Sensory Toys Buying Guide, Part 2: Sights, Sounds, and Smells

In our last post we covered the most common types of sensory toys, which are tactile or chewable. However, many sensory products stimulate other senses. In this post we will talk about how auditory, visual, and olfactory sensory toys can help children with sensory processing issues regulate those senses.

Toys for Auditory Stimulation

Auditory awareness is a common issue for children with sensory processing disorders. As with tactile stimulation, auditory issues can manifest as either over-sensitivity or under-attunement. Auditory processing disorder is different than a physical hearing disability; auditory processing has to do with how the brain interprets signals from the ears. 

Loud or numerous sounds may agitate children with over-sensitive auditory skills. These children may benefit from using sound-canceling tools such as headphones or earplugs. They also may enjoy sensory toys that emit soothing sounds like clicks or wooshes which can provide a pleasing aural focus point. 

Poor auditory processing can also look like an inability to distinguish between similar sounds. Children with auditory processing disorder may seem inattentive or have difficulty listening, such as when taking instructions. Because sounds blur together for them, these children may exhibit delayed speech development. This can later affect reading and writing skills.

To build auditory discernment, children with muted auditory processing may benefit from toys that emphasize various tones. These toys will help train their brains to distinguish between different sounds.  

Some products for children with auditory processing needs are:

• Melissa & Dough Poke-A-Dot Books ($13.99) – These interactive board books invite kids to play along as they read cute stories. Each page features poppable plastic bubbles that stimulate the ears while the colorful pictures and fun stories stimulate imaginations. Plus, storytime provides a perfect practice for listening skills. 
• Crazy Aaron’s Popp’n Poke’n Dots Thinking Putty ($15.00) – Poke’n Dots is a new line of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty that adds POP to the squish! The tactile thinking putty keeps fidgety hands busy while each squeeze emits a pleasant chorus of crackles, pops, and snaps. 
• Melissa & Doug Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle ($17.00) – Your child will delight in hearing the musical sound each instrument makes when the puzzle piece gets lifted.   
• Shashibo Shape Shifting Box ($25.00) – The Shashibo fidget cube emits soft, soothing magnetic clicks as the cube is twisted into various shapes. A sensory experience unlike any other, the award-winning Shashibo Shape Shifting Cube features an innovative magnetic design that transforms into over 70 shapes. 

Toys for Visual Stimulation

Visual input processing is another common issue for children with sensory disorders. Often, children with autism or other sensory-related disorders exhibit behavior called visual stimming, or self-stimulation. A child may flick their fingers over their eyes or stare at spinning, reflective, or bright sights for long periods. 

While why some children seek visual stimulation is not completely clear, experts believe the behavior is a form of self-regulation. Visual stimming may help a child focus and calm themselves. It may also be a way for a child to connect with something familiar in an unfamiliar situation. 

Some products for visual stimmers are:

• Karmagami Kaleidoscope Fidget Toy ($10.00) – This quiet, colorful fidget will keep twitchy fingers busy. The award-winning Karmagami flips infinitely – rotating and transforming quietly and smoothly into 4 colorful designs like a kaleidoscope. 
• Patterned Paper Mosaic Squares – 2000 Pieces ($12.90) – With these Patterned Paper Mosaic Squares, your child can begin exploring how smaller pieces combine to make an image that is greater than the sum of its parts. Mosaics are a calming activity that require planning, patience, and focus. These papers feature stripes, dots, zig zags, and all sorts of visual goodies. 
• Spirograph Scratch and Shimmer ($20.00) – Spirograph Drawing Tools make it simple for kids of all ages to create intricate, beautiful spiral art designs. This Spirograph set provides a glitter wheel and rainbow scratch paper to provide even more eye-catching fun. Get lost in the mesmirizing patterns! 
• I Spy Eagle Eye Game ($22.00) – I SPY combines beautiful photographs, familiar objects, and rhyming riddles to create brain teasing puzzles. 

Toys for Smell-Sensitive Children

Olfactory sensory toys, or toys that appeal to the sense of smell, are an uncommon type of sensory toy. However, they are a crucial category. Most children, both with and without sensory processing disorders, tend to be sensitive to odors. Our sense of smell is also closely related to our sense of taste, so strong smells may be overwhelming or sickening for a sensitive child. 

However, carefully vetted smell-oriented products can help children feel grounded. Art products and toys designed with pleasant scents can offset a sensitive child’s normal reaction to the smell of plastic or putty. Olfactive sensory activities can also help children practice their sense of smell and develop a more discerning sense. 

Some products for smell-sensitive children are:

• Land Of Dough Play Dough ($10.00 – $15.00) – This line of natural play dough features a variety of fantastic colors and fun themes. All are lightly scented with calming essential oils, perfect for children who dislike the smell of conventional playdough. 
• Warmies Plush Toys ($24.00) – Warmies are microwavable stuffed animals which can provide hours of soothing warmth and comfort. This plush pet is filled with flaxseed, lightly scented with dried lavender, and is perfectly weighted for positive soft sensory experience. 
• Scents Sort Match-Up Kit ($49.00) ** – Match up the 30 scent filled cups with beautifully illustrated picture cards. This kit comes with a guide that provides 6 different games for a variety of developmental levels. 

** While this store-bought scent kit provides curated scents and activities, the best suggestion if you have a sensory sensitive child is to make homemade smelling bottles. In small containers with lids such as empty spice jars or travel vials, place tiny amounts of fragrant, natural products. Great options can be found in your kitchen: coffee grounds, cinnamon, lemon peel, coconut oil, flavored tea bags, or any selection of herbs.

This is a great way to learn if your child has a particular aversion to any scents or tastes so that you can avoid them in the future. On the other hand, your child may be drawn to a particular scent. As your child develops, switch up your set with subtler smells like honey, pepper, or flower petals.