13 Must-Have Quality Items for Your Sensory Space

Why a Sensory Space?

Reactions to sensory stimuli often play a direct role in the behavior of individuals. Some individuals require a lot of sensory input in order for their bodies, and therefore behavior, to remain calm. Other individuals hardly require any at all. Either way, incorporating multi-sensory input in an individual’s day helps to maintain a level of emotional regulation and, therefore, often helps individuals more easily learn or achieve things.

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Reactions to sensory stimuli often play a direct role in the behavior of individuals. Some individuals require a lot of sensory input in order for their bodies, and therefore behavior, to remain calm. Here are 13 must-have quality items for your sensory space; sensory room ideas; #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autism sensory room; calming corner; sensory items for autism; sensory processing disorder

Oxford dictionary defines sensory as “relating to sensation or the physical senses; transmitted or perceived by the senses.” 

Oxford dictionary defines behavior as “the way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus.”

I give the definitions because it makes it easy to see how one relates to the other. Each person is unique. Some people require a lot of sensory stimuli to feel balanced and function optimally. Others do not. Yet others require a lot of input from one of the five senses over others. Regardless of where you or your child is on this spectrum, it’s good to have some ideas for a sensory space to help one remain or get back to a calm state when needed.

Little Passports

A Sensory Space Benefits Everyone

Like the calming effect of staring at a campfire or watching fish swim in a fish tank for adults, it is important to give our children methods to help them to relax themselves and keep them at or bring them back to a state of calmness. It definitely beats them having a meltdown, that’s for sure… especially if it could be avoided by the implementation of a sensory space!

A sensory space doesn’t have to be large. It can be a corner or small section of a room.

Recommended Sensory Space Items

Below are 13 of my favorite items for a sensory space. As always, I only recommend items I am familiar with and have seen work well for individuals.

Jellyfish Lamp

This jellyfish lamp provides the effects of a fish tank without the hassle. Many will find it even more relaxing than a fish tank as the jellyfish movement and colors can be incredibly calming. Filling this with distilled water or water with minerals removed is necessary for it to function properly. 

Sensory Sock

Sensory socks provide a calming effect on many individuals. They are also great for working on stretching and strength. These socks are safe to throw in the wash. They come in different sizes, so be sure to order the right size for your child.

Wacky Tracks

Need a great fidget for adults and kids alike? These wacky tracks can’t be beat! There is a slight clicking noise when maneuvered, but nothing that others around would find to be annoying or anything like that.

Pin Art

Pin Art is always a hit in any sensory space! The pins have a calming sensation on the skin. Children (and adults) enjoy creating fun shapes with them!

Squishies

Squishies have a pleasant scent to them. They regain their shape somewhat slowly when squeezed. They can be super relaxing. Squishies are made out of polyurethane foam. I wouldn’t recommend them for spaces where many hands will be touching them or for individuals who like to put things in their mouths, but they are great for those individuals who love the kinesthetic feel and scent of them.

Buddha Board

These Buddha boards are so incredibly calming! You simply fill the stand with water, dip the bamboo brush in it and “paint” away! The creation remains for a bit until eventually fading away, ready for another painting to take its place. This is great for any calming corner!

Chewelry

Do you find your child is constantly chewing on his/her shirt sleeves, pencils, straws or other items? You may wish to try out some chewelry for him/her! Chewelry is worn as jewelry, but the pendant is safe to chew on and satisfies that sensory need in a socially acceptable manner for those who seek it. There are many styles of chewelry, so the use of it can extend well beyond the early years and even into adulthood for those who need it.


Wobble Cushion

Do you or a loved one struggle to sit still? If so, you may wish to try out a wobble cushion. As an adult, I love meetings where these are available! It truly does make it easier to focus! They also can work wonders for kids who need that extra bit of sensory available to them. Wobble cushions come in a variety of colors, so it is easy to match with a favorite color as well!

Wobble Chair

Need the entire chair to move while requiring better posture for the individual? Try out these wobble chairs. What I especially love about this one is that the size can be adjusted. Therefore, you can make a purchase that your child will not grow out of. It has the added bonus of the adults in the home being able to use the chair and experience the benefits for themselves as well!

Sensory Weighted Lap Pad

Many parents find these weighted lap pads make a world of difference for their children! The extra weight combined with the softness makes this just perfect for meeting the needs of many sensory-seeking children.

Weighted Blanket

Difficulty sleeping? I have had parents of children with high sensory needs tell me these blankets make a huge, positive difference in their child’s sleep! I also know adults that sleep with these blankets. The extra weight can have that hugely calming effect. It is important not to get a blanket that is too heavy for you or your child. The recommended weight to get in the blanket is 10% of the individual’s body weight. The weight is evenly distributed in the blanket.

Ikea Swivel Chair

Every single time I have taken my kids to Ikea, a stop at these chairs has been a must! They are made for small bodies, so are definitely best suited for young children up to maybe 6 or 7 years old. If you have a young child that loves to spin, check out this swivel chair from Ikea! These chairs are less than $100 at Ikea, so you may wish to purchase it there if you live in close proximity to one.

Tibetan Singing Bowl

I was recently out shopping with a couple of my kids and they fell in love with the Tibetan singing bowl. There were a few adults in the store playing them as well. I have also seen singing bowls used in calming spaces. This does have a sound to it for sure and, depending on the person, it can be loud. Many find it relaxing, which is what it is intended for. It may not be the best choice for someone who is rambunctious or who would simply bang on it non-stop, however.

Flow Rings

This 14th item wasn’t originally included in this post, but a reader let me know how much they are loved by her and her children. I became intrigued to try them out as well! I purchased one shortly after and, between my kids and me, this flow ring has hardly had any time on the shelf. We love it!

Reactions to sensory stimuli often play a direct role in the behavior of individuals. Some individuals require a lot of sensory input in order for their bodies, and therefore behavior, to remain calm. Here are 13 must-have quality items for your sensory space; sensory room ideas; #sensoryprocessingdisorder #autism sensory room; calming corner; sensory items for autism; sensory processing disorder

In Summary

I included my absolute favorite sensory items that I’ve seen work for calming spaces. I would love to know what your favorites are. Please feel free to let me know in the comments below.

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30 Comments

  1. I totally remember using some of these when I was a kid. Some other ones are newer and I havent heard of them before. I might have to pick some of these up for my little one!

    1. Yes, some are classics and have been around for awhile! You and your little one are sure to love any of these. 🙂

  2. As a former elementary teacher, I knew about a few of these but was excited to see some new options. Wonderful suggestions for those needing to meet their sensory needs!

  3. ALL of these listed were awesome! Our oldest is on the spectrum! He’s high functioning and has a genetic disorder but, we learned very early on that sensory based items are KEY to a productive and calm home for us!

    1. Thank you for your input and for sharing your story, Steph! Sensory based items can make a world of difference for sure! I’m glad to hear they help keep your home productive and calm. 🙂

  4. I have a son with ADHD and another with a sensory disorder and we have sensory boxes for them. We use things like this in the classroom and at home. I have to say that I haven’t seen some of these things and they seem GREAT! Thanks for sharing. I’m super glad I came across this post!

  5. That jellyfish lamp is really neat. I didn’t know it was a thing! We have a wobble cushion and a weighted blanket. I really want to get a pin art board. My daughter would love it!

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