Sensory Toys

Sensory Toys

Sensory toys have always been a bit magical and comforting for kids - and sometimes, quite frankly, adults too. There’s this universal appeal to squishing, squeezing, and fiddling with little treasures that can glow in the dark or morph at your fingertips. It’s just fun to play around, let go of the day, and bring some of that playful imagination back.

Finding that ideal sensory toy can be tricky. What calms one kid may be too stimulating for another, and that’s if you ever get to try it first - parents often get roped into playtime, and some of these toys are downright irresistible. Sensory toys do more than just distract fidgety fingers (not saying fidgeting is bad either) - squeezing a heart-shaped, jelly-like thing can be a healthy emotional release for kids, and teens too. And some are just a bit quirky and silly, especially the ones you wouldn’t leave a child alone with.

Toys that provide a rich sensory experience aren’t necessarily just toys. Depending on the texture, firmness, or colours, some may help kids learn through tactile cues like soft and smooth, rough and hard. Feeling like you’re in control when nothing seems to go right or like you need to refocus can be very empowering for some children. For others, it’s all about slowing down, taking a moment to relax and reset before moving on to the next high-energy thing.

Of course, sensory toys aren’t all made the same way. Some contain more liquid than solid (liquid glass putty comes to mind), but most are squishy in some way. The best ones provide a tactile experience that is soft, pleasing, and absolutely safe for your child. Some are designed to light up when squished or have colours that pop with each squeeze. There’s something oddly satisfying about holding and handling something incredibly soft. And really, there’s no reason parents can’t keep one handy when things get overwhelming.

We’re talking about glowing orbs, putty, and squishable hearts. Smooshos Squishy Super Squeeze Glow in The Dark Heart Assorted is a fun heart-shaped squishy that comes in one of four bright colours - yellow, green, pink, or blue - and glows in the dark when it gets dark enough. It’s cool but not cold to the touch; squeeze it firmly, and it squishes in the hand without leaking goo or making weird noises. It’s a calming experience for your child who needs to focus their fidgeting energy on something for a change. It’s also kind of pretty with those soft blue glows at night.

The Fairys Garden Snow Putty 40g Assorted are unlike anything. These contain shimmering putty with plenty of ‘snow’ mixed in for texture. Kids love these little jars for how pretty they look at first. Just scoop some out and start kneading, stretching, or breaking it apart. You can even shape it into whatever shape or pattern you want. And when you’re finished, pop it back in the jar for another day.

If you’re looking for more ‘sensible’ toys for older children, there’s Crazy Aarons Thinking Putty 10cm Tin Falling Water Liquid Glass. The tin contains crystal clear putty that’ll roll and stretch like liquid. This one’s designed to be played with in your hands and is a fun tactile experience for older kids that don’t have the same tactile needs as much younger kids. It doesn’t leave residue on fingers or surfaces, is easy to clean up, and can be shaped however you’d like. Best of all - it never dries out.

For children who like squishing rather than squeezing, there’s Smooshos Squishy Super Squeeze Glow in The Dark Mini Ball 3 Pack. These mini balls come in blue or green in each pack and glow in the dark too. Like the squishy, heart, these balls light up at night when exposed to light for a while. Leave them under a bright lamp during the day and watch them glow for hours later.

Good sensory toys are useful for children with fidgety hands who need to work through any of their feelings through a tactile experience that is soothing or energising. And they’re pretty fun to play with for most anyone who can’t resist giving one a little squeeze.