Unwrapping Joy: 7 Sensory Toys That Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers
Sensory play is not only delightful for children but also crucial for stimulating their senses and engaging all facets of the brain. For children with sensory processing issues, sensory play can contribute to overall development, improve sensory information processing, and foster self-regulation. What a child sees as a fun activity has the potential to enhance social skills, language development, motor skills, and more.
Explore our handpicked selection of sensory toys, perfect for stuffing stockings and unlocking the enchanting world of sensory play this holiday season. This thoughtfully curated list accommodates various sensory needs, making the toys ideal for both gifting and crafting holiday magic.
7 Sensory Toys That Make Great Stocking Stuffers
We do NOT make money off of the links below - we are just trying to make shopping easier for you!
1. Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners are small, handheld toys with a spinning mechanism in the center. They provide a satisfying tactile experience and can be an effective tool for promoting focus and reducing anxiety.
Sensory benefits: tactile stimulation, visual tracking, and fine motor skill development
2. Glo Pals
Glo Pals are water-activated light-up sensory toys that illuminate bath time with bright, fun colors. These whimsical, portable pals turn water play into a captivating visual experience.
Sensory benefits: visual stimulation, color recognition, engagement in sensory-rich water play
3. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
This putty offers a variety of colors & themes, plus, it is silicone-based, nontoxic and will never dry out. It provides a great way to engage in hand-strengthening exercises and offers a calming sensory experience.
Sensory benefits: tactile exploration, hand strengthening, stress relief
4. Light Up Textured Ball
These small, textured balls with built-in LED lights provide visual and tactile stimulation. The textured surface enhances tactile exploration, and the lights add a visual element for increased engagement.
Sensory benefits: tactile stimulation, fine motor skill development, visual-motor integration
5. Sensory Chew Necklace (Chewelry)
Chewable necklaces are designed for oral sensory input. They come in various shapes and textures, providing a safe and discreet way for children to satisfy their oral sensory needs. Our favorite brand is Ark.
Sensory benefits: oral sensory stimulation, self-regulation, discreet sensory support
6. Crayola Globbles
Crayola Globbles are squishy, stretchy toys designed to provide endless tactile fun. With their unique texture and vibrant colors, they offer a satisfying sensory experience for squeezing, stretching, and gripping.
Sensory benefits: tactile stimulation, hand strengthening, stress relief through squishing and stretching
7. Sensory Stretch Noodles
Sensory Stretch Noodles are flexible, stretchy toys that provide a unique tactile experience. These colorful noodles are great for fidgeting, squeezing, and stretching to promote sensory engagement.
Sensory benefits: tactile exploration, hand flexibility, and stress relief through sensory-focused manipulation
Honorable Mentions
Water Beads (pairs well with Glo Pals!)
In conclusion, sensory toys are an excellent choice for stocking stuffers. They provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation, which can benefit children's development and provide entertainment. By choosing from the variety of sensory toys available, you can find the perfect stocking stuffers to engage and delight children of all ages. Whether it's squishy, textured, or musical, sensory toys offer a range of options to stimulate young minds and bring joy during the holiday season.
We'd love to hear about your go-to stocking stuffer sensory toy! Share your favorites in the comments below 👇 and spread the joy of thoughtful and engaging gifts this holiday season.
