When your child is stuck in a routine of screens and quiet play, it can feel like they're missing something important — a spark, a sense of wonder, a chance to truly explore the world around them. That’s where Young Wild and Friedman comes in. Born from the heart of a parent’s need to connect with her child, this company has become a go-to for sensory play kits that engage kids in ways that are both fun and educational. If you're looking for activities that stimulate the senses, encourage creativity, and support early development, then Young Wild and Friedman might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Whether you’re a parent of a child with special needs or just looking for something different to do on a rainy afternoon, sensory play can be a game-changer. It helps kids explore textures, sounds, colors, and smells in a safe, structured way. And that’s exactly what Julie Friedman, the founder of Young Wild and Friedman, had in mind when she started creating sensory kits back in 2017. What began as a personal project to support her own child’s development has grown into a thriving small business, beloved by parents and educators alike.

What makes Young Wild and Friedman stand out is its focus on hands-on, immersive play experiences. Each kit is thoughtfully designed to keep kids engaged while subtly supporting their cognitive, motor, and sensory development. From tactile bins filled with natural materials to themed sensory bags that spark imagination, the company offers a wide range of options for kids of all ages. So, if you're curious about how sensory play can benefit your little one — or if you're just looking for a new way to keep them entertained — read on to discover more about this unique brand and what makes it so special.

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Table of Contents

• How It Began: The Story Behind Young Wild and Friedman
• What Is Sensory Play and Why Does It Matter?
• Why Young Wild and Friedman Stands Out
• Top Sensory Kits You Can Try
• How to Choose the Right Kit for Your Child
• FAQs About Young Wild and Friedman

How It Began: The Story Behind Young Wild and Friedman

It all started back in 2017, when Julie Friedman noticed her child was struggling with speech development. As a mom and a natural problem-solver, she began exploring different ways to support his growth and communication skills. That’s when she discovered the power of sensory play. It wasn’t long before she started putting together little kits for her own kids — filled with textures, sounds, and colors that would engage their senses and encourage interaction.

What began as a personal experiment quickly turned into something bigger. Friends and family wanted to know where she got these kits. Then, a few local parents asked if she’d sell them. It was a classic “whoa, I started a business!” kind of moment. Julie didn’t set out to build a brand — she just wanted to help her child and share what worked with others. But the response was so positive that she decided to take the leap and officially launch Young Wild and Friedman.

Today, the company offers a wide range of sensory play products, all designed with the same care and intention that Julie put into her very first kits. She still runs the business with a hands-on approach, often testing new ideas with her own kids before they hit the market. It’s a small but mighty team that truly believes in the power of play, and that shows in every product they create.

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What Is Sensory Play and Why Does It Matter?

Sensory play is any activity that stimulates a child’s senses — touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. These experiences help kids explore the world around them, build motor skills, and develop cognitive abilities. It’s more than just messy play, though that’s often part of the fun. Sensory activities encourage kids to use their hands, observe changes, make predictions, and learn through trial and error — all important parts of early learning.

For kids with developmental delays or sensory processing issues, these types of activities can be especially beneficial. They provide a safe, structured way to explore new textures and sensations, which can help reduce sensory sensitivities over time. But even kids without special needs benefit from sensory play. It’s a way to engage them in open-ended, creative play that keeps them interested and curious.

Young Wild and Friedman’s kits are designed with this in mind. Each one is filled with materials that encourage kids to touch, smell, listen, and look closely. Whether it’s a bin filled with soft cotton balls and smooth stones, or a themed bag with tiny toys and colorful rice, every kit is a chance for kids to learn through play — without even realizing it.

Why Young Wild and Friedman Stands Out

There are a lot of sensory play products out there, but Young Wild and Friedman is different. For one thing, the company is run by a real mom who knows what it’s like to raise kids in the real world. Julie doesn’t just design kits — she uses them with her own children, making sure they’re not only fun but practical for busy parents.

The kits are also incredibly well-thought-out. They’re designed to be easy to set up, clean up, and store — which is a big deal when you’re juggling kids, work, and everything else. Each kit comes with a clear purpose, whether it’s to promote fine motor skills, encourage imaginative play, or simply offer a calming sensory experience.

Another thing that makes Young Wild and Friedman stand out is the attention to detail. The materials are safe, non-toxic, and thoughtfully curated to create a rich sensory experience. There’s no cheap filler here — just high-quality, engaging items that encourage kids to explore and learn. Plus, the themes are fun and varied, from “Dinosaur Dig” to “Rainbow Rice Bin,” so there’s always something new to try.

Top Sensory Kits You Can Try

Ready to dive into sensory play? Here are some of the most popular kits from Young Wild and Friedman that parents love:

• Rainbow Rice Bin – Filled with colorful, textured rice and small toys, this bin is perfect for scooping, pouring, and exploring colors.
• Dinosaur Dig – Bury mini dinosaurs in a bin of kinetic sand and let kids excavate their finds. It’s a fun way to combine sensory play with imaginative storytelling.
• Sensory Bags – These sealed bags are filled with squishy materials and fun items like glitter, beads, and small animals. Great for little hands that aren’t quite ready for messy play yet.
• Winter Wonderland – A seasonal kit with cotton balls, fake snow, and tiny animals for a cold-weather sensory adventure.
• Texture Tubs – Designed to help kids get used to different textures, these bins include soft, crunchy, smooth, and squishy items that are both soothing and stimulating.

Each kit is easy to use and clean up, making them perfect for playrooms, classrooms, or even therapy sessions. And if you sign up for their newsletter, you’ll be the first to know when new kits are released — which they do pretty regularly!

How to Choose the Right Kit for Your Child

Picking the right sensory kit can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time trying sensory play. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:

1. Consider your child’s age and interests – Younger kids might enjoy simple textures and bright colors, while older kids might prefer themed kits with a bit more complexity.
2. Think about sensory needs – If your child is sensitive to touch, start with smoother textures like rice or cotton balls. If they’re looking for more intense input, try something crunchy or squishy.
3. Look for open-ended play – The best kits encourage creativity and imagination. Avoid anything too rigid or structured — let the play be free-flowing.
4. Check for safety – Make sure all materials are non-toxic and age-appropriate. Avoid small pieces if you have younger kids or pets around.
5. Start small – It’s easy to get excited and want to buy them all, but it’s better to start with one or two kits and see what your child enjoys most.

If you’re still unsure, check out reviews from other parents or reach out to Young Wild and Friedman directly. They’re super helpful and love hearing from customers. And remember, it’s okay if your child doesn’t love every kit — just like adults, kids have their own preferences!

FAQs About Young Wild and Friedman

1. What age are Young Wild and Friedman kits best for?

Most kits are designed for kids ages 2 and up, but they can be adapted for older or younger children depending on their developmental level. Always supervise younger kids to ensure safe play.

2. Are the materials safe and reusable?

Yes! All materials are non-toxic and safe for kids. Many kits are designed to be reused, and you can often refill or extend the play with household items like plastic animals, toy cars, or measuring cups.

3. Can I customize a kit?

Currently, the kits are pre-designed, but you can mix and match items or add your own twists. If you have a specific request, you can reach out to the team — they love hearing from customers and might consider special requests!

Want to explore more? Learn more about sensory play or shop Young Wild and Friedman’s latest kits here.