Whether it’s a hectic day at the office, a stressful commute home, or just too many things on your mind, sometimes you just need to get away from it all.
A number of different tools can help you do that in your own home and none is more effective than sensory toys! Sensory toys are great for adults and children alike.
They’re designed to bring comfort and ease stress by engaging a child’s senses in a fun way. Here are ten sensory toys that will help you relax:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Sensory toys can be helpful for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. |
| Fidget toys, stress balls, and calming tools like weighted blankets can all be useful for stress relief. |
| Sensory toys can also have benefits for children with special needs or those who need extra sensory input. |
| When choosing a sensory toy, consider your child’s needs and preferences, as well as the specific benefits of the toy. |
| DIY sensory toys can be a cost-effective and fun way to create customized toys for your child. |
1. A Therapy Putty Strength Kit
If you’re looking for a toy to help you unwind and de-stress, try therapy putty. It’s made of silicone, which means it’s soft and squishy it provides deep pressure stimulation but is firmer than other sensory toys like slime or playdough.
Therapy putty can be used as a fidget toy, as well as an anxiety reliever, stress reliever and hand therapy tool.
It’s perfectly safe for children of all ages (from babies to adults) but can also help adults with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD or sensory processing disorder (SPD).
The best part about this toy is its versatility: you can mold it into any shape you want! You can even sculpt sculptures from it if you have enough pieces available.
Looking for more sensory toys to help you unwind and de-stress? Our article on 15 sensory toys that will help you relax and de-stress has got you covered! From fidget spinners to stress balls, these toys are perfect for soothing your mind and relieving tension
2. A Stress Ball Made Of Sand
Stress balls are a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. If you’re looking for an alternative to stress balls made of plastic, consider making one yourself with sand! Sand is a great sensory material that is used by many therapists to help children and adults alike improve their focus and fine motor skills.
Here’s how to make your own sand stress ball:
- Get some sand (or beach glass if you live near the ocean)
- Put the sand into an old sock or similar container (the sock should be large enough for the amount of sand you plan on using)
- Tie off one end of the sock so there’s no way for it to slip out as you roll it between your hands
Recommended Sensory Toys for Stress Relief
| Toy | Description | Benefits | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidget Spinners | Small handheld toys that can be spun | Can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety | Children and adults |
| Stress Balls | Soft, squeezable balls | Can help relieve tension and improve focus | Children and adults |
| Weighted Blankets | Heavy blankets that provide deep pressure stimulation | Can promote relaxation and improve sleep | Children and adults |
| Squishies | Soft, squeezable toys in various shapes | Can provide tactile stimulation and promote relaxation | Children and adults |
| Tangle Toys | Twistable, bendable toys that can be fidgeted with | Can help improve focus and reduce anxiety | Children and adults |
3. A Fidget Block To Take Your Mind Off Things
The fidget block is a great way to take your mind off things. Whether you’re feeling stressed out or anxious, the fidget block can help you refocus and relax.
If you’ve got ADHD, it can also help keep your brain from overstimulating itself by engaging in various activities like spinning or flipping the blocks around in their different openings.
The fidget block is also a great toy for kids (and adults) with autism or sensory processing disorders who need something to do with their hands while they concentrate on other things happening around them!
Sensory toys aren’t just for kids! Adults can benefit from them too, especially when it comes to stress relief. Learn more about the power of sensory toys for stress relief in adults with our in-depth guide on the power of sensory toys for stress relief in adults.
4. A Kinetic Sand Set That Acts Like Liquid
You can buy kinetic sand in a range of colors, but it comes out of the package as white. The best part is that kinetic sand acts like liquid, too!
It flows through your hands and sticks to itself when you squeeze it together. Kinetic sand also feels cool to the touch, which makes it an excellent way to relieve stress or anxiety.
Kinetic sand helps promote creativity and imagination because children can build structures with it and then watch them slowly fall apart again. It’s perfect for children aged 3+.
5. A Party Popper To Help You Chill Out
You can make your own party popper, but if you want to cut straight to the chase, you can purchase one from Amazon.
They come with a variety of colors and designs so you can find one that suits your style best. You might even be able to find some with Christmas-themed characters on them this time of year!
Alternatively, if making the noise yourself is still too much work for you at this point in time, just put on some headphones and listen to music instead!
6. An LED Color-Changing Ice Cube To Relieve Stress & Anxiety
The LED Color-Changing Ice Cube is a stress reliever and nightlight that can also be used to chill out, make drinks, and brighten up any room.
It’s battery-powered and has seven different colors to choose from. The cube comes with two AAA batteries so you can get started right away!
The LED color-changing ice cube is fun for adults and kids alike—whether you’re looking for something calming to relax with or want some entertainment in your home or office, this toy has got your back!
Did you know there’s actual science behind the effectiveness of sensory toys for stress management? Find out more with our informative article on the science behind sensory toys for stress management. We’ll explore the research behind how these toys can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
7. A Calming Weighted Blanket For Comfort & Deep Pressure Stimulation
If you’re looking for a way to de-stress, then weighted blankets are a good option. They’re designed to provide comfort and deep pressure stimulation by applying weight evenly across the body, which can help reduce anxiety.
The idea behind this type of product is that the weight will be enough to create a feeling of calmness in someone who suffers from depression or anxiety.
They’re also said to improve sleep quality by increasing serotonin levels (the mood neurotransmitter), which may make you feel like you’ve had more rest than usual when you wake up in the morning—even if you didn’t get much sleep at all!
8. A Stress Fade Cube With Over 100 Shapes
This stress cube can be used to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as help with insomnia. It is designed to help you focus on the present, rather than allowing negative thoughts or past events consume you.
The Stress Fade Cube is made of a soft silicone material that’s comfortable against your skin if you squeeze it, which can help achieve a sense of calmness in some people with tactile sensitivities.
There are over 100 shapes included inside this toy; this means there will always be something new for you to discover each time you use it!
9. A Squeeze Toy That Resembles Bread Loaf Cakes
This squeeze toy is shaped like a bread loaf cake, but it’s made of silicone and is squishy. It’s great for stress relief, especially if you have anxiety or panic attacks.
This toy can be used by children as well as adults to help them relax and unwind after a stressful day at work or school.
For children, managing anxiety and stress can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. That’s where sensory toys come in! Learn more about how sensory toys can help children manage anxiety and stress with our comprehensive guide on how sensory toys can help children manage anxiety and stress.
10. An Adult Coloring Book With Stickers For Soothing Art Therapy
Adult coloring books are a great way to unwind, de-stress, and relax. Coloring is an activity that can be practiced by anyone of any age and ability level. In fact, there are many benefits of using adult coloring books as a creative outlet!
Coloring can help reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging relaxation and meditation while providing a sense of accomplishment through a finished piece of artwork.
The act of coloring in a patterned design is also known as zentangle art therapy which has been proven to have positive effects on mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.
It’s fun to get out your pencils or markers (or pens!) and create something beautiful! A relaxing activity that makes you feel good about yourself? Yes please!
Sensory toys can be especially helpful for children with special needs, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Our guide on sensory toys for special needs children – a guide for beginners can help! We’ll provide tips on choosing the right toys, as well as recommendations for toys that can help with sensory processing disorder, motor skills, and more
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking to de-stress and unwind a little bit, these toys are great options. You can get them on Amazon or at local stores and don’t worry if they’re not available nearby! All of them are available online so you can order them from anywhere in the world.
DIY Sensory Toy Ideas
| Toy | Materials Needed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Bottles | Plastic bottles, water, food coloring, glitter, glue | Bottles filled with water and various objects to create a calming visual effect |
| Playdough | Flour, salt, water, food coloring | Homemade dough that can be used for tactile stimulation and creative play |
| Sensory Bins | Plastic bins, rice, beans, small toys | Bins filled with sensory materials like rice or beans and small toys for exploration |
| Busy Boards | Wood, various textures and shapes, screws | Boards with various textures and shapes attached for sensory exploration |
| Texture Boards | Cardboard, various textures and shapes, glue | Boards with different textures and shapes glued on for tactile stimulation |
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about sensory toys, stress relief, and related topics, check out these resources:
Fidget Toys for Anxiety: Do They Really Work? – This article from Healthline explores the science behind fidget toys and their effectiveness for managing anxiety.
Fidget Toys to Relieve Stress and Anxiety – Autism Parenting Magazine provides a list of fidget toys that can be helpful for stress and anxiety relief.
12 Calming Tools for Reducing Stress – This resource from Therapy Shoppe provides a variety of tools that can help with stress reduction, including sensory toys, fidgets, and stress balls.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that engage the senses, such as touch, sight, sound, and smell. They are often designed to provide stimulation or relaxation, and can be helpful for children with special needs or those who need extra sensory input.
What are the benefits of sensory toys?
Sensory toys can have a variety of benefits, including improved motor skills, increased attention and focus, reduced anxiety and stress, and improved overall well-being.
How do I choose the right sensory toy?
When choosing a sensory toy, consider your child’s needs and preferences, as well as the specific benefits of the toy. Look for toys that are age-appropriate and safe, and consider consulting with a therapist or other expert for guidance.
Can sensory toys be used for stress relief?
Yes, many sensory toys can be helpful for stress relief. Fidget toys, stress balls, and calming tools like weighted blankets can all be useful for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
Are there DIY sensory toy ideas?
Yes, there are many DIY sensory toy ideas available online. These can be a cost-effective and fun way to create customized sensory toys for your child’s specific needs and preferences.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.
