Finding the right Christmas gifts for your child can be a challenge, but do you know what always gets me stumped? Stockings! Finding cute (and little!) toys that are also appropriate for a child who is blind or has a sensory processing disorder can be really difficult!
So this year I decided to search through Amazon and Pinterest to find some really outstanding stocking stuffer ideas. These toys are small enough to fit in a stocking and also cover all your sensory bases: Chewies, Tactile & Vibrating Toys, Flavors & Smells, Light Up Toys, Music & Sound Toys. Many of these are perfect for kids who are blind, deafblind, autistic or have a sensory processing disorder (SPD).
- Chew Noodles: These are long chewable sticks with a hook for attaching to jacket zippers or wheelchair straps.
- Z-Grabber: These are short wands that your child can chew on with a nice grabber for holding on to. They also include vibrations.
- Chewlery: One of the best ideas ever! Chewable necklaces and bracelets your child can wear.
- The First Years Massaging Action Teether: This is a classic teether that can handle a fair amount chewing and also includes vibrations.
- Z-Vibe: These are similar to the Z-Grabber, but without the handle, which may work better for some kids.
- Chewy Ball: We’ve had a chewy ball for years! They are easy to hold on to and great for chewing.
- Vibrating Hand Held Mini Massager: Maybe not meant to be a toy, but these little massagers are great for vibration play.
- Mini Play-Doh: Just enough play-doh to be fun without getting too involved.
- Water Wigglies: I’ve always loved these. They are hard to hold on to, making them a fun, slippery toy.
- Mini Tinkle Crinkle Rattle Plush Toy: We’ve had the large version of this toy since Ivan was a baby and he still loves it. The mini is so much easier to travel with and even has a handle to hold.
- Puffer Balls: Another toy we could never be without. Ivan loves to pull on the strands on his puffer balls.
- Wikki Stix: Who doesn’t love Wikki Stix? They are sticky and fun to bend.
- Heatable Lavender Scented Plush Sheep: This is just a delight. This stuffed animal has a lovely smell plus you can heat it up for soothing comfort too.
- Lip Smacker Lip Balm: Ivan just loves flavored lip balm, so his stocking will have an assortment this year.
- Got Milk Magic Milk Flavoring Straws: Turn regular milk into flavored milk with these flavor straws.
- Scratch & Sniff Stickers: Another old favorite. Ivan just loves the berry scented stickers.
- Flavored Chewy Stixx: Have you seen these? They make chewies with flavors now!
- Scented Markers: For kids who enjoy drawing, how about giving them a scented option?
- Noggin Stik Light Up Rattle: This is a wonderful little rattle that also lights up every time you shake it.
- Neutron Light Up Ball: Throw this little ball to get it to light up. We also love the way it feels.
- Light Spinner: Not only do they light up, they also vibrate! I also like that Ivan has to hold on to the button to make them spin.
- Finger Lights: Slip these lights on your fingers and turn your hands into laser pointers.
- Fiber Optic Stick Wand: A carnival trip just wouldn’t be complete without a fiber optio wand. Ivan also loves the way they feel.
- Super Sonic Laser Top: I had one of these when I was a kid. They are great fun to play with in a dark room.
- Sound Effects Box: Possibly one of Ivan’s all time favorite toys, this little box features 20 little buttons with 20 different sound effects.
- Mini Accordion: This is an adorably small version of an accordion for preschoolers.
- Harmonica: Such a simple toy, but what a great stocking stuffer!
- “No!” Button: We have this and it’s hilarious. Every time you hit the button you hear a different version of “No!”
- Egg Shakers: I don’t think you can ever have too many egg shakers in the house!
- Water Whistle: I’ve always loved these! Just add some water to the whistle for a really sweet sound.
What are your thoughts?