It can be so difficult trying to find the perfect Sensory Gift when you don’t know where to start. I have two two autistic sons who have sensory differences. Despite both having being autistic, their sensory needs are completely different. I find it difficult finding gifts for them that they will tolerate and actually really love.
I was asked recently over on my FACEBOOK page to recommend some great Sensory Gift Ideas for autistic children.
Below you will find various Sensory Gift Ideas as recommended by parents of children with Special Needs. You may wish to consult your OT (if you have one) before purchasing some of the Sensory Gifts as your child may have a Sensory Diet in place already, so always check with your health care professional before purchasing items that have not been prescribed for your child to use.
SENSORY GIFT IDEAS
Stretchy String
We have used these for years with the boys, they are super soft and stretchy. They come in a bright colors and are a great fidget toy, they could bring with them if out and about.
Be warned though if your child tends to “mouth/taste/chew” on items this could easily be put in their mouths.
ARK Therapeutic Chewelry
A chewable, wearable, and discrete sensory solution for all of your chewing needs.One side features large bumps and the other features small bumps for varied tactile input – perfect for oral sensory seekers and/or as a hand fidget. It’s available in three different toughness levels. Because of the long shape, it can reach the back molars for the most Proprioceptive feedback to the jaw and Masseter muscle where input is needed the most.
Sensory Sock
A Sensory Sock is a fun way for your child to work on a variety of skills while in occupational therapy. It is an enjoyable and entertaining tool for them to use, and they won’t even know they are working. Stretchy, resistant walls provide a tactile means of self-referencing that improves body image and sensory integration. Recommended for children with autism and sensory processing disorder. Can improve mood by transitioning from bouncing off the walls to calm and collected.
Always check with your OT before purchasing.
Playfoam
This Learning Resources award winning product helps develop fine motor skills for little hands. The nontoxic formula makes this best selling Playfoam great for safe creative play. It doesn’t stick to hands, clothes or carpet, just to itself! It never dries out, so children can display their masterpieces rather than having to put it all back in the box! Children simply mould Playfoam into anything in their imagination before squashing it down and starting again, offering endless play opportunities.Possible colour transfer: Sparkle Playfoam may transfer colour stain to fabricand plastic. Stains can be removed from table tops using olive oil. Santa is bringing this exact pack to Conor this year.
Jiggler
We have been using this Jiggler with Conor for years. It was recommended by Conor’s OT and we followed a specific Sensory Diet. It was so easy to bring with us when out and about too. Always ensure your child is supervised with using Oral Motor Tools due to potential of choking. Always with check with your OT before purchasing.
Sensory Shapes
Six uniquely textured Sensory balls that will encourage sensory exploration and heaps of fun.
Bath Colour Tablets
Bath Colour Tablets are so much! Jack loves having his baths in colour. I found out about this brand from a parent over on my Facebook recently.
Sensory Ice-cube Lights
These come highly recommended from a autistic parents. I have ordered them for Conor to use in the bath. You could also use them in a sink of water too. Always be vigilant when your child plays with small objects and also when they play with water.
Slime
This is a great fine motor skill toy and sensory play activity.
Squishy Stress Ball
A great toy for helping your child de-stress and build up hand strength through repeated use.
Play DOH Touch
A parent of a child with special needs recommended thsi product to me for Conor.
You download the PLAY-DOH touch app, shape a PLAY-DOH creation, place it on the shape to life studio, and scan it with your tablet or smartphone. The creation will come to life on screen, ready to explore! With the character stampers, create new friends that will unlock their own unique worlds and personalities when scanned into the app. Scan more creations made with the action stampers to see the surprising effects they have on other creations in the app. Keep shaping and scanning more creations with the cutters and tools to customise and enhance the world. Even when the PLAY-DOH creations go back in the can, save them in the app to play another day.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it gave you some ideas for gifts. If you liked this you may also like the following post.
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