To be included on my list, products had to be:
- Rated 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon
- Have fewer than 5% of the total reviews be 1 star
- Be made by or recommended by Occupational therapists
- Many are also an Amazon’s Choice product
AGES – up to age 5
1. TANGLE Set of 3 Metallic Textured Fidget Toys – “It’s That Fun, Twisty Thing! Twist It! Turn It! You Can’t Put it Down! Warning: This toy can unleash extreme levels of creativity! Each measures 7 long when connected. Each link is approximately 1 long.”
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2. TANGLE Set of 5 Metallic Textured Fidget Toys – “FIVE Assorted Tangle Jr. Fidget Toys! One Tangle Jr. Original; One Tangle Jr. Metallic; one Tangle Jr. Textured; One Tangle Jr. Fuzzy AND One Tangle Relax”
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3. Spiky Sensory Unbreakable Rollers (Pack of 3) – Spiky ovals are “firm with only a bit of squeeziness, they’re perfect for sensory and tactile stimulation, as a tactile roll or a sensory brush”. Made with 100% high-quality thermoplastic rubber, they are hypoallergenic, nontoxic, and free of BPAs, phthalates, and latex.
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4. Chewy Tubes P’ and Q’ (set of 2) – “It is an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input. These are also alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.” Appropriate for ages 1-6
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5. Chewy Tubes Master Combo Pack (set of 12) – “It is an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input. These are also alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.” You get 12 hammer-shaped chew tubes, 3 each of blue, green, red, and yellow. Appropriate for ages 1-6
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6. Wilbarger Sensory Brushes (bag of 12) – “SENSORY INTEGRATION TOOL – Effective for sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder allowing for a decreased fear or discomfort from being touched and improved self-regulation during daily activities. Sensory brushes are designed to deliver a deep pressure massage to help improve sensory defensiveness. This essential tool can help improve attention span and ability to transition between activities. ” Appropriate for ages infant through adult
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7. Manhattan Toy Mind-Shapes Multi-Sensory Soft Activity Shape Set – “From Manhattan Toy’s award-winning Wimmer-Ferguson infant collection – the original innovator of black and white developmental toys. Mind-Shapes activity set includes three unique, soft sculpted shapes with various textures for tactile stimulation. Hidden sounds such as crinkle paper, rattle, and chimeball teach auditory recognition cause and effect” Appropriate for ages infant through toddler
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8. Melissa & Doug Construction Tools Sound Puzzle – “8-piece wooden sound peg puzzle with realistic sounds of tools. Pictures on pieces match pictures on beautifully crafted puzzle board. Sounds play when pieces are placed in puzzle board.” Appropriate for ages 24 months through 4 years
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9. Jarrby Sensory Toys for Autistic Children – These pre-k and kinder STEM 3-D puzzle pieces have been featured on all major news sources and will “boost their cognitive development, reasoning, problem-solving and fine motor skills. Constructed from Safe Non Toxic plastics, BPA Phthalate, and lead-Free.” Your little ones will “create 3D works of art. Includes Idea sheet and downloadable ebook.” Appropriate for ages 24 months and up
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AGES 5-9
1. SANHO Yopo Dynamic Movement Sensory Sox – Essentially a giant pouch your child climbs inside of (does not cover head). Designed to “help to improve self-calming, balance, increased body and spatial awareness, and heightens movement creativity.”
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2. Chewy Tubes P’ and Q’ (set of 2) – “It is an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input. These are also alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.” Appropriate for ages 1-6
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3. Chewy Tubes Master Combo Pack (set of 12) – “It is an oral fidget for sensory seekers craving stimulation and proprioceptive input. These are also alternative to chewing on hands, knuckles, shirts, pencils, etc.” You get 12 hammer-shaped chew tubes, 3 each of blue, green, red, and yellow. Appropriate for ages 1-6
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4. Wilbarger Sensory Brushes (bag of 12) – “SENSORY INTEGRATION TOOL – Effective for sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder allowing for a decreased fear or discomfort from being touched and improved self-regulation during daily activities. Sensory brushes are designed to deliver a deep pressure massage to help improve sensory defensiveness. This essential tool can help improve attention span and ability to transition between activities. ” Appropriate for ages infant through adult
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5. The Adventurous Mind Stretchy String Fidget Sensory Toys (10 pack) – “Get the most value for your money with 10 different squishy fidget toys! Get 5 super stretchy monkey squishy pull string toys, 4 different stretchy sticky toys and sticky hands, and 1 giant pom pom stress koosh balls! PERFECT SENSORY TOYS FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM – These fidget toys are great autism toys and special needs toys. BPA FREE | NONTOXIC | LATEX FREE” Appropriate for ages 4 and up
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5. Freddy’s Fidgets Sensory Marble Toys – “Sensory Toys for Autistic Children OCD ADHD ADD. BEND, SQUISH, TWIST, PULL, & ROLL Freddy’s Fidgets like crazy to relieve stress and anxiety. Proven to increase focus and promote calmness by helping fidgety fingers stay busy. Amazingly effective OCD toys and therapy toys for anxiety, ADHD, autism, and other special sensory needs. They work great as a silent toy to keep your kids busy without distracting others. Ages 3 and up.”
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6. Harkla Kid Pod Hanging Indoor Swing – “Parents are raving about the hours of calm their children get. The perfect calming tool for children with sensory processing disorder. This autism swing addresses an individual’s proprioception seeking with a swinging sensory input.” All hardware included, hangs from any ceiling height with adjustable strap. Lifetime guarantee! Holds up to 150 lbs.
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AGES 8-12
1. Dizzy Disc Jr. Spinning Disc – “This durable toy creates hours of fun for kids to spin and release pent up energy for many years. Adjustable spin angle to increase the difficulty. Teachers and therapist nationwide use the Dizzy Disk Jr. to help kids develop strength, balance, coordination, spatial awareness and motor skills.” Geared towards kids age 8 and up, holds up to 200 lbs.
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2. Wilbarger Sensory Brushes (bag of 12) – “SENSORY INTEGRATION TOOL – Effective for sensory processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder allowing for a decreased fear or discomfort from being touched and improved self-regulation during daily activities. Sensory brushes are designed to deliver a deep pressure massage to help improve sensory defensiveness. This essential tool can help improve attention span and ability to transition between activities. ” Appropriate for ages infant through adult
CLICK HERE to check current prices on Amazon
3. Harkla Kid Pod Hanging Indoor Swing – “Parents are raving about the hours of calm their children get. The perfect calming tool for children with sensory processing disorder. This autism swing (soothes) an individual’s (spatial awareness and body movement) with a swinging sensory input.” All hardware included, hangs from any ceiling height with adjustable strap. Lifetime guarantee! Holds up to 150 lbs.
CLICK HERE to check current prices on Amazon
Sensory gyms are also very effective for children. You could set up a sensory gym at your home. Sensory gyms by Fun Factory will help you design, deliver and install a sensory gym.