A Guide for Parents and Carers

When it comes to helping children and adults with sensory special needs, sensory toys can make a big difference. Sensory toys are designed to help children explore their senses, stay calm, and improve skills like focus and coordination. If you're looking for sensory toys that support kids with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), this guide will help you find the best options for 2025.

What Are Sensory Special Needs Toys?

Sensory toys are tools that engage one or more of the five senses:

sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell

For kids with sensory processing disorders and/or autism, these toys can help reduce anxiety, increase focus, and improve motor skills.

Why Are Sensory Toys Important?

• Helps with Focus: Sensory toys can help children stay calm and focused, especially in busy or overwhelming environments.
• Reduces Anxiety: Some sensory toys provide calming effects, helping kids self-soothe when they feel overstimulated.
• Improves Motor Skills: Many sensory toys help children develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Supports Emotional Regulation: Sensory toys can teach kids how to manage their emotions and reactions.
  

Top Sensory Special Needs Toys for 2025

Here are some of the best sensory toys for kids with special needs. These toys are loved by parents and professionals for their ability to support development and provide comfort.

1. Fidget Spinners & Fidget Cubes
Fidget spinners and cubes are small, handheld toys that provide a soothing sensory experience. They're great for children with ADHD or anxiety, helping them focus while they play.

Top Pick: Tangle Fidget Toy
This twisting, turning toy is perfect for kids who need constant movement.

2. Chew Toys
Chew toys are ideal for children who like to chew or need oral stimulation. They can help kids with sensory processing disorders calm down and focus.

Top Pick: Chew Stixx
These durable chew toys are safe, non-toxic, and the best part is that they are flavoured! Zac loves the chocolate flavoured one! They are great for kids with oral sensory needs.

 

3. Textured Balls & Gel Cushions
Textured balls provide tactile feedback, which is great for kids who need to explore different textures. Gel cushions are soft and squishy, perfect for comforting children who seek deep pressure or sensory input.

Top Pick: INNOKIDS Sensory Balls
These bouncy balls come in different textures, providing the perfect sensory stimulation.

4. Weighted Blankets & Lap Pads
Weighted blankets and lap pads offer deep pressure, which can help children feel calm and secure. These tools are especially helpful for kids who struggle with anxiety or have trouble sleeping.

Top Pick: Senso-Rich Weighted Blanket
This blanket is designed to provide comfort and support for kids who need extra help with anxiety or sleep.

 

5. Light-Up Toys
Light-up toys are visually stimulating, which can be very calming for some children. These toys are especially popular with kids who respond well to visual input.

Top Pick: Glow-in-the-Dark Sensory Balls
These glowing balls are great for kids who enjoy lights and textures.

6. Squishy Stress Balls
Stress balls are soft, squeezable toys that provide a comforting tactile experience. They're ideal for children who need a way to release stress or anxiety.

Top Pick: Squeezy Stress Ball
Squishy stress balls are easy to squeeze and help kids calm down.

7. Bath Toys – A Guide for Parents and Carers

Bath time can be a brilliant sensory experience, especially for children with additional needs. With the right bath toys, it becomes more than just washing – it’s an opportunity for learning, calm, and sensory exploration.

Why Are Bath Toys Important?

• Encourage Sensory Play: Water play helps stimulate multiple senses – touch, sound, sight, and even smell if you use scented products.
• Support Motor Skills: Pouring, squeezing, and gripping toys in water helps strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Promote Calm and Routine: For many children, a soothing bath with familiar toys becomes part of a calming bedtime routine.
• Build Confidence: Bath toys help children feel more comfortable in the water and encourage independence during washing.

Top Bath Toys for Children with Sensory Needs

• Light-Up Sea Creatures
  These light up bath toys toys glow gently when placed in water and are perfect for visual stimulation. Children love the magical effect of soft lights in the bath.
• Bath Paints and Crayons
  Let your child express their creativity on the tiles or bath sides with the Little Brian Bath Paints. It’s fun, mess-free, and washes away easily.
• Crackle Baff and Gelli Baff
  These products like Crackle Baff and Smelli Gelli Baff transform water into a sensory wonderland. Crackling, gooey textures provide auditory and tactile stimulation that many children adore.
• Floating and Squirting Toys
  These encourage movement and interaction. Look for sea-themed or animal-shaped ones to add a fun storytelling element to bath time.
• Silicone Bath Rings or Flutes
  Musical bath toys such as bath flutes are great for developing listening skills and encouraging cause-and-effect play.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bath Toys

Keep it Simple: Too many bath toys can be overwhelming. Start with a couple of engaging options and see what your child enjoys.

Choose Textures and Sounds: Look for toys that offer a mix of sensory input—soft, bumpy, squishy, light-up, or sound-producing.

Think Safety and Hygiene: Pick mould-resistant, easy-to-clean toys made from safe, non-toxic materials.

Final Thoughts on Bath Toys

With the right bath toys, children can enjoy bath time as a calming and playful part of their daily routine. Whether your goal is to soothe, engage, or support development, water-based sensory play can be a powerful tool for children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing needs. They can alsoi make a great birthday gift - take a look at this sensory bath toy gift.

How to Choose the Best Sensory Toy

When shopping for sensory toys, it’s important to consider your child’s needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help:

• Know What Your Child Needs
  Some kids need calming toys (like weighted blankets), while others might need toys that provide stimulation (like fidget spinners). Pay attention to what your child enjoys and responds to.
• Safety First
  Make sure any sensory toy you buy is safe and made from non-toxic materials. Children often put toys in their mouths, so it’s important they are durable and safe to chew on.
• Start Simple
  If you're new to sensory toys, start with a basic toy like a stress ball or fidget spinner. You can always add more toys as you see what your child enjoys.

 

Sensory Toys Can Help Kids Thrive

Sensory special needs toys are more than just playthings—they can make a real difference in a child's life. These toys help kids with sensory processing disorders, autism, and other additional needs manage anxiety, improve focus, and build skills in a fun and engaging way. By choosing the right sensory toys, you’re supporting your child’s development and giving them the tools they need to thrive.