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Recommended Products for Each of the 8 Senses!
We don’t typically recommend products but since a lot of you have asked for recommendations, here we go!
We dive into products for each of the 8 sensory systems! Some you can purchase and some you can DIY!
Check all the links below!
Links
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Ep 215 10 Easy DIY Sensory Activities
Products We Talked About in This Episode
Weighted Compression Vest (Harkla)
HoMedics Handheld Massager (Amazon)
The Listening Program (Advanced Brain Technologies)
Smartknit Kids Compression Clothing (Thuasne)
Follow Your Nose Board Game (Walmart)
Recommended Products For Each Of The 8 Senses!
At All Things Sensory by Harkla, we love sharing expert insights on sensory processing and helping parents, educators, and therapists find practical solutions to support children with sensory needs. In this post, we’re diving into the best sensory products for each of the eight sensory systems.
Understanding The Eight Sensory Systems
Whether you're looking for tools to encourage movement, improve focus, or foster emotional regulation, we've got you covered! Before we discuss product recommendations, it's important to understand how the sensory systems work together.
Each system plays a crucial role in how we interpret and interact with the world around us. If sensory processing is a new concept for you, we encourage you to explore our podcast episodes, where we break down each sensory system in detail.
Now, let’s explore the best sensory products for each sensory system!
1. Vestibular System (Movement & Balance)
The vestibular system helps with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Engaging this system can improve postural control and overall body coordination.
Top Products:
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Sit & Spin – Ideal for young children, this spinning toy provides rotary vestibular input to help with balance and movement coordination.
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Compression Swing – Similar to a hammock, this swing provides both vestibular input and deep touch pressure, offering a calming effect.
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Twister Game – Encourages movement in different planes, helping to challenge and strengthen the vestibular system in a fun, social setting.
2. Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness & Pressure Input)
Proprioception helps us understand where our body is in space and how much force to use in movements. This system is particularly calming and regulating.
Top Products:
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Body Sock – Provides resistance and deep pressure input, promoting body awareness and self-regulation.
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Weighted Compression Vest – Offers gentle, calming pressure to help children feel more secure and focused.
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Vibrating Massager – Provides targeted proprioceptive input to muscles and joints, enhancing body awareness and relaxation.
3. Interoceptive System (Internal Awareness & Emotional Regulation)
Interoception helps us understand internal sensations like hunger, thirst, and emotions.
Top Products:
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YogaRilla Card Game – Introduces yoga poses that help children develop body awareness and mindfulness.
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Zones of Regulation Curriculum – A fantastic tool for teaching emotional awareness and regulation.
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Visual Schedules – Helps children anticipate daily activities, reducing anxiety and supporting self-regulation.
4. Auditory System (Processing Sound & Communication)
The auditory system isn’t just about hearing; it’s about how the brain interprets and processes sound.
Top Products:
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Twister Moves Game – A listening-based game that strengthens auditory processing skills.
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The Listening Program (Advanced Brain Technologies) – Uses modified music to support auditory processing and brain function.
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Metronome Activities – Helps improve timing, rhythm, and overall auditory processing skills.
5. Tactile System (Touch & Sensory Processing)
The tactile system involves processing touch sensations, including textures, temperature, and pressure.
Top Products:
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Sensory Bins – Fill bins with materials like rice, beans, or kinetic sand for hands-on exploration.
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Compression Clothing – Provides deep touch pressure for sensory seekers.
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Body Brush – Great for children who benefit from deep touch pressure to help regulate their sensory system.
6. Visual System (Processing & Interpreting What We See)
The visual system helps with recognizing shapes, colors, movement, and spatial relationships.
Top Products:
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ThinkFun Games (Rush Hour, Laser Maze, River Crossing) – Engage visual perception and problem-solving skills.
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Infinity Loop Tracing – Supports visual tracking and coordination.
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EyeCanLearn.com Exercises – Interactive online tools to strengthen visual processing.
7. Gustatory & Oral Motor System (Taste & Mouth Control)
This system helps with taste processing, chewing, and oral motor control, which is essential for speech and feeding.
Top Products:
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Sour Spray – Provides alerting gustatory input for sensory regulation.
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Chewing Gum – Helps with oral motor development and self-regulation.
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ARK Therapeutic Oral Tools – Includes chew necklaces, Z-Vibes, and pencil toppers to support oral sensory needs.
8. Olfactory System (Sense of Smell & Emotional Connection)
The olfactory system is closely linked to memory and emotions, and scents can have a strong impact on regulation.
Top Products:
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Essential Oils & Scented Scrunchies – Apply a drop of essential oil to a scrunchie for calming or alerting effects.
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Follow Your Nose Game – A fun matching game that strengthens olfactory processing.
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Scented Sensory Bins & Slime – Enhance sensory play with lavender, citrus, or peppermint scents.
While each product serves a specific sensory purpose, many of these tools provide multi-sensory benefits. Experimenting with different sensory inputs can help determine what works best for your child or clients.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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