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 journal, the starting signal for the Sinterklaas experience has finally been given. At our home, they are allowed to put out their shoe once, knowing that they will also put out their shoe at school or daycare and that grandpa and grandma often put out a shoe for the grandchildren.
Still, I always find it a challenge to find a shoe gift, because what do you choose and is also nicely priced. Do they really play with it and does it do something for their development. Something that I as a coach and ambulant supervisor with a lot of experience in the sensory area also find important.
I went looking for my top 5 shoe gifts, but came across a sixth item that I would like to put on the list. I put them in random order, because it is almost impossible to distinguish between what is nicer.
1. The stringed Christmas tree €3.75
Good for fine motor skills, made of beautiful material and a Christmas tree game that they can repeat for a long time at home. Very nice to make your own creations again and again.
2. Sensory blocks €7.95
Price-wise one of the most expensive on this list, but so many endless possibilities that these sensory blocks should not be missing in my opinion. From feel and hear games to expansion of other block sets. An enrichment of the toy cupboard.
Maybe it's also an idea not to give them all at the same time.
3. Waterbeads €3.50
100 grams seems very little, but with waterbeads it equals hours of fun. The wonder when the waterbeads absorb all the water and grow bigger and bigger. They are made into pancakes, poured into tea or happily rummaged around in the tub. After playing we rinse them so they can play right away the next time. When they are ready for other toys I just let the beads dry and shrink back to their original size. When you add water again a while later you have endless fun in the house again.
4. Lava Bubble Blubber €3.95
Lovely toy to dream away with. For us a favourite to use during waiting times at the doctor or car rides. At the end of the day, the Lava Bubble Blubber is also wonderfully used to de-stimulate and recover from school or daycare.
5. Pocket puzzle giraffe €3.50
Usually adults don't put out a shoe, but this one is secretly on my own list since I've now taken the pocket puzzle from the kids. Lovely pocket puzzle fidget toy , can withstand a knock and makes no noise so it doesn't disturb the environment. I often use it myself during my online sessions so that I can go somewhere with my moving hands.
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, doesn't smell, is gluten-free, and is easy to store. It feels wonderfully soft in your hands without sticking to them. Perfect if your child doesn't like sticky clay.
