Sensory toys have become popular for their ability to engage one or more senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Children with sensory processing challenges, such as autism or developmental delays, enjoy playing with the best sensory toys. These toys provide joy and therapeutic benefits.
If you've tried searching for these toys, you've probably realized that there are thousands of options. Choosing the ideal toy for your child can be challenging. Therefore, we have compiled this list of the best sensory toys for children.
As you browse the list, you will certainly discover something that will benefit your child. Whether you need something to enhance your child's physical coordination or help with stress, you will find it here.
Let's begin!
Why is Sensory Play Important for Children?
Children learn and grow through sensory play. By exploring the world with their senses, they improve their skills and understand their surroundings better. Playing with different textures, colors, and sounds helps children grow important skills. These skills will benefit your child in many areas of life.
Sensory processing challenges are likely more common than you think. Experts estimate that 5% to 16.5% of the general population have symptoms of sensory processing challenges. These percentages are much higher for those with ASD or ADHD.
Sensory play enables kids to utilize their senses in a way that regular play can't. This kind of play sparks their curiosity, boosts creativity, and helps them solve problems. It also calms them down and helps them deal with feelings and worries. It provides an enjoyable way to express themselves and learn about the world around them.
What Are The Best Sensory Toys for Kids?
1. Shape Sorters | For Young Children
Shape Sorter toys are simple toys with different shapes that kids can match and fit into corresponding holes. They're great sensory toys because they engage a child's sense of touch, sight, and fine motor skills. These toys also help kids learn problem-solving and thinking skills.
They improve hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and shape recognition through interactive play. For young children, shape sorters are a valuable tool for early childhood development. For children with autism or other sensory challenges, sorting can be extremely calming.
Audible sensory toys make noise when a child places the shape correctly. These sounds engage the sense of sound, providing an audible incentive for correct placement.
2. 3D Cube Puzzles | For Critical Thinking
3D Cube Puzzle toys are interactive toys that challenge children to assemble a three-dimensional puzzle cube. They are great sensory toys as they engage children's senses and coordination. These toys help kids think critically, solve problems, and develop perseverance. They also improve cognitive skills and hand movements, making them beneficial for children's learning and development.
Cube puzzles are great for kids and teens with autism, ADHD, or special needs. They help with sensory skills and thinking.
The puzzles can improve focus, attention, and hand movements in kids with ADHD. For children with autism or special needs, the puzzles offer tactile exploration and problem-solving. Furthermore, completing the puzzle can boost confidence and self-esteem.
3. Decompression Toys | For Stress Relief
Decompression toys are small items that provide relaxation and sensory stimulation. They are great as sensory toys because they offer textures and colors that can be calming and satisfying to touch. These toys help children relax, reduce stress, and improve focus.
They are great for children who feel stressed because they offer a simple way to relieve anxiety. These toys provide comfort and calmness, helping children feel more relaxed during difficult times. Kids who struggle with stress can benefit from the soothing effects of decompression toys, helping them feel more at ease.
4. Gravity-Defying Kinetic Toy | For Focus
Gravity-defying kinetic toys are toys that create mesmerizing movements. They are one of the best sensory toys because they offer visual and tactile stimulation. This stimulation can help children focus and be creative.
Since they provide an engaging and focused experience, they are ideal for ADHD children. These toys can help improve attention and concentration. They also offer a calming effect that helps children find their center and feel calm.
5. Gear Rotating Fidget | For Stress Relief
Gear-rotating fidget toys comprise moving gears that kids can touch, spin, and view. Using these toys can help kids focus and relax. It can also help them with their hand movements and how they coordinate. These toys give kids a good feeling and can make them feel better overall.
These toys are suitable for kids with autism and other special needs. The moving gears can help calm them down and make them feel more relaxed. Using these toys can also help them focus better, which many kids with special needs struggle with.
These toys are perfect for children who have trouble with their senses, feel anxious, or struggle to pay attention.
6. Soft Books | For Exploring Senses
Ultimately, soft cloth books are fabric-based books for kids. They have different textures and colors to touch and see. These books help kids learn through their senses and coordination. They also make kids curious and excited about reading.
They are good for special needs kids like those with sensory or developmental issues. The soft material in these books can calm kids with sensory sensitivities. They can also help kids with movement challenges practice their hand skills. Soft books are ideal for children with autism, ADHD, or movement issues to explore their senses and enjoy reading.
7. Chain Spinner | For Anxiety & Focus
Chain spinners are handheld toys with spinning chains that kids can move. Kids love playing with these spinners and looking at their repetitive motions. Playing with chain spinners can help kids relax, focus, and improve their hand skills. These toys offer a simple way for kids to have fun while reducing anxiety.
They are great for kids with special conditions like ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Chain spinners can calm kids with sensory issues by their repetitive motion. These toys can also help kids with attention problems focus better. If your child has sensory challenges or trouble focusing, chain spinners can be a fun toy and tool to improve their well-being.
8. Fidget Slider | For Texture Sensation
Fidget sliders are small toys that engage children by providing various textures. They provide different surfaces for kids to explore. This can help improve their hand skills and keep them relaxed and focused.
These sliders are optimal for kids who have trouble processing sensory information. They are simple, but they provide a way for them to relax and handle stress. If a child has difficulty paying attention, fidget sliders offer a relaxing activity to help them focus.
How to Choose the Right Sensory Toy for Kids
With so many sensory toy options, how do you choose the best one for your child? Consider the following qualities when exploring different sensory toys.
Safety & Durability
When selecting a sensory toy for your child, prioritize safety and durability. Check for any potential choking hazards or loose parts that could pose a risk. Ensure the toy meets safety standards to avoid shattering or dangerous pinch points. Opting for a sturdy and safe toy will ensure long-lasting value and provide peace of mind.
Age Alignment
Choose sensory toys that align with your child's age and developmental stage. While toys suitable for toddlers may not engage older children, those designed for older kids might be too complex for younger ones. Look for toys that your child can use independently but still offer opportunities for growth and exploration.
Pinpoint The Main Sensory System
Identify the primary sensory system you want to target based on your child's preferences. Consider the seven sensory systems when choosing a sensory toy. These include body awareness, movement and balance, touch, vision, hearing, smell, and taste.
Observe your child's sensory preferences to determine which activities they seek out or avoid. Do they enjoy physical play or show an interest in balance? Are they drawn to specific textures or sounds? This can help you identify which sensory system they are seeking to engage or regulate.
For kids who enjoy movement, consider toys like swings or musical instruments that engage the vestibular and proprioception systems. Toys with various textures or squishy materials can provide tactile stimulation. Visual sensory toys such as light-up objects can offer engaging visual experiences to support your child's sensory needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sensory toys can be a game-changer for your children. Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about these amazing toys.
Are Sensory Toys Safe for Kids?
Generally, yes. Reputable suppliers, such as Feel and Focus, prioritize safety in the design of sensory toys. Choosing sensory toys that meet safety standards and avoid toxic materials is crucial. For kids with special needs, consulting with their therapist or doctor regarding specific safety considerations is advisable.
Why Do Kids Need Sensory Environments?
Sensory-rich environments are beneficial for childhood development. They support brain development, enhance motor skills, and aid cognitive processing. Tactile play and other sensory experiences help children learn to respond to their environment and understand how it functions. This type of play also contributes to emotional regulation and improved attention and concentration.
Do Adults with ADHD Enjoy Sensory Toys?
Many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) have reported positive experiences and benefits from using sensory toys. These items can help with focus shifting, stress relief, and reducing the need to fidget. While researchers are still performing tests, anecdotal evidence suggests that sensory toys may be helpful for adults with ADHD.
What Makes a Good Sensory Toy?
A good sensory toy engages multiple senses during play. It may feature contrasting colors to stimulate vision, produce sounds for auditory input, and offer various textures for tactile exploration. The best sensory toys often stimulate two or more senses simultaneously, capturing the attention of children for longer periods.
Can Sensory Toys Help with Stimming?
Sensory toys can be useful for children who stim, as they provide an outlet for repetitive movements or sounds that aid in self-regulation and sensory processing. Such sensory toys include anti-stress fidget spinners, textured stress balls, and tactile mats, which serve as safe and acceptable stimming devices.
Children with sensory disorders depend on sensory toys to navigate their daily experiences and learn new skills. These toys assist in processing sensory information in an engaging manner, promoting curiosity and confidence.
Parents play a crucial role in selecting the best sensory toys by considering the specific needs of their children. Thoughtful selection can significantly impact a child's enjoyment and benefit from these toys, underscoring the importance of tailoring choices to individual characteristics and requirements.
