solve it by identifying and aligning pieces by touch.
Where to buy: Amazon
Braille Sudoku or Sliding Puzzle Games (8+)
What it is: Compact puzzle boards with Braille-marked tiles that can be moved around to complete logic challenges.
Why it’s great: Encourages logical thinking and problem-solving. The Braille and raised textures make them great for solo tactile play.
Where to buy: Etsy
Stress Balls from brands like Scrunchems or NeeDoh (3+)
What they are: Squishy, squeezable balls that come in different textures, shapes and sizes.
Why they’re great: Ideal for sensory play, fidgeting and exploring textures. They’re also excellent for hand strengthening and calming anxiety.
Where to buy: Amazon
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