Gift Ideas for Kids with Sensory Needs
The holidays are quickly approaching and I have come up with a list of ten gift ideas for a child with sensory needs. So often, we associate sensory needs with autism, but children with many other diagnoses may have sensory processing difficulties, too. I hope this list helps you find a meaningful gift for a child in your life with sensory differences!
Fidget Toy Set - This toy set includes 22 different manipulatives, including flip chains, squeeze beans, mesh squeeze balls, stretchy strings, clackers and more! This set is ideal for children who are picky with their sensory toys, because the variety in this set helps ensure that everyone can find something stimulating! You can find this set on Amazon Prime here for $18.55.
Sensory Jungle Water Beads - These beads arrive small and hard in the package, but when they are placed in water, they expand to 1000x their original size! These water beads provide a uniquely calming sensory experience for children with autism or other sensory processing disorders. You can also combine them with other materials (like shaving cream) to create a variety of fun sensory integration activities. These beads are 100% non toxic, non sticky, and odorless. They dehydrate back to their original size so they can be reused. You can find them on Amazon Prime here for $7.95.
Squishy Stress Relief Spiky Ball - Fidget toys are known to highly reduce anxiety in those with autism and other sensory processing disorders. These spiky balls come in a variety of colors and are the perfect stocking stuffer! You can purchase a set of 5 on Amazon Prime here for $9.90.
Special Supplies Chew Band Necklaces - These necklaces are super-absorbent and are the perfect hygienic solution for kids who self-soothe by biting clothing or self-injury. They’re made with fun, vibrant colored materials and can be worn around the neck for a practical alternative to chewing shirts and clothing. They can help promote calm and focus while reducing anxiety, biting, chewing, and behavior at school. You can find them on Amazon Prime here for $19.95.
iSpy Dig In - This fun twist on the classic iSpy is ideal for children with sensory needs or nonverbal children. Instead of the usual, “I spy with my little eye,” children can instead find an object with their hands or match it to a provided picture card. You can find this game on Amazon here for $11.99!
Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder - Award-winning author and occupational therapist Barbara Sher has over 45 years experience helping children with sensory processing disorder, autism and Asperger’s learn and thrive. In this new solutions-based guide, she’s collected 100 sensory-rich games that make working with your child a joy. Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder advocates play as the most effective approach for children with sensory processing disorder, and illustrates the many ways that play can lead to significant breakthroughs. You can purchase this book on Amazon here for $12.81!
Color Matching Mosaic Pegboard - This is one of my favorite reinforcers to use in speech therapy! It is designed to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and creative thinking. Your child can match and snap the chunky buttons to complete the pictures. This is a great alternative to crayons/markers and allows those with fine motor or sensory difficulties to engage in creative play. You can purchase this on Amazon here for $15.99.
Calming Sensory LED Light Projector - Complete with relaxing music, this projector creates a soothing, shape shifting pattern on your walls or floor. It can create an enjoyable, relaxing experience during bedtime, bath time, quiet time, or any other “calm-down” time. You can purchase it on Amazon Prime here for $28.99!
Magnetic Tiles Building Block Set - These magnetic blocks help foster brain development and creative thinking by giving kids and teens constructive ways to express themselves. It encourages creative thinking and helps kids learn how to solve complex problems as they play. This is a great alternative to blocks for children who dislike the loud noise of blocks falling. You can purchase this set on Amazon Prime here for $26.99.
HELP Belts - These are a MUST HAVE! I pray that none of you are ever severely injured in a car accident, however, accidents are just that - accidents. If you are a parent/grandparent/nanny/friend that is regularly driving a child with special needs in your car, these identification tags can be life saving. This lets first responders know exactly what needs your child has and any precautions that need to be taken. For example, a first responder needs to know that a child with a cochlear implant cannot have an MRI, or that a child with Type 1 Diabetes needs their insulin pack, or that a nonverbal child is not ignoring them, but simply cannot verbally respond. There are so many different HELP Belts, and I strongly encourage you to click the link below and find the HELP Belt that most suits your child. You can purchase on Etsy here for $8.00!
...mg
NOTE: I am a speech pathologist, not an occupational therapist. Please consult with your OT should you have questions or concerns specific to your child’s needs.
