Sensory toys are flat out amazing. They entice kids to explore, discover, and create by using their senses, as opposed to, say, staring at a screen. Kids have been learning with their senses since birth, so why wouldn’t that continue as they get older? Sensory toys are great for all kids; those with disabilities, autism, kids on the spectrum or just kids in general. Sensory DIY crafts are all over Pinterest, even Target released a line of furniture for kids with sensory sensitivities. Google ‘sensory tables‘ and tell me you don’t get sucked down the rabbit hole of themed fillers and whether beans or rice is better. Go ahead.
Too often people think that sensory toys are meant exclusively for kids on the spectrum, but all kids, I repeat, ALL kids, benefit immensely from playing with sensory toys. The ability for sensory play to help children of all different backgrounds and abilities learn, is what makes it so important. Famed educator Maria Montessori, yes, that Montessori, said, “The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge. Our apparatus for educating the senses offers the child a key to guide his explorations of the world…” Basically, sensory toys are key to your child’s development. But there are so. Many. Out there. Some specifically marketed towards kids who are differently abled, some marketed towards crunchy hippie parents, and some that slap on the word ‘sensory’ just to make themselves look good. But where to begin? We’ve rounded up the best sensory toys for kids both on and off the spectrum, whether your child is seeking deep pressure, tactile stimulus, or vestibular input, or just likes ball pits, kinetic sand and ziplines, we’ve got you covered.
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