Sensory Stim Toys for Adults That You Might Already Have

For many adults with sensory processing sensitivity, sitting through a Zoom meeting can feel unbearable without a sensory stim toy in hand. Stimming helps adults and kids with sensory sensitivities self-soothe, reduce anxiety, regulate sensory input, and improve focus. While physical stim toys are helpful, buying new ones can lead to unnecessary clutter, which increases overwhelm in sensory-sensitive individuals. Before making a purchase, check your home for everyday items that can serve as effective stim toys. (Just in case, links to the items are included.)

1. Dice

Dice are small and portable, great for tactile stimulation. Rolling them in your hands or on a surface can be satisfying and repetitive. Their cool, smooth texture also makes them great for fidgeting, while their size makes them perfect to carry in your pocket or purse. However, if you are like me, you might find yourself exiting your video call frame every five minutes to pick one up because you dropped it 🙃.

2. Hair Ties

Whether they’re elastic bands or fabric scrunchies, hair ties are versatile and accessible sensory stimulation items that many people already carry around. You can stretch, twist, or wrap them around your fingers, offering satisfying tactile input that helps release nervous energy or maintain focus. Their elasticity provides just the right amount of resistance, making them ideal for fidgeting in a repetitive, calming way. Plus, hair ties are incredibly discreet; you can easily keep one on your wrist when not in use, allowing for quick access whenever you need a sensory break. Whether you’re in a meeting, at your desk, or on the go, having a hair tie at hand can offer an immediate and very quiet stim toy, and I almost always carry one on my wrist for this exact purpose. Their low-profile nature means they go unnoticed while providing the sensory input you need.

3. Beads

If you have beads from old jewelry or crafts or your Eras Tour friendship bracelets, they can be repurposed as sensory stim toys. Rolling them between your fingers or stringing them onto a thread gives tactile and fine-motor stimulation. Their smooth texture and small size make them ideal for fidgeting. A beaded bracelet around your wrist will keep this fidget toy close by.

4. Pop Sockets

If your phone has a pop socket, you’re already equipped with a portable fidget tool that offers more than just a grip. Clicking it in and out or spinning it around provides tactile and kinetic sensory input through repetitive motion. Since it’s attached to your phone, it’s always within reach, making it a discreet and convenient way to manage sensory needs in any setting—whether in a meeting, commuting, or relaxing. Plus, the motion of the pop socket is quiet, making it a great stim option when you need something non-disruptive.

5. Clicker Pens

The classic stim tool, a clicker pen, provides auditory and tactile feedback. The satisfying clicking sound and repetitive action of pressing the pen are great for people who need something to fidget while focusing on tasks. The multi-color clicker pens are particularly sensory. Though clicker pens come with a fairly noticeable sound, this one may just be reserved for virtual meetings where you can remain on mute.

6. Putty or Playdough

Putty is a perfect tool for sensory stimulation, offering a satisfying way to squeeze, stretch, and mold for tactile input. Its soft, pliable texture allows for endless manipulation, which can help with stress relief, focus, or simply keeping restless hands busy. Whether squeezing it for tension release or shaping it into different forms, putty engages both your hands and mind soothingly. If you don’t have a store-bought version, homemade dough or putty works just as well and can even be customized with different textures or colors to suit your personal preferences.

However, certain types of putty can leave a residue or have a particular scent, which might not be pleasant for some sensory-sensitive individuals. Some may find the smell distracting or the residue irritating on their skin. If this is the case, experimenting with different recipes or opting for putty that is residue-free or unscented may make it a more enjoyable experience.

7. Binder Clips

Binder clips are versatile and handy tools that can double as sensory stimulation toys. Typically used to hold papers together, they offer a satisfying tactile and visual experience for those who like to fidget. Squeezing the metal arms to open the clip provides tactile feedback, and the smooth, snapping motion when releasing it can be soothing. You can repetitively open and close the clip or use the metal arms to flick back and forth as a subtle fidget.

Playing with smooth, silky, or textured fabric can provide gentle, soothing tactile input that helps calm the senses. The soft, flowing nature of ribbons or fabric scraps allows for sensory experiences depending on the material. Silky fabrics can glide easily through your fingers, offering a calming, repetitive motion. In contrast, textured fabrics like cotton or velvet can engage your sense of touch more deeply, giving a grounding feeling. You can tie or twist the fabric, fold it into different shapes, or run it through your fingers for a calming effect. These materials are also lightweight and portable, making them an easy, non-intrusive option for on-the-go sensory support, whether at work, during a meeting, or while relaxing at home.

Conclusion

These everyday items can easily be repurposed as sensory stim toys, providing much-needed comfort and focus without specialized tools. By utilizing objects you already have around your home, you can experience the calming effects of stimming without adding clutter, spending extra money, or adding clutter to your home. Whether you’re clicking a pen during meetings (on mute), twisting a hair tie to release nervous energy, or rolling dice between your fingers, something nearby can likely help regulate your sensory input. The beauty of these household items is that they’re discreet, versatile, and readily available, making it easy to incorporate sensory relief into your daily routine. So next time you feel overwhelmed or need to refocus, look around – the perfect stim tool might be right in front of you.

You learn more about sensory processing sensitivity in resources like ADDitude or the STAR Institute.

For more sensory tips, check out 5 Quick Tips to Make Your Home More Sensory-Friendly and How to Line Your Home with Fairy Lights for a Calm and Cozy Vibe.

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