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Happy December, y'all!
As we head into the final month of the year, many of us are gearing up for a busy holiday season,
adding to our To-Do list a trip to Target or our favorite online shop to gather goodies for our
children. As a pediatric occupational therapist, one of my favorite things is getting new toys and tools for use during my sessions, but man, can it be overwhelming deciding where to start!
Here is a list of some of my tried and true sensory-related gifts for this holiday season.
This board game is a must! Not only is it fun (kids can’t resist the feeling of kinetic sand!), but
this game also supports turn-taking, fine-motor skills, and executive function skills as kiddos
plan and problem-solve for their character.
This cuddly friend offers more than a warm hug! Weighted blankets, stuffed animals, or lap pads
can provide a comforting sensation of “deep pressure” – ideal for kids who feel grounded by a
little extra weight. I love using these guys as a travel companion, hug buddy after a meltdown, or for
quieting down before bed. Aim to find a weighted tool that is 5-10% your child’s weight.
These step stones are such a fantastic tool! Using them in an interactive way can make the
not-so-fun chores or transitions feel more like an adventure!
This is an energy-busting favorite. Kids can jump to their heart’s content, getting in that
much-needed heavy work. Trampolines are also great for vestibular input (balance and
movement), which is key for self-regulation and building body awareness. I like the one with a
bar to provide some additional input (and balance for kiddos still needing support).
These earplugs are designed to filter background noise while allowing an individual to still tune
in to the immediate interaction they are involved in. These are a useful tool to improve
concentration, anxiety, and/or overstimulation. There is also a set with different levels of filters if
you're looking for a more high-tech option for your kiddo (or yourself!)
A good crash pad provides a safe, soft landing for all kinds of active play. Whether it’s for
jumping, rolling, or even cozying in to read a book, this versatile piece of equipment is fantastic
for providing proprioceptive (deep pressure) input.
The peanut ball is a great substitute if you don’t have space for a trampoline in your home, and
can be used to give your child a movement outlet while working on homework or watching a
movie. I love to use these to roll over kids' backs for “squishies” for some gentle, soothing input.
This chair is perfect if you’re a family that utilizes a calm down space in your home. The gentle
spinning movement can be grounding for kids who benefit from self-regulation activities, and
the shade gives kids that “away” feeling they might be looking for if they are upset or
overwhelmed. The chair is compact enough to fit just about anywhere – a wonderful way to add
some movement indoors!
Our visual systems are often the first to become overwhelmed. This product is calming, visually stimulating, and absolutely mesmerizing! A bubble tube is an amazing gift for kids who are visually inclined or just need a little something soothing in their environment.
Magnatiles are open-ended, colorful, and full of creativity! Providing toys like this is my favorite because there is no expectation of what the child needs to do with them; their creativity can flow in an anxiety-relieving way. My 12 year old clients enjoy these just as much as the 3 year olds, making them an awesome investment piece.
Splurge-Worthy Items
If you’re looking to spoil a bit this season, here are some extra-special sensory items that are
worth the splurge!
● Cuddle Box– Designed by an occupational therapist, this tool is tailored for those with sensory processing disorder, The Cuddle Box delivers a comforting squeeze and climbing space that supports sensory regulation, making it the perfect cozy spot for kids who need a calming, enclosed space to decompress. I want one!
● Outdoor Slackline- Nature is the most regulating environment for kids and adults alike. Check out this slackline playground system: all you need is two trees and a handy-helper for installation, and you have so many swinging and climbing options for the seeker in your life!
Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Round out the holiday haul with these sensory stocking stuffers. Small but mighty, these little
gifts are packed with sensory benefits:
● Globbles– These sticky fidget stress balls are so fun and great to have in your back pocket. Throwing them and watching them stick/roll down walls, mirrors, or other surfaces is too fun, and an awesome substitute action for kids who like to throw toys when upset.
● Fubbles– Kids love bubbles, and this spill proof options alleviates anxiety for you, Mom and Dad! Cueing your kiddo to help blow and pop a handful of these is an awesome option to facilitate some deep breathing.
● Nee-Doh– These squishy, squeezable fidgets are perfect for keeping hands busy. These
are the HOT ITEM for elementary, middle, and high schoolers right now.
● Visual Timer– A wonderful tool to help kids understand time and transitions in a visual way. The app “Little Timer” is a great free option that Apple I-phone users can utilize too!
● Chewies– For kids who need oral input, a chew toy can be both soothing and a good tool for focus. If you have a kiddo who hasn’t quite bought into switching out their t-shirt or fingers for one, try pairing it with a sour candy spray.
● Handheld Massager– These give a quick dose of deep pressure and are the BEST to give some vibration input to help calm an overwhelmed kiddo. I always have one of these in my therapy bag, and they are so affordable: a win-win!
● Expansion Ball– I know this one doesn’t look too exciting, but kids always grab this from my toolkit and find a way to use it for play. It’s also a great way to introduce deep breathing exercises and spatial awareness.
Whew, reading this through makes me want to get up and play!
These gift ideas are all kid-approved and supportive for a variety of sensory needs. There are tons of item-ideas here, but kid-approved and supportive for a variety of sensory needs. But, remember, one of the most regulating and useful sensory tools offered is the great outdoors. Pick out a few favorites from this list, then see how you can get your child outside: fidgets, trampolines, and crash pads give the same input as climbing trees, running into leaf piles, and digging holes in the mud!
Happy gifting, and may this holiday season be filled with joy, connection, and playful possibilities!
-Katie Hansen, OTR
Katie is an occupational therapist and owner of Playful Palms Therapy, which specializes in sensory
integration and social skills groups. For more information, contact Katie Hansen, OTR at