Summer unleashes loads of free time for kids to try to stay occupied, have fun, and recharge. It just so happens that a brother-sister duo right here in Fargo is making that even easier for families! Leika Sensory Creations was born out of the pandemic by two educators and is getting kids creative and inspired in a new way, with both handcrafted items they make and events they host using them!

Tell us about yourselves!

We are a brother-sister duo originally from Granville, ND and now we both reside in Fargo.

Ashley: I am an elementary school counselor at Northern Cass School. I am married and have two kids, ages 8 and 4. I love to plan budget travel adventures and take opportunities to explore the world any chance O het.

Mitch: I am an English teacher at West Fargo High School. I live with my wife and our dog in Fargo and enjoy reading, golfing, and being creative in my woodworking. Leika has provided a great opportunity to learn new skills, collect more tools, and spend more time building in the garage.

Describe what type of products you make under Leika Sensory Creations.

We create handcrafted sensory play items for kids—sensory kits, playdough jars, sensory tables, wooden playscapes, and more! We also offer monthly sensory kit subscriptions, community play events, and birthday or celebration sensory play designs!

Ashley creates our handcrafted sensory kits. We dye rice, noodles, and beans and make our own super soft playdough, which is the base to all of our sensory kits. We often pair these sensory bases with themed loose parts to encourage independent, creative play.

Mitch specializes in the playscapes, trays, and wooden tools and toys that we sell in our online shop. Together, our mission is to create sensible, imaginative experiences for children and adolescents at affordable prices.

Tell us how you got started with your business.

It was on one of our family trips to Iceland to trace our family roots that truly sparked the magic of sensory play.

At the time, Ashley’s daughter was 2 and a half years old. We had long day-trips planned each day to experience all the wonders of Iceland. Each day, we were astounded by her pure joy and engagement in the experience. A new sensory experience awaited around every corner—the heavy black rocks from the black sand beach, the cool water and rushing sounds of waterfalls and rivers, the crunch of the glaciers beneath their feet, and the peaceful warm sensations of the hot springs.

It was a total sensory experience that kept her intrigued and playful.

Then in 2020, when the pandemic sent educators home to teach virtually, we had to circle back to find ways to keep kids intrigued and playful.

It was then that Ashley researched the benefits of sensory play and experimented with her then prekindergarten daughter and 1.5-year-old son each day with sensory learning and play. In order for us to focus on our new-found virtual obligations, we had to restructure what play looked like in our home. Sensory play built more independence and child-led play. It regulated their bodies and emotions and allowed them to have new experiences when the world was on pause (and in chaos) on the outside.

And then friends started encouraging Ashley to create sensory kits for others and eventually, she roped her brother Mitch in to put his woodworking skills to work!

You often set up sensory stations at events you are a part of—what is a current kid fave?

Current kid faves at some of our play events have been our new critter kit with black beans and lots of bugs and reptiles and any sensory bin with water beads! Our scented playdough is always a hit too—families are always surprised at how soft our playdough is and how relaxing some of the scents are!

What is your personal favorite item or piece you’ve created so far?

Ashley: I love creating custom birthday party sensory bins and playdough invitations. Recently, we had a mom request a pool-sized monster truck sensory bin. It was so much fun creating big-scale sensory elements for littles to crash, scoop, pour, and jump over. I love thinking of new ways for kids to engage in their five senses and fine motor skills.

Mitch: Our sensory tables are my personal favorite. I make them out of cedar so that they are naturally weather resistant and they make a great playscape both indoors and outdoors. Hearing returning customers talk about how many hours their kids have played at the tables is the best part of this job!

Where can people find your work? Where can people find your work?

We have tons of summer and fall plans, which include vendor fairs, community play events, some speaking engagements, and even a few kid’s classes at the Unglued Craftatorium in Brewhalla! We love partnering with community organizations or businesses to offer classes or play events. We are always looking for new opportunities to ignite creative play with families in the FM area!

Website | leikasensorycreations.com
Facebook | /leikasensorycreations
Instagram | @leikasensorycreations