Learning Resources Playfoam Sand Sensory Set Review

Reviewed by New_Mama

My son loves playing with sand and playdough so I was intrigued to try this sensory set of playfoam sand.

The parcel arrived in plain packaging with no excess waste. The item itself is packaged in a colourful cardboard box, matching the colours of the playfoam sand and tools themselves. A simple instruction leaflet is also included containing key points on how to play in 4 different languages.

The set contains three vibrant coloured playfoam sands, pink, yellow and blue. I loved the boldness of the colours and this was certainly also appealing to my son. Within the set are also several plastic tools with the same vibrant colour palate. These tools are 2 stampers, 1 double-sided roller/shovel, 1 double-sided stamper/poker, and 1 scissor scooper. Because of the tools, the item is designed for age 3 plus to reduce choking risks. Having only played with the sand set a few times, it is hard to know how robust the tools are when repeatedly in the hands of a young child, so only time will tell on this. The brand also advertises the cardboard box as doubling up as a sensory ‘bin’ allowing to your child to play with the playfoam sand within a container. This is a good idea and the thickness of the cardboard would allow it, however I think the size of the box is a bit limiting. Instead we used a tray as we often do for more crafty activities.

The playfoam sand is packaged in separate plastic bags. I was impressed that each of these bags is resealable to allow you to continue to store your colours separately until your child inevitably mixes them all up! The playfoam sand is designed to be mouldable like clay or playdough but then breaks up to a sand like texture. This seems very clever and from playing with it alongside my little boy, I can confirm that it certainly does behave in just this way! The brand have designed the sand to try to stimulate more senses, allowing for further brain stimulation and development.

My favourite aspect of the playfoam sand design is that is it designed to never dry out! The worst part of play dough and clay is the risk of it drying out if left unattended or not sealed correctly. I haven’t tested the claim yet in the time we have had it but if true this is certainly a major plus!

I think compared to the cost of buying alternatives, such as playdough and moulding clay, this pack is quite expensive. However I think the additional cost is based on the novel aspects of this ‘sand’ as well as the fact that multiple tools are included, creating an activity beyond most sand or playdough packs. Additionally given it never dries out, one set should technically last a lifetime rather than needing to buy multiple cheaper alternatives.

Learning resources also do other sets in the same range including an ‘Ice cream sundae set’ and ‘ABC cookies set.’ You can also buy an 8 pack of different coloured playfoam sands to add to any pack for even more creativity and fun at home. A great alternative to other sensory and tactile play options!

Rating: I would give this product a rating of 4 out of 5.

RRP: £22

Available from Playfoam Sand | Sensory Set | Learning Resources