Stress can be a serious problem. It’s the type of thing that leads to heart attack and stroke, and it has been linked to cancer and other diseases.
But, if you’re ready to get rid of stress once and for all, you might want to consider sensory toys for stress reduction.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Sensory toys can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety. |
| There are many different types of sensory toys, each providing different types of sensory input. |
| When choosing a sensory toy, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences. |
| Sensory toys aren’t just for kids – they can be effective for stress relief in adults as well. |
| DIY sensory toys can be a fun and affordable way to incorporate sensory play into your routine. |
Water Beads
Water beads (also known as hydrobeads) are small, gel-like balls that can be used to create bubble-free bath bombs or to create a fun sensory experience for kids.
The beads are made of a polymer resin, which means they don’t dissolve easily in water but instead absorb the water and expand into large spheres that children can touch and feel with their hands.
Water beads are easy to find online or at local craft stores. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes; however, you may want to avoid getting any with glitter or other potentially toxic ingredients if your child will be handling them directly (in contrast to having them absorb through their skin).
You’ll also need some sort of molding tool—such as cookie cutters—to press down on top of each bead so it expands properly before use!
If you’re looking for ways to help your child manage anxiety and stress, sensory toys can be a great tool. Our guide on how sensory toys can help children manage anxiety and stress provides tips and suggestions for incorporating sensory toys into your child’s routine.
Fluffy Slime
Slime is a gooey, stretchy substance that can be fun to play with. It’s made from borax and glue the main ingredients are water and borax, but you can experiment with different recipes to find the one that works best for you.
Slime is a great sensory activity for kids, and it’s also fun to watch them enjoy themselves! However, slime must be kept in a contained area during use because it’s messy.
For example: if you were making slime in your kitchen (which we don’t recommend), use an old cookie sheet covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil as your work surface so there won’t be any spills on your countertops later on when you’re done playing with it.
Recommended Sensory Toys
| Toy Name | Type of Sensory Input | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fidget Spinner | Tactile, visual | 5+ |
| Weighted Blanket | Deep pressure | All ages |
| Kinetic Sand | Tactile, proprioceptive | 3+ |
| Bubble Wrap Popper | Auditory, tactile | All ages |
| Squishy Toys | Tactile | All ages |
Fidget Cubes
Fidget cubes are small cube-shaped toys designed to help people with ADHD or anxiety disorders.
They come in a variety of designs, but all have features that allow you to fidget. Some have buttons and switches, others have dials and gears.
Fidgets are useful for relieving stress because they serve as a distraction from stressful thoughts, allowing you to focus on something else instead.
Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is a type of sand that you can mold and shape, but it sticks together in your hands. It’s a fun sensory toy to use on its own, or you can buy kinetic sand toys that include molds for making shapes with the sand.
You can find kinetic sand at many craft stores, or online (like here). If you don’t have any nearby store that sells kinetic sand in your area, there are also plenty of places online where you can buy it from and have it shipped directly to your house!
Now that we’ve covered what kinetic sand is, let’s talk about how to play with it:
Get some clean containers (plastic bowls work very well). You’ll want something with a wide rim so if they spill over they won’t run all over the floor! I’d recommend using plastic instead of glass since glass would break easily when dropped or knocked over accidentally by little ones playing near by while parents aren’t watching closely enough…just saying 🙂
Also keep them away from any open flames because these will cause serious burns if held too close while lighting up some candles after dinner 😉
Sensory toys aren’t just for kids – they can be a powerful tool for stress relief in adults too. Check out our guide on the power of sensory toys for stress relief in adults to learn more about the benefits of sensory toys for managing stress and anxiety.”
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are used to help people relax and sleep better. They’re recommended for people with anxiety, insomnia, ADHD and autism in particular; they can also be used to help calm children with autism.
They’re also helpful for chronic pain sufferers because they mimic the sensation of holding a hug or cuddling up with someone you love.
Weighted blankets come in different weights—the heavier ones will cause more pressure on your body when you lie down on them, while lighter ones are more like sleeping under a comforter (except that they feel heavier). You can choose the weight that works best for your needs based on this chart:
- Light: 15-20 pounds
- Medium: 20-25 pounds
- Heavy: 25-35 pounds
Aromatherapy Lotions And Soaps
If you have never had any experience with aromatherapy, it can be hard to know where to start. Lotion and soap are a great way to introduce yourself to the world of essential oils, as they’re easy to find and require little in the way of preparation.
Aromatherapy lotions and soaps both include a small amount of essential oils that help boost the senses while keeping your skin healthy.
It’s important to note that while these products may be marketed as “aromatherapy,” they are not meant for medical purposes.
The essential oils contained within these items were not tested by any regulatory body prior to going on sale, which means their effects may vary from person-to-person based on your own biology even more so if you have allergies or other conditions which could be aggravated by certain ingredients.
Relaxation and de-stressing are important for everyone, and sensory toys can be a great way to achieve that. We’ve put together a list of 15 sensory toys that will help you relax and de-stress – check it out and find the perfect sensory toy for your needs.
Stress Balls
As we’ve mentioned, stress balls are a great way to relieve stress. They’re also a pretty versatile tool for stress relief and can be used in many different ways.
For instance, you could use it at home or on the go if you have one of those small pocket stress balls that are made from liquid or gel (like this one).
If not, there are plenty of options for portable rubber stress relievers that’ll fit right into your purse or backpack with ease.
The good news is that there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the right type of material for your ball you just need to figure out what feels best in your hand. Stressed-out? Try squeezing a squishy ball and rolling it around between your fingers while counting backward from ten!
Worry Stones
Worry stones are smooth, polished stones that can be rubbed to relieve stress. They’re available in many different shapes and sizes, but they’re usually made from materials like marble or jade because they have a calming effect on the person holding them.
Worry stones are very popular with children and adults alike because there’s something inherently soothing about their weight and feel in your hand they help you focus on what’s in front of you instead of worrying about everything else going on around you.
Finger Puppets
Finger puppets are a fun and interactive way to help you relax. They can be used for many things, including helping people with concentration disorders or learning disabilities, improving eye tracking skills in autistic children, and even helping people overcome their fear of spiders.
Stress Dolls (Stress Balls In The Shape Of A Person)
Stress dolls are a fun way to relieve stress and relax, whether you’re using them as a stress ball or cuddling them up in your hand.
You can find these little guys in all sorts of shapes and sizesfrom gorillas to owls to even tiny aliens! The unique designs let you express your creativity and make each doll unique.
The science behind sensory toys for stress management is fascinating, and our guide on the science behind sensory toys for stress management explores the research and theories behind why sensory toys are effective for stress relief
Scented Bubble Bath Or Shower Gel
Bubble bath is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy your time in the tub. It’s also an excellent tool for kids! No matter their age, bubble bath can help them unwind before bedtime all while making bath time even more enjoyable.
If you want to treat yourself after a long day of work or school, a relaxing bubble bath can go a long way toward relieving stress and helping you sleep better at night. Bubble baths are especially helpful if you tend to have trouble falling asleep due to anxiety or other mental or physical problems.
Find Yourself A Stress-Reducing Toy
As you start your search, keep these points in mind:
Find a stress-reducing toy that is easy to use. This means it’s easy to clean, store, and transport. It should also be affordable (or at least not too expensive).
You might be tempted by some of the more elaborate toys if they seem like they will work well for you; however, don’t forget that simpler is often better when it comes to stress relief!
Find a stress-reducing toy that is easy to clean up after using. Even if it’s not messy on its own (and most aren’t), there are times when things get stuck in the small parts or get on the surface of the toy itself—either way, this can make your playtime more fun!
The best options are made from silicone or other nonporous materials so there won’t be any residue left behind after cleaning them off with soap and water (or rubbing alcohol if needed).
This also makes them easier for sanitization purposes later down the road as well so go ahead and pick something safe now before anything happens at all!
If you’re new to the world of sensory toys, our beginner’s guide to sensory toys is a great place to start. Learn about the benefits of sensory play and get tips on choosing the right sensory toys for your child’s needs.
DIY Sensory Toy Ideas
| Toy Name | Materials Needed | Type of Sensory Input |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Bottles | Water, glitter, small objects | Visual |
| Playdough | Flour, salt, oil, food coloring | Tactile |
| Rice Bin | Rice, scoops, containers | Tactile, auditory |
| Sensory Bags | Hair gel, food coloring, ziplock bags | Tactile, visual |
| Texture Cards | Cardboard, fabric, buttons, feathers | Tactile, visual |
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you get a better idea about how to relieve stress. If you’re interested in some of these toys but aren’t sure where to start, then don’t worry! We have several options available for purchase on our website.
Alternatively, if none of these seem like they could work for you, we also offer custom built-toys so that everyone can find something that works best for them personally.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Your Kid’s Table – Sensory Toys: What You Need to Know: This article provides an overview of sensory toys and their benefits for children, as well as tips for choosing the right sensory toys for your child’s needs.
Verywell Family – The 8 Best Fidget Toys of 2021: If you’re looking for fidget toys specifically, this article provides recommendations for the best options on the market.
Carryology – Fidget Toys for Everyday Carry: A Beginner’s Guide: This guide provides an introduction to fidget toys and their benefits, as well as suggestions for fidget toys that are easy to carry with you throughout the day.
FAQs
What are sensory toys?
Sensory toys are toys that are designed to engage a child’s senses – touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell – in order to provide a stimulating and enjoyable experience.
What are fidget toys?
Fidget toys are toys or objects that are designed to be manipulated or played with in order to help people focus, relieve stress or anxiety, or improve fine motor skills.
What are the benefits of sensory toys?
Sensory toys can help children develop a variety of skills, including fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and social skills. They can also be helpful for children with sensory processing disorders or other special needs.
What are the benefits of fidget toys?
Fidget toys can help people stay focused and alert, relieve stress and anxiety, and improve fine motor skills.
How do I choose the right sensory or fidget toy?
When choosing a sensory or fidget toy, it’s important to consider your child’s individual needs and preferences. Look for toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. You may also want to consider the type of sensory input the toy provides and whether it’s likely to be effective for your child.
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.
