Light up toys are our best sellers. Some are simple, others are more complex. All immediately grab our attention. Spellbound, we focus intently on the lights. Waiting expectantly to see what comes next. While watching, we’re so absorbed in the moment that we forget our worries. As a result, our mood improves. Beyond that, our bodies relax and our minds calm. Which is what makes light up toys such effective distraction toys. As well as why making time to play is good for the body and good for the brain.
Beyond those benefits, light up toys help children develop skills. Not only by reenforcing their emerging understanding cause and effect but also by improving their fine motor skills. In addition, following the movement of the lights strengthens visual tracking skills. Universally appealing, light up toys delight both the young and the young at heart. Starting at number 7, here’s our take on what makes each of these light up toys a winner. Sales determined the order of the best light up toys.
Going Swing
Seventh place goes to Going Swing which changes color with a squeeze of the hand. Move through seven constant colors: blue, green, red, purple, cyan, yellow, and white to slow, then fast pulsing color bursts. Shock resistant polycarbonate core features a removable, ribbed, thermoplastic cover that provides slip resistant tactile stimulation. Going Swing comes with a detachable lanyard for wearing and swinging. Imagine calling your posse together and creating dazzling light shows. Simply by dancing, prancing, and waving Going Swings. Then use your smart phone to capture the spontaneous celebration of light and movement.
Light Up Whirly Wheel
Number six, Light Up Whirly Wheel, demonstrates how something old can become new again with the addition of lights. Experience centrifugal forces first hand. Tip Whirly Wheel up and down by its handle to make the wheel spin. Spinning creates the rainbow light effect, The faster the wheel spins, the brighter the light display. High quality magnets keep the wheel spinning smoothly along metal rails. Drop the wheel onto the floor, and watch the top spin like crazy! Not only develops visual tracking skills but also improves fine motor skills and wrist rotation. Measures 12″ long.
Going Magic Light Ball
Fifth place belongs to Going Magic Light Ball. This 2 3/4-inch diameter ball changes color with a squeeze of the hand. Squeeze through seven colors – blue, green, red, purple, cyan, yellow, and white plus three light modes – constant color, slow, and fast pulsing. Know how to juggle? Going Magic Light Ball is ideal for creating dazzling, mesmerizing light shows. The shock resistant polycarbonate core is clad in a removable, ribbed, thermoplastic cover that provides slip resistant tactile stimulation.
Light Up Magnetic Gyro Wheel
This variation on Light Up Whirly Wheel, another of our Best Ever Light Up Toys, allows us to experience centrifugal force first hand as we tip Magnetic Gyro Wheel up and down by its handle to make the wheel spin around the ring. Spinning creates the rainbow light effect; the faster the wheel spins, the brighter the light display. High quality magnets keep the wheel spinning smoothly. Drop the wheel onto the floor and watch the top spin and spin and spin. Develops fine motor skills, wrist rotation, and visual tracking. Measures 8″ long.
Flashing Spiky Ball
In fourth place is the sensory and simply delightful Flashing Spiky Ball. Bounce or whack on a hard surface to activate the colored flashing lights inside this 2 1/2″ diameter malleable, spiky ball. The soft spikes provide sensory input that many children and adults find calming.
Light Up DNA Ball
Number three is the ultra smooth, soft, flexible, thermoplastic, elastomer Light Up DNA Ball. Filled with soft, translucent mini spheres in assorted bright pastels and a LED ball that lights up when squeezed. In addition to relieving stress, squeezing improves flexibility and strengthens the muscles in fingers and hand.
Lazer Lightz
Fit-on-your-fingers lights. Simply slide the switch forward to turn on the LED, then light up the night. Wiggle your fingers, wave your arms, and dance around. Add music and let your imagination soar. Develops bi-lateral coordination, fine and gross motor, and visual tracking skills. Encourages movement and creativity.
Meteor Storm
At the top of light up toys is Meteor Storm. A spinning ring of 10 lights creates ever-changing, multi-colored light patterns inside a clear globe. Steady hum and gentle vibration add auditory and tactile input for a multi-sensory experience. Touch and hold on/off button teaches cause and effect and keeps child engaged. Measures 8″ tall. Meteor Storm is the ultimate distraction toy and a consistent motivator. Teachers of the visually impaired report students so eager to earn play time with a Meteor Storm that they readily “get down to business” and complete their assignments promptly. And, of course, Meteor Storm is a great antidote to a grey day or a dark night.
- PlayopolisToys – for the diverse needs of the citizens of play
