8 Sensory Holiday Gift Ideas for Sensitive Kids

Play food that’s actually meant to be chewed on? Get inside any kid’s head for a second and think about how awesome that would be. Sure, you may want to wash it thoroughly between play dates, but this is one sensory-feedback gift that kids will adore. (This one is best for kids age 3 and up.)

Why are so many costumes so scratchy? And why has no one solved that yet? At last, in 2024, Merci Milo has, with a line of four princess dresses that will please any kid but that were created with sensory-sensitive kids especially in mind. Colorful and sparkly (but notably glitter-free), these fanciful dress-up dresses are tag- and zipper-free, and the folks at Merci Milo have added an extra layer of super soft material over the areas where different fabrics meet to ensure maximum comfort.

Touchless deep pressure can be a fast way to help an overstimulated kid (or grown-up!) calm back down. When inflated, kids can nestle into this “boat” and enjoy the feeling of being enveloped on all sides. It can also be easily deflated and tucked away, which will make parents who are short on space happy, too.

Breithaupt likes the idea of sound boxes or audio players for kids with sensory needs, because they can be adaptable and are often — as is the case with Yoto players — controlled by the child themself. “If a sound box makes it possible for the child to easily pause, rewind, or change the duration of the music or repeat the music, that can be a really nice, flexible item for a child who maybe needs calm music to go to sleep to, but something more lively in the car on a long road trip.” Yoto also has a number of cards focused on mindfulness, meditation for kids, and routines, which may be helpful to any family, but particularly one where regulation is a skill that they’re working hard on.

Cochran says that folks looking to give a gift should probably consider weighted items that are not blankets so that they don’t have to worry about safety considerations. “Weighted stuffed animals that could be on a child's lap might be really nice for a gift,” she mentions. This is another moment when you might consider a particular character, as well, that a child adores. Ask parents or caregivers about preferred fabrics, too.

This fun and customizable play tab is a super thoughtful, versatile sensory gift for babies and toddlers. Families can build the entire board by loading it with six of the fine-motor-focused tabs, or they can just toss a few of the activity tiles in the car or stroller and enjoy a little on-the-go sensory input.

This adorable clay kit makes it really easy for non-crafty parents of kids who like to create and get their hands into doughy textures to pass a rainy afternoon at home. Air-dry clay anchors the package, but included, too, are tools like rollers and gentle cutters to shape the clay, as well as lots of paint and paintbrushes for decorating the creations once the paint is dry.

Is there a kid anywhere on Earth who would not love to have this super-soft, cheery Bluey and Bingo blanket? Probably not! But, as Catherine and Erin suggest, it’s a great idea to ask what characters your friend or family’s child is into right now and hunt down a soft and snuggly blanket with their favorite face on it — whether it’s Cocomelon, Owlette, Grizzy, or better yet, someone you’ve absolutely never heard of.