Shopping for a child who is constantly moving, seeking tactile play, or craving big sensory input doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This holiday season, we’ve rounded up a list of therapist-approved toys and tools that support regulation, build motor skills, and—most importantly—make play engaging and fun.
Whether you’re shopping for toddlers or big kids, these items can provide the movement, pressure, and sensory experiences many children crave. Many of these toys can also be combined to create fun, purposeful obstacle courses at home—more on that below.
*Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, We Earn Money From Qualifying Purchases
Sensory-Friendly Gift Ideas
Mini Trampoline
Perfect for burning off energy and providing strong vestibular and proprioceptive input. Jumping helps many children “reset” and regulate their bodies. Click here to purchase.
Collapsible Tunnel
Crawling builds upper-body and hand strength while delivering proprioceptive, tactile, and vestibular input. Easy to fold and store, and kids love the cozy, cave-like feel. Click here to purchase.
Play-Doh Set
A wonderfully versatile option for tactile input. Squishing, rolling, and molding can be calming and regulating for sensory seekers. Click here to purchase.
Sensory Swing
Slow, linear motions can calm and organize the nervous system, while faster spinning and unpredictable movement can help wake up and alert a child. A great investment for indoor play. Click here to purchase.
Sensory Body Sock
Provides deep-pressure tactile input that many children find grounding and soothing. Great for “full body hugs.” Click here to purchase.
Climbing Foam Blocks
Ideal for infants and toddlers learning to crawl, climb, and explore safely. These blocks encourage motor planning and confidence in movement. Click here to purchase.
Animal Hopper
A fun way to support balance, coordination, and motor planning while also giving strong proprioceptive and vestibular input. Click here to purchase.
Pancake Pile-Up
A silly, active, gross motor game that also works well as a station in an obstacle course. Click here to purchase.
Balance Beam Set + Stepping Stones
Both options help develop balance, coordination, and vestibular processing while challenging kids to slow down, look where they’re going, and plan each step. Click here to purchase the Balance Beam Set. Click here to purchase the Stepping Stones.
Carnival Bean Bag Toss
Great for hand-eye coordination, shoulder strengthening, and upper extremity motor control. Click here to purchase.
Pop-Up Ball Pit
Offers tactile input and is a favorite for kids who crave full-body sensory play. Easy to store and set up. Click here to purchase.
Hopscotch + Bean Bag Toss Combo
Perfect for older kids who can sequence, coordinate hops, and aim with accuracy. Adds a fun challenge to indoor movement play. Click here to purchase.
Wobble Cushion + Lap Blanket
Great for the child who struggles to sit still. Wobble cushions add movement while seated, and a weighted or pressure lap blanket can help organize and calm. Click here to purchase the Wobble Cushion. Click here to purchase the Lap Blanket.
Magic Bouncing Ball With Light
Provides a combination of visual stimulation and gross motor play. A great stocking stuffer with high sensory impact. Click here to purchase.
6-Piece Doorway Gym
A fantastic all-in-one option for sensory seekers who love to move. This indoor jungle gym turns almost any doorway into a mini playground, offering swinging, climbing, and hanging options for kids ages 3–14. It’s excellent for vestibular and proprioceptive input and supports full-body coordination, strength, and motor planning. Perfect for high-energy kids who crave movement—without taking up much space. Click here to purchase.
Using Toys to Build Purposeful Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses are an excellent way to blend sensory input, strengthen motor skills, and give kids a “just-right” challenge. Many of the items above can be combined to create fun, engaging pathways right at home.
To make obstacle courses purposeful (not just physical), try adding a task at the beginning or end of each section. For example:
- Place puzzle pieces at one end and the puzzle board at the other.
- Set crayons at one station and a coloring sheet at another.
- Have kids carry bean bags, matching items, or picture cards through the course.
This transforms movement into meaningful engagement while naturally building sequencing, motor planning, attention, and follow-through.
Holiday Wrap-Up
Supporting a sensory seeker doesn’t have to mean filling your home with specialized equipment—just a few thoughtful, purposeful tools can open the door to meaningful play, improved regulation, and confidence-building movement. Whether you choose one new item or build a full sensory play setup, these gifts can help create calm moments, fuel focused energy, and bring joy to everyday routines.
If you’d love more tips, home activity ideas, and sensory-friendly resources like this, be sure to sign up for our free email newsletter. You’ll get helpful strategies, updates from our team, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox