Sensory toys are great for kids ad adults alike. They are a fun way to elevate stress. However, not all sensory toys are created equal. Some of the most fun are also the easiest to break. It is pretty easy to run to the nearest Dollar Store to pick up more, but here is another easy solution that is also nice for the planet. Upcycle those broken parts into new sensory toys.
Supplies:
- Broken sensory toy bits
- Balloons
- Funnel
If you don’t have a funnel handy, here’s a quick way to upcycle one.
Here are a few suggestions. The process is essentially the same, but it will give you an idea of what you can use to make new sensory toys.
Upcycled Sensory Toys Four Ways
Sensory Toy #1: Squishy Things
Sensory Toy #2: Bead Toys
Many of the kids that I work with enjoy the sensation of things filled with those annoying little plastic beads. Unfortunately, those toys are prone to holes and the beads get everywhere.
Sensory Toy #3: Slime
This is a great way to upcycle slime that has gotten discolored, watery, or sticky over time.
Sensory Toy #4: Water Beads
I hate the feeling of water beads so I have never purchased them. But I did get a free ice pack filled with something similar to water beads. The kids I worked with loved it, but eventually it got a hole in it. I put it in a balloon and they still enjoy it. Tip: You can use clear or lightly-colored balloons so that the water beads are visible inside, added to its coolness factor.
Bonus:
If you are feeling extra creative, see if any of the other toy scraps can be used in new ways. I have used the empty rubber casings (such as Mike) to hide smaller toys or act as costumes for figurines. You can also put a ball inside to make a character bouncy ball. You can also experiment to see if they have cool effect, such as this Sulley toy that used to be filled with water. After it popped, I found that the empty casing would slowly refill with air after squished. The kids I work with enjoy watching it magically re-inflate.
Sensory items are also important for those affected with dementia . Thank you for sharing your ideas on inexpensive alternatives to the purchased sensory items. .