In a digital world where children can waste hours every day on screens, the need for real, hands-on activities for kids is readily apparent. What can keep kids’ attention, improve their fine motor skills and develop creativity all at the same time? One solid solution is the sensory box.

While you probably have heard about sensory boxes for kids before, you may still have a lot of questions. This guide will help answer all the questions you’ve ever had about sensory boxes.

 

What Is a Sensory Box?

Giving a definition seems like a good place to start when creating a sensory box guide. A sensory box is a kit, or container, that is full of items that help to stimulate senses such as:

• Taste
• Smell
• Sight
• Hear
• Touch

Sensory boxes are typically used to help children relax, play, de-stress, create, explore and develop.

 

Are Sensory Boxes for Kids?

Yes, sensory boxes are for kids! As was mentioned above, the majority of sensory boxes are meant to help kids explore, play and develop. Kids’ sensory boxes are usually colorful, textured, varied and given themes that spark a child’s imagination.

That being said, because items in a sensory box are usually pretty small, they are typically meant for kids aged 3+. Since small items can be a choking hazard for small kids, it’s best to make sure any young children have constant supervision when playing with sensory kits.

 

What Items are Included in a Sensory Box for Kids?

There are a lot of different items that can be included in sensory boxes for kids. Some of these items might include:

• Playdough
• Water beads
• Small, shiny rocks
• Kinetic sand
• Fabric
• Rice
• Pasta
• Small toys
• Tools
• Rubbery items

Many kid’s sensory boxes have multiple items related to a single theme. For instance, if you were buying your child an Easter Playdough Sensory Kit, you might find small, colored eggs, a white picket fence, a furry chick, soft grass and much more. Depending on the overall theme of the kit, you’d get items that fit that scene. That being said, all sensory box ideas typically have an assortment of items in different colors, textures, sizes and shapes.

Are Sensory Boxes for Toddlers?

For this article, we’ll consider toddlers are aged 1-3. While most sensory boxes will be for kids aged 3+, there are some more toddler-friendly sensory and playdough sets.

Even when using a sensory box for toddlers, however, you’ll want to be very careful you’re watching them at all times. Toddlers have a way of getting things stuck up their noses and ears, and seem to enjoy at least trying to taste everything they get their hands on.

 

What Items are Included in a Sensory Box for Toddlers?

Since toddlers have a tendency to put things in their mouths, most sensory boxes for toddlers have much larger items that aren’t considered a choking hazard. Not only that, the sensory items included in a toddler kit usually need to be a little bit more break-resistant in order to sustain the inevitable beating they will get from cute little hands.

This may limit some of the “adorable” items you’d get in a normal sensory box for kids, but is typically a much safer way to allow them to engage in sensory play.

 

Are there Sensory Boxes for Adults?

Believe it or not, there are actually sensory boxes made just for adults! Kids don’t always have to be the only ones that get to have fun. 🙂

Adult sensory boxes are usually constructed a little bit differently to help meet some different needs than a developing child or toddler.  Individuals that deal with anxiety, stress and need help self-regulating can benefit from sensory boxes for adults. While the items inside the sensory kit may look a little different than the toys that kids play with, they usually are an assortment of textures, sizes and shapes, with a specific function to stimulate the five senses.

 

What Are the Benefits of Sensory Boxes?

There are many benefits associated with sensory boxes. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Cognitive development
• Improvement of fine motor skills
• Enhanced social skills
• Stimulated creativity and imagination
• Decreased Stress
• And more

Since children using a sensory box are typically handling a variety of sensory items of all different shapes and sizes, it forces them to use fine motor skills to make the items interact. With sensory items like playdough, kids can use them the same way an adult would a stress ball – namely mash and mold and let their pent-up energy out in a constructive way. With themed sensory boxes, kids are encouraged to play together to build a scene or story – leading to enhanced social skills.

 

What are the Best Sensory Box Ideas for Kids?

There are so many, it’s hard to choose! While you can make your own sensory boxes with all sorts of different items, there are also lots of pre-made sensory boxes with some creative themes and ideas already attached. Some of the most popular playdough sensory box ideas include:

• Space
• Unicorn
• Holiday
• Dinosaur
• Mermaid
• Pirate
• Build a snowman
• Construction site
• Fairy garden
• etc.

You really can’t go wrong when picking a sensory box theme to help give you ideas. Use your own kids as sounding boards to find out what would interest them the most. Before buying a sensory box for sale, you’ll want to make sure that your child already has an interest in the overall theme so they can maximize their sensory playtime.

Where Can You Find Sensory Boxes for Sale?

As was mentioned above, you can either create your own sensory box, find an online sensory shop that sells sensory boxes, or invest in a sensory box subscription to get surprised with new, fun ideas every month.

 

Where Do You Find Pre-Made Sensory Kits for Sale?

If you’re looking for pre-made sensory kits with cute themes, there are a LOT out there. The best place to start is with a quick Google search or thumbing through social media. Find a sensory playdough shop that has a variety of box themes, is affordably priced and offers value in the items they are offering in the kits.

One of the major pros to buying a pre-made kit is you can find creative, put-together boxes that would go great as holiday gifts, birthday gifts, or to go along with an educational theme you’re focusing on in your household.

 

Where Do You Find Sensory Box Subscriptions?

Sensory box subscription sites give you the option to sign up at a monthly price and receive new sensory boxes for your kids every month! Typically a sensory kit subscription lets you choose a box that falls in line with the interests (or gender) of your child and they get surprised with a new kit at specific monthly intervals.

Sensory box subscriptions are a little bit of an up-front investment, but they make for a great alternative to video games and tv shows.

 

Get Your Sensory Box Today!

If you’re in the market for sensory boxes for kids, you’ve come to the right place! Adoughable Kits has both pre-made sensory boxes that come in all different themes. Whether you need a birthday gift, holiday present or are just looking for some fun, educational toys for your kids to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity, invest in a sensory box today!