As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
See full disclaimer here.
As a parent, you know that keeping your kids calm and relaxed is crucial for their well-being. Whether it’s managing everyday stress or providing sensory support, there are a variety of products available on Amazon to help create a calming environment for your children. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to 10 fantastic products that can aid in calming and soothing your kids. The products I’m sharing in this post are ones that are tried and true in my experience as a child therapist. I have them either in my therapy office for kids I work with, at home for my own kids, or both!
I had to include this first on the list because my weighted stuffed dragon is the most popular item in my therapy office- with kids and teens alike! It gets used on a daily basis when kids or teens are looking for something cozy and grounding to hold onto while we talk. I’ve actually had so many people tell me that they ended up buying one of their own! Kids love the extra weight in these stuffies in addition to the fact that they are super soft. I find that a 3-4 lb weighted plush is the perfect weight- not too heavy but not too light.
You’ve probably heard of the tangle, but I actually prefer another brand called the Twistle when it comes to finding a fidget that keeps hands busy when kids are feeling wiggly or anxious. The Twistle is close to the tangle but feels a bit easier to manipulate. I have several of these in my therapy office and kids and teens love to pull them apart and put them back together. They easily twist into fun shapes and designs and this particular brand makes a soothing “clicky” noise (do keep that in mind if you need a fidget that is silent).
This squishy sensory tube is soothing to the touch, is visually mesmerizing, and even makes a satisfying sound. This type of toy can be useful when kids need to decompress or need something simple to focus on that is also calming.
I have had this arggh! giant stress ball for many years now- it has truly stood the test of time. As the name implies, it is great for calming anger, stress or anxiety alike. It stands up to squeezes, pulls, and I’ve even had kids I work with try to sit on it (not recommended! Lol) without it breaking. I love this one for aggression in particular.
5. Nee Doh Gumdrop Soft Sensory Fidget Toy:
This next pick might seem similar to the previous one- however, the texture of the Nee Doh Gumdrop is quite unique and I haven’t found anything else like it (except the Nee Doh Nice Cube, which I also love!). It has an amazing firmer squishy texture and a soft bumpy exterior. It can be squished and then slowly rises back up to its normal shape. Adults- you might even want to steal this one from your kids.
6. Finger Labyrinth or Breathing Boards
Finger labyrinths are a great addition to calming corners or to your general calming tools for your child. In case you’re not familiar- they are a simple mindfulness tool that provide patterns to trace for kids with their fingers. They can also be utilized for engaging in mindful breathing. They are helpful for helping kids with grounding in the present moment and anchoring oneself during moments of stress or anxiety.
I love this sensory octopus plush for both younger and older kids because of the amazing variety of textures that are provided on the tentacles. When kids are struggling, it can be helpful to have them pay attention to the feeling of different textures and just notice the sensory experience. The octopus provides a great way to do this easily within one object.
8. Aaron’s Crazy Thinking Putty:
Many of you are familiar with Aaron’s Crazy Thinking Putty which comes in a variety of different styles, textures, and even scents. This is hands down my favorite brand of putty and I much prefer this to slime or other types of compounds. This brand of putty doesn’t dry out, is not messy (like many slimes), and has- in my opinion- the perfect texture for fidget purposes. I have several tins in my home office for when I’m doing virtual visits, because I often like to keep my hands busy while I’m talking to a client. It helps me to stay focused. It might also help kids who like to keep their hands busy when they are needing to focus.
When it comes to visually soothing products, this classic just cannot be beat! I have this exact product in my therapy office and it ends up mesmerizing many of my clients. There is just something so satisfying about it and I like to use it to take a mindful moment- disconnecting from the busyness and just taking a few moments to watch the liquid slowly drip down and bubble up. Kids can use it when they need to take a break as well.
You are probably familiar with pop sockets for your phone. However, they also make a fun “fidget train” which is both visually stimulating and soothing to the touch. These pop sockets are permanently attached to each other, so keep in mind that they don’t come apart. However, they are fun to pull and push, and it also folds down into a compact stack so it is quite portable. Kids also seem to like the sound that this fidget makes so this can be another calming aspect.
Conclusion
Incorporating these calming and sensory-soothing products into your child’s routine can make a positive difference in their overall well-being. These products can help reduce stress, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities while fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. By providing these tools and creating a peaceful environment, you can support your child’s emotional and sensory development.
I hope you and your child find these products helpful in promoting a peaceful and soothing environment for play and relaxation.
[Disclaimer: Please note that product availability and prices on Amazon may change over time. Be sure to check the latest information and read reviews before making a purchase.]
Keep Growing,
