Are you searching for the perfect gift for your child with autism or special needs this holiday season? Sensory toys and tools offer more than just fun—they provide therapeutic benefits! To make your holiday shopping easier, our expert Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists have compiled a list of the best sensory toys and tools to support your child’s growth.
Feel free to share these ideas with grandparents or close family members who want to help nurture your child’s development. Each of these items is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences. Get ready to bring some sensory fun into your home!
- Weighted Stuffed Animals
Warm Pals offers the cutest weighted stuffed animals in various options like a kitten, turtle, crab, shark, and unicorn. You can heat them in the microwave or cool them in the fridge, making them perfect for giving your child that extra bit of comfort. These cuddly buddies provide calming deep pressure, and the added warmth or coolness can help with emotional regulation, ease anxiety, and promote relaxation.
- Sensory Body Socks
Does your child love the feeling of a tight hug or often burrow under couch cushions and blankets? These behaviors are signs of seeking sensory input, and Sensory Sox provide a soothing way to deliver the calming compression many children crave. While they may look a little silly, these socks offer hours of fun and valuable sensory input. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, they help with balance, body awareness, and self-calming.
- Mini Trampolines
Jumping on a mini trampoline is a fun way for kids to improve coordination, balance, and motor skills while building strength and endurance. It also provides great sensory input by engaging the vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body awareness) systems. For kids with boundless energy, it’s a safe and effective way to regulate while burning off some steam. Plus, this indoor trampoline comes with an adjustable gymnastics bar for extra sensory input!
- Indoor Jungle Gym
If your child can’t seem to get enough climbing, jumping, or hanging, an indoor jungle gym might be the perfect solution. Jungle Jumparoo offers an indoor/outdoor option that doesn’t take up too much space. Indoor jungle gyms not only provide a safe, fun way for kids to burn off energy, but they also help improve motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength. For children with special needs, they can offer sensory input, enhance body awareness, and support overall physical and cognitive development.
- Inflatable Peapod
The inflatable peapod is ideal for kids who crave compression. It’s shaped like a small canoe, perfect for imaginative boat play. More importantly, it provides calming sensory input, helping children feel secure and supported while sitting inside. It’s a great tool to include in your child’s sensory diet.
- Hanging Tree Tent
What do you get when you combine the coziness of a tent with the calming sensation of gentle movement? The hanging tree tent! Its enclosed design provides a cozy, safe space where kids can block out overwhelming sights and sounds. The gentle motion offers a soothing sensory experience, perfect for helping kids relax and unwind.
- Swings
Swinging provides calming sensory input that helps regulate the nervous system. The rhythmic movement offers vestibular stimulation, which can help improve balance and body awareness. Sensory swings are similar to the hanging tree tent, but they provide more compression and are great for kids who seek both movement and compression. The saucer swing is perfect for outdoors, while this giant platform swing will allow you to join in the fun!
- Sensory Chairs
We can’t overlook Ikea’s iconic egg chair. Its adjustable cover creates a secure, enclosed space, helping reduce visual stimulation while providing a comforting sense of privacy. Plus, it swivels for added sensory input! Another excellent choice is the Sensory Swivel Chair, which offers endless spinning fun and engages your child’s sense of movement.
- Compression Sheets
For kids with sensory processing disorder or autism, sensory compression sheets provide the comforting sensation of a tight hug, which may help them sleep more soundly through the night. If you have a sensory-seeker who struggles with sleep, these sheets are definitely worth trying—they could be a game changer.
- Nugget Play Couch
You’ve likely seen The Nugget Play Couch on social media, but it’s definitely worth adding to this list for its versatility and sensory benefits. The soft, modular pieces can be rearranged into forts, tunnels, or cozy nooks, allowing children to create their own calming space. This flexibility promotes imaginative play while offering a safe retreat when they need a break from sensory overload. The cushions also provide deep pressure input, which many kids find comforting.
- Wobble Cushion
A wobble cushion is perfect for kids who need to move while they sit. It lets them wiggle and wobble, providing a fun way to stay engaged while seated. Often used in classrooms, it can also be great at home during mealtimes, homework, or anytime your child needs a little extra help staying focused. It’s a simple tool that can comfortably support both focus and movement.
- Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are a fantastic tool for calming anxiety, and they’re not just for adults—there are also kid-friendly versions! These blankets offer gentle compression, helping children feel safe and relaxed. The lighter weight is just enough to provide comfort without feeling too heavy, making it a soothing option for kids who need a little extra support to feel calm and secure.
- Crash Pad
If your child loves to jump, crash, or dive into piles of cushions, a crash pad could be a great addition to your home! Made with durable foam blocks, it keeps its shape over time, offering a safe place for your child to “crash” without the risk of injury. It’s a fun way to let them release energy while staying safe and protected.
- Vibrating Pillows and Stuffies
Vibrating stuffies offer calming sensory input, helping to soothe anxiety and regulate the nervous system. For kids with autism or ADHD, the rhythmic vibrations provide a comforting sensation that can improve focus, body awareness, and relaxation while offering proprioceptive feedback.
- Sensory Toys and Games
You may already have a house full of sensory toys, but if you’re on the lookout for anything new and fresh, check out the list below! Curated by our Westside ABA therapists, these toys and games are favorites in our clinics and are designed to support sensory needs in a fun, engaging way.
- GooToobz
- Sensory Slug Fidget Toy
- Cloud Slime Kit
- Baby Spin Stack Toy
- Race Track Car Toy
- Gears and Gizmos Building Set
- Writing Tablet
- Fidget Spinner and Popper
- Mini Stress Balls for Kids
- Squigz Suction Toys
- Stretchy Sensory Strings
- Squishy Sensory Toys
- Kidoozie Ball Drop
- Pound a Ball Montessori Toy
- Sensory Activity Board
- Jelly Blox
- Feed the Woozle Cooperative Game
- Squishy Tube Sensory Toys
- Kinetic Sand
We hope this list of gift ideas has inspired you as you shop for the perfect presents for your child this holiday season. From our Westside family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season, filled with giggles and all the magic the season brings.
If you’re interested in learning more about our therapy services, we invite you to call us at (815) 469-1500 or click on the link below. We’re here to support your child’s growth and development every step of the way!
