Here are some examples of sensory toys categorised by the senses they engage:
Touch
Fidget spinners and cubes - Provide tactile stimulation and help improve focus.
Textured balls and squeeze toys - Offer different textures for tactile exploration.
Playdough or slime - Allows for manipulation and can be soothing to squeeze and mold.
Weighted blankets and lap pads - Provide deep pressure stimulation which can be calming.
Sight
Light-up toys - Capture attention with visual stimulation.
Bubbles and bubble lamps - Soothing visual effects that can be calming and mesmerising.
Kaleidoscopes - Create patterns and colors that engage visual processing.
Sound
Musical instruments - Encourage auditory exploration and can improve auditory processing.
Rain sticks and shakers - Produce calming sounds that can help with relaxation.
Sound machines or white noise machines - Provide consistent sound to help focus or relax.
Smell
Aromatherapy toys - Infused with essential oils to provide calming or stimulating scents.
Scented playdough - Combines tactile and olfactory stimulation.
Taste
Chewable necklaces and bracelets - Safe materials for oral sensory exploration.
Flavourful, safe-to-eat sensory items - For taste exploration.
Multi-Sensory
Sensory bins - Filled with various materials like rice, beans, or sand for digging and exploring.
Activity boards (busy boards) - Combine locks, buttons, textures, and sounds for multi-sensory engagement.
Interactive books - Include textures, sounds, and flaps to engage multiple senses.
Benefits of Sensory Toys
1. Improved Focus and Attention - Helps in concentration and calming for tasks.
2. Developmental Skills - Enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities.
3. Stress Relief and Calming - Provides comfort and reduces anxiety.
4. Sensory Integration - Aids in the development of sensory processing abilities.
5. Social and Emotional Development - Encourages interaction and communication, especially in group play scenarios.