The best sensory toys from an occupational therapist. Perfect for kids, autism, toddlers, and sensory issues because sensory toys help develop a child’s learning, communication, and emotional regulation!
Sensory toys have the power to make or break bedtime, dinner, or a visit to the dentist! While that may sound magical, there’s real science behind why sensory toys are an incredible toy for any child, and even more so for kids with sensory processing disorder, any sensory issues, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Like when my son clawed at me every day at preschool drop off and a stress ball that he kept in his pocket helped calm him down so he could go to preschool without distress.
Or, when he would bounce on a big green yoga ball in our living room before dinner so he wasn’t hopping out of his chair every three seconds.
Or, when my oldest son, covered his bare arms, hands, and belly with finger paints at 13 months old and it helped develop his ability to eat and readily explore different textures in a fun way. As an occupational therapist, I knew this sensory play and the sensory toys were having a big impact on their brain!
Why Kids Benefit from Sensory Toys…
Sensory toys have the potential to be amazing because they do two things. First, they stimulate a child’s senses. That stimulation all goes on inside the brain and is closely related to tons of other skills that your child needs to grow into a fully functional adult. I’m talking about fine motor skills like writing, cutting, and zipping their coat.
Or, gross motor skills like jumping, climbing a ladder, or riding a bike. This stimulation of our senses can even effect how our children read!
When your child participates in sensory activities, they are learning. It’s critical to their development.
Second, sensory toys can help give a child the sensations they want. For instance, my son loves to climb up the banister of our stairs, it’s a bit dangerous and I’m not even sure the railing can hold him before it ends up snapping. I can see that he needs to get this physical input, but I can’t allow him to continue. However, a sensory toy can give him those same sensations he’s trying to give himself in a safe way!
Because, when our kids are busy trying to get the sensations they like, it distracts their brain from everything else it needs to be doing, like:
-
- listening to you,
- following directions,
- socializing,
- sleeping,
- eating.
That’s why when kids get the sensations they need through sensory activities and toys, it helps them do everything they need to do.
Learn 3 Expert Secrets (from me as an OT and mom) to calm and focus your child with specialized sensory activities! Get a free spot here and some awesome printables.
What Sensory Toy is Best for My Kid?
Sensory toys, in general, are universally helpful for all kids, but if your child has sensory needs, you’ll want to think about what a sensory toy does and if it’s a sensation your child seeks or would try to avoid. For instance, does your child like to…
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- Swing at the park all the time?
- Cuddle in a corner?
- Make loud music?
- Watch bright lights?
- Jump off the top of the couch?
Whatever you answer yes to is a clue as to what your child will use and get benefit out of. Of course, some kids have sensory sensitivities, and slowly encouraging them to use sensory toys as tools that move, feel different, or make sounds can desensitize them and lead to a better sense of well being and feeling grounded, secure, and regulated.
You can find more in How to Choose the Right Sensory Toy.
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Best Sensory Toys for All Kids
If you just want to give your child the best sensory toys possible to help them develop, then any of these toys would be a great place to start. One warning, though, is to NEVER force your child to use any particular sensory toy.
Sensations your child experiences happen in their brain and the moon sand you think isn’t a big deal to touch could feel downright yucky to your child, even uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean you should give it to the kid next door, instead, take slow baby steps to help them get comfortable! As an occupational therapist and momma, these are some of my favorite sensory toys for overall development:
#1: Stepping Stones – I’m ordering these for my kids this year. It’s long been on my to do list. Perfect for developing balance and creativity.
#2. Kinetic Sand – Less messy than regular sand, this contained kit inspires imagination and gives tons of stimulation to the tactile sense!
#3. Balance board – Not only does this sensory toy improve balance, it also strengthens core muscles, which so many kids need.
#4. Colorful Spinning Tops – These sensory toys give both visual and tactile input when you spin them, all while you’re working on strengthening fine motor skills.
#5. Balance Beam – Besides balance, every time your child figures out how to walk across this, they’re also working on some higher level brain activity stuff. They have to shift their weight and repeatedly cross the mid-line of their body. If that all sounds too technical, know that this is awesome for their development!
#6. Sensory Bins – I’m sort of obsessed with sensory bins, and don’t think that they’re just for young kids, because older kids can still get in on the fun. Besides getting a lot of tactile input, you can also hide puzzle pieces and hidden objects for them to find. Want to make it more challenging, have them close their eyes while searching for buried treasures!
The best part is you can make these really inexpensively and fill any empty container with tons of different materials to give your child an amazing sensory toy. Learn more about how to set up your sensory bin.
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*Get a seat in the free 3 Expert Secrets to Calm and Focus Your Kid with Sensory Activities. What you learn can change everything, you’ll get a free workbook and checklist too!*
Sensory Toys for Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
These sensory toys are a little more of an investment, and give LOTS of sensory input, which is why they’re listed in this category. But, that doesn’t mean that any child wouldn’t enjoy or benefit from them, because they would! I have several of these toys and none of my children have or need a diagnosis. And, guess what, it’s some of their favorite things in our house!
But, for children with Autism, SPD, or other special needs, these sensory toys could be used on a daily basis.
#7. Platform Swing – This swing actually can help improve sensory processing as it stimulates the brain through specific types of movement. And, if your child’s ever been in occupational therapy, you’ve probably seen one. This budget friendly version can be hung up in your home or from a swing set outside.
#8. Ball Pit – Besides being lots of fun, ball pits give lots of that deep pressure input. Remember, for most kids, that equals calm!
#9. Snuggle Pod Canoe – If you have a child that seeks being squeezed and loves tight spaces, this may be just what you’re looking for. It could be used for relaxing, but also doing homework or other difficult activities.
#10. Rody the Bouncy Horse – I have a love affair with Rody! We’ve had ours for 6 years and he is a strong little horse. This guy is perfect for bouncing and expending a lot of energy!
#11. Weighted Blanket – Perfect for sleeping or calming down, a weighted blanket could be a helpful sensory toy if your child likes being under blankets. It’s a game changer for some kids. Get a whole guide on weighted blankets for kids.
#12. Rocking Scoop Chair – This is great alternative seating for your kid if they like to rock back and forth and spin. They also have a super small footprint, so they can be stored away easily.
#13. Climbing pegs – If you have a climber, you may want to consider adding some climbing pegs to your swing set or a wall in your house! Seriously people, do this. How cool would that be?
#14. Body Sock – These odd looking contraptions are actually quite simple. Have your child step inside and stretch their arms and legs. They’ll feel a tug back from the fabric and get lots of calming deep pressure. Check out our whole guide on body socks!
#15. Crash pad – This is a simple sensory toy, but you can get some serious use out of it. I’ve made one for each for my kids, which is basically a huge pillow with chunks of foam and pillow stuffing inside. They’re great to lay on, but sensory seekers love to jump into them. This provides a pretty safe landing for leaps from the top of the couch.
Sensory Toys for Toddlers and Babies
Many of the sensory toys above can be used for toddlers and babies, but not all. This list is perfect for exploring babies and toddlers:
#16. Infantino Textured Balls – My youngest son had these and loved them as a baby and toddler. Bonus, they’re super cheap!
#17. Busy Board – Pull, click, drag, feel, and listen! There’s so much for a baby or toddler to explore on a busy board and it keeps them busy for a few minutes. If you’re the DIY type, you can head here to make your own..
#18. Shaker Eggs – Babies and toddlers will love getting a reaction to their movement when they shake these eggs about. They’re small enough to fit in the tiniest hands!
#19. Sensory bottles – Awesome visual simulation as babies and toddlers can watch different colors and objects swirl around in water. Here’s how to make your own or grab one already made.
#20. Vibrating teethers – Remember that vibration is one of the strongest types of sensory input? Well, use this teether when your child bites down. Fantastic oral sensory stimulation that can actually help them eat better!
#21. Baby Ball Pit – All the same benefits of the bigger ball pit, but one small enough for young one’s to easily climb in and out of.
#22. Textured Hula Hoop – This is a simple DIY project! Just wrap some different types of fabric around a hula hoop and let your baby explore away.
Picture utilized from C.R.A.F.T. (creating really awesome fun things) blog post
#23. Ride and Push Bug – Ride-ons are popular toys for toddlers, but there’s tons of sensory input to be had too through all the pushing and movement they experience.
#24. Roller Coaster Ride On Ramp – This is for the older toddler, as the recommended ages are 2 to 5. But, I had to include it because if your toddler seeks out movement, this gives them a ton of it fast.
#25. Pop Tubes – These simple tubes promote bilateral hand coordination (using both hands together) which is a building block for more advanced developmental skills down the line. They make noise to give auditory input and can be connected together and twisted in 1000 different directions!
Calming Sensory Toys for the Sensory Seeker
Calming sensory toys can be used in a couple of different ways. They can be helpful for kids that are high energy or hyperactive because they’re used as tools to help them calm down. Just like when Isaac bounced on the ball before dinner.
Here are some specific ideas if your kid fits into this category:
#26. Scooter Board – This is one of my absolute favorite sensory toys! It’s my go-to as an occupational therapist and something my kids constantly pull out and push around the house while on their bellies (also one of the most beneficial ways to use it!)
#27. Yoga Ball – An extremely versatile sensory toy that can be used in lots of different ways. Try bouncing your child on top while you hold them at the hips, rolling it on top of them with a firm pressure, or pushing it back and forth.
#28. Putty – Putty is thick and hard to pull, this gives a lot of proprioceptive input, which is most often calming, yay! This is portable and affordable. This link is for a therapy grade type that will hold up for quite a while.
#29. Mini Trampoline – A total staple sensory toy. In my house, this is an invaluable tool. It gives so much sensory input and doesn’t take up that much space. My son is so much calmer and focused after jumping on it.
Sensory Toys for Calming Down the Overstimulated Child
Sensory toys can also be used for kids that are overstimulated and need a break when the world has just been a little too much. These types of sensory toys are perfect before bedtime, after an overwhelming activity, or before a difficult task:
#30. Fidget Toys – I’ll be the first to admit that these little hand held fidget toys can be a nuisance more than a help for some kids. But, for the kids they do work for, well, it’s a life saver. Make sure you read my guide on Fidgets for Kids before choosing one!
#31. Lava Lamp – If your kid likes to look at lights, this is for them. Staring at the slow moving lava can instantly relax.
#32. Vibrating Hand and Mouth Jigglers – Vibration is strong sensory input. Your kid can use these to hold, rub on their arms or legs, and even bite on!
#33. Weighed Lap Pad – A weighted lap pad is basically a small heavy pillow that a child can lay across their lap. This also gives the deep pressure sensation that is relaxing to a lot of kids. Get more info with the weighted lap pad guide.
#34. Cocoon Swing – We have had one of these swings hanging in our basement for years and it’s one of our kids favorite places to go. It’s calming because it’s hard to swing too high in it, but it’s shape also closes out a lot of the outside world, giving your child some space of their own. Check out our top 10 sensory swings.
#35. Sensory Tent – Pop up a small tent and throw some blankets and pillows inside and you’ve got a simple sensory tent. When your child has a special place to retreat to, it can help them shut out all of the sensations that may be too overwhelming. And, you can put some of their other calming sensory toys inside. Head over to How to Create A Sensory Tent to learn more.
#36. Sequin Flip Pillow – Have you ever felt sequin flip fabric? It’s addicting and feels incredibly soft. But half the fixation is in the magic of watching it repeatedly change colors. Kids can also hug this while getting lots of tactile and visual stimulation.
#37. Light Up Spinner Wand – Calling all light lovers! This spinner is portable, so it can easily be thrown in your purse or the car – if it helps your child calm down in the middle of Target.
Get a Free Printable of Sensory Activities
Get 25 different do-able sensory activities you can use at home today to help encourage your child’s best development as well as calm and focus them. Some activities include some simple ways to maximize the sensory toys above! Click here to get the free sensory activities printable in your inbox.
More Sensory Toy Ideas
24 Amazing and Cheap Sensory Stocking Stuffer Ideas
10 Awesome and Cheap Sensory Toys
Epic Messy Play List that’s Sensory-filled, Inspiring, and Easy!
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 20 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
I absolutely loved this list! It’s so helpful to find sensory toys that cater to different needs. My son has autism, and I’m always looking for new ways to engage him. This post gave me some great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
I love sensory toys for kids! They are so fun and can help with a lot of different issues. I think sensory toys are a great way to help kids with autism and SPD.
We agree! Thanks for reading!
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
My Daughter Che’ would love the Mini Trampoline.
We’ve been thinking about getting a cocoon swing! But you listed so many others our kids would get great help from.
My little would love th cocoon swing!
Are they AUTISTIC like”ME”though???
Because I absolutely”HATE”it when”NON AUTISTICS”buy and play with OUR TOYS!
If your not autistic you don’t need little kid toys!
Rocking egg chair,
Would save me from despair,
And pulling my hair,
Coz she’d know where,
Rocking is okay – overthere
A chair that can rock
Means she can be,
Part of the flock
On the kinder mat,
Like ship in dock
(Until the music starts 😉)
My daughter would love the ride and push bug. She always tries to ride her little truck and train (not real ride on toys) in the house.
My kiddo would love the vibrating tether for for sure
I think my daughter (who will be 1 tomorrow!!!!) would LOVE the busy board! I could see her getting a lot of use out of that and being entertained for longer than a few minutes!
I just want to help autism n ld kids I need some equipment which to cure them self
My toddler would love the trampoline or the balance beam. She is a MOVER! Thank you for this helpful list!
My granddaughter would definitely live all of these, very difficult to choose bit I think the trampoline and the snuggle canoe would be favorites. She loves to swing, hide in corners, jump, dance and balance and climb…thank you for these suggestions!
The funny faces look interesting. I am concerned my child will use the spaghetti stretchy things to snap at people, ha.
Fidgets, definitely could use some more fidgets.
We bought a roller coaster several years ago and our son still loves it! We are looking into getting him a swing and a mini trampoline.
Thanks
This list is literally my dream list! There are so many amazing ideas and know my son would love to have the vibrating snake.
Merry Christmas!
My four-year-old son would most definitely love the crash pad. It would also save my couch from being annihilated by his constant crashing!
My ESL class would love the stepping stones, balance beam or hand toys for the fidgets – hand activities (e.g. hand finger plays, lacing cards, etc.) always calm them down
My son would LOVE a lava lamp! He loves staring at lights, so I think he would stare at a lava lamp for hours.
My 8 year old sensory seeker would definitely love the crash pad!!!
I have a 30 month old very energetic boy, We are letting him be himself for a few years, so no diagnosis, however he presents with major sensory seeking, mostly proprioceptive, so if it were up to him, the crash pad, pod swing, and rollercoaster would be the spotlight of our living room, I have been considering theraplay for quite a while, it just doesn’t seem to be in the budget right now.
My daughter would love the crash pad!
My daughter used to scream when her OT introduced playdough and silly putty. She is now tolerated that after awhile. What I think suits her developmental stage is the mini trampoline and the vibrating snake. She gets overwhelmed at the gymnastics gym and doesn’t remotely want to get close to those big and fun trampolines but she is now interested in the mini one they have at her school. Any vibrating toy helps calm her down too. The different texture balls are interesting but might make her hesitate and run away.
My daughter is a super hero 🦸♀️ she can use her Super sensors to hear, see, smell, taste and touch things differently to her brother. She also receives super power defects that interfere with her input through two additional senses….the movement and balance sense, gives her body is in space. Her body awareness sense, tells her where her body parts are relative to each other. It gives her inconsistent information about how much force to use in certain activities.
It’s a roller coaster ride kinda life sometimes so scary she wants to scream stop 🛑 the ride… other times she wants it to go faster….. finding the balance is the key 🔑 because I’m worried when she can’t control the ride….slow it down or stop it…. I’m worried she will just give up and jump out!!!!
My superhero 🦸♀️ daughter loves extremes…….the cocoon and the crash mat would help her in times of uncontrollable energy in the extremes!
Shazam!!!!! May the sensory powers be with you!
So many to choose from…maybe the trampoline
My son Rowan would really love the cocoon swing!
My son would love a balance beam
My granddaughter would love the mini trampoline.
My son would love the roller coaster. He’s always on the move and is a sensory seeker.
I think my daughter would love the cocoon swing.
Balance beam would be great!
The busy board and ball pit seem like something my son would love. I’ll have to try my hand at making a busy board!
AS a new grad OT, this would make a great sensory starter pack to begin using for work!
The Roller Coaster Ride On Ramp is one of the coolest toys ever and my little sensory seeker would adore it. My other favorite is the swing, for both my sensory seeker (4) and my sensory avoider (2). We have so much energy bounding in the house with 6 boys that I’m always dreaming of positive ways to channel their energy. Thank you so much for this great list of ideas!!! This will be my go-to list for every holiday!
My kids we’re in a cocoon swing at my sisters and I was surprised by how much they liked it. I also think a sensory bin would be so good for my pickiest eater!
My son would love the crash pad!
The scooter board would be a great asset to my family.
I think my kids would totally love the yoga ball, roddy, or trampoline and my son who has sensory issues would love anything that would help him with his stemming so I think any of the fidget toys would be great.
I think the busy board can keep my active twins 2 years old toddlers busy and yet learn the skills of hands and eyes coordination
Canoe looks great for keeping my guy snug. He thrives in tight spaces
My son would love the balance board. All of these products seem amazing! Thank you for doing this give away!!
Just put the trampoline, stepping stones & balance beam in my Amazon cart – thanks for the great ideas!
My two three and five yr olds would love the platform swing! They are all very active kiddos 🙂
Both our boys, 4 and 18mos, would love the crash pad! They’d pull couch cushions off daily and jump onto them from the couch. Also, the balance Board would get a lot of use at our house! Thank you for the great list.
My little one would love the ball pit. And she uses her textured sensory balls all the time already. Such a good list.
I’m getting the vibrating teether. My toddler son prefers his vibrating toothbrush instead of a regular one, but doesn’t like the pressure of *having* to brush his teeth, he sometimes like to hold it. So this would be a great no-pressure way to get some oral sensory time in without having to watch him carefully with his toothbrush lol… we have a long teething journey ahead of us still!
Haha, I love it Kate!
Busy board
My 15 month old son seems to enjoy balls, or objects that roll, bounce or can be thrown or simply grasped in his little hands. I think he would absolutely love the baby ball pit or the infantino textured balls.
My son would greatly benefit from the tent. He’s developed eye ticks over the past few years and over stimulation causes him stress.
My 2 1/2 year old loves the ball pit at his therapy center. He’s not walking yet but I wish he’d develop a love for a Rody and bounce his energy out.
Awesome, comprehensive list! Cocoon swing would be sienna’s favorite.
My son would love the big pillow maybe to jump onto. I was happy to see many of these items on the list bc we have several, just got a few, and have several coming for Christmas!
I love all of these, but especially Rody and the ball pit.
My girl would love alot of those things. Great Christmas ideas! I think the balance beams are neat.
The scooter board for sure!
My kid is going to love a lot of these, but especially that light-up spinner. And it’s super affordable!
Thanks for this list and all your posts and emails, I’m getting soooo much from them all.
Oh I love hearing that Heather, thank you 🙂
The scooter board for sure for my almost 4 year old!
Thanks for all of the ideas. My son is constantly on the move we think a trampoline would be great. Thank you for all of the ideas here I teach special Ed and some of these were new to me
My son loves sensory toys and loves opening boxes that come in the mail to see what’s inside, so I think he would enjoy the Sensory Theraplay Box. An indoor swing is also on his holiday list.
I have twins and while I know the busy board would be a big hit, I think the textured balls would be best in terms of their continued development.
Jack is 3 and was recently diagnosed with autism. We are just learning about how sensory toys can help him. He is a seeker. Would love go to win this bin!!! Thank you for the opportunity!
My daughter isn’t always on the move but when she final allows herself to stop she often melts down or fades. I think the snuggle canoe would help her stop with ease. My son loves to be held tight and wrapped. I think he would also find it helpful to be soothed. This is a great list of option to help sensory needs.
MY son would love to have a scooter board of his own!
I have the stepping stones in my amazon cart right now! Daughter just turned 3 and seems to be seeking more gross motor activity/stimulation than she’s wanted before. So she’s getting those, a stick horse, a hoppity hop, etc. Our adult vestibular systems can’t handle chasing her around the couch for ages like she wants sometimes! So toys for sensory input are coming.
What an amazing list of toys! Thank you! My seeker son would love the stepping stones, the vibrating snake, and crash pad. And to calm he’d love the swing and the weighted blanket. I’m going to check out your links to these today and order hopefully a couple for Christmas 😊
Awesome! I love these toys because kids use them for YEARS!
My kids most enjoy crashing into yogibo pillow pit and trampoline jumping
Stepping stones and scooter board
My 5 year old would love the stepping stones. She’s forever walking edges of paths, low walls, rock clusters, or edges of furniture. This would be a great, easy way to give her that sensory input and practice with balance.
So many great ideas here! The snuggle pod canoe stands out, my 5 year old is a champion snuggler, gives big squeezy hugs and loves canoes!
These are all great! Thanks for sharing. The ones on the top of our list would be: vibrating snake, stepping stones, and a crash pad.
The Crash Pad for sure!!!! Oh my, my son would LoVe it!!
I think my son would love would love the platform swing and the ball pit. Although the crash pad would be great for our sanity as well.
These are all so great. My house is just too small to have them all, especially a ball pit. Love ours but those balls end up everywhere. I found one in my drawer the other day! Wondering does anyone has a good method of cycling toys? I found out if I leave some toys out. My kids will walk past it days in and days out. Then I pull out something they haven’t played in a while, they loved it.
My grandson Cruz would love so many of these wonderful sensory aids, but to pick one I would pick the platform swing. He absolutely loves swinging back and forth
We keep just a few toys in a our main living space and the rest in the basement. I’ll go down and pull some out for a few days! You’re totally right toy rotation is huge!!
What a great box! My grandson on the spectrum would love it!
My 7 year old seeker twins would love then stepping stones!
My seeker would love the scooter board
One of the kiddos I work with would love the trampoline, scooter board, and vibrating teether! Lots of sensory needs!! Thanks for the suggestions 🙂
My twin toddlers would love the busy board and the mini trampoline.
Body sock or rody would be amazing for my sensory seeker!!
My son would love the trampoline!
The mini tramp and scooter board would be great in my house of 2 boys with different but similar needs.
The balance beam & stepping stones look perfect for my sensory seeking sons!
We need a swing… the sensory box subscription is cool.
My son would love the platform swing 🙂
Mine would enjoy the rocking egg chair. We can’t take her rocking chair with us when we travel and she loves to rock.
My son would love so many of these! But I think he would really love the balance board as we are really working on his balance in the water for swim lessons right now too!
My children would like the cocoon swing, ball pit, tent, or vibrating snake! What a great post! Just in time for Christmas!
I provide OT home visits from birth to 5 years of age and we are always looking for new and exciting sensory manipulative toys. I thing most of my kiddo’s would love the cocoon swing. They all beg to swing which is so calming for them and they seem to be able to attend better after they swing. Thank you for the opportunity.
My son would absolutely love all of these toys! He would especially love the roller coaster with ramp so much!
Thanks for offering this. I have students at an elementary school who are in need of s new crash pad.
My son would love the cocoon swing.. we actually looked at this together and that’s what he picked out. Y’all have a great Christmas!
Ball Pitt for our sensory room at school. We have a lot of children in need that would benefit from one of these.
I think my son would like a scooter board. He loves to rough house I think the canoe would also be something he likes to sit in and watch shows.
The canoe is on my list for my son! He’s never seen one, but I know he’s going to go nuts when he sees it!
My baby would love the baby ball pit, she loves exploring around and starting things on her own, walking and learning to get her own way, she will definitely love to have that on christmas! I only got her sensory balls and she loves them.
I think the trampoline! I see my child with bottled up energy that he does not know what to do with….that would be the answer.
I am going to make him a crash pad tonight. As for the cocoon swing I think I probably would be the one using that, so he would never get to use it:)
Although my daughter is on the spectrum and would love some of these, my son is currently having an issue with calming down after being frustrated. We have a trampoline in the house that they both use and they have a couple of small tents but I’m thinking the balance board might be good for calming. Also get the core strength from using it as a bonus. Great ideas all around! Thank you.
Hi Terri,
Congratulations!!! You have been chosen as the winner of the free Sensory Theraplay Box! Check your email for all the details.
My kiddo would love the vibrating senseez.
the benefits of this tool look wonderful, and I would love to try it.
Wonderful list! My granddaughter loves her mermaid fabric pillows and clothes. I think a yoga ball or trampoline is going on my list now, she is a bouncer! She will sit at the table, in a restaurant really ANYWHERE and just bounce up and down. The boards on wheels would be a plus for her as well as a sensory tent.
My son and daughter would love the trampoline – they love the one at our friend’s house and they are always jumping around at bedtime. I’m going to go make a crash pad today – let’s put all those useless stuffed animals they won’t let go of to work!
I wonder if a skateboard is almost as good as a scooterboard.
We actually already have many of these, but one he would love we don’t have, is the busy board!! I just added it to his Christmas list
My soon to be three-year-old would absolutely love the ball pit, roller coaster ride, and kinetic sand!
As a EI OT, I just had a few discussions with parents recommending the body sock and scooter!
And my own son would love the balance beam.
The balance beam looks awesome
My 2 year old son is very busy and wont sit to eat and takes a long time to fall asleep at night. I think the busyboard would be awesome for him; among many others that he would benefit from.
I’m intrigued by the mermaid fabric pillow and I think my daughter would be too 🙂 Great vide in this post, thanks Alisha!
My daughter would love the balance beam or stepping stones!!
I have two boys on the opposite ends of sensory. One likes tactile while the other one is all vestibular. I think the cocoon swing for the one and the balance board for the other would work for both of their needs.
My twins would love the balance beam, the scooter board and the magic mermaid pillow. Thank so much for compiling this list – it’s going on their Amazon wish list today!
At the IEP meeting yesterday, the special ed teacher suggested a balance ball for my daughter. I know she would like the busy boards as well.
The weighted planket, weighted lap pet, or mini trampoline.
So many great ideas, but I know both of my kids would love the tent.
My 5 year old Autistic son needs the crash pad! He’s always jumping off the back of the couch!
Wow, so many great ideas! I think my 9 year old could really use the rocking egg chair or balance board. Thanks for such a comprehensive list! I’ll be saving so I can refer back and share with grandparents for gift ideas.
I guess I need to embrace the crash pad and make one. My kids love to pile blankets stuffed animals and pillows on the floor and jump into them. Great ideas for Christmas. Will also be getting the scooter board. I have looked at it several times but work winter here I need appropriate toys for inside sensory play
I am an Early Intervention OT and mom to 2 sensory seekers. I can use this at work and home!
These are all great! My daughter would love a weighted blanket or the stepping stones!
My child would love the balance beam!
As an occupational therapist in the school system, the fidgets would be awesome- not only for fidgeting purposes as the preschoolers adapt to being in school, but some are also great for fine motor development.
Stepping Stones, Ball pit, and Platform swing would be great help to my kids.
The body sock, she’s always wanted one.
Lava – vibrating snake – scooter board – yoga ball – all of these would be awesome for my 4 year old son
I have a three year old daughter who would love the scooter board. What a fantastic sensory list- thank you.
I bet the sensory pod canoe wouldn’t be a great place to read!
My baby would love the busy board—so many things to move and explore! The vibrating teether may also be helpful for excited biting. Thanks for putting together so many options!
The scooter board and trampoline would be great sensory input for my son. He’s always jumping or running around the house.
My three year old would really benefit from the balance beam. He played with one of them once and LOVED it. He has sensory issues that require him to move ALL THE TIME. I think the balance beam let’s him move while focusing his attention.
My son would love the tent, the weighted blanket, and the weighted lap pad! We are almost done shopping for Christmas, but now I’m looking at adding a couple of these things.
My grandson would love the scooter board!
Ah my son would love the mini trampoline, the crash pad, the balance beam, everything almost! That rody is already being added to my sons Christmas lit’s!
My grandchildren would love so many of these…vibrating teether, balance beam, trampoline, bouncy ball…I’m going to look at all of them.
My nephew would love to play with a Busy Board!
I really think my granddaughter would love lots of these items!! She is busy busy busy! I am thinking the stepping stones, balance board and trampoline would be perfect for her!! Such a good post! Thank you for suggestions of fun items with a purpose!
So many great ideas for gifts on this list! My son would love the cocoon swing in his room! I could see him using it often to read books in!
My little one would love the ballpit!
My 4 year old would love the crash pad and tent. For my one year old, he’d love the ride on big or the vibrating tether. This list is great! Thank you!
I think both of my kids would enjoy the balance beam as well as the stepping stones.
The cacoon swings has Benny on her list for years! The snuggle pod canoe is new to us and definitely is added to the list. Thank you for compiling this.
I have used the cocoon swing before with kids and they love it. I know my own kids would love it at home too! Rody is also a great idea for safe bouncing for toddlers and preschoolers.
For my son, it’s a tie between the busy board and vibrating tether. This is such a helpful list! Thank you!
Both of my children have ADHD, my one year old son is hyperactive and innatentive but HE would love the balance beams and my daughter is 4, she is impulsive and innatentive ADHD and she would love the cocoon swing
My 3y old will love the stepping stones. There is one at his daycare and he loves them. The little spinning tops as well, I am sure that’s great. Thanks for putting all that together, its great ideas we can share with family members. My son has improved so much in the last year, being on the group.
We totally need a crash pad and a swing. Thanks for this list!
We actually have that very tent; now I can make into a sensory tent! My 2 year old would love the busy boards and the kenetic sand! I think that’s going to have to go on the Christmas list!
My son would love the Ride On Rollercoaster! This is a great list—thanks for explaining each toy so thoroughly!
I think the balance beam would be a great toy for my grandson.
What a great list! I’d love a swing or climbing wall for in the house!
My 4-yr old son would love the crash pad! And I would love the peace of mind that would come with it! 🙂
My daughter would love the snuggle pod canoe or rocking egg chair. She often moves around thw floor to get comfortable after jumping from couch to couch.
My granddaughter, 18 months, is high energy. I think she would love the ladybug ride-on and the shaker eggs. I think she would also enjoy the roller coaster ride-on but she isn’t quite old enough for it. Thanks for some great ideas!
I think my son will like the caccoon. I struggle calming him down but he has a tendency to hide when he is overwhelmed. This will help him shut everything out and a saf3 spot for him
The list was so helpful; these are all great tools to have in so many settings.
This list is great! There are several things my kids would love and would benefit from — balance board, balance beam, climbing pegs, crash pad, and cocoon swing. Thanks for sharing!
It’s a toss-up between the cocoon and the trampoline for my 4yo HFA son.
With a 7 month old at home, he would love either the infantio textured balls or the shaker eggs! I love all of the toys mentioned here, looks so much fun!
My son would love the swing and the trampoline.
My son would love the scooter board. I’m just worried he would crash into the rest of the family though and hurt his siblings.
Thanks for the great ideas. Sensory issues are the biggest challenge that I face every day. Sometimes I wish I should have studied OT when I was in college :). I have two sons on the spectrum and they’re totally opposite from each other. One is hyper and the other one is hypo . Everything you mentioned will be benefit for my sons . I have some of them . I will make a Crash pad and will buy Snuggle pod canoe and Ball pit for them … my sons will love them .
So many great choices! Since I can only choose one, it would be the rocking egg chair. My son is using a sit spin; however, he is getting too tall & it is hard to get his legs up enough to get a good spin. I think he could get the same vestibular input from the rocking egg.
I’m always looking for new sensory tools to use in my Early Childhood Spec. Ed. classroom!
First thought of the cocoon swing, but decided definitely the weighted lap pad would give the most benefit for my older son.
I think my youngest would like the vibrating snake.
There were two items I really liked: Stepping Stones and Sensory Tent. The stones could help with balancing skills. The tent could be a calm down center. All were wonderful products, but the two mentioned were my favorites!
Thanks Charlotte! I’m getting the stepping stones for my kids this Christmas!
My twin sons would love the balance board and trampoline!
My little girl would love the busy board.
I wish I had space for a sensory tent for my daughter. My 6 month old son would love the eggs and the teether.
I love sensory tents! Ours is actually down at the moment, but the second I put it back up the kids will spend days inside!
I have an In Home Day Care. Any of these sensory toys would be a great addition. I try to purchase items for sensory play and love the products out there!
Can I pick everything?? I suppose if i had to choose one it’d be the cocoon swing because i have 2 kids; one seeker and one avoider!
Haha! I know, these are awesome. We’ve had a cocoon swing for years and it’s a favorite for all my kids
Pod swing. Good luck everyone.
I would love to have all kinds of fidgets in a theraplay box as I am a therapist and would love new fidgets to use in my office with my kiddos!
Wow I’ve got a little sensory seeker at home so lots of great ideas. I think stepping stones and the ball pit would be his first picks though…
I think my son would like the scooter and trampoline. Maybe even one of the swings. He likes the swings and scooter at OT and maybe those will help with calming him down at home.
My kids would love the mermaid pillows. They already latch onto these at the store, making the sequins go one way then the other. The stepping stones look fun too. Can they be used on carpet?
Hmm, that’s a good question! I’m not positive, but I bet it would on one that’s low pile, a thick rug might make them tipsy.
I work at a developmental school. These items would all be great for out OT therapy room, especially since funding is an issue.
My daughter will love the rocking egg chair and the balance beams. She just loves to ride on toys and run around all the time.
My little one would love Rody and the Crash Pad! His big sister has a bean bag chair that he loves to fall into already and loves to climb on ANYTHING so the crash pad may give me more piece of mind if he falls. He has major sensory issues with eating so we do sensory bins but I’d like to make him a bigger one that he can actually sit in!
I am a preschool teacher and looking through these sensory toys there are few that would benefit several of the students in my class. The items that I think would benefit my class are Busy Board, Weighted Blanket, Crash Pad and Kinetic Sand
So many of these look awesome, but I think my couch-leaping son would love a crash pad.
I like the snuggle canoe! Looks like a fun way to get squeezes!!
Both the crash pad and climbing pegs would suit my kids. I can already hear the laughter when they´re using it!
Aww, I love that!
My grandson would love the sensory theraplay box!
My sons would love the scooter board
We would love a busy board in our house!
Ball pit is the long play toy. Keeps him busy in and out of pit. Putting balls back in when play time is over, helps in putting toys back.
I am LOVING the idea of Rody for my niece. She is an ex-24 weeker and she is ALWAYS on the move, running, jumping, crashing, bouncing, and busy. She loves bouncing and playing the horsie game on Aunt Chelsey’s lap, but at 4 years old and at the 95th percentile for weight Aunt Chelsey’s legs can’t absorb the hard bouncing she once could😳 Rody may just save my legs!
Oh my, I hear you! And, Rody is sturdy. My kids have bounced the heck out of him for 6 years!
I think my daughter would love the hanging cocoon and crash pad best of all. She loves hiding in little spaces, loves to “read” (she’s 2.5 so not exactly reading, lol, but thoroughly enjoying the concept of it), and is wild about jumping/falling.
I think my kids would love a mini trampoline! We actually have oje on their wish list for Christmas and birthdays. If I don’t see it scooped up by a loving relative, I will be purchasing it myself this year! We are getting ready to re-configure our den to incorporate more a kid-friendly environment and this would be a great addition!
He would love the fidgets
My sweet boy would love the crashpad
Such a great list!!!! I know my youngest – as well as many of my patients – would love them all !! Especially Rody and the ride on roller coaster !!
Thank you for this great resource !!
My son would enjoy the Busy Board for sure!
The Rocking egg chair would be perfect.
I love these ideas and will have a hard time choosing which to purchase. I love Rody, the stepping stones, the rocking egg chair, and especially the roller coaster! Thanks for the comprehensive guide.
You’re welcome Susan! Those sound like great picks!
All of them but especially the swing pod or the scooter board
I know my 17-month-old twins would love the stepping stones! They would move them around and stack them in adition to climbing on them.
My son is a hardcore bouncer so he would go crazy over the trampoline!
The trampoline is one of my favorites!
I think Rody and the crash pad would both be awesome!
Jump Off Jo would be loved in my house. A great addition to « the floor is lava » game!
Love this post!
My active girl would love the scooter and climbing wall.
I think my daughter would love the mermaid pillow!
My daughter would love the sensory pod canoe! She loves being squeezed, deep pressure, and small spaces. I’m an OT, and so many of these things would be great for our sensory room too!
I know my grandson would enjoy the ball pit! We are already looking at one for Christmas!
I think the balance board would be great for my daughter. It would provide a fun way for her to work on her core strength.
I would love to have a Cocoon Swing! One of my students has one at her house and she and her siblings love it. Would love to have one in my classroom! I wish they made adult ones too lol! Oh and Idea for making a homemade crashpad if you have a place that makes mattresses near you. Call and ask them for scraps! We called and they donated 3 garbage bags full! They had more too!
That’s brilliant! I’ve never thought of that before. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love all of these toys! So many ideas! A cocoon swing would be an amazing addition to our home and Christmas list! Thank you so much for all these ideas! A post i will continue to reference for sure!
My kids would benefit from so many of these. My youngest would love the balance beam.
My son would love Rody!! How exciting is this give away!! I am a school counselor and we have a sensory room at my school! So many of these items would benefit my students!!!