Mandy here! MESH toys can help kids recover emotionally and help them get back to a healthy baseline. These are toys like weighted plush, fidgets, sensory bins, swings, and audio players. But, most importantly, MESH toys should help kids build emotional resilience. Toys that aid in emotional resilience push kids to problem-solve and overcome obstacles. They can also use storytelling to express emotions and empathy.
1. Emotional Baggage: I love finding new toys that help my developing littles learn about and how to regulate emotion. I have found the Emotional Baggage toy is a fantastic tool for identifying emotions and there are countless games you can play with the plushies to encourage emotional intelligence. It is also a great toy for teachers and anyone working with children.
2. Carabie Stuffies: Stuffies are well known and loved for their ability to comfort a child, but what I love about Carabie stuffies specifically is the book that comes with the bundle! It is never too early to teach your kids about health conditions that they themselves or loved ones will experience throughout their lives. Every purchase gives back to child health initiatives!
3. Feelings Bottles: I had a similar toy to this growing up as a kid, but without the emotions on the bottles. It was so relaxing to watch the glitter fall to the bottom. The emotions add an educational opportunity to relax children while teaching them about how they’re feeling. When my older kids were a little younger and were having strong emotions, I would tell them to grab the bottle that represented how they felt and we’d talk about it.
4. Bumpas: Sometimes your child just needs a hug, and the Bumpa is there to provide that. It is weighted and larger than your average stuffed animal, so it gives really good hugs. The heart it makes with its hands and the smile on its face gives my 7-year old immediate feelings of safety and comfort.
5. Big Feelings Pineapple: I love this fun take on Mr. Potato Head, but my kids love it even more. Fine motor skills are developed when fitting the pieces into the proper place on the head, and emotional skills are developed in practicing with and identifying emotions. All three of my kids enjoy the pineapple for different reasons, which makes the perfect toy, in my opinion.
6. Magical Meditation Yoto Card: This Yoto card is the perfect wind-down audio tool for my 9 year old who has so much energy he could probably go days without sleeping. I struggled finding things to help him transition into sleep-mode until I found the Yoto player and meditation card. He falls asleep so much easier now, and the whole house feels a little bit calmer in the evenings.
7. Mindfulness Meditation Yoto Card: Children need quiet time as much as they need wild time, and parents definitely need quiet time. The struggle to get my kids to calm down midday was helped tremendously when I found the Mindfulness for Children Yoto card. I plop the card into the Yoto player and minutes later quiet down. It has even been known to put them to sleep!
8. Surprise Stories: Remember Mad Libs? Now imagine how giddy I was when I discovered that there is a kids’ version that solves so many of my problems as a mom. I get so sick of reading the same book over and over again, but my kids love story time. With Surprise Stories, we get to tell a new story every night from one simple game. The kit comes with with prompts for the Star, Storyline, and Setting.
9. Emotion Coins: A new spin on the classic coin and slot toy, the Emotion Coins also double as an emotion educational tool! Putting the coins in the slots helps littles focus on the task at hand and calm down.
10. Slumberkins: No matter what your child is going through emotionally or developmentally, there are customized Slumberkins for them. I am obsessed with these kits and have collected probably too many of them. The stuffed animals are all so unique and designed to represent the skill or idea it is trying to teach. When one of my kids was going through a big change, I was able to use the Fox Kin Change kit to help him navigate his situation.
11. Needoh: When my kids are experiencing sensory overload, the Needoh Dream Drop helps reign her in and relax her nerves. The feel of the toy is so calming and satisfying, and the glittery filling is mesmerizing. It even includes a stand so that she always knows where it is when she needs it.
12. Affirmation Memory Cards: It has been amazing to teach my kids the power of positive self-talk through this uplifting game. You can play this game with littles as young as 3, and I recommend doing so. It is a great choice for winding down, quiet time, or when your kiddo is having a hard day emotionally. It is the perfect opportunity to teach them how to treat themselves kindly.
13. Liquid Sensory Tiles: I cannot accurately explain how satisfying these tiles are to play with. They are firm but have just enough give that you can move around the liquid inside. The feeling is addictive and my kids will run around on them forever. These tiles are a great sensory experience and allows littles to wind down.
14: Sensory Swing: Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet.
15. Huggy Hymns Stuffed Animals: These are huggable plushies with a built-in muisc box that plays hymns. The stuffy is 13inches and comes with a removable sound module and volume control. It uses a USB to charge. This would be a perfect way for your kids to relax and connec to God and Christ. We also love this as a baby shower gift.
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