8 Ethical Toys for Your Calm Corner
When creating your calm corner, it's always a wonderful idea to add some ethical toys.
This post will share 8 ethical toys you might like to consider when you are creating a calm corner for your children.
A calm space or quiet corner is a designated space in your home or classroom where children can return to focus and calm after becoming dysregulated.
It helps if the space limits stimulus by being quiet and not overly bright, and it can be made comfortable with items such as cushions, beanbags and weighted
blankets. A few carefully selected activities and sensory tools are then provided to assist the child to
self-regulate.
Find out more about designing your calm space here:
https://smartmamasmartkids.com/5-kids-calming-spaces-products/
The available assortment of sensory toys and fidgets on the market has become quite a phenomenon in
recent years. Of course, it is wonderful that there is more awareness of sensory needs and the ways in
which individuals can regulate their nervous systems to better function.
Unfortunately though, many of the products that are promoted for this purpose are poor quality, plastic, or easily broken items that
quickly end up in landfill.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help children calm themselves through sensory input that don't involve unethical purchasing.
The following are some examples of eco-friendly and ethical toys that may be helpful when included in a calm space.
1: Rattles and Bells
A gentle rattle or pleasant jingling sound can be soothing. Instruments such as small shakers and bells
may also be used to accompany rhythmical movements that many children find helpful in calming
themselves.
This lovely hedgehog clutching toy with bells might do the trick :
https://thetoychestaustralia.com/products/clutching-toy-hedgehog-bells-musical-wooden-rattle
2: Cuddly Toys
A soft teddy or doll offers comfort and reassurance, as well as providing an outlet for feelings the child
might struggle to express in words. These types of toys can be weighted, so that the pressure activates
the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the body.
3: Spinning Toys & Calm-Down Bottles
"Fidgets" that spin, or the swirling, sparkling contents of a calm-down bottle are all visually mesmerising,
and therefore help children calm their breathing and focus.
4: Wooden Blocks
A few humble wooden building blocks in your calm space will offer a methodical task and tactile
experience that can serve to settle and re-focus the child. Even the sound of wooden blocks clacking
together can be soothing.
5: Puzzles & Games
Age appropriate puzzle toys and games can provide a distracting challenge that engages the brain in
mindful activity. Be careful not to choose anything that will likely cause further frustration - more
difficult challenges should be saved for when the child is regulated.
Here is an example that would be a great option for older children, or even adults - a single player logic
game, designed to promote mindfulness and focus : https://thetoychestaustralia.com/products/mindo-
zen-blue-orange-games-one-player-logic-travel-game
Subscribe on Youtube here:
6: Books
Offering a reading activity is a great way to promote quiet and calm. Books specifically about emotions
and mindfulness are particularly useful here. For younger children, books that also incorporate sensory
features such as touch and sound would be perfect.
7: Sensory Cube
For babies and toddlers, a fabric sensory cube combines the benefits of soft sensory feedback as well as
the opportunity to explore and quietly engage through sound and touch.
These handmade sensory cubes have wooden rings to grasp, a variety of textured fabrics to experience,
tags to tug on, and a soft rattle inside : https://thetoychestaustralia.com/products/fabric-sensory-soft-
cubes-handmade-recycled-pet-fill
8: Silicone Toys
Silicone is now being used for a wide range of toys and is a more sustainable option than plastic. Silicone
is a great material for the purpose of calming through sensory means, as it is both manipulative and
durable - great for squeezing, chewing and stretching.
This stacking toy is safe for a frustrated toddler to chew and when used as a stacker, provides a source
of challenge and focus : https://thetoychestaustralia.com/products/rainbow-stacker-teether-jellystone-
designs-assorted-colours
What a list! It's great to know we don't have to create a calm space from plastic or junky toys that are quick to go to landfill, or easily broken.
There are so many more ways you can make your calm space work for you and your child/ren. Always
keep in mind their development level as well as individual preferences and needs. You might need to
demonstrate how to use the space and provide gentle reminders that it is available. What matters most
is that you are providing safety for overwhelmed children to retreat to and encouragement to work on
managing big feelings, rather than punishing those feelings.
Which toy would you choose? Pop your answer in the comments!
This post was contributed by guest blogger Cath Mitcham! Thanks Cath!
(proud Autistic adult & owner of The Toy Chest Australia)
www.thetoychestaustralia.com