You ever try to fold laundry while a tiny human is spinning like a fidgety tornado in your living room? Now picture that—but hopped up on jellybeans with a plastic egg stuck in their sock. Yep, Easter’s coming. When is Easter? April 20th. These are some of the best sensory toys for kids you can find to put in their basket.
Whether you’re shopping for Easter or just trying to get through a Tuesday, sensory toys for kids are one of the smartest things you can buy. And if your kiddo is navigating trauma, ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder (SPD)? These toys are essential.
Bonus? Many of these double as affordable, screen-free, sugar-free, meltdown-preventing Easter gifts that actually fit in a basket. (I’ve tested most of these in real-life foster chaos. They pass.)
I’ve tested these in real-life chaos—foster homes, therapy sessions, car rides, holiday mornings. They work.
Oh, and one more thing—every toy in this list pairs well with snacks. That’s not science. That’s just parenting.
Let’s hop into it.
(Yeah, I went there.)
If this list helped you, it’ll probably help another parent too. Don’t keep it to yourself—go ahead and share it. We’ve all got baskets to fill. 🐣
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting this blog and helping me keep sharing real stories and helpful tools for foster and adoptive families.
🧸 Skip to a Toy:
- 1. TalkTools Jiggler – Chewable Oral Facial Massager
- 2. Dog Pop Tube Fidgets
- 3. OüTree Sensory Swing
- 4. ArtCreativity Light-Up Dancing Ball
- 5. Sensory Activity Board
- 6. BouncingBand Wiggle Seat
- 7. YoYa Liquid Motion Pens
- 8. B. Toys Balance Beam Set
- 9. Lite-Brite Touch
- 10. Anemone Floor Sliders
- 11. Mini Fruit Plush Set
- 12. Montessori Busy Board
- 13. Foki Floor Piano
- 14. NeeDoh Nice Cube
- BONUS: Fun and Function Weighted Compression Vest
New to sensory tools? Read how sensory toys helped our foster placements thrive →
1. TalkTools Jiggler – Chewable Oral Facial Massager
If your kid chews on sleeves, pencil erasers, or the drawstrings of every hoodie you buy, this one’s for them. It’s part oral sensory toy, part therapy tool, and part “hey, maybe stop chewing on your shoelace.”
My daughter has autism and cerebral palsy. We introduced the Jiggler to help with oral-seeking behavior. She uses it during her favorite show, and we noticed she drooled less, chewed her clothes less, and actually focused longer on tasks. It’s soft but strong, and she asks for it by name. No kidding. Perfect for tossing into an Easter basket for sensory-seeking toddlers.
2. Dog Pop Tube Fidgets
Need something that’s cheap, silly, and oddly satisfying? These dog-shaped pop tubes check all the boxes. They’re weird. Kids love weird.
I keep one in the glove box. When my 2-year-old foster daughter gets restless in her car seat, this goofy little pup gets a workout. She stretches it, pops it, and giggles like it’s telling jokes. It’s small, affordable, and a perfect Easter basket stuffer.
3. OüTree Sensory Swing
This one’s a whole vibe. If you’ve got a sensory seeker who crashes into couches or spins until they fall over, this swing is their new best friend. It can fulfill that swinging sensation but also deep pressure stimulation.
This swing is perfect to give your child an escape to relax and decompress. My son loves to climb in, burrito himself, and spin while humming. It was like watching a storm pass. He can sit up in it, lay down, whatever he’s feeling.
4. ArtCreativity Light-Up Dancing Ball with Sound Effects
Got a kid who LOVES when anything flashy moves? This ball turns any space into a mini rave—and sometimes, that’s exactly the sensory input a kid needs to regulate.
I got this as a gift for my friend’s son with ADHD. He’ll chase it in circles, belly-laughing the whole time, then plop down on the carpet in full chill mode. It’s like it helps him burn the ants out of his pants—without tearing up the couch. Your kid’s will be hopping around the house with this toy!
5. Sensory Activity Board
Ever wish you could turn your junk drawer into a therapeutic toy? That’s the vibe here. It’s full of zippers, buttons, velcro—basically, all the things your kid’s been trying to pull off your purse.
We brought this to a doctor’s appointment once. My foster daughter, who usually melts down after 5 minutes, stayed engaged with this thing nearly the whole time we were waiting in the lobby. Every buckle and snap kept her hands moving and her brain calm. Win.
6. BouncingBand Wiggle Seat
If your kid turns into a wiggly worm the second they’re supposed to sit still, this one’s for them. It’s made for kids who need to move but still have to stay seated, whether it’s at dinner, during class, or in therapy.
My foster son uses this at the table every night. Without it, he is barely in his chair. With it? He still squirms, but he’s focused and way less disruptive. Total win.
If your kid dreads Easter dinner at grandma’s, this could be your secret weapon.
7. YoYa Toys Liquipen – Liquid Motion Bubbler Pens (3 Pack)
Sometimes you just need something mesmerizing to calm the storm—and these pens do just that. Part lava lamp, part pen, all calming.
We gave one of these to one of our foster kids who struggled with transitions but loved writing. Whenever he felt nervous, he’d watch the bubbles while writing in his journal. Gave him just enough distraction to stay grounded.
8. B. Toys Balance Beam Set
This isn’t just a toy—it’s an indoor track meet for your living room. Kids love hopping from one to the next, and it sneaks in tons of proprioceptive and vestibular input.
My niece loves setting this up to play the Floor is lava. And honestly? It keeps her entertained way longer than I expected. Great for movement breaks on rainy days or when your child’s energy level is at a 12 out of 10.
9. Lite-Brite Touch
This classic got an upgrade. With soft touch lights instead of pegs, it’s a no-mess way to combine fine motor skills with visual sensory play.
One of our preschoolers loved to press the lights over and over while naming the colors. It’s soothing and creative—and a lot easier to clean up than the original version.
10. Fun and Function Anemone Floor Sliders
For kids who need sensory input through movement and pressure, these squishy floor sliders are a dream. They’re like oversized, textured slippers with a purpose.
I had a foster kid who hated shoes but loved these. He’d slide across the floor grinning like it was a ride at a Cedar Point. We called it his “sensory skating.” Be warned- they will fly across the floor. Stay prepared for some tumbles!
11. 8 Pack Mini Fruit Soft Stuffed Plush
These soft little guys look like they came out of a claw machine, but they’re actually great for tactile input and emotional regulation. My kids love Hey Bear on YouTube. Matching their toys to the ones they see on screen is so fascinating to them.
We use these like a “calm basket.” One kid picks their fruit during quiet time and holds it while reading. It’s subtle sensory comfort—and honestly, who doesn’t want a squishy pineapple friend?
12. Montessori Busy Board for 1–3 Years Old
Little ones are curious by default. This board gives them all the zippers, buttons, and toggles their tiny hands could want—without them dismantling your sanity.
My toddler loves to take hers everywhere. She loves that they’re not “toys” but real things she sees her parents using. Bonus: it actually helps with fine motor skills too.
13. Foki Floor Piano
Need to burn energy without chaos? This floor piano is equal parts sensory input and silly fun. Think “dancing meets therapy.”
We had a foster kiddo who wasn’t into toys—until this arrived. He stomped, danced, and even rolled across it. The giggles were nonstop. And guess what? He started sleeping better after using it to release extra energy. I was wore out just watching.
14. NeeDoh Nice Cube – Sensory Squeeze Toy
Is it a stress ball? Is it slime in disguise? Doesn’t matter. This NeeDoh Nice Cube is squishy, it’s cold-ish, and it’s perfect for fidgety hands.
One of our older kids uses this during virtual therapy sessions. It keeps his hands moving while his brain stays focused. And the squish? Very satisfying. Even I steal it sometimes.
BONUS: Fun and Function Weighted Compression Vest
This one is over $40, but I felt I had to include it in a list of great sensory tools. In my opinion, the price is well worth it.
My daughter, who has Autism and Cerebral Palsy, absolutely LOVES her vest. Without it, she’s always squirming, arching her back looking for sensory input. When she has it on, it allows her to actually sit still and focus. She isn’t worried about always finding that sensory input.
It’s sleek design makes it easy to put on under or over clothing for discreet wear. I highly recommend you check it out!
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Toy, It’s a Tool (and Sometimes an Easter Basket Hero)
Whether you’re a seasoned foster parent, new to this wild ride, or just looking for something that actually helps, these sensory toys aren’t just gadgets—they’re support systems. For kids with trauma, autism, ADHD, or SPD, a toy that soothes, stimulates, or grounds them can mean the difference between chaos and calm.
And if you’re building an Easter basket? These aren’t just candy alternatives. They’re thoughtful, affordable, and often life-changing tools your child can use long after the eggs are gone.
Have a favorite sensory toy your kids love? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear what works for you—and let’s be honest, we’re all just trying to keep the peace (and our living rooms intact).
👀 Want more real-life parenting tools and foster care stories?
👉 Subscribe below or check out From Caseworker to Foster Parent for more insights.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.