It seems like sensory issues in children are becoming more common. According to the University of Utah Health, this is because sensory issues are typically a symptom of diagnoses "such as ADHD, anxiety, PTSD from abuse, and autism, just to name a few examples."

Whether there's an official diagnosis attached or not, if you have a child with sensory issues, you may want to try introducing sensory toys!

What Are Sensory Toys?

The definition of a sensory toy is broad, and can also depend on your child. But at Beyond the Blackboard, we apply the term "sensory toy" to those that will help your child develop, adapt, or understand their senses safely through play.

How Can Sensory Toys Help My Child?

Great question! You've probably noticed the increasing popularity of sensory toys over the last few years. (Pop It! fidgets? Yep. Those are a classic example of a sensory toy.) And the use and allowance of sensory toys in classrooms is becoming more common, too. (Still, please always check in with your child's teacher before sending any kind of toy to school!)

When used correctly, sensory toys can help children keep calm, or even improve focus. Of course, sensory toys can be just plain fun, too. Just ask any of our adult customers who love Shashibo. At Beyond the Blackboard, we are big believers in the power of play for all ages, and sensory toys can help all ages understand and manage their 5 senses.

The Best Sensory Toys of 2023

A calming pup that will become a beloved companion as the colorful lights guide your child through deep breathing patterns.

A pineapple that feels a lot of feelings! Build new social emotional learning skills with every face.

A fully microwaveable plush that will provide hours of soothing warmth and comfort. Warmies are scented with real dried French lavender, and perfectly weighted for a positive sensory experience. You can also put them in the freezer, and we absolutely love Warmies for adults, too! (Oprah has one.)

A beautiful Jellyfish Lamp aquarium. The calming lights are soothing, and two realistic jellyfish sway gently. This museum quality luminary is perfect for helping promote mindfulness, and is a beautiful addition to life. 

Glo Pals, for reinventing bath time! Each American-made pal has their own unique face and a bright color that glows when wet, making them a great, cheery addition to bath time, swimming pools, or even rainy days.

A Black Pearl Stress Ball to squish and squeeze. This sensory fidget toy has a clear outer skin filled with soft shades of a thinner, more fluid gel and black water beads.

Seven different colored block bundles to stack together to create shapes or solve for a perfect cube. This puzzle cube can be arranged in hundreds of different configurations! The possibilities are endless.

If you have any questions, contact us today! We are dedicated to providing the very best toys to children and their families.