Sensory Slime, Dough & Putty Play
Some children who have Sensory Processing Disorder struggle with sensory tactile defensiveness and it impedes their activities for daily living. The goal of working on tactile activities is to decrease the defensiveness.
Tactile sensory input is touch to the skin. Tactile defensiveness is the type of sensory dysfunction when tactile sensations cause hypersensitivity, emotional responses and behavioral issues.
When your child tells you that something that is touching them hurts or is uncomfortable, they are being truthful. They are having a negative response to the tactile sensory input.
There are many daily activities that can cause a child to become tactile defensive such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, cutting nails, washing themselves or brushing their hair.
Children who have Sensory Processing Disorder usually fall into two categories, a seeker or an avoider.
Most people think that you have to be one or the other, but you can actually be an avoider and a seeker too. It's more common to be both than one or the other.
A sensory seeker is hyposensitive, and an avoider is hypersensitive.
A child with Sensory Processing that is an avoider will become overstimulated because they are sensitive to what is around them and will feel everything much more intense than others. Sensory avoiders will avoid sensory input.
A sensory seeker is the opposite and will feel under stimulated and seek out sensory input.
Sensory seekers will not react to the environment around them like an avoider does. Sensory seekers crave and want sensory input.
Hypersensitive means that you are more sensitive (over-responsive) to input than others. This may look like covering your ears when a vacuum is turned on because it is too loud. Or struggling with the feeling of your clothing, even to the point of not being able to wear clothes. At times we refer to people that are hypersensitive as avoiders, they want to avoid certain types of input because they are more sensitive to them.
Hyposensitive means that you are less sensitive (under-responsive) to input than others. Meaning you may want and crave more input to feel regulated and fulfilled. This may look like constantly moving, spinning, jumping, or playing rough with others. At times we refer to people that are hyposensitive as seekers.
Hypersensitivity To Touch (Tactile Defensiveness)
- difficulty getting hair cuts
- avoids being touched or sitting too close to others
- resists wearing shoes, jeans, underwear or socks
- doesn't like nails being cut
- dislikes taking a shower or having a bath
- gets angry or surprised by unexpected touch
- dislikes being kissed or hugged
- avoids messy play
- refuses to eat different food textures
- avoids going barefoot in the grass
- doesn't like to wash or brush hair
- extremely ticklish
- bothered by clothing seams and fabrics
- gets upset when hands are dirty
Hyposensitivity To Touch (Under-Responsive)
- seeks out touch and wants to touch everything
- bites or pinches themselves
- hurts family pets or other children when playing
- loves messy play
- unaffected by getting hurt (high pain tolerance)
- doesn't notice when being touched
- unbothered by dirty hands or messy face
- bumps into others and objects
- craves heavy pressure
- enjoys rubbing and feeling certain fabrics
- touches everyone around them
- doesn't notice a runny nose
- uses heavy pressure when writing with a pencil
- wants to play in water often
Sensory Diet Tactile Activities
- brushing different textured brushes over the skin
- drawing with chalk on the body
- massage with oils, lotions and powders
- brushing for sensory defensiveness
- rubbing different fabric textures against the skin
- drawing in sand or salt
- sensory play (water, sand, slime play dough, clay)
- finger painting
- sensory bins (rice, beans)
- face and body painting
- bubble bath and swimming
- body tattoos or stickers on the body
- deep pressure
- gardening and plating flowers
- toys with vibration
- playing in the mud
- cooking and baking
- brushing different textured brushes over the skin
- drawing with chalk on the body
- massage with oils, lotions and powders
- brushing for sensory defensiveness
- rubbing different fabric textures against the skin
- drawing in sand or salt
- sensory play (water, sand, slime play dough, clay)
- finger painting
- sensory bins (rice, beans)
- face and body painting
- bubble bath and swimming
- body tattoos or stickers on the body
- deep pressure
- gardening and plating flowers
- toys with vibration
- playing in the mud
- cooking and baking
50 Tactile Sensory Activities
1. Exploring and playing in sensory bins
2. Painting with finger paints
3. Playing in a sand box
4. Writing and playing in shaving cream
5. Using fidgets
6. Making and playing with slime
7. Making cookies with cookie dough
8. Squeezing, rolling and squeezing play dough
9. Apply different lotions to the body
10. Play using puppets with different textures
11. Make mud pies
12. Use different textured fabrics to touch skin
13. Wearing sensory friendly clothing
14. Games with contact (piggybacks/wrestling)
15. Back rubs
16. Bear hugs and tight squeezes
17. Rolling different textured balls over the body
18. Wear compression clothing
19. Use a weighted vest
20. Heavy work activities
21. Play with water beads
22. Use a vibrating hand massager
23. Jumping in leaves and throwing them in the air
24. Gardening and playing in the dirt
25. Use different textured brushes or cloths at bath time
26. Apply different textured sensory brushes to the skin
27. create art using Wikki Stix
28. Wilbarger brushing
29. Wrap up in a compression sheet
30. Roll up like a hotdog in a blanket
31. Sit in a sensory pressure canoe (Peapod/Cozy Canoe)
32. Write or draw on a chalk board using chalk
33. Play with jello
34. Roll over body with deep pressure rolling pin
35. Swing in a caccoon swing
36. Play in sensory rice and add different textured toys
37. Water play
38. A walk in nature and exploring different textures
39. Explore using kinetic sand
40. Holding a tactile sensory vibration pillow
41. Dance around on textured floor tiles
42. Explore with sensory sequin tools (fidgets/lap pad)
43. Snuggle up in a weighted blanket
44. Add paint in a ziplock bag and explore the texture
45. Washing dishes
46. Make sensory balloon fidgets with different fillings
47. Squeezing therapy putty or digging in putty to find objects
48. Moving and dancing in a sensory body sock
49. Playing in cooked/uncooked pasta
50. Sitting on a bean bag chair
Sensory Putty, Slime, Play Dough & Sensory Kits
It's a Bug's Life Sensory Kit
For young adventurers on a nature expedition, this beautiful Bug's Life kit is all they need to capture and study their favorite insects, bugs, and butterflies. Your little one can practice sorting, develop eye/hand coordination and build the muscle control they’ll need to start writing—as they scoop, sort, and examine our lifelike bugs!
2 Options now available- Box or Bag
Items vary slightly from kit to kit based on availability
Play Dough can be stored for 3 months in an airtight ziplock bag
Additional Play Dough can be purchased from our store
Kit contains small parts, not intended for kids under the age of 3
At the Beach Weighted Sand Kit Sensory Sand for Fine Motor and Visual Motor Activity
Get the beach fun without the beach mess! This weighted sand is dry and pliable, perfect for a sensory bin. It includes 11 beach-themed shapes to hide and find for fine motor and visual motor practice. Squeeze it, pack it and pull it to make cool shapes for sensory activities that encourage integration and tactile exploration. Won't stick to clothing or surfaces, making sensory play easy and clean-up a breeze.
Encourages sensory integration, fine motor control and tactile exploration
Supports kids with ADHD, sensory processing disorder and autism
Made by Fun and Function Age 3+
Mission Space Sensory Kit
Suit up and let your imagination ROAR! This space Busy Box is packed with fun space items to explore; it will quickly become their favorite sensory box.
2 Options now available- Box or Bag
Items vary slightly from kit to kit based on availability
Play Dough can be stored for 3 months in an airtight ziplock bag
Additional Play Dough can be purchased from our store
Kit contains small parts, not intended for kids under the age of 3
Modeling Clay Kit - 24 Colors Air Dry Ultra Light Magic Clay, Soft & Stretchy DIY Molding Clay with Tools, Animal Accessories, Easy Storage Box Kids Art Crafts Gift for Boys & Girls Age 3-12 year olds
Everything You Need: This air dry clay designed to be easy to use for everyone, and commonly referred to as kids modeling clay, our air dry clay kit is the ideal arts and crafts activity for kids and adults alike! 24 modeling clay in 24 colors, a project booklet, 3 small tools, and 34 animal accessories to help with shaping and decorating, 24 containers to keep unused clay
Occupy kids for hours: Boost your little one's creativity, and help them develop motor skills and enhance eye-hand coordination.
Dinosaur Explorer Sensory Kit
Your little Dinosaur lover will ROAR for this fun Dinosaur sensory kit! Stomp through the forest, make dinosaur tracks in the play dough and play on and on. Keeps your little busy for hours.
2 Options now available- Box or Bag
Items vary slightly from kit to kit based on availability
Play Dough can be stored for 3 months in an airtight ziplock bag
Additional Play Dough can be purchased from our store
Kit contains small parts, not intended for kids under the age of 3
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty - Scentsory Treat: Scoopberry - Fidget Toy - Stretch, Play and Create - Strawberry Vanilla Scented Pink Color That Never Dries Out - 2.75" Storage Tin - .8 oz.
Snap, twist, sculpt, stretch, squish and bounce all day long! Manipulating the putty ignites creativity while simultaneously helping with concentration, anxiety relief and stress. Thinking Putty is an ideal gift for both kids and adults!
Breathe in the fruity aroma of berry vanilla while you play with our Scoopberry putty! As you work the velvety soft pink putty between your fingers, the fresh scent will begin to grow, melting away all your tension! Relax with a Scentsory Treat!
Star Essence Awesome Aromatherapy Star Putty COMFORT + BALANCE
Let your child knead, roll or pinch this all natural putty to help comfort, reduce tension and create a sense a balance for themselves. The blend of pure essential oils along with the sensory therapy help to relax and uplift.
Lemongrass
Cypress
Geranium
Spearmint
Frankincense
All raw materials used in Star Essence Energy Aromatherapy Putty are researched to ensure a safe, non toxic sensory tool that a child will enjoy while self-regulating throughout the day.
Mermaid Life Sensory Kit
Life is so much fun under the sea with this Mermaid Life Busy Box. Kit includes 2 mermaids, shell keepsake box with pearls, sea shells, chest with a message in a bottle, coins, and so much more!
It's been a big challenge for us to find dark skin mermaids, and for that reason, we are giving an option of 2 light skin mermaids or 1 Barbie dark skin mermaid.
2 Options now available- Box or Bag
Items vary slightly from kit to kit based on availability
Play Dough can be stored for 3 months in an airtight ziplock bag
Additional Play Dough can be purchased from our store
Kit contains small parts, not intended for kids under the age of 3
Star Essence Energy Aromatherapy Putty CALM + ENERGIZE
Let your child knead, roll or pinch this all natural putty to help calm and reduce tension. The blend of pure essential oils along with the sensory therapy help to produce a energizing calm.
Wild Orange
Lemon
Lime
Frankicense
All raw materials used in Star Essence Energy Aromatherapy Putty are researched to ensure a safe, non toxic sensory tool that a child will enjoy while self-regulating throughout the day.
New! Sparkling Emerald Green Thinking Putty is the color of the emerald green city from the Wizard of Oz movie! Thinking putty is an amazing sensory tool and office desk toy for fidgeting, strengthening fingers, as a calming self-regulation solution, and for providing tactile sensory input. This beautiful therapy putty makes a wonderful silent classroom fiddle for fidgety students who need something in their hands to help keep their minds more focused. 1.6 ounce tin. Designed for ages 3-up.
New! Little and "big" kids of all ages adore this shimmery finger strengthening sensory fidget putty that’s the color of a shiny new copper penny. Our best-selling Crazy Aaron's thinking putty is like chewing gum for your fingers – the more one kneads it, the calmer and more focused they often become. Our gorgeous new Shiny Copper Penny Thinking Putty makes a fantastic silent fidget for the classroom or a soothing office desk toy for self-regulation, finger strengthening workouts, and as a fun way to provide a nice dose of tactile sensory input. For ages 3-adults.
New! Your favorite Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty in a brand new beautiful Glistening Gold color! You’ll love this glistening gold finger strengthening sensory fidget putty that’s like chewing gum for your fingers. Makes a fantastic silent classroom fidget for self-regulation, finger strength workouts, and calming tactile sensory input. A teacher and occupational therapist favorite, this amazing sensory putty is for children, teens, and adults, ages 3-up.
Crazy Aaron's Putty Color Shock & Holo Mini Tins (.47oz Each) Sun Beam, Coral Reef, Eternal Flame & Moonlight Gift Set Bundle - 4 Pack
Crazy Aaron's Putty Color Shock & Holo Mini Tins (.47oz each) Sun Beam, Coral Reef, Eternal Flame & Moonlight Gift Set Bundle - 4 Pack, is AWESOME!
his is an amazing set of 4 (2 Inch, .47oz) Mini Tins from Crazy Aaron! HOLO - Holographic glitter and sparkle! - Color Shock - New technology features two colors in one! HOLO - Holographic glitter and sparkle!
Color Shock - New technology features two colors in one! Gluten free, latex free and amazing for special needs, party favors & much more!
For Ages 3 and up - Fun for the whole family!
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty 4" Tin - Mystifying Mermaid Hypercolor - Color Changing Putty, Firm Texture - Never Dries Out
Mystifying Mermaid changes color with heat and includes beautiful, iridescent sparkles! Collection: HYPERCOOL | Cool Color: Seafoam Green | Warm Color: Aquamarine Blue
Stretch it, bounce it, pop it, tear it, and sculpt it! Fun for ages 3+
Includes 1/34 lb. (0.47 oz) of Genuine Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
Thinking Putty is manufactured with the help of exceptional individuals challenged with disabilities
Made in the USA from nontoxic silicone and never dries out
Star Essence FOCUS Aromatherapy Putty CONCENTRATION + SENSE OF WELL BEING
Let your child or student knead, roll or pinch this all natural putty to help recharge and focus on the task at hand. The blend of pure essential oils along with the sensory therapy help to produce a sense of balance and improves alertness.
Cypress
Peppermint
Clary Sage
All raw materials used in Star Essence Energy Aromatherapy Putty are researched to ensure a safe, non toxic sensory tool that a child will enjoy while self-regulating throughout the day.
Star Essence Relax Aromatherapy Putty RELAX + REDUCE ANXIETY
Let your child knead, roll or pinch this all natural putty to help relieve stress and tension. The blend of pure essential oils along with the sensory therapy help to promote relaxation and minimize anxiety.
Wild Orange
Bergamot
Ylang Ylang
Frankincense
All raw materials used in Star Essence Relax Aromatherapy Putty are researched to ensure a safe, non toxic sensory tool that a child will enjoy while self-regulating throughout the day.
Under The Sea Sensory Kit
🎶🎶"Right here on the ocean floor, such wonderful things surround you; what more is you lookin' for?" Under the Sea...... 🎶🎶🎶
Our Under the Sea Sensory kit is loaded with so much to do. It contains everything you see and so much more. Guaranteed, your little one will have a blast!
2 Options now available- Box or Bag
Items vary slightly from kit to kit based on availability
Play Dough can be stored for 3 months in an airtight ziplock bag
Additional Play Dough can be purchased from our store
Kit contains small parts, not intended for kids under the age of 3
101 Kids Activities that are the Ooey, Gooey-est Ever!: Nonstop Fun with DIY Slimes, Doughs and Moldables
Let your creativity and your imagination soar with these colorful, crazy-fun recipes for slime, dough, clay, foam, mud and more.
Let your creativity and your imagination soar with these colorful, crazy-fun recipes for slime, dough, clay, foam, mud and more.
Create amazing concoctions like Fake Snow, Color-Changing Slime and Glow-in-the-Dark Dough. Dig your fngers into Glowing Magic Mud, Shaving Cream Dough and Kool-Aid Foam. Or, if you’re brave enough, squeeze the Spider Egg Sack Slime or the Frog’s Vomit Slime―eek! There are even some special slimes that you can eat like Gummy Worm Slime, Pudding Slime and Cookie Dough Dough. With 101 super cool activities (that are also super easy to clean up), you can try them all!
Canal Toys - So Slime DIY Caddy
All the supplies come in this cool storage case. This slime kit makes it fun and easy to create custom slime without a mess. Combine slime colors, confetti, glitter and surprise figurines for the coolest slime around!
How to Use:
All the supplies come in this cool storage case. This slime kit makes it fun and easy to create custom slime without a mess. Combine slime colors, confetti, glitter and surprise figurines for the coolest slime around!
How to Use:
Includes everything you need…just add water! No glue required. Simply pour one slime powder pack, glitter and water into the shaker cup…then shake! You can mix and combine slime colors to create your own style! Add one of the surprise figurine into the slime.
Elmer's Celebration Slime Kit, 10 Count
The possibilities of slime are only limited by your imagination when you use Elmer's Glue and Magical Liquid Slime Activators. This kit contains five of each so you can mix and match and discover new slime combinations! Elmer's Glue is washable, safe, and nontoxic, making it great for kids. Meanwhile the Magical Liquid removes the need for contact lens solution, baking soda, and other additives, making it the easy, no-hassle way to turn glue into slime! What kind of slime will you create?
Fluffy Butter Slime, Scented Stretchy Lemon Slime, Super Soft and Non-Sticky
Comes With Scented Fluffy Slime and Lemon Charms, Foam Beads. Super Soft and Non-sticky. 200ml.
Absolutely Safe Slime for Kids and Adults. ASTM certified, completely safe for children. Cannot be eaten, not for too small kids
Comes With Scented Fluffy Slime and Lemon Charms, Foam Beads. Super Soft and Non-sticky. 200ml.
Absolutely Safe Slime for Kids and Adults. ASTM certified, completely safe for children. Cannot be eaten, not for too small kids
Educational and Stress Relief Slime. Since this slime is extremely resistant and thick it provides a great deal of deep pressure and joint compressions, As you squeeze, fold, roll, and even pull the slime, you are sending signals to your brain that are calming and organizing
Fluffy Slime
Comes with blue, pink, green and purple, 4 colors for your fun and play. It will become a new color if you mix up the 4 colors together. This fluffy slime is incredibly satisfying to play with - squeeze it, twist it, smash it or create arts with it, super soft and stretchy, wonderful stress and anxiety reducer
Absolutely Safe Slime for Kids and Adults. ASTM certified, completely safe for children. Cannot be eaten, not for too small kids
Comes with blue, pink, green and purple, 4 colors for your fun and play. It will become a new color if you mix up the 4 colors together. This fluffy slime is incredibly satisfying to play with - squeeze it, twist it, smash it or create arts with it, super soft and stretchy, wonderful stress and anxiety reducer
Absolutely Safe Slime for Kids and Adults. ASTM certified, completely safe for children. Cannot be eaten, not for too small kids
Non Sticky Slime. Pinch it or pull it over and over, absolutely won't stick to your hands, giving you the most wonderful slime experience.
Tonlead Mint Green Butter Slime Scented with Leaf, Fluffy Floam Slime
Super Cool Texture Slime - We made this new texture and recipe slime different from other usual butter slimes! This cotton premade slime is super stretchy with very good smell, and is so enjoyable to squeeze, swirl and pop. Extremely fluffy and drizzly! Non-sticky cream slime offers you a great cool feeling on the grip of your hand, never get stick onto your hands. Let’s have fun!
Super Cool Texture Slime - We made this new texture and recipe slime different from other usual butter slimes! This cotton premade slime is super stretchy with very good smell, and is so enjoyable to squeeze, swirl and pop. Extremely fluffy and drizzly! Non-sticky cream slime offers you a great cool feeling on the grip of your hand, never get stick onto your hands. Let’s have fun!
High Quality Slime Container - It’s a PET food grade putty cup, non-toxic, thick, safe and leakproof. Please store it back into the container in time when you don't play it.
Modeling Clay Foam Beads Play Kit, 5 Blocks of Sensory Toys for Kids Fine Motor Skills Toys, Preschool Educational Learning Toy
This 57-piece modeling foam kit includes 5 giant foam blocks, 6 shape tools, 6 flash cards, 2 ice cream cones with scoop and 36 small body parts accessories.
This Fun Modeling Foam Beads Play Kit is perfect for kids to explore their creativity and create unique shapes with the soft, squishable foam.
The modeling foam is made from non-toxic materials, so it's safe for kids to use. It also won't stick or stain surfaces like other types of clay or playdough do.
Easy clean up and stow it all away for the next day with the convenient tray and cover. Play at home, outdoor or away on the go.
Mad Mattr is an addictive, super-soft modeling compound that shapes easily. Press it, mold it, knead it, stretch it, squeeze it, sculpt it, shape it, build it - or just pull it slow and watch it flow! Clean up is a breeze, since it sticks to itself and not to you.
What Will You Build?
Mad Mattr easily molds and shapes into endless creations, inspiring open-ended play.
Colorations Classic Dough, 5 oz tubs, Set of 14 Bright Colors, Non-Toxic, Resealable, Soft, Pliable, No Crumble, Modeling, Moldable, Sensory, Smooth, for Home, School
Shape and mold Imaginative creations with top-quality, soft and easy-to-shape dough in a range of bright and neon colors. (Perfect starter set for classrooms and home use; set of 14 colors includes black, Blue, Brown, electric Blue, green, hot pink, Lime green, pink, Purple, red, screaming orange, shocking violet, white, yellow; 5 oz. Each; non-toxic) Colorations best value dough does not contain the following common allergens: (does not contain latex; does not contain dairy & casein; does not contain egg; does not contain peanut & tree nut)
Colorations Scented Colored Dough, 6 Pounds, 6 Bright Colors and Fruity Scents, Non-Toxic, Resealable Tubs, Soft, Pliable, Non-Crumble, Modeling, Sensory
Wonderfully scented, non-toxic modeling compound is Super soft and pliable. Colorations dough will not crumble or stain. Clean-Up is easy with soap and water. Individual, resalable containers keep dough fresh and keep scents from mixing. Set includes 1 lb. Each of Blue (Berry), green (Apple), ORANGE (tangerine), Purple (Grape), red (Cherry) and yellow (lemon). non-toxic. Colorations scented dough do not contain the following common allergens: (does not contain latex; does not contain dairy & casein; does not contain egg; does not contain peanut & tree nut)
Crayola Relaxation Aroma Putty, Silly Putty Alternative, Gift, 6Count
CRAYOLA AROMA PUTTY: Bring home the 6ct Relaxation putty collection featuring Lavender, Frankincense, clove, coconut, tea tree, and chamomile.
Portable and fun Relaxation gifts for women, men, and teens.
Specially designed containers add texture to putty and fit nicely in a purse or pocket.
CRAYOLA AROMA PUTTY: Bring home the 6ct Relaxation putty collection featuring Lavender, Frankincense, clove, coconut, tea tree, and chamomile.
Portable and fun Relaxation gifts for women, men, and teens.
Specially designed containers add texture to putty and fit nicely in a purse or pocket.
SAFE AND NONTOXIC: Aroma putty doesn't leave residue on hands, and is safe and nontoxic.
47-Piece Dough Tools Bulk with Play Accessories
This dough tools kit are fun and easy with assorted plastic molds,play dough tools,and more to meet your needs.
This playset are great to enrich a child's imagination and creativity. These are ideal early learning classrooms, day-cares, or just for fun.
This dough tools kit are fun and easy with assorted plastic molds,play dough tools,and more to meet your needs.
This playset are great to enrich a child's imagination and creativity. These are ideal early learning classrooms, day-cares, or just for fun.
Exceptional quality and value.Created by experts for use at home or classrooms. These sets are great for adding detail to dough creations.
Melissa & Doug Cut, Sculpt, and Roll Clay Play Set With 8 Tools and 4 Colors of Modeling Dough
Colorful set of modeling dough and sturdy wooden tools
Includes 2 pattern wheels, 2 scissors, 2 dough cutters, 4 tubs of modeling dough, sculpting tool, and more
4 vibrant dough colors: purple, orange, yellow, and blue
Adorable molds on every lid
Colorful set of modeling dough and sturdy wooden tools
Includes 2 pattern wheels, 2 scissors, 2 dough cutters, 4 tubs of modeling dough, sculpting tool, and more
4 vibrant dough colors: purple, orange, yellow, and blue
Adorable molds on every lid
Great for color, pattern, and texture recognition; encourages imaginative play and creativity
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists give you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links on my website. Each of your purchases through links on my website for Amazon affiliation links or sponsored links supports me but at no additional cost to you so thank you for your purchases. I appreciate it so much!
