Sensory play is a vital part of early childhood development. It helps children explore the world around them through touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. For children with sensory processing differences or those who simply love tactile experiences, DIY sensory toys can be a fantastic way to engage and stimulate their senses. Best of all, these toys are budget-friendly and easy to create at home.
Why Sensory Toys Are Important
Sensory toys offer a wide range of benefits for children, including:
- Sensory Exploration: Stimulating the senses helps children understand and process information from their environment.
- Fine Motor Skills: Many DIY sensory toys involve manipulating small objects, which enhances hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Creativity and Imagination: Open-ended sensory play encourages children to invent their own games and activities.
- Calming and Focus: Sensory experiences can have a soothing effect, helping children self-regulate emotions and improve concentration.
10 DIY Sensory Toy Ideas You Can Make at Home
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Sensory Bottles: Fill clear plastic bottles with colorful liquids, glitter, beads, or small toys. Seal tightly and let children shake, swirl, and observe.
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Texture Boards: Attach various textured materials (fabric scraps, sandpaper, bubble wrap, etc.) to a sturdy board. Let children explore the different textures with their hands.
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DIY Sensory Bags: Fill zip-top bags with hair gel, shaving cream, or water beads. Add food coloring or glitter for visual appeal. Seal tightly and tape to a window or table for tactile exploration.
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Rice or Bean Bins: Fill a large bin with rice, beans, or lentils. Hide small toys or objects inside for a treasure hunt.
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Play Dough Fun: Make your own play dough with simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water. Add food coloring or essential oils for sensory variations.
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Water Play Table: Fill a shallow tub or table with water. Add cups, scoops, funnels, and toys for hours of splashing and pouring fun.
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DIY Light Box: Create a simple light box by placing a string of battery-operated lights inside a clear plastic storage bin. Place translucent objects on top for a mesmerizing visual experience.
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Sound Shakers: Fill empty plastic containers with different materials (rice, beans, bells, beads) to create unique sound shakers.
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Sensory Jars: Layer different colored sand, salt, or sugar in a clear jar. Add small figures or toys for a miniature scene.
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Homemade Slime: Mix glue, borax, and water to create stretchy, gooey slime. Add glitter or food coloring for extra sensory appeal.
Chicago ABA Therapy: Supporting Sensory Development
At Chicago ABA Therapy, we understand the importance of sensory play in a child’s overall development. Our experienced therapists can provide personalized guidance and support to help your child thrive. We offer a wide range of sensory integration therapies and activities tailored to your child’s specific needs.
If you’re looking for fun and easy ways to stimulate your child’s senses at home, these DIY sensory toy ideas are a great place to start. Remember, sensory play is not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable for both children and parents alike.
