These days, almost everyone knows of a high-sensory-needs child, due to autism, Aspergers, or another special need. Oftentimes, they can be a bit harder to shop for as their needs are different. There are other neurotypical children who crave sensory experiences too.
The thing is, sensory toys and products can be enjoyed and beneficial to everyone! (For example, I have started using a weighted blanket and I LOVE it!) So to help, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for sensory kids in our Sensory Kids Holiday Gift Guide! Check it out and be sure to let us know if there’s anything we missed that you would love to see included.
Best Gifts For Sensory Kids
Best Sensory Kids Gifts
We've rounded up some of the best gift ideas for the high sensory needs kids in your life! Check it out and let us know what you'd add.
The perfect toy for sensory-craving kids to engage their senses while learning!
This sensory bin was developed with the aid of an occupational therapist, and offers two ways to play! The lid of the bin includes a zen sand garden where sensory kids can work through sand-based writing and drawing activity cards - it even includes a special card storage compartment.
Upon opening the bin, kids will find a multisensory exploration experience with paper filling and water beads. There is so much to do with 50 learn & play activities on 25 double-sided cards!
With over 92 things to find and tools including toy bugs, toy coins, toy gems, 62 letters & numbers, a scoop, tweezers, a bowl, a die, and more, your child will have hours and hours of sensory fun!
Lottie Dolls are designed to look like kids, not like adults (like other dolls like this). This doll in particular is inspired by a real-life boy, Hayden, age 8, who is passionate about outer space and just happens to have autism. He comes wearing an astronaut training jumpsuit with headphones & sunglasses accompanied by his dog, Cookie.
I'm loving the diversity that Lottie Dolls has brought to the doll space!
Harkla's indoor Sensory Swing is multi-purpose for kids and it will quickly become your child's new go-to place to calm down.
Your child will want to get started with playtime as soon as their new swing arrives. So that’s why every purchase of a compression swing includes $50 in hardware at no extra cost to you!
Sturdy enough to hold up to 200 pounds, this compression therapy swing is also machine washable so you can take care of messes easily.
Designed with your child's needs in mind, this swing can help your child feel secure as it's similar to getting a hug or being swaddled.
Purrble is an interactive plush companion designed to help kids calm themselves down in the moment and build resilience.
When your kids are stressed, so are you. Purrble transforms battles and tantrums into moments of calm which is beneficial for the entire family.
Let Purrble HelpStudies have shown that kids can learn to calm themselves through the process of calming others. By soothing their Purrble, kids learn how to self-soothe when big emotions bubble up.
Bring Purrble Home:- Vibrational heartbeat and soothing purr
- Dynamic heart rate changes with Purrble's emotions
- 9 sensors that respond to touch and fidgeting
- 2 AA batteries included
- Soft plush
- Ages 3-103
Does your sensory child struggle to find a comfortable spot to calm down and stay calm? If so, give the Harkla Hug a try.
It offers the right mix of deep pressure and sense of security which is exactly what many kiddos need.
Watch your child return to calm in this inflatable pea-pod. The Harkla Hug benefits children with autism and sensory processing disorder as well as kids with other needs too.
Does your little one experience restless sleep? Are they sensitive to certain foods and ingredients? Finally, here is a children’s sleep aid that doesn't compromise on ingredients and works!
The Harkla Nighttime Relaxation blend features carefully selected ingredients to improve sleep without aggravating sensory issues.
Made from only the natural vitamins, herbs, and minerals used for centuries to help humans get good sleep; there is NO gluten, NO sugar, NO artificial coloring and flavors, and NO GMOs.
If you're looking for a safe, natural supplement with Melatonin, this Sleep With Melatonin from Harkla is a great choice.
It's a supplement for kids that doesn't compromise on ingredients. Harkla has carefully selected ingredients for their melatonin chewables to improve sleep without aggravating sensory issues.
Similar to the Nighttime Relaxation Blent, the Sleep With Melatonin has NO gluten, NO sugar, NO artificial coloring and flavors, and NO GMOs.
Sleep is vital for healthy development and this kid’s melatonin chewable supports a healthy sleep schedule leading to improved mood and overall better daytime behavior.
We've found THE must-have padded play set that sparks kids’ imaginations while helping adults avoid having their entire house destroyed, couch cushions confiscated, and blankets missing! It's The Figgy!
What's A Figgy?The Figgy is a padded play set that comes with two double-stacked squares, and two rectangular bolsters – that’s fancy talk for long, thick pillows. The best part is that kids LOVE them!
Highlights Include:
- CertiPUR-US Foam Inserts– Firm enough to stand up to all-day play and soft enough to plop down on and relax.
- Uniform Pad Thickness – For easier and more predictable building, each square pad has the same depth.
- Superior Cover Material – Comfortable for kids to play on, water-resistant and machine washable.
- Waterproof Liners – An extra layer of protection, like a mattress pad for your Figgy cushions.
- Covered Zippers – Protects your walls and floors, not mention kids’ skin.
- Velcro Connecting Strips – Helps keep the cushions together, which is key for keeping creations together.
Get yours ordered today on Kickstarter and leave a note under the tree letting the kids know they'll be getting a late gift in January!
Get ready to make the next bath night a little less stressful with the help of the Bath Buddy from Starlux Games.
Everyone should be excited about getting clean and this toy helps by providing a unique light up experience.
Kids can use the Bath Buddy in so many ways! They can pretend it's a boat, stack other toys in it, use it to pour water out, and more! It's safe for small children as it's one large piece. No setup required and the batteries are replaceable.
Do you have a child that struggles with anxiety, stress, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping? Have you heard of the benefits of a weighted blanket? Gravity Blankets makes a weighted blanket designed specifically for kids ages 7 years old and up. This blanket/duvet cover is the perfect weight and size for kids and even comes with a 3 pound weighted dog for extra snuggles. Kids can benefit from weight blankets just like adults, as long as it is the proper size.
The washable duvet is made out of 100% polyester cooling fabric which is designed to wick away moisture making it perfect for any climate. It also has 2 types of internal clasps to make sure it stays securely connected to the weighted blanket inside.
Gravity Blankets makes high quality, built to last products. This is the only weighted blanket your child will ever need. Check them out and be sure to look at their options for adults, too!
Hix is a versatile construction toy consisting of four convertible cones, made of elastic silicone rubber.
Each cone transforms into four basic shapes which can be stacked and nested in a myriad of different configurations.
Hix is a delight to fidget with and makes geometry accessible and fun for all ages.
It playfully trains-visual ability, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Plus, they won't hurt if you accidentally step on them!
Give your sensory kiddo some to do with their hands as they can work to transform airy, fluffy clay into a world of seriously squishy, textured fun with the Mixy Squish Tabletop Creativity Desk!
With 5 oz. of pre-made, pre-textured Mixy Squish colors — including crunchy, glittery add-ins — plus 14 sculpting tools and 3 double-sided molds, creative sensory fun takes on a whole new meaning.
Bring out the magic in your Mixy Squish by kneading it with your hands for a minute or two — softening the clay to make it easier for your child to use. Then, hand it over and allow them to jump right in and start creating and exploring.
Bombas socks are the perfect gift for anyone this holiday season, but are especially perfect for sensory sensitive kids.
These socks are made with no annoying toe seam. They have a Honeycomb Support System that cradles the arch of your child's foot, giving them a firm but comfortable compression.
Along with that, they have their Stay Up Technology. Bombas tested over 97 different tension levels when trying to find the perfect one for their socks. Through this process, they were able to find the perfect balancing act between tight enough to never-ever slip down during everyday wear, while free enough to never feel tight or leave any kind of imprint. Making these the perfect socks for any kid, really!
You can also visit our Best Gifts For Kids Guide for even more inspiration. Don’t forget to make sure you have enough toy storage solutions for the new toys you’ll be adding to your home too!
Ashley Parks
Thursday 29th of December 2022
I love the Harkla Hug!! That looks amazing and like something all my kids would use to read or just get comfy! I love the Bombas Socks too!! We all hate the toe seam in our socks, me included! I need to try those!
gloria patterson
Tuesday 15th of November 2022
There are a lot of nice things here. going to share this with my cousin who has a little boy. Going to pick something out of this for him...............thanks great list
Amber Ludwig
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
Oooh, I love the Harkla Nighttime Relaxation blend! I will have to try that with my 9 year old who really struggles at night time. Thanks so much for sharing!
Leela
Monday 29th of November 2021
I like the Bombas Socks.
Mia Rose
Saturday 27th of November 2021
These are fantastic gifts for any kid but I can see how helpful they all would be to kids with sensory issues.