Sensory gift ideas for sensory beings

Sensory beings are people whose experience of the world is primarily sensory, meaning that they interact with the world in a sensory capacity, often without a strong ability for language. For example, this can be someone with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), autism, and late-stage dementia. If there is a sensory being in your life, you might be wondering about presents you can buy for them. Sensory children and adults don’t often need or want expensive presents, they can be happy with simple, thoughtful presents that engage their senses, and help them feel safe and comfortable. In this guide, we highlight some fantastic sensory gift ideas, with everything from musical toys to fun days out.

Days out and activities 

Sensory beings can love nothing more than a fun day out to a location or attraction that will truly engage their sensory nature. If you are looking to buy a sensory gift for a friend or family, no matter if it’s a child or an adult, consider treating them to a lovely excursion. You could buy tickets to a nearby National Trust attraction, for example, these locations are filled with fascinating objects, beautiful houses, and the great outdoors.

Tickets to something like the theatre can be another great option, especially musicals and plays tailored for children, as they provide plenty of fun visuals, colours, and sounds. Or how about a visit to an aquarium? There are many options to consider. If you like this gift idea, bear in mind the mobility of the recipient, for example, if they use stairlifts at home, you will want to make sure the attraction/activity is accessible to them.

Vaila, from the family and inclusive design blog The Inclusive Home, has a daughter who is a sensory being and recommends experiences as a fantastic gift idea. “She [EJ] doesn’t have expectations of receiving gifts at Christmas or birthdays so gifting of experiences is of as much (if not more) value to her than something she can interact with immediately. Things such as National Trust membership (EJ loves being outdoors and among the sights, sounds and smells of the woods & gardens), theatre tickets (we’ve been to relaxed performances of the local panto and EJ loved it), swimming lessons, skating (we did wheelchair skating last year and it was fantastic!) would all be brilliant for her.”

READ ALSO: Tips for supporting parents of special needs children

Musical toys

Sensory beings can really enjoy sounds and music, especially children. So, if you want to buy a present that a sensory child will really love, consider gifting a musical toy of some variety. There are lots of options available, from push cars that play music as they move to anything that shakes and rattles. There are toys with bells attached, electronic drumsticks, and piano mats that when you step on the keys, piano notes start to play. Xylophones can be another great option, providing plenty of entertainment that plays into a child’s sensory needs.

Books and sensory stories

Books can be a great present for sensory beings, no matter if you are buying them for a child or an adult. Kids will love children’s picture books, as the pictures and colours will engage their visual senses. If you can find one with pop-out features and different textures, all the better. The Sensory Projects has a few different children’s picture books available that are purposefully designed for sensory beings.

The Sensory Projects also offer something called ‘Sensory Stories’ which founder Jo Grace recommends as her favourite gift recommendation when speaking to us: “Sensory stories partner concise text with rich and relevant sensations enabling you to share a story with anyone regardless of their ability/disability or neurodivergence. They are deceptively simple at first glance but when shared they are magic! You can buy individual sensory stories or buy a book with 9 stories.”

Jo also mentions a few other places to find sensory stories: BagBooks, Pete Wells Inclusive Sensory Stories and Rhyming Multisensory stories.

Sensory adults can really enjoy books as a gift too. Adult colouring books have become increasingly popular in recent years, and these would be a great option to consider, allowing for a tactile and therapeutic activity that can keep them engaged for long periods.

READ ALSO: Tips for helping special needs children change schools

Space hoppers and momentum toys

Toys like space hoppers can be excellent gifts for children with sensory needs. The feeling of momentum is something they can really enjoy and if the space hopper is a fun and colourful shape or animal, that can engage even more of their senses. Any toys that revolve around momentum, that swing, or spin can also be great options to consider. A rocking horse, for example, a spinning chair, or a little car they can be pushed in are also items that they might really love to play with.

Weighted products and cosey items 

Sensory beings can love the feeling of being wrapped up and cosey, of soft material against their skin. Those with limited mobility can also be more stationary than most people, causing them to get chilly. Therefore, gifting cosey items like microwave warmers, slippers, and mittens is an excellent idea. You might also want to consider weighted products like blankets, duvets, and clothing, these specially designed weighted items are very popular with sensory seekers, both young and old.

Sensory Direct have a big range of sensory items available, including weighted products like blankets. Here is what they say about their weighted blankets: “Weighted blankets are recommended by healthcare professionals as a safe and effective therapeutic solution, helping sensory seeking children and adults calm their body, enabling a peaceful night’s sleep. The extra weight can help to relieve anxiety and stress, ease transitions, prevent meltdowns and repetitive behaviour.”

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Chewable toys/fidget toys

It’s all about sensory feedback with sensory beings which can be a reason why children love chewing on items, for example. You can get lots of fantastic chewable toys that are perfect for sensory children, such as chewable necklaces, remotes, bangles and more. Just search ‘sensory chew toys’ online and you will discover lots of options.

Fidget toys are another great option, being tactile toys used for pleasant activity with the hands. These can be for children or adults and encourage motor skills and concentration. From squidgy balls and textured noodles to variety packs that include several fidget toys in one set, these make great gifts for sensory people.

READ ALSO: Tips for Christmas with disabled children

Sensory gifts for adults and children

• Days out and activities
• Musical toys
• Books and sensory stories
• Space hoppers and momentum toys
• Weighted products and cosey items
• Chewable toys/fidget toys

If you are looking for sensory gifts for adults or children, we hope you have found a few options in this guide. There are lots of wonderful sensory toys, tactile gifts, and presents for sensory seekers available. We hope you find the perfect gift for the sensory being in your life.

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