I grew up in the ‘90s with undiagnosed autism. Even though I didn’t have a diagnosis back then, and I didn't have a clue what fidgets were, there were the childhood toys that were sensory gold. From toys that smell good to ones that keep your hands b...
Sections
5
Smells Good
Movement
Fun for Your Hands
Regulating & Calming
Crafty Fun
Smells Good
These toys had smells that were satisfying.
I loved the Cherry Berry Muffins and the similar Cupcake Dolls! Not only did they smell good but the Cupcake Dolls came in satisfying plastic cupcake liners that flipped inside out to reveal a doll. I loved that transformation!
Cherry Merry Muffin
This stuff smelled amazing and sounded hilarious! I had the popcorn-scented one. Everything Nickelodeon was great for sensory-seeking neurodivergent kids like me.
Nickelodeon GAK
I had a ton of dolls as a kid. I loved Baby All Gone's cherry smell, and the springy spoon motion was super satisfying to repeat.
Baby All Gone (or maybe just her cherries)
Movement
It's fun to keep our bodies moving. It also helps regulate.
Just a shiny ribbon on a stick, and yet? Instant flow state. This was both chaos and art in motion. Watching the ribbon was so soothing.
Ribbon Dancer
It wasn't fun accidentally whacking my ankle, but it was a quick way to burn some energy! I loved the 'skips' counter and the commercial jingle.
Skip It
“Twist it! Bop it! Pull it! Pass it!” This was a fun, fast-paced game.
Bop It! Game
Fun for Your Hands
Keeping your hands busy.
Koosh Balls were so fun! I pulled on the strings like it was an octopus, and tried to use it as a yo-yo until the rubber inevitably snapped. I had the Flingshot, too, the same one Rosie used to launch balls into the audience on her talk show!
Koosh Balls
The OG fidget toy. That soft, clean smell and its texture was never sticky. I gravitated toward teal, purple, and pink, and I absolutely did not mix my colors.
Play-Doh
Yes, I pressed my face in it. And my hands. The pressure was weirdly satisfying, and seeing your hand perfectly imprinted in little metal pins was cool.
Pin (Nail) Art Boards
I twisted his legs together like a braided rope. I loved kneading the sand.
Stretch Armstrong Figure
Regulating & Calming
Keeping me calm… pretty colors and slow movement.
Shake it. Watch it. Chill out.
Sparkling Rainbow Baton Glitter Wand
I love watching the blobs slowly float and move everywhere.
Lava Lamps
Juicy Couture is back?!
Juicy Couture Dazzling Swirl LED Color Change Light
Crafty Fun
Expressive Arts
I used these to decorate pen pal letters. It was always satisfying pressing down and watching a perfect little smiley or spiral appear.
Crayola Mini Stampers
This was my childhood version of a zen garden. Pouring layers of neon pink, green, and orange sand into a plastic bottle.
