Sensory Integration Education

Here’s our annual run down of suggestions for sensory gifts for your Christmas wish list. We’ve included items suitable for a range of ages and offering differing sensory inputs. We have also included a link to a supplier but similar items can normally be found from a range of suppliers. (We don’t earn commission from these links.)

Remember that many household objects, existing toys, playground equipment and simple craft items can be used for sensory input. But if you do want a treat, these ideas may inspire you.

See-Through Tunnel

This tunnel is easy to see through, providing a safe and non threatening way to encourage gross motor exercise and cross-patterning coordination. This is priced at £57.60 from SIE Preferred Supplier Southpaw. 

SIE Members can enjoy a 10% discount on all orders up to £100. Log in to your account to access this and other discount codes. Not already a member - join free today.

Tobar Wooden Labyrinth

This traditional toy aids visual tracking. This version is recommended for 4 years upwards and currently priced £16.99 on Amazon.

Sensory Christmas Box – 25 Sensory Gifts from Sensooli

25 specially selected, carefully wrapped sensory gifts from SIE Preferred Supplier Sensooli. You can choose for a child or an adult versions and they promise a minimum of 13 chewable items including two limited edition Christmas chews. Includes over £200 worth of products for just £119.95. 

Skil-Care Crash Pad

Crash pads are great for kids who need to jump, tumble about and crash into things. They are normally heavy too so can be pulled around for regulating (calming) heavy work. Currently priced £225.00 at NineFit UK.

Koosh Ball

Koosh balls are soft, rubbery and tactile and can be used as a fidget. This one recommended for 3 years upwards and is currently priced at £6.43 at Sensory Toy Warehouse.

Sensory Body Sock

The Harkla Body Sock gives immediate feedback to the tactile and proprioceptive systems when it is worn, providing calming and organising input all over the body at the same time. This version is from SIE Preferred Supplier Harkla and currently priced at $36.99 (ships to the UK, USA and Canada).

SIE members can enjoy a 10% on all purchases from Harkla. Log in to your account to access this and other discount codes. Not already a member - join free today.

Dolu Kids 3-in-1 Sand & Water Pit with Drawing Table

Water tables are great for sensory play and can be used to help children become accustomed to different textures. This one offers areas for water and sand play as well as a normal flat table top. (For a simpler but more versatile table for sensory play, have a look at Tuff Tray tables whic would also make great sensory gifts). This version is recommended for 3-years upwards and is currently priced at £29.99 from Amazon. 

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog® 

This award-winning developmental toy helps kids build up hand muscles and fine motor skills as they replace the chunky, textured, peg-shaped quills. Recommended for 18 months upwards, this toy is currently priced at £16.50 from Learning Resources.

Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set™

This set includes four tools for fine motor development and would definitely make our sensory gifts wish list. Recommended for 3 years upwards and currently priced at £9.00 from Learning Resources.

Big Feelings Pineapple

With 26 different facial pieces to create lots of different expressions, this social emotional learning (SEL) toy offers children the opportunity to identify and talk about expressions and feelings. Recommended for 3 years upwards and currently priced at £12.00 from Learning Resources.

Oodles of Aliens!™ Sorting Saucer

As children use the Tri-Grip Tong to lift the squishy tactile alien counters, they build fine motor skills. The Tri-Grip Tong is designed for little hands and features comfortable grooves that guide children’s fingers into the pencil grip position. Recommended for 4 years upwards and currently priced at £30.00 from Learning Resources.

Number Line Floor Mat

Created to help with number sense, counting, addition and subtraction, we think this could be incorporated into a sensory path, eg “Hop on all the even numbers”. Recommended for 5 years upwards and currently priced at £30.00 from Learning Resources.

A3 Light panel

Lighting objects from beneath, light panels are a great way to encourage exploration of shape, colour, opacity and transparency. They can form part of an absorbing and regulating play activity. This one from SensoryEducation (not affiliated with SIE) is currently priced at £41.95.

Wikki Stix

A favourite with therapists, Wikki Stix are moldable coloured stix that can be bent and unbent into different shapes and creations. They can be used for free play fine motor development. There are various different price points (another good point for these sensory gifts) but this neon set is currently £8.20 from Wikki Stix UK.

Sensory Stixx

These Sensory Stixx by Sensory University have a tactile roll design which can be used as a fidget or for tactile input. Currently priced at £7.99 by Tink N Stink.

Playfoam Putty Set

Playfoam Putty is stretchy, squishy putty that makes a crackling sound when squashed. It offers a tactile experience whilst working on fine motor skills and hand strength. It is recommended for 3 years upwards and is currently £11.99 from Tink N Stink.

Nee Doh Dohzee by Schylling

With a soft fabric cover and filled with beads, the Nee Doh Dohzee can be used as a soft ball, as a cushion or a lightweight lap pad. This version is sold by Tink N Stink, currently priced at £11.49 and recommended for ages 3 years plus.

Edz Kidz Ear Defenders

These lightweight ear defenders are sized for children and you can buy different coloured and patterned caps for them. Individuals who find noisy environments overwhelming can find ear defenders a useful tool for reducing auditory input. These ones are priced at £12.99 from Amazon.

Calmer Ear Plugs

These soft-touch silicone ear plugs are designed to “reduce stressful frequencies without muffling sound”. They are a discreet solution for young people and adults with noise sensitivities. Made by Flare Audio, they are currently priced at £14.99.

Ocean Wave Projector Lamp Night Light

A projector can be used to create calming visual input in a sensory room, bedroom or quiet corner. There are lots of brands and options available. This one sold by Amazon is currently priced at £20.99 and comes with a timer, remote control and ambient nature sounds.

Toyzey Foam Pogo Stick

Foam pogo sticks are great for vestibular input but be prepared that they squeak every time they are jumped on! This version is recommended for ages 3 - 12 years and is currently priced at £13.59 from Amazon.

iMedic Pop Tubes

This 12-piece pack of pop tubes offer lots of opportunity to tactile stimulation, creativity, fine motor work and auditory feedback. Recommended for age 3 upwards and currently priced at £8.32 from Amazon.

Classic Twiddle Blanket

Useful for all ages but also appropriate for dementia patients, this blanket has a variety of things to fiddle with. There are also versions in the shape of a puppy and a cat for people who would feel calmed by having a pet on their lap. The Classic Twiddle Blanket is priced £48, sold by Amazon.

Happy Feet Play Mats

These interlocking sensory play mats allow you to create paths of differing textures and colours for crawling, walking and jumping on. Great for tactile stimulation and gross motor skills development. There are sets in various themes and prices, starting at £49.95 direct from Happy Feet Play Mats.

Sensory Bin 'Scoop & Fill' Wooden Set

This lovely wooden set will be useful for sensory play and work on fine motor skills. Recommended for age 3 upwards, it is currently priced at £29.99 from My Treasure Toys.

Edushape Glow-In-The-Dark Sensory Ball

Great for babies and young children, the Edushape Sensory Ball is soft and easy to grip for little hands. It’s knobbly surface provides tactile feedback and when it glows in the dark, it makes it a fun visual tracking toy. Suitable from 6 months upwards and currently priced at £13.99 from John Lewis.

Flowing Sand Panel 

Sand art panels are useful calming sensory tools for older children and adults. This one is £16.99 from Amazon.

Christmas Scented Bubble Mix

Make giant scented bubbles with this set from Dr Zig. Blowing bubbles works on oral motor skills and they can be absorbing to watch. This set of three is £16.50 direct from Dr Zigs.

Lite Brite-Ultimate Classic Set 

Creating light-up designs by inserting coloured pegs into the board on this classic retro game. Good for developing fine motor skills. Recommended for 4 years upwards. Currently priced at £10.70 on Amazon.

EDX Education Whizzy Dizzy

Children can spin themselves by pulling themselves round using the upper disc. Works core muscles, motor planning and vestibular input. Note that the vestibular feedback from spinning is intense so you should follow the advice of your qualified SI Practitioner on the amount of spinning that is appropriate for your child. Recommended for age 3 years upwards and currently priced at £148.46 from Amazon.

Dreamegg D11 White Noise Machine

Some people, of all ages, find it easier to get to sleep or focus with the background noise from a white noise machine such as this one. Choose from 11 soothing sounds, including shushing sound, vacuum cleaner, fan sound, white noise, ocean, brook, cricket and fair sounds. This model is currently priced at £22.50 direct from Dreamegg.

Piano Mat

Piano mats such as this one are good for combining a gross motor activity with auditory feedback. And they’re just fun! This one is priced at £17.99 from Amazon.

Fidget Snapper

These are everywhere you turn this year! Great little fidget toys that also work hand strength and make a satisfying snap noise. This one is £3.99 from Amazon.

Inspire My Play Tuff Tray with Lid

This looks like a really useful and versatile item for sensory play setups. It has a shallow tray ideal for play dough and craft and a deep tray for sensory and messy play. The 6 removable inserts are perfect for organising play equipment and supplies. It is currently priced at £49.99 from Amazon.

Colour-Changing, LIght-Up Maracas from The Glowhouse

These would be a fun addition to a sensory toy box. The maracas offer auditory and visual stimulation. Recommended for 3 years upwards and priced at £14.95 from Amazon.

Kevin the Koala Weighted Toy

Kevin the Calming Koala is 1.2kg making him a great companion for a child seeking additional sensory feedback. His additional weight and size (33cm tall) provides soothing proprioceptive input. Currently priced £29.00 from Calming Blankets.

Sensory Processing Yoga DVD

Four easy to follow yoga classes from SIE trainer, OT and Yoga Teacher Mel Campbell. Sensory Processing Yoga supports body awareness, movement and self-regulation through the mind, body and breath helping individuals with dyspraxia, postural instability and sensory modulation difficulties. The DVID is £19.99 direct from Mel Campbell.

Rest Easy Sleep Better Weighted Eye Mask 

Weighted eye masks are designed to provide gentle, deep-touch pressure and block light, helping the wearer to feel calm and ready for sleep. This mask is £15.00 from John Lewis.

Skill Mat

This small silicone mat with built in sections looks useful for fine motor activities. It’s currently £8 from Flying Tiger.

TriClimb Miri Slide V2

The Miri Slide can be used as a slide, ramp, balance beam, climbing wall, a play surface or ball run.Great for motor planning, proprioception and vestibular input through sliding. It’s currently priced at £140 from The Modern Nursery.

Little Bird Told Me Celeste & Fae Rocking Unicorn

Rocking horses, or in this case a rocking unicorn, are great for vestibular input. This one is recommended for 9 months upwards and is priced at £112.46 from Samuel Johnston.

FUFUFA Pop It Pencil Case

Another big fidget trend this year were pop-its. This pencil case would make a good classroom fidget item. This is currently £9.70 from Amazon.

Ankle Skip Ball

Swing the ball around one ankle and jump over the rope with the other leg. This looks good for motor planning and bilateral coordination. There are lots of different versions of this online but this version is £13.98 from Amazon.

The Explorer Smart Magnetic Balance Board

Balance boards are great for vestibular input and balance and, when climbing on them, proprioception. This version has a magnetic coating on one side. Recommended for age 1 year upwards (with different sizes available), this version is priced at £109.66 from Capikooa. 

Pod Sensory Swing

This pod sensory swing offers vestibular input and can be used to help self-regulate.This version is from SIE Preferred Supplier Harkla and currently priced at $79.99 (ships to the UK, USA and Canada).

SIE members can enjoy a 10% on all purchases from Harkla. Log in to your account to access this and other discount codes. Not already a member - join free today.

Crawl Gates

A great alternative to a standard tunnel, but still offering the ability to develop motor planning skills. Made from a safe and durable foam, the flexible and weighted gates are easy to arrange so the user can set up their own pathway and challenge level. Also great for throwing or kicking a ball or object through the arch. This set of 6 is priced at £110.40 from SIE Preferred Supplier Southpaw. 

Raindrop Pendant Sensory Chew from Chewigem

One of Chewigem’s popular products, the Raindrop Pendant is stylish and discreet. With a smooth glossy finish and different thicknesses it is suitable for tactile seekers and those who find chewing to be very regulating. Sold by SIE Preferred Supplier Sensooli, the pendants are priced from £16.95.

SIE members can enjoy a 15% on purchases from Sensooli (excluding the Christmas Boxes and membership fees). Log in to your account to access this and other discount codes. Not already a member - join free today.

COSTWAY Mini Trampoline

A perennial favourite with sensory seekers, a mini trampoline is great for vestibular input and can also be used indoors if you have room. There are lots of brands and price ranges to choose from. This one with a t-bar handle and a maximum capacity weight of 80kg is currently £59.95 from Amazon.

First Play River Stepping Stones 6 Pack

Create obstacle courses with these colourful stepping stones to encourage children to gain spatial awareness and practise balancing by stepping, hoping and jumping between stones. This set is currently priced at £39.95 from Newitts.

Bilibo by Moluk

The multi-award winning Bilibo by Moluk is incredibly versatile. Kids can use it for rocking, spinning, balancing and sitting, hiding under, and in imaginative free play. It is good for gross motor skills, vestibular input and practising balancing. Priced around £25-30 you can find global stockists here.

Phew! We hope you find this bumper list of 50 sensory gifts helpful!