Sensory Toys and Tools Every Malta Parent Should Know About
By Ema Bartolo ·
As an Occupational Therapist in Malta, one of the most common questions I get from parents is: “What sensory toys should I buy for my child?” The right sensory tools can genuinely support a child’s regulation, attention, and development — but the wrong ones can end up gathering dust. Understanding what your child needs, and why, is the key to choosing tools that make a real difference.
What Are Sensory Toys and Why Do They Matter?
Sensory toys and tools are items designed to stimulate one or more of the senses — touch, movement, sight, sound, smell, or proprioception. For children with sensory processing differences, these tools serve a functional purpose, helping the nervous system regulate and supporting focus, calm, and engagement.
Tactile Tools: For Children Who Seek or Avoid Touch
- Fidget toys: Textured rings, tangle toys, or putty can help children who need to keep their hands busy to focus
- Kinetic sand and play dough: Excellent for building hand strength and providing calming tactile input
- Textured cushions and brushes: For tactile-defensive children, gradual exposure through different textures can help under OT guidance
- Water play sets: Perfect for Malta’s warm climate — combining tactile and proprioceptive input
Proprioceptive and Vestibular Tools: For Movement Seekers
- Weighted blankets and lap pads: Deep pressure input that helps children feel grounded and calm
- Therapy balls and wobble cushions: Sitting on a slightly unstable surface gives vestibular input, improving focus and posture
- Body socks and compression vests: Full-body proprioceptive input that can be very calming
- Mini trampolines: Intense vestibular and proprioceptive input — even a few minutes helps regulate
Oral Motor Tools: For Children Who Chew or Mouth Objects
- Chew necklaces and pencil toppers: Safe, food-grade silicone chewables for oral sensory seeking
- Vibrating oral tools: Under OT guidance, helpful for oral desensitisation and fussy eaters
- Resistive food and drink tools: Thick smoothies through a narrow straw or crunchy snacks provide organising input
Visual and Auditory Tools
- Liquid motion timers and lava lamps: Calming visual input for wind-down routines
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Essential for noise-sensitive children — useful at festas, assemblies, and shopping
- Light projectors: Soft, moving light patterns create a calming sensory space
How to Choose the Right Sensory Tools
- Observe your child: Notice what they naturally seek out or avoid
- Start simple: Household items can provide excellent sensory input
- Get professional guidance: An OT can complete a sensory profile and recommend specific tools
- Consider the environment: Some tools work at home but not at school — think about where support is most needed
Where to Find Sensory Tools in Malta
While specialist selection in Malta is more limited than in larger countries, many items can be sourced locally or ordered online. At WonderKids, we advise on where to find specific items and help you build a sensory toolkit that suits your child and your budget. Call us at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt.