Sensory Toy Recommendations

Progressive Pediatric Therapy • December 5, 2020

Compiled and written by Teresa Hans, OTR/L & Brittni Barnes, OTR/L

Progressive pediatric therapy recommends toys for sensory needs

Ever wanted to know what toys therapists LOVE for different developmental stages?

Progressive Pediatric Therapy staff have compiled a list for the different ages and stages to foster development! Check out our favorite sensory toys for children of all ages! These toys have provide increased sensory input to children through sight, sound, or touch!

(This post contains paid affiliate links.)

  • Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano: Occupational therapist, Ms. Teresa, recommends this piano for children with motor challenges and sensory concerns, stating “This piano activates with very light touch, allowing virtually every child the ability to activate the sound and music. You can add stickers, puffy paint, or other another textures to outline the keys for added sensory input during play!”
  • Light Up Spinning Wand: This light up wand provides fun sensory input during play for children of all ages! It can be used in pretend play as a princess or fairy wand or be used by a sorcerer to cast spells!
  • PlayDoh: Playdoh is one of our favorite play items for everyone! Great as a calming tool to squeeze and pinch during play. Put playdoh in the fridge for a cold play experience, or try a DIY recipe and add scents!

  • Light up Spiky Bouncy Balls: These fun balls provide sensory input through touch and sight! The balls are textured, and light up when bounced!
  • Water Beads: Fill up a container of these for a soothing sensory experience! Hide bath toys or plastic animals inside to “discover”, or put some in a baby pool with some water for extra fun during the summer!
  • Kinetic Sand: Another fan favorite, Kinetic sand offers sensory input with a sand-like material that is moldable and easy to clean up! It’s ease of cleaning makes Kinetic sand a great option for play at the table or on the patio.
  • Therapy Putty: Putty is a great choice for unstructured sensory play. It comes in several resistances, allowing you to provide your child choices during their play!
  • Cheerleader Pom Poms: Poms, especially two-toned poms, provide high sensory play in a small package! These are great for kids who have sensory deficits in vision and motor skills, as it provides sensory feedback in what they hear, feel, and see when they move and interact with them!
  • Sensory Sock: These full body socks provide children with deep pressure and touch input they crave in a way they can access themselves! Being inside and pushing against the cool, smooth lycra material is a calming sensory experience for many! Sensory socks comes in different sizes to accommodate children of all ages.
  • Peanut Therapy Ball: As therapists, we use therapy balls to work with children on strengthening and to provide sensory input every day! A peanut ball is a great choice for beginners, as it is more stable than a round therapy ball. It can be used to bounce on, sit on during seated play, used as a “bulldozer” to provide deep pressure, or to roll on for movement!
  • Liquid Floor Tiles Sensory Toy: Create your own calm down corner or relaxing space for your child to play or take a break in! These liquid tiles provide calming input your child can touch and see!
  • Vibrating Teether: Many kids crave oral sensory input, and a vibrating teether can provide them with something to satisfy that need!
  • Pop Sensory Tubes: These fun and colorful tubes provide a therapeutic pull and push for children, and make a fun sound!
  • Monkey Stretch Noodles: These fidget and tactile sensory toys can be stretched, pulled, wrapped, or twisted any way you want and then bounce back to their original shape!

We hope you have found some toys you love for your child from our list of favorites! Did we miss some great, developmental toys??

Share your favorites with us in the comments below!

For more toy recommendations check out these other blog posts:

The post Sensory Toy Recommendations appeared first on PPT4Kids.

Supporting Growth with Turtle Bracing: Custom Orthotic Care for Kids

By Aimee Brueck • August 7, 2025
Children grow quickly, and with that growth come unique physical needs. Whether it’s posture, mobility, or muscle support, some children benefit from an extra layer of help to move, play, and thrive confidently. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we offer Turtle Bracing: a lightweight, flexible orthotic solution designed to support growing bodies in motion
A child is sitting at a table drawing with a marker.

Crayons, Confidence & Kindergarten: Handwriting Without Tears Tips to Get Your Child Ready for School

July 31, 2025
July brings warm days, end-of-summer excitement, and for many families, the first signs of back-to-school prep. If your child is heading to kindergarten this fall, now is the perfect time to start building their confidence with handwriting. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use the Handwriting Without Tears program to support early writers in a fun, low-pressure way that’s grounded in child development and occupational therapy expertise.

Handwriting Readiness: Helping Kids Start the School Year Strong

By Aimee Brueck • July 18, 2025
A new school year means fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and a renewed focus on writing. But for many kids, handwriting isn’t just a subject, it’s a foundational skill that impacts how they learn, express ideas, and feel about school.
Two little girls are running on a basketball court.

Simple Backyard Games That Support Gross Motor Development

July 3, 2025
July brings long sunny days, school-free schedules, and endless opportunities for play, but for many families, it’s also a chance to focus on something essential: physical development through movement. Summer play isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. It helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence especially when it supports gross motor development.

Screen-Free Summer: Activities that Build Language, Strength, and Coordination

June 19, 2025
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites children to explore, play, and grow. But with screens so easily accessible, it can be tempting to turn to tablets or TVs for entertainment. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe summer is a golden opportunity to engage kids in meaningful, screen-free activities that support their development—in both body and mind.

How to Prepare Your Child with Sensory Challenges for Summer Travel

June 5, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, adventures, and unforgettable memories. But for families of children with sensory challenges, the thought of travel can also bring anxiety and overwhelm. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to enjoy summer experiences, comfortably and confidently. With a little planning and the right support, travel can be not just manageable but truly enjoyable!

Staying Safe and Making Waves: Water Safety & Aquatic Therapy for Kids

May 22, 2025
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, families across South Florida flock to the water for fun, relaxation, and play. But alongside the excitement comes an important responsibility, water safety . At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use this time of year not only to promote safe swimming habits but also to spotlight one of our most exciting specialty services: Aquatic Therapy .

Celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month: How Speech-Language Pathologists Help Children Thrive

May 8, 2025
May is a month of blooming possibilities and brighter days, and for those of us at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, it also marks Better Hearing and Speech Month . A time to shine a spotlight on communication and the professionals who make a lifelong difference: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) .

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: How OTs Help Children Thrive

April 30, 2025
In the vibrant world of childhood development, every child learns, plays, and grows in their own unique way. But for some, everyday activities like holding a crayon, tying shoes, or interacting with peers can be challenging. That’s where the role of an Occupational Therapist becomes so important. In honor of Occupational Therapy Month , let’s take a closer look at what pediatric OTs do, how they support children’s development, and why their work matters so much.

Understanding and Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

April 30, 2025
April is a month full of fresh starts, bright colors, and meaningful moments but, for many families it holds a deeper purpose. It marks Autism Acceptance Month , a time to celebrate, spread awareness, and foster genuine inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.