A closer look at sensory-friendly toys with Honest Reviews
A huge part of our family’s journey has been trying to find toys and items that not only help soothe our son’s nervous system, but can be helpful in his development. Now, most sensory-friendly toys are as they appear, but many can be integrated into learning sessions to make therapy and learning sessions more productive. I wanted to compile all the various toys and tools we have used and provide some feedback on how well they work(ed) for us, whether they held up under use, and whether I would recommend them or not. Spoiler alert, my favorite items are in aqua colored text!
I will keep this page updated with new products we try or updates on how these products hold up over time.
Please note that items are linked to Amazon. If you purchase any items reviewed, I may receive a small commission.
1. OUTREE Sensory Sock for Kids
A breathable, stretchy sock that offers deep-pressure input for calming and body awareness. Parents love the cozy, snug feel, though sizing can run small, and I agree. This particular item only worked for my son until he was about 9 years old, and he’s a pretty averaged size boy for reference. I have not been able to find larger sizes as he ages. But, even at 14 years old, he still tries to use this “sock” from time to time. I think my son outgrew it before we could see how long it would last before ripping or losing stretch. However, he did have it for a year with regular use, and it held up nicely.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to school age
2. Sensory Compression Sheet/Blanket
Like a weighted blanket without the weight, this compression sheet helps kids sleep more soundly. Reviewers say it keeps restless kids in place, though setup can be tricky on thick mattresses. My husband and I had to put this on together. The compression sheet is incredibly snug, as it is supposed to be, so putting it on a mattress means that you have to pull on it with force while moving it up the mattress. That said, it was a game-changer for my son. Sleep disturbance is one of his worst autism symptoms, and we still struggle to help him get enough sleep. This thing is always on our bed! He loves it, and it does help him rest. We have two that we alternate, but they have lasted for years without ripping or losing much compression.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to teen years/adulthood
3. Inflatable Peapod Sensory Chair
A peapod-shaped inflatable seat that provides comforting squeeze pressure. Families say it’s fun and soothing, but it may puncture if treated roughly. Note that the bottom of the peapod is basically just a sheet, so it has no softness or cushioning. I would not recommend it on hard floor surfaces. Now, having ordered and set this up, I can see how it could be a good tool for some kids. I sat in it myself on occasion. My son, though, never ever used it. Not once. Since he never used it, I can’t say to how long it lasts.
Recommend: No Ages of autistic children: up to school-aged
4. Trideer Wobble Cushion
A balance disc that allows kids to wiggle while staying seated. Great for classroom focus and home use, though it might need occasional air refills. I see therapists and teachers swear by this cushion all the time. Again, I could see how some kids may like it, but my son hates it. That said, we have had one lying around the house for over five years that hasn’t ripped or even lost the air inside!
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to teen years/adulthood
5. Robot Sensory Travel Toys (4-Pack)
Bright, engaging pop-tube toys perfect for plane rides or waiting rooms. Kids love the popping sounds, though parts can come apart with rough play. This was trash. These tpys did not withstand even one use. My son loves pop tubes (which is what the arms and legs are made of) but the limbs are not secured to the body meaning that they come off the minute you try to tug on one. Useless.
Recommend: No Ages of autistic children: NA
6. 12-Piece Sensory Floor Tiles
Textured interlocking mats that spark tactile exploration. Reviewers highlight how fun and durable they are, but some wish the tiles were bigger. These have been a staple in our house since our son could crawl. They continue to be a soothing and comforting experience into his teen years. I could not find the exact set that we purchased, but this set looks very similar. Ours held up for about 4 years before I replaced them due to staining. They didn’t rip or come apart, but my son made huge messes on them. Our current set has been with us for almost 10 years!
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to teen years
7. ARK XXT Textured Grabber Chew Tool
A super-strong oral motor chewy, excellent for kids who need to chew to self-regulate. Parents praise the durability, though the silicone’s lack of flavor can take time to get used to. I would only recommend this for younger children with an oral-sensory need. My son used to put everything in his mouth, as many young autistic child may do, and we found this (and the item below) were essential for him. He wore one on a necklace around his neck until fourth grade!
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to school-aged
8. Special Supplies Buzz Buddy Oral Motor Kit
A kit with interchangeable textured heads for speech therapy and sensory calming. Loved by therapists, though kids might need adult help to use it safely. Like the item above, this kit is very helpful for oral-sensory needs. It went with us on trips, even. He did outgrow it by the time he started grade school, but it was incredibly useful in the early years. Now, we had a different set that we bought through an occupational therapist, so I don’t know exactly how the linked set will last, but it is very similar.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to school-aged
9. JOYIN 4-Pack Fidget Tubes
Colorful, stretchy sensory tubes that are great for calm-down corners. Most parents say they are a hit, though rough pulling can separate them.
Recommend: Yes, even though it didn’t work for us Ages of autistic children: up to teen years/adulthood
10. Bright Autism Calming Sensory Sea Lamp
A soothing night light projector with 7 color modes and nature sounds. Kids love the relaxing vibes, though some parents find the controls tricky. We tried this exact model. I have to say that I loved it, lol. I kept it in my office for a while, but my son didn’t like it at all. It made a quiet humming sound that drove him crazy. If your child has any auditory sensory needs, they may not be a good choice.
Recommend: Yes, even though it didn’t work for us Ages of autistic children: up to teen years/adulthood
11. Montessori Busy Board
A travel-friendly sensory board with switches, shape sorting, and LED lights. Fantastic for plane trips, though a bit noisy for some public settings.
12. Special Supplies Therapressure Brush
A soft sensory brush for calming routines and brushing programs. Parents love the gentleness, but note bristles may wear with frequent use. We had several of these types of boards. My son loved them. He still has some around as a teen boy. As much as I recommend them, though, they are fairly easy to build yourself. If you make them yourself, you can make them bigger, choose what fidgets you attach, and save some money. You can find lots of YouTube videos on. making these yourself.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to school-aged
13. Runhit Boys Compression Shirt
A snug athletic compression shirt for kids who like that deep-pressure feel. Comfortable and affordable, but consider sizing up. We had several of these exact shirts. Although the type of item was perfect for my son, these had threads come loose almost immediately after washing for the first time. My son would get very upset about the threads and pull on them until the shirts ripped. So, I do recommend this kind of item, I wouldn’t buy this same brand.
Recommend: Yes, with caveats Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
14. Weighted Vest for Kids
Adjustable and designed for deep pressure input, this vest helps kids stay calm and focused. A bit bulky for younger children. We had a similar weighted vest to the one linked, but it the exact brand is no longer available. This type of vest- that allows removal and changing of weights, while providing compression- worked well for my son for a time. One day, he just refused to wear them any more. So, I do recommend trying a vest like this out at different points in development, it can be very helpful throught an autistic person’s life.
Recommend: Yes, with caveats Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
15. Alomidds Velvet Weighted Blanket (36″ x 48″, 5 lbs)
Soft, cozy weighted blanket with glass beads, beloved for calming bedtime. Spot-clean only, which some parents find inconvenient. We have had several different versions of weighted blankets and lap pads. The one thing I will warn about is making sure you get the appropriate weight for your child’s size. Also be warned that they are not machine washable. These have to be spot-cleaned, which is why we had several. They are also difficult to get rid of when you need to increase weight or just buy a new one. Imagine throwing a 10 pound blanket in a trash bag! Even so, we can’t live without at least one of these available to my son consistently.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
16. Hover-1 Buggy Hoverboard Attachment
Turns a hoverboard into a ride-on go-kart. Fun and secure when installed correctly, though the assembly instructions could be clearer. Okay, this pairs with a hover board and can not be used on it’s own, but it has been perfect for our son as he grows. We were faced with the problem that our boy could not learn to ride a bike with all of his occupational concerns. So we looked everywhere for alternatives, and this item paired with a hover board was so intuitive and easy for him to use as a growing boy. He has had this set up since he was 10, and it has meant the world to him to be able to do something similar to riding a bike like other kids, but with less effort. We have had ours for 4 years with no concerns.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
17. Hover-1 Ultra Electric Hoverboard
A hoverboard with 9 mph top speed and a 9-mile range. Smooth ride, beginner-friendly, though a few reviewers note charging port issues. This and the hover board below are two options for paring with the buggy attachment above. Game-changing setup for our son’s independence.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
18. Hover-1 My First Hoverboard
Kid-safe hoverboard with a max 5 mph speed and 3-mile range. Parents appreciate the lower speed, though they wish the battery lasted longer.
Recommend: Yes Ages of autistic children: up to adulthood
Final Thoughts
These products celebrate sensory needs, neurodivergence, and kids’ incredible abilities. If you’re building a calm-down kit, adapting your home, or adding fun to your travels, these tools can be true game-changers. But, beware, not all of these items are high-enough quality to warrant investment. I hope these honest reviews help you find the perfect supports for your family’s journey.
Parenting Through ASD 