18 Nov Amazing K’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Holiday Activities

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of new experiences, from festive decorations to bustling family gatherings. While these moments are unique, they can also be overwhelming for autistic children who have unique sensory needs.

The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a sensory-friendly environment that keeps your child engaged and regulated. Some of the best Sensory-Friendly Holiday Activities can be done right at home, using simple items from your garden, bathroom, and kitchen.

Let’s start with the garden. Nature is a fantastic sensory playground, offering rich textures, soothing sounds, and endless opportunities for exploration. Encourage your child to collect leaves, flowers, and small stones, creating a sensory collage. If you have a sandbox or a patch of dirt, let them dig, scoop, and build—it’s great for tactile and proprioceptive input. For a calming activity, consider a “listening walk” where you pause to identify sounds like birds chirping or leaves rustling.

Next is the bathroom, where you can transform bath time into a sensory oasis. Fill the tub with warm water and add a few drops of lavender oil or colourful, fizzing bath bombs. Combining soothing scents and gentle water pressure can help calm an overstimulated child. If your child enjoys tactile play, introduce waterproof toys or sponges for squeezing and pouring. For an added twist, try glow-in-the-dark bath toys or safe waterproof LED lights to create a magical sensory experience.

Let’s head to the kitchen—a goldmine for sensory fun. Start with a simple baking activity. Mixing, kneading, and rolling dough provides excellent tactile input, while the smell of freshly baked cookies or bread offers olfactory stimulation. If your child prefers mess-free activities, they can help stir batter or sprinkle toppings. Consider making edible sensory playdough with ingredients like flour, salt, and food colouring for a no-bake option.

Another kitchen favourite is sensory bins. Fill a large container with dried pasta, rice, or beans, and hide small toys or spoons for your child to discover. They can scoop, pour, and sort to their heart’s content. You can even turn this activity into a themed one by adding holiday trinkets or coloured materials. For auditory input, let your child experiment with pots, pans, and wooden spoons to create their kitchen band.

Create a “smell and guess” game if your child enjoys smells and tastes. Use small jars or bowls to hold different herbs, spices, or citrus peels. Let your child take a whiff and try to identify the scent. This can be a fun and engaging way to explore new smells in a controlled, low-pressure environment.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of sensory crafts. Simple activities like finger painting, playdough sculpting, or making homemade slime can provide hours of tactile engagement. You can even create sensory bottles by filling clear plastic bottles with water, glitter, and tiny beads. Seal them tightly, and you’ve got a mesmerizing, calming tool for when your child needs a sensory break.

The beauty of these activities is that they’re flexible and easily adapted to your child’s preferences. By tuning into their sensory needs and creating a safe, engaging environment, you’ll help them navigate the holidays with confidence and joy. Let’s make this season a sensory-friendly success!