Embarking on the potty training adventure with our little ones is like riding a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, right?
Now, when it comes to cheering on our tiny humans, the idea of using snacks as rewards might sound tempting, but guess what?
Experts say, “Hold on!” Turns out, treating our kiddos with food might stir up some unintended issues down the road, like building a cozy connection between feelings and munching.
According to research gate, “The use of food as a reward is unnecessary and is associated with: changes in reward circuitry within the brain; chronic emotional overeating; poor self-regulation of food intake; and increased preference for high-fat, high-sugar foods.”
But hey, no worries! We’ve got the scoop on a bunch of fantastic non-food rewards that not only make potty training a breeze but also won’t break the bank.
Picture this: stickers that practically shout “Woo-hoo!”, tiny toys that fit in the palm of a kiddo’s hand, and so much more – all quick, all tangible, and totally kid-approved.
Because, let’s be real, waiting until evening for a reward? That’s like asking a toddler to wait a gazillion years!
This post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
So, stick around as we explore these super-cool, low-cost rewards that’ll turn potty training into a celebration – no snacks required!
So, here are those cool, unique, low-cost, and fun ideas.
Colored Washable Chalks:
Potty wins meet sidewalk creativity! Colored washable chalks were a game-changer in our potty training journey. Quick and mess-free, they turned every success into an artful celebration, making the whole process a blast for our little Picasso!
Finger Puppets
Imagine finger puppets as little potty champions! They’re super fun and super cheap. You can get a bunch for just a few dollars, and after each potty win, your kiddo gets their very own puppet friend. It’s like a mini puppet party celebrating every victory!
Washable Scented Markers
Washable scented markers are like cool rewards for using the potty!
Get a pack, and every time your kiddo does well, they get a new marker color. Every color has a different (nice) fragrance. It’s like a fun surprise after potty time. No mess, just fun!
Small Story Books:
Small storybooks were our secret weapon – a magical reward that turned every potty victory into a cozy tale. Our little one couldn’t wait for the next chapter, and suddenly, potty time became a storybook adventure!
The wonky donkey funny storybooks were my daughter’s favorite.
Decorative Band-Aids
There’s not a single child who doesn’t love cute decorative bandaids. Not only are decorative band-aid boxes fun, but they’re also super budget-friendly!
Try them as a potty training reward.
Small & Colorful Bouncy Balls
How about some small and colorful bouncy balls? These little champs come in a rainbow of fun colors, and guess what? They’re budget-friendly, costing less than 10 cents per ball. Imagine the excitement as your little one earns a new bouncy buddy with every successful potty trip.
Glow-in-the-Dark Stars
Imagine turning potty success into a starry show! Glow-in-the-dark stars did just that for us. After each trip to the toilet, our little ones got to create their own glowing constellations on the ceiling.
Magnifying Glass
Grabbing a magnifying glass for your toddler is like handing them a ticket to a tiny explorer’s world! Who knew a tiny tool could make such a big splash?
Silly Straws
Silly straws are like the cool sidekicks for potty training! They’re not expensive; you can get a bunch for just a few dollars. Whenever your little one succeeds in the potty mission, give them one silly straw. Drinking from these twisty straws makes celebrating each victory super fun!
Scented Erasers:
Scented erasers make a great potty training reward. The pleasant smell of each eraser can brighten your little one’s mood and add a touch of joy to the potty training experience!
Crayon Rocks
If your kiddo is a fan of crayons, they’ll absolutely adore these rock-shaped crayons. Not only are they attractive and exciting, but they also help little hands learn the basics of a pencil grip.
Hero Rubber Ducks
Imagine the fun stories your little one can create with hero ducks. Each duck is a little hero, whether it’s a doctor, lifeguard, paramedic, army soldier, nurse, firefighter, police officer, navy sailor, and more.
Unicorn saving box and coins:
Get a cute unicorn box, give your child a coin for every little victory, and watch their excitement grow. It’s not just about saving; it’s about turning small moments into the promise of a magical trip outside.
Playdough Tubs
Playdough boxes bring a world of creative joy as little hands mold and shape with fun colors. It’s a delightful reward that turns moments into imaginative adventures!
Character Socks
Cute character socks are like cozy rewards for winter potty victories! It’s a warm and delightful way to celebrate those chilly triumphs!
Bubble Wand
Bubble wands are like magic wands for instant fun – creating a world of shimmering bubbles with a wave.
Mini Cars or Action Figures
Mini cars and action figures are the perfect non-food rewards for little champions mastering the potty! These tiny treasures fuel imaginative play, turning each successful trip into an exciting adventure.
It’s a boy-approved celebration that adds a dash of thrill to the potty training journey
Puzzle Pieces
Create a puzzle, and after each successful potty trip, give them a new puzzle piece. Once the puzzle is complete, they get a bigger reward.
You can get simple puzzles for young kids on Amazon.
Bath Crayons
These crayons are designed for use in the bathtub, making bath time more enjoyable. Little ones can draw and color on the tiles, turning every bath into a splashy masterpiece. It’s simple, creative fun for tub time and makes a great potty training reward.
Mini Flashlight
Let them explore the dark corners of a room with a small flashlight as a reward.
Small Stuffed Animals
How about some small pocket-sized little friends? If your baby loves stuffed animals you can get a few small stuffed animals and give one as a reward for a successful potty training day.
Did you like them? These were all my favorites. I have a few more ideas that could make a great surprise for your little munchkin.
- Stamps and Stamp Pad
- Miniature Art Supplies
- Character Toothbrush
- Sticker Sheets
- Small Musical Instruments
- Temporary Hair Color Spray
- Bubbles
- Mini Notebooks and Pens
- Sunglasses
