Create Your Own Sensory Toolkit

Sensory input helps children regulate, focus and feel settled in their bodies, but a good sensory toolkit doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. In this hands-on session you'll learn how to choose safe, effective sensory tools for different needs and build a small toolkit to take home. You'll leave with a working kit, a clear idea of what each item does, and simple ways to introduce it to a child without fuss or pressure.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

What we cover in the hour

• The difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviours, in plain language.
• Five sensory categories (tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, auditory, visual) and one simple tool for each.
• How to choose safe materials for a child's age and chewing or throwing habits.
• Where and how to offer sensory tools during the day without it becoming a reward or punishment.
• Simple signs that a child needs a sensory break versus needs something else entirely.
• How to rotate and refresh a toolkit so it keeps working over time.

What you'll leave with

• A small hands-on sensory toolkit assembled during the session, ready to use that day.
• A one-page guide matching each tool to the sensation it provides.
• Three go-to calming tools identified for your own child or group.
• A simple routine for offering a sensory tool before a tricky moment escalates.
• Confidence to add to the kit using items already at home or in the setting.

How it can be delivered

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

What goes into the toolkit I make?

You'll assemble a small kit covering several senses, such as a textured squeeze item, a weighted or heavy-work object, and a calming visual or auditory tool. Exact items vary slightly by session but are chosen to be safe, low-cost and easy to replace.

Is this suitable for a child with additional needs?

The session offers general, practical strategies suitable for most children and settings. It is not a diagnostic or clinical service, so for a child with a specific diagnosis, please continue to follow guidance from their own therapist or specialist alongside what you learn here.

What materials do I need to bring or have ready?

For in-person sessions all supplies are provided and included in the price. For the online version, a short materials list using everyday household items is sent a few days beforehand so you can gather everything before we start.

Will this help with meltdowns?

A well-used sensory toolkit can support regulation and reduce the intensity of some difficult moments, but it isn't a guaranteed fix. You'll learn how to introduce tools proactively, which tends to help more than reaching for them mid-meltdown.

Can I bring a child along to the in-person session?

This workshop is designed for adults so you can focus fully on the hands-on making and the explanations. You're welcome to try the tools out with your child straight after at home.

Related workshops

• Sensory Play at Home Without the StressAffordable sensory experiences using safe materials, manageable set-ups and realistic clean-up strategies.
• Supporting Additional Needs Through Inclusive PlayAdapt environments, communication, routines and activities so children can participate meaningfully.
• Sensory Processing in Early ChildhoodSensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant behaviour, with practical adjustments to environment and routine.

More in this theme: Sensory play · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.