How it all began
Leika began in 2021 as a creative journey between Mitch and Ashley (me!), a brother-sister duo, who brought two passions together--woodworking and sensory play. We grew up in Granville, North Dakota - a small town in north central North Dakota. It was there that Mitch inherited his love of woodworking from his grandparents who ran an antique store and furniture restoration business for many years. As for me, I have always loved working with youth and finding creative ways to engage in the learning process. We both went into the field of education - Mitch a former high school English teacher and me an elementary school teacher and now counselor. The two of us spent three years building Leika Sensory Creations from the ground up - Mitch creating handcrafted sensory tables, balance beams, and other wood sensory creations; and me focusing on designing playful sensory kits and perfecting Leika’s playdough recipe.
Truth be told – I persuaded my brother to come along for the small business ride. Have you ever wanted to do something BRAVE but just couldn’t take the leap by yourself? That was me - I spent all of COVID raising two young kids with limited social experiences, and sensory play became my jam! So many friends and family members nudged me into making Leika a reality. My brother has always been my best friend, and he’s super talented (and a great salesman!). Bless his heart (actually - my SIL’s heart) for creating a saw dust disaster in his garage for almost four years and helping me make a little dream come true. I hope you all have a brother like Mitch - he is a real gem!
Now, almost five years later, Mitch has stepped away from both teaching and Leika - so it’s just ME, Ashley! When it gets a little chaotic, I call in my friend and co-worker, Courtney, to help stuff playdough jars and build content. I am trying to balance being a mom of two great kids (ages 10 & 7), a wife to a writer and college assistant professor husband, a school counselor, and a small business owner. I really love all those roles and I am so happy you have stumbled upon Leika. Today, Leika provides sensory kits, playdough jars, wholesale partnerships, and party experiences focusing on imaginative play geared towards kiddos ages 3-12!
Over the years of raising young kids, I have found that sensory play — and hands on play, in general — provides the best creative outlet for my children.
In my work as an elementary school counselor, I have come to learn the benefits of mindfulness and sensory input to help regulate emotions and teach cooperation and boundary setting. One of the biggest blessings in this work has been in partnership with our community. Teaching families the creative process of sensory play or providing sensory play experiences.
So where does the word LEIKA come from?
Leika is Scandinavian for ‘play’ - this business adventure holds meaning to our heritage in Iceland and the amazing sensory experience we had while traveling there with family. Travel has always been, and continues to be, a passion of mine. I feel so connected and peaceful when traveling - especially when in nature. 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, my daughter, Emery, was 2.5 years old. We had long day-trips planned each day to experience all the wonders of Iceland. Each day our family was astounded by Emery’s 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 I researched the benefits of sensory play and experimented with Emery and my son, Sunden, who was 1.5 years old. In order for my husband, Shawn, and I 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.
These experiences brought us to Leika Sensory Creations - the love of learning, youth, woodworking, and sensory play all coming together to invite a new kind of play experience for families to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensory play?
Sensory play is an engaging, highly stimulating play experience that often incorporates the five senses while building motor skills, creativity, mindfulness, and brain development. At Leika, we strive to provide economically sensible sensory creations to help your children grow, learn, and enjoy hands-on play.
Why is sensory play important?
Sensory play brings children back to the fundamental elements of authentic self-directed play - creativity, fine motor skill development, imagination, technology-free. While engaging in sensory play, they become more independent and build neurons in their brain which leads to problem-solving. In addition, by engaging many of the five senses, they begin to make connections with the world around them and regulate their bodies and emotions.
What is included in your sensory kits?
Each sensory kit comes with all items in the photo and is packaged in resealable, moisture-locking bags. This packaging is meant to keep your sensory kit fresh and contained for many play experiences. A few of our playdough sensory kits are housed in an easy to lock plastic container for quick access at home or on the go. Most of our sensory kits are meant for ages 3-12 but can be adapted for younger or older learners.
What is included in your playdough jars?
Our themed playdough jars include homemade playdough and loose parts meant to invite imaginative play. Our playdough ingredients include: flour, water, salt, vegetable oil, cream of tartar, food grade coloring, and sometimes clear vanilla extract (*contains gluten). Salt crystals may appear on the surface of dough. Salt is used as a natural preservative in the dough and can be kneaded in by the buyer. Our playdough lasts about 6 months to 1 year (or more!) depending on how it is used. Using clean hands and a clean surface extends the life of the playdough.
What ages are recommended for sensory play?
The sensory experience should begin at a very early age. Three months old is an ideal time to start actively engaging babies in sensory play. Using toys and sensory creations that stimulate their five senses will start to build those nerve connections in their brains. Babies and toddlers make sense of the world and begin learning colors, shapes, movement, textures, and more through sensory experiences! Our sensory kits and playdough jars are geared towards children 3-12 years to build creativity, imagination, and independent play.
What if the playdough gets too sticky or feels dry?
If your dough feels sticky, start kneading it - sometimes that is enough to revive it! You can add a sprinkle of flour to sticky dough to help give it new life too. If your dough is more on the dry side, add a drop of water or a drop of vegetable oil to give it a fresh feel.
Do you offer custom kits or celebration packages?
We are happy to create custom sensory kits based on your child’s needs and interests. We can create almost any celebration themed sensory play stations or party favors. Please reach out via email to inquire: leikasensorycreations@gmail.com or head to our “Celebration” page.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
We do not accept returns or exchanges, but please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your items to report any concerns or issues with our products. If you do not find a kit online that meets your child’s needs or developmental stage, please inquire about a custom order, and we would be happy to work with you.
Do you offer shipping or local Fargo pickup?
*IMPORTANT: SHIPPING & LOCAL PICKUP OPTIONS - We are firm believers in practicing personal wellness and setting healthy boundaries, so to continue to be a daytime professionals and an engaged family member while running this business, we will be:
- SHIPPING TWICE A WEEK - the day may vary based on order numbers. We use 2-3 day shipping across the USA.
LOCAL PICKUP will be available for those in the Fargo/Moorhead area. You are welcome to choose local pickup for WEDNESDAY 5PM-8PM (orders completed by noon Tuesday). We typically reach out when a local pickup order is placed to offer additional pickup days/times as well. If you do not show up for your local pickup, your product will be available the following Wednesday. If you do not pick up on either of the designated days, your order will be restocked and no refund given.