Today we celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome, advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing.

Did you know that our bodies are made up of millions of cells and in each cell, there are 46 chromosomes? The DNA in our chromosomes determines how we develop. Down syndrome is caused when there is an extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. They have an extra copy of their chromosome 21, which is why Down syndrome is also sometimes known as trisomy 21 and that is why World Down Syndrome Day is on the 21.03.

Today we want to celebrate our Freddie Fantastic and share a little more about his favourite sensory play, so you can try it too as it's simple but fun.

Freddie is nine and he loves tower rangers (who doesn’t love them?), going to the park, swimming lessons and playing with his brothers. Freddie has Down syndrome and it’s a part of what makes him special because he truly is a very special little boy.

One of Freddie’s favourites activities is rainbow rice sensory play. But it wasn't always his favourite. His first introduction to a sensory play began with a plain tub of white rice. Brianna (the founder of The Creative Toyshop) was so excited and prepared for a great mess but something she hadn't planned had happened. Freddie simply refused to touch the rice. She was a little surprised and disheartened but kept pushing. On their second sensory tub Freddie put one finger into the tub and then quickly refused to touch it any more. Freddie’s younger brother Preston had played with it for about 15 minutes and modelled different play ideas.

This process took months and there were many ideas they've tried together, from colouring the rice, to adding plastic insects and animals. Brianna brought the sensory rice tub out for a few minutes at a regular intervals. Slowly Freddie became more comfortable and interested. He now loves the sensory rice tubs and branched out into using many other materials. The great motto for this process is: 'Slow and Steady'. Let us know about your experience with sensory tubs in the comments below.

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day we are donating 10% of our sales today to the Down Syndrome New South Wales.

Check our carefully curated Sensory collection selected by the founder herself. Our favourites include Sensory Blocks, Sensory Railway, Sensory Puzzle and very popular Metal Rimmed Counting Chips and Magnetic Wand.