If squishies, fidgets or Pop-Its are on your child’s wish list, you're not alone. These popular toys have become the latest must-haves, especially among kids.
But the concept of sensory toys isn’t new. Play-Doh, slime, Tamagotchis and kinetic sand have kept kids engaged for years. And it’s no surprise: children naturally enjoy exploring different textures, movements and sensations through play.
“Sensory play naturally calms the nervous system,” says Emily Faith Armstrong, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s Health℠ and Clinical Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.
Dr. Armstrong explains what sensory toys are, the benefits and how to choose the best ones for your child.
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys engage touch, pressure, movement, sound, sight and even mouth feel.
Kids take in the world through many different senses and inputs, and different toys engage different ones.
"I would argue almost any toy is a sensory toy,” says Dr. Armstrong. “And some of them, like magnetic tiles, pull in several senses at once: the feel in the hands, the clicking sound when they snap together and the visual of watching them connect.”
The benefits of sensory toys
All kids benefit from sensory toys. Sensory toys can help kids:
Explore their environment
Develop motor skills
Practice coordination
Regulate their emotions
Sensory toys also give kids a way to connect. Comparing and trading favorites is a social experience. Plus, because they're hands-on toys, they offer screen-free play that isn't designed to keep kids hooked.
Who benefits from sensory toys
Sensory toys are great for all kids – not just for kids who have ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing differences.
“All types of kids get overwhelmed and frustrated. And it can be so helpful to have something grounding that brings you back to the moment when you’re having a hard time managing emotions or behaviors,” says Dr. Armstrong.
The best sensory toys for your child
There’s no single best toy for a child’s sensory development. But often, the best sensory toy gift for a child will match their preferred sensory inputs.
If your child prefers:
Touch, they may like squishies, putty, slime, kinetic sand and bead kits.
Movement, they may like balance boards, mini trampolines, swings, hammocks and hula hoops.
Sound, they may enjoy clicking magnetic tiles, music boxes and screen-free audio players. (Note: Some kids are very sensitive to auditory input and you may need to limit toys that make noise.)
Sight, they may enjoy lights, kaleidoscopes, toys with parts that move – or can be studied up close.
Mouth feel, they may enjoy wearable, chewable jewelry (chewelry) made of durable silicone.
Proprioception and pressure, they may like weighted stuffed animals and stepping stones that provide feedback through the feet.
Water, they may like playing with a water table or tower, a pretend kitchen where they can practice pouring water – or bath paint or foam designed for play in the bathtub.
You can also make sensory toys at home, including:
Buckets of dried beans, rice or macaroni pasta.
Safety considerations for sensory toys
For kids who like to explore with their mouths, it’s important to avoid toys with small pieces, magnets and batteries. You’ll also want to avoid water beads, which can be very dangerous if swallowed.
“Kids who need to chew may benefit from chewelry, which is chewable jewelry made of silicone that’s both easy to wash and designed to withstand a lot of use,” says Dr. Armstrong.
Learn more toy safety tips.
Tuning into your child’s sensory preferences
Some kids may prefer toys that are more visually engaging. Others may prefer ones that tap into touch or movement.
To learn about your child's preferences, pay attention to what captures each individual child’s interest naturally, in play or in daily life.
You might try doing that:
At the grocery store. What is your child noticing and picking up on? What do they mention or spend more time engaging with?
At the park. Do they explore with their eyes or with their hands? Do they love the sandbox, the woodchips or the musical structures? Do they gravitate to the swings or something that spins in circles?
When to seek support for sensory challenges in kids
“Some kids’ preferences can impact how they play or interact, or their ability to participate in daily routines,” says Dr. Armstrong. “And that’s where a parent or caregiver may need more support or evaluation.”
Consider talking with your child's pediatrician if sensory sensitivities or interests make it difficult for your child to:
Complete everyday tasks, such as bathing or
brushing their teeth.
Eat a variety of foods because of their textures, tastes or smells.
Participate in play or other activities with peers.
Transition between activities or managing everyday routines.
Sensory-friendly toys may help children explore different sensations through play, but they aren't a solution for every sensory challenge. Learn more ways to support kids with sensory processing challenges.
Find care for your child
Children’s Health Center for Autism Care is an interdisciplinary program offering compassionate, comprehensive care and research for children of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. Learn more about our program and services.
Children's Health is also committed to helping all kids thrive – physically, socially and emotionally. Learn more about our programs to support mental, emotional and behavioral health and our Virtual Visit Behavioral Health.
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