Your comprehensive resource for finding the right sensory tools and toys
When you are navigating the world of sensory tools, it can feel overwhelming. There are countless products promising to help with focus, anxiety, and regulation. How do you know what actually works? This guide will help you build an effective sensory toolkit, whether you’re a parent supporting a neurodivergent child, an adult discovering your own sensory needs, or a professional working with clients.
Visit committedtokidsaba.com for more specialized resources and professional support on supporting children with autism and sensory needs.
Understanding Sensory Tools: More Than Just “Fidgets”
Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand that sensory tools serve different purposes for different people. What looks like “just playing with a toy” might actually be:
- Helping someone focus during a meeting
- Providing calming input during overwhelming situations
- Offering necessary sensory feedback for body awareness
- Supporting emotional regulation during stressful moments.
The key insight: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your sensory toolkit should be as unique as your sensory needs.
How to Use This Guide
This guide is organized by sensory system to help you identify tools that might support your specific needs. Each section includes:
- Professional-grade tools for serious sensory needs
- Budget-friendly options for those just starting out
- DIY alternatives for immediate solutions
- Real-world applications for when and how to use each tool.
Pro tip: Start small. Choose 2-3 items from different categories rather than buying everything at once. Observe what helps and build from there.
Tactile (Touch) Tools: The Foundation of Most Sensory Toolkits
The first sensory system people think of when building a toolkit is often touch, and for good reason. Tactile tools can provide both calming and alerting input, making them versatile for various situations.
Fidget Toys for Focus
Tangle Jr. ($3-5) The classic interconnected curved pieces that twist continuously. Perfect for meetings because it’s silent and can be operated with one hand. The smooth texture appeals to those who prefer less intense tactile input.
Best for: Maintaining focus during listening tasks, reducing anxiety in social situations
Where to find: Most toy stores, Amazon, office supply stores
Infinity Cube ($8-12) A geometric fidget that unfolds and refolds endlessly. The satisfying “snap” of each fold provides both tactile and auditory feedback. More durable than many fidgets.
Best for: Those who like sequential, predictable movements
Where to find: Amazon, specialty fidget retailers, some Target stores
Fidget Rings ($10-25) Spinning rings worn on fingers provide discrete fidgeting without drawing attention. Available in various materials from simple metal to more elaborate designs.
Best for: Professional environments, situations where discrete fidgeting is needed
Where to find: Etsy, anxiety jewelry websites, some department stores
Stress Relief Tools
Thinking Putty ($8-15) Unlike regular play putty, thinking putty comes in various resistances and textures. Some glow in the dark, others contain magnetic properties or change color with temperature.
Best for: Hand strengthening, long fidgeting sessions, those who like to manipulate materials
Where to find: Toy stores, educational supply stores, Amazon
Mesh/Marble Fidgets ($5-8) A marble trapped in a tube of soft mesh creates a satisfying squishy sensation. The marble can be pushed through the mesh repeatedly.
Best for: Those seeking moderate pressure input, anxiety relief
Where to find: Dollar stores, party stores, online fidget retailers
DIY Tactile Solutions
Hair Ties Around Wrists Simple elastic hair ties can provide gentle pressure and something to fidget with discretely.
Velcro Strips Under Desks Stick rough velcro under your workspace for discrete tactile input during work or school.
Rice-Filled Socks Create instant weighted lap pads or hand warmers by filling clean socks with rice.
Auditory (Sound) Tools: Managing Your Sound Environment
Sound sensitivity affects many neurodivergent individuals, but so does the need for certain types of auditory input. Building an auditory toolkit involves both sound-blocking and sound-generating tools.
Sound Blocking Solutions
Loop Earplugs ($25-35) These reusable silicone earplugs reduce volume without completely blocking sound, allowing for conversation while reducing overwhelming noise. Available in different reduction levels.
Best for: Restaurants, concerts, busy offices, social events
Where to find: Loop website, some pharmacies, Amazon
Noise-Canceling Headphones ($100-300) Professional-grade headphones like Bose QuietComfort or Sony WH-1000XM series actively cancel background noise. More expensive but highly effective for severe sound sensitivity.
Best for: Travel, studying, open offices, sensory overload prevention
Where to find: Electronics stores, Amazon, manufacturer websites
Silicone Earplugs ($5-10) Moldable silicone that creates a custom seal in each ear. Excellent for sleeping or complete sound blocking.
Best for: Sleep, studying, situations requiring total quiet
Where to find: Pharmacies, swimming supply stores, Amazon
Sound Generation Tools
White Noise Apps (Free-$5/month) Apps like Noisli, Brain.fm, or simple white noise generators can mask distracting sounds and provide consistent auditory input.
Popular features: Customizable sound mixing, timer functions, offline capability
Best for: Focus, sleep, masking inconsistent environmental noise
Brown Noise vs. White Noise vs. Pink Noise
- White noise: Equal intensity across frequencies (like TV static)
- Brown noise: Deeper, more bass-heavy (like ocean waves)
- Pink noise: Balanced across frequencies (like steady rain)
Experiment to find which frequency range works best for your brain.
Budget-Friendly Auditory Solutions
Foam Earplugs ($5 for 50 pairs) Disposable but effective for occasional use.
Bone Conduction Headphones ($30-100) Allow music while keeping ears open to environmental sounds – good compromise for safety.
DIY Sound Masking
- Fan or air purifier for consistent background noise
- Smartphone apps for free white noise generation
- YouTube channels with 8+ hour sound loops
Visual Tools: Creating Calm Through Sight
Depending on the person and situation, visual input can be either overwhelming or soothing. Visual tools often focus on reducing harsh stimuli or providing gentle, predictable visual input.
Calming Visual Tools
Lava Lamps ($15-40) The slow, predictable movement of wax in liquid provides mesmerizing visual input without being overstimulating.
Best for: Bedside relaxation, creating calm spaces, evening wind-down
Where to find: Home goods stores, Amazon, vintage shops
Liquid Motion Timers ($10-20) Colorful oil and water create bubble patterns that fall in predictable ways. More portable than lava lamps.
Best for: Desk decoration, portable calming tool, waiting rooms
Where to find: Educational toy stores, Amazon, some pharmacies
Light Management Tools
Blue Light Blocking Glasses ($10-50) Reduce eye strain from screens, especially helpful for those with light sensitivity or ADHD who spend significant time on devices.
Best for: Computer work, evening screen time, reducing headaches
Where to find: Online retailers, some pharmacies, electronics stores
Tinted Glasses for Light Sensitivity FL-41 tinted lenses specifically help with fluorescent light sensitivity and migraines.
Best for: Office environments, grocery stores, schools with fluorescent lighting
Where to find: Specialized online retailers, some optometrists
DIY Visual Solutions
Colored Overlays for Reading Transparent colored sheets placed over text can reduce visual stress while reading.
Desk Privacy Screens Reduce peripheral visual distractions in open office environments.
Strategic Lighting Changes Replace harsh bulbs with warm LED alternatives, add desk lamps for task lighting.
Proprioceptive Tools: Understanding Where Your Body Is in Space
Proprioception – your sense of body position and movement – is often called the “hidden sense.” Tools that provide proprioceptive input offer deep pressure and resistance that can be incredibly regulating.
Weighted Items
Weighted Blankets ($30-150) Generally recommended at 10% of body weight. Provides deep pressure touch that can improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Best for: Sleep, relaxation, anxiety management, sensory breaks
Where to find: Target, Amazon, specialty sleep stores
Safety note: Not recommended for children under 2 or anyone who cannot remove the blanket independently
Weighted Lap Pads (3-5 lbs) ($25-60) Portable version of weighted blankets for use during seated activities.
Best for: Homework time, office work, movie watching, travel
Where to find: Occupational therapy suppliers, Amazon, educational stores
Weighted Vests ($40-120) Distribute weight across the torso for proprioceptive input during movement activities.
Best for: Active tasks, work situations, when blankets aren’t practical
Where to find: Therapy supply companies, Amazon, some sporting goods stores
Resistance and Exercise Tools
Resistance Bands ($5-20) Provide proprioceptive input through pulling and stretching. Can be tied to chair legs for discrete leg exercises.
Best for: Fidgeting during seated work, exercise breaks, portable movement
Where to find: Sporting goods stores, physical therapy suppliers, Amazon
Therapy Balls/Exercise Balls ($15-40) Large exercise balls can replace chairs for movement while sitting, or be used for exercise breaks.
Best for: Active sitting, movement breaks, core strengthening
Where to find: Sporting goods stores, department stores, Amazon
DIY Proprioceptive Solutions
Heavy Work Activities
- Carrying laundry baskets or grocery bags
- Wall push-ups
- Jumping jacks or other exercises
- Rearranging furniture
Compression Clothing
- Tight-fitting athletic wear
- Compression socks or sleeves
- Weighted clothing items
Movement and Balance Tools: Supporting Your Vestibular System
The vestibular system controls balance and spatial orientation. Some people need more movement input, while others need help managing dizziness or motion sensitivity.
Gentle Movement Tools
Balance Cushions ($15-30) Inflatable cushions that provide subtle movement while sitting. Create “active sitting” without major disruption.
Best for: Desk work, homework time, meetings where movement is needed
Where to find: Physical therapy suppliers, Amazon, some office supply stores
Rocking Chairs ($50-300) Provide rhythmic, predictable movement that can be very calming.
Best for: Reading, relaxation, nursing/feeding, sensory breaks
Where to find: Furniture stores, second-hand shops, online retailers
Active Movement Solutions
Mini Trampolines ($30-100) Provide safe bouncing indoors. Great for movement breaks and proprioceptive input combined.
Best for: Energy release, movement breaks, rainy day activities
Where to find: Sporting goods stores, Amazon, discount retailers
Swing Chairs ($40-200) Hanging chairs or hammock-style swings provide movement and compression.
Best for: Outdoor spaces, reading nooks, calming spaces
Where to find: Home goods stores, online retailers, some furniture stores
DIY Movement Solutions
Spinning in Chairs Office chairs or bar stools can provide rotational movement.
Balance Beam Activities Use tape lines on the floor, curbs, or low walls for balance challenges.
Dance and Movement Put on music and move – one of the most accessible vestibular activities.
Oral Sensory Tools: Supporting Taste and Oral Motor Needs
Many people need oral sensory input for regulation. This can include chewing, sucking, or specific taste experiences.
Chewing Tools
Chewable Jewelry ($10-25) Necklaces, bracelets, and pencil toppers made from safe, non-toxic materials designed for chewing.
Best for: Discrete oral input, anxiety management, focus support
Where to find: Sensory supply companies, Amazon, some pharmacies
Safety note: Ensure items are designed for chewing and age-appropriate
Gum ($2-5) Sugar-free, long-lasting varieties provide sustained chewing input.
Best for: Focus during tests, anxiety management, discrete oral input
Where to find: Grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores
Oral Motor Tools
Thick Straws ($5-15) Smoothie straws or specialized therapy straws provide resistance when drinking.
Best for: Oral motor strengthening, calming input, encouraging hydration
Where to find: Restaurant supply stores, therapy suppliers, Amazon
Oral Motor Chews ($8-20) Specifically designed therapeutic tools with various textures and resistances.
Best for: Significant oral sensory needs, speech therapy support
Where to find: Speech therapy suppliers, occupational therapy companies
DIY Oral Solutions
Crunchy Snacks Carrots, celery, pretzels, or nuts provide natural chewing input.
Cold/Hot Foods Ice cubes, popsicles, or warm tea provide temperature-based oral input.
Strong Flavors Mints, sour candies, or spicy foods can provide alerting oral input.
Technology Tools: Apps and Devices for Sensory Support
Modern technology offers many tools for sensory regulation, from smartphone apps to specialized devices.
Helpful Apps
Meditation and Breathing Apps ($0-10/month)
- Headspace: Guided meditations with different focuses
- Calm: Sleep stories, nature sounds, meditation
- Breathwrk: Breathing exercises for different needs
- Insight Timer: Free meditations and timer functions
Focus and Productivity Apps ($0-5/month)
- Forest: Plant virtual trees while focusing, blocks distracting apps
- Be Focused: Pomodoro timer with customizable work/break intervals
- Freedom: Blocks websites and apps across devices
Sound and Noise Apps ($0-5/month)
- Noisli: Customizable background sounds with timer
- Brain.fm: Music designed for focus, relaxation, or sleep
- White Noise: Simple, effective sound masking
Helpful Devices
Smart Watches ($100-500)
- Breathing reminders and guided exercises
- Activity tracking and movement prompts
- Silent vibration alerts instead of sounds
- Heart rate monitoring for stress awareness
Light Therapy Devices ($25-200)
- Dawn simulation alarm clocks
- Light therapy lamps for seasonal depression
- Color-changing bulbs for mood lighting
DIY Tech Solutions
Phone Settings Optimization
- Enable grayscale mode to reduce visual stimulation
- Use Do Not Disturb modes liberally
- Set up accessibility features like voice control
- Customize notification sounds and vibrations
Smart Home Basics
- Programmable thermostats for temperature consistency
- Smart bulbs for lighting control
- White noise machines or smart speakers for sound control
Building Your Personal Toolkit: A Step-by-Step Approach
Step 1: Assess Your Sensory Needs
Spend a week observing before you buy anything. Watch these things:
- What form of sensory input do you naturally seek out?Which environments feel challenging?
- When do you feel most regulated vs. dysregulated?
- What sensory input do you avoid?
- Which environments feel challenging?
Step 2: Start Small
Choose ONE item from three different sensory categories:
- A tactile tool (fidget, stress ball, putty)
- One environmental modification (lighting, sound, seating)
- A movement or pressure tool (weighted item, balance tool, exercise option)
Step 3: Try Everything for At Least a Week
Give each tool a fair trial. Sometimes tools that don’t seem helpful immediately become valuable once you understand how to use them effectively.
Step 4: Build Gradually
Add new tools based on what you learn about your needs. Don’t feel pressure to have everything at once.
Step 5: Create Location-Specific Kits
Once you know what works, create mini-kits for:
- Work/school: Discrete tools that won’t disturb others
- Travel: Portable, TSA-friendly options
- Home: Larger items for maximum comfort
- Car: Tools for commuting and road trips
Where to Buy: Your Shopping Guide
Online Specialty Retailers
Professional-Grade Tools:
- Fun and Function: Comprehensive selection with detailed descriptions
- Sensory Tools: Occupational therapy-focused products
- National Autism Resources: Autism-specific tools and books
- Therapy Shoppe: Professional therapy supplies
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Amazon: Huge selection, customer reviews, quick shipping
- Walmart.com: Basic tools at low prices
- Target.com: Trendy fidgets and home organization
- Dollar stores: Stress balls, fidgets, basic organizational supplies
Physical Stores
Immediate Needs:
- Target: Fidgets, weighted blankets, organizational tools
- CVS/Walgreens: Earplugs, stress balls, essential oils
- Sporting goods stores: Exercise equipment, balance tools
- Office supply stores: Ergonomic accessories, organizational systems
Specialized Items:
- Occupational therapy clinics often sell or recommend tools
- Medical supply stores for compression garments and therapeutic items
- Educational supply stores for classroom-tested tools
Shopping Tips
- Read reviews carefully – Pay attention to durability and safety comments
- Check return policies – Important when trying new sensory tools
- Compare prices – The same item may be available at very different price points
- Start with one – Don’t buy multiples until you know something works
- Consider shipping costs – Sometimes local purchases are cheaper overall
Red Flags When Shopping
- No safety certifications for items intended for children
- Prices that seem too good to be true which may indicate poor quality
- No clear product descriptions or dimensions
- Poor customer service reviews
- No return or exchange policy
Special Considerations
For Children
Safety First:
- Ensure all items are age-appropriate and non-toxic
- Check for small parts that could be choking hazards
- Supervise initial use of any new sensory tool
- Replace items when they show wear or damage.
Involving Kids in Selection:
- Let children help choose colors, textures, or styles
- Start with inexpensive options to test preferences
- Consider the child’s environment (school rules, etc.)
- Teach appropriate use and care of tools.
For Workplace Use
Professional Considerations:
- Choose discrete tools that won’t distract colleagues
- Ensure tools are quiet during meetings
- Consider how tools look in professional settings
- Have backup options if primary tools aren’t available.
Popular Workplace Tools:
- Under-desk foot fidgets
- Discrete hand fidgets
- Ergonomic seating options
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Essential oil rollers for scent-based regulation.
For Travel
TSA-Friendly Options:
- Solid fidgets (no liquids or gels)
- Weighted items under 3 pounds
- Electronics with proper documentation
- Oral tools that are clearly identifiable as therapeutic.
Packing Tips:
- Keep sensory tools in carry-on luggage
- Bring backup options in case items are lost
- Consider new environments and potential sensory challenges
- Pack comfort items for unfamiliar sleeping situations.
Maintaining Your Toolkit
Regular Assessment
Every few months, evaluate:
- Which tools are you actually using?
- What new challenges have emerged?
- Are there tools you’ve outgrown or no longer need?
- What situations still feel challenging without support?
Tool Maintenance
- Clean fidgets and chew toys regularly
- Replace worn items before they become ineffective or unsafe
- Store weighted items properly to maintain their integrity
- Keep backup batteries for electronic devices
Sharing and Lending
Consider having “loaner” tools for friends or family who want to try sensory supports. This helps reduce stigma and builds understanding of sensory needs.
The Science Behind Sensory Tools
Why Do Sensory Tools Work?
Sensory tools work by providing the nervous system with the input it needs to maintain an optimal level of arousal and attention. This concept, called the “just right” state, helps individuals:
- Manage emotions and stress responses
- Process information more effectively
- Maintain appropriate attention levels
- Feel more comfortable in their bodies and environments.
Individual Differences
What works varies dramatically between individuals due to:
- Neurological differences: Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences
- Personal history: Previous positive or negative sensory experiences
- Environmental factors: Current stress levels, health, sleep, nutrition
- Developmental stage: Needs change throughout the lifespan
Evidence-Based Benefits
Research supports the use of sensory tools for:
- Improved attention and focus in educational settings
- Reduced anxiety and stress responses
- Better sleep quality with weighted blankets
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Increased participation in daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions
“Are sensory tools just for people with disabilities?”
No! Everyone has sensory preferences and needs. Neurotypical individuals also benefit from sensory tools – think about how you might fidget with a pen, bounce your leg, or seek out certain textures or sounds for comfort.
“Will my child become dependent on these tools?”
Sensory tools are supports, not crutches. Most people naturally reduce their use of tools as they develop other coping strategies or as their sensory needs change. The goal is to provide support when needed, not to create dependency.
“What if sensory tools don’t work for me?”
If initial tools don’t help, consider:
- Trying tools from different sensory categories
- Adjusting when and how you use the tools
- Consulting with an occupational therapist
- Addressing other factors that might affect regulation (sleep, stress, health).
“How do I explain sensory tools to others?”
Focus on function rather than diagnosis:
- “This helps me focus during meetings”
- “I concentrate better when my hands are busy”
- “This helps me feel more comfortable in noisy places”
“Are expensive tools always better?”
Not necessarily. Some of the most effective sensory tools are simple and inexpensive. However, higher-quality materials may last longer and provide more consistent sensory input.
Moving Forward: Your Sensory Journey
Building an effective sensory toolkit is an ongoing process, not a one-time purchase. Your needs may change based on stress levels, life circumstances, developmental stage, and growing self-awareness.
Key Takeaways
- Start small and build gradually based on what actually works
- Quality over quantity – a few effective tools are better than many unused ones
- Individual needs vary – what works for others may not work for you
- Tools are supports, not solutions – they work best combined with other strategies
- It’s okay to need support – sensory tools are legitimate accommodations
Next Steps
- Choose 2-3 tools from different categories to try first
- Give each tool at least a week of consistent use
- Keep notes about what works when and why
- Connect with others who use sensory tools for tips and support
- Remember that building a toolkit is an investment in your wellbeing
If you’re working with a child who has autism or other developmental needs, consider connecting with professionals who can provide personalized guidance. For expert support and resources, visit committedtokidsaba.com to learn more about comprehensive approaches to supporting sensory and behavioral needs.
Final Thoughts
Your sensory needs are valid, and finding the right tools to support those needs is an act of self-care and self-advocacy. Whether you’re building a toolkit for yourself, your child, or someone you support, remember that the best sensory tool is the one that actually gets used.
The journey to understanding and supporting your sensory needs is ongoing, and that’s perfectly normal. Be patient with the process, celebrate what works, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Ready to get started? Pick one tool that caught your attention while reading this guide, and give it a try. Your sensory toolkit journey begins with that first step.
This guide is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic advice. If you have significant sensory challenges that interfere with daily functioning, consider consulting with an occupational therapist or other qualified professional.
Download the PDF version of this guide for easy reference, or bookmark this page to return to as you build your sensory toolkit.
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Have questions or success stories? We’d love to hear about your sensory toolkit journey in the comments below.