From fidget spinners to squish mallows, there is no end to the sensory toys available to kids and adults. Gone are the years of buying expensive stretchies online, you can pick one up just as easily at the store! The beauty of sensory toys is that there is something for everyone – whatever size, shape, texture, weight or sound you need to self soothe, a toy exists for you. And while in the past we thought kids who fidgeted were acting out, we now know fidget toys is a way to focus and get our excess anxiety, overwhelming emotions and energy.
Right now, fidget toys are the fad for kids. And there are specific brands and toys that will be all the rage at school (or on Tik Tok).But there are staples that will serve your child – or you – in everyday life. So why not create a sensory kit? All you need is a small box, pencil case or bag to put the following items in.
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Something to spin or twist:
A fidget spinner, a fidget cube, a Rubix cube, Lego …find a small solid toy with moving parts that you can fiddle with mindlessly while you do other tasks.
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Something soft and malleable:
Slime and kinetic sand are a favourite because they are inexpensive, brightly coloured and are easy to clean up. You won’t want to pull this one out in the middle of a class or meeting, but having access to a small tub that you can decompress with before or after an event. You may even have a small sand box or zen garden on your desk you can comb through.
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Something to break:
Whether you draw on paper and rip it, or break popsicle sticks in half, this is a great way to let off steam.
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Something you can squash:
A stress ball, a squishy ball or a worm – choose one that is a colour, texture and density you enjoy.
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Something you can tie:
Ribbon, pipe cleaner or string are all useful. Whether you knot and unknot them, tie things together, or fiddle with their tension, you will get anxiety out with these.
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Something hard and possibly noisy:
Some people need fidget toys with a bit more gusto to fully express themselves. Caterpillars are a popular toy, and they make a satisfying sound as they move.
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Something you can pop:
Find a popper you like and keep it handy. Whether it’s on a key chain, is a giant creature, a diary, a pencil case or a game, poppers create structure, order and a sense of control. Plus, they are fun!
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Something with texture:
Feathers, corrugated cardboard, Velcro or felt, the list of materials and toys available means everyone will Find a texture that soothes them.
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A snap bracelet or hair tie:
These are useful if you chew your nails, pick or scratch, a snap bracelet is something you can play with without harming yourself. There are even more acupressure bracelets and rings which put a safe pressure on the skin and can help people with self harm urges.
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Something with personality:
Sometimes it’s easier for a child to communicate with a stuffed toy or action figure than speak for themselves. Add a small toy in their kit that they can interact with, and will act as a ‘intermediary’ between them and an adult if they don’t feel comfortable speaking about themselves.
There is no wrong way to build your own sensory kit! Don’t expect yourself or your child to enjoy every toy or texture. We all respond differently to various types of movement, colour, texture, sound and feel – so experiment and see what works for you! Once you’ve found a handful of items, keep them close by and if you feel anger, stress or anxiety creeping up, take something out. It’s an easy and non-obvious way of processing your feelings everyday.
Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings? Would you like your child to learn how to regulate their emotions? Contact Rachel on 0442177193 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now and make an appointment.
