Stress Relief Toys for Children and Teens

Buying gifts for a child is always a challenge for me.  I want the child to be excited when he or she opens the gift.  Yet, I also want the gift to be useful once the excitement of opening has ended.  Having spent my hard earned money on it, I want it to have value rather than end up lost in a messy closet!   For anxious children, playing can often be a struggle as they have a hard time managing emotions during a game, focusing on a book they are reading, or sharing special items with others.  These stress relief toys for children and teens make great gifts for any occasion.

Everything mentioned here has been personally used within my family.  Nothing mentioned is specifically created for anxiety.  They are all items that can be used by anyone, however, they can offer anxiety relief to those who need it.  I see the value in their enjoyment AND the small moments of peace it can bring to their anxious minds.  Keep this list of stress relief toys for an anxious child or teen somewhere handy so you can reference for holidays, birthdays, or a special gift to celebrate a big accomplishment. I have added links to each item described.

This has been recently updates as my daughter received some awesome gifts for her birthday the other day.  I hope you find something special for the child or teen in your life.

 

Stress Relief Toys for Children and Teens

I’m So Freaking Freaked Out- An Inner-Truth Journal– This journal allows an older child or teen to honestly write their thoughts or feelings while reading sympathetic thoughts and unique quotes.  The journal itself is thick and sturdy with colorful pages and plenty of space for writing.  (Click on the image of the journal to order through Amazon.)

Spinner Ring–  This is my new favorite gadget.  This ring is beautiful to wear but has the ability to spin without making any noise.  It allows the person wearing the ring to conspicuously spin the ring to relieve nervous tension or fidget when needed.  Even without using it to spin, the ring is very attractive and comfortable to wear.  (Click on the image of the ring to order through Amazon.)

The Calm App– This is my family’s go-to app for relaxation at any time.  Both of my children enjoy using this app while falling sleep at night.  We also use it during car rides, plane rides, to ease fidgety boredom at home, or to relax during the rush of evening homework.  There are a variety of relaxation stories to chose from, allowing everyone to find favorites. Once purchased, this app can be loaded onto several devices.  Many children find receiving an “intangible” item like a monthly subscription less than exciting to open. I suggest adding this subscription to a new set of headphones, a soft blanket, or along with some essential oils.  The Calm App

 

Lush Bath Bomb- I recently discovered the store Lush while walking around the mall with my 13-year-old daughter.  J has been into bath bombs for several months now but is always disappointed with the results when used.  No longer will your child be disappointed. Lush has the coolest bath bombs. They actually fizzle in the water and turn the water incredibly bright colors.  They also add a soothing scent. Taking a bath is very relaxing for many anxious children and these just make the bath even more enjoyable.  Lush Bath Bombs

 

Saucer Swing (indoor/outdoor)– We recently purchased this swing for a tree in our yard.  Both of my kids love it. My son wants to be pushed and spun as fast as possible while my daughter prefers to simply curl up and relax while it moves gently around.  I am trying to find a place inside for the swing during the winter months since it provides a great space to relax and unwind. I have been known to spend a few quiet minutes on it as well.  (Click on the image of the swing to order through Amazon.)

Model Magic- Children with anxiety can often calm their bodies and their minds while being creative with art. This clay-like material is great for molding into any shape.  It can be used again and again if sealed properly when finished or left out to dry. While the material is available in various colors, I prefer white. We have learned that you can color or paint the white clay, allowing your child to create their own colors and creations.  While Amazon is my go-to for most items, this can also be purchased at Micheal’s with the coupons they frequently offer.  (Click on the image of the Model Magic to order through Amazon.)

Textured ball set- Yes, this set of balls is packaged and marketed for infants but they are great for all ages.  Remove the packaging if you purchase these and place them in a cute gift bag. No child will ever know the difference.  These balls are wonderful for fidgeting due to their various textures. They are small enough to fit in your purse or your child’s backpack, to leave in the car, or to carry into stores.  Since they are small and soft, they are a ball that I allow my children to toss around in the house as well.  (Click on the image of the ball set to order through Amazon.)
Audible subscription– This is another idea of a subscription gift, which like The Calm App, could be packaged in a way that is enjoyable to receive.  Audible is a monthly subscription for audio books that can be downloaded onto nearly every device. They offer books for all ages and interests.  Anxious children may have a hard time focusing when reading or struggle with reading due to learning issues. My daughter is dyslexic. She reads at a much lower level than her interest or comprehension.  Audible allows her to enjoys books that she may not be able to independently read. This app allows your child to enjoy books of all levels without the stress of reading. Books can be read using Wi-fi or downloaded onto the device, allowing them to be read anywhere.  It is the gift that keeps on giving!  (Click on the image to order through Amazon.)

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty- This putty is the most expensive putty I have purchased for my children but it is also the best.  My children love the unique options offered such as glow in the dark, iridescent, and scented. I like the durability and the fact that it does not stick to their hands.  Each putty comes in a tin case, allowing it to stay fresh for long periods of time. The putty is offered in a variety pack of small tins or individual larger packs. I prefer the small tins as they can, once again, be placed in purses, backpacks, cars, or pockets to easy access.  (Click on the image of the putty to order through Amazon.)

Happy the Hedgehog Weighted Toy– I truly believe you are never too old for a stuffed animal.  This is a super cute hedgehog with a weighted bottom and a sequenced back, offering texture and pressure.  My daughter would set this little guy on her lap and run her hands up and down the sequence while she watched tv or listened to stories.  It also comes with stickers to jazz up the hedgehog’s fur. For younger children, this could be used at school while sitting at a desk as a way to help maintain focus.  I find this much cuter than the traditional weighted lap pad.  (Click on the image of the hedgehog to order through Amazon.)

Fuzzy Blanket- This is the go-to gift I get for my children every year.  I have been known to purchase these for my niece and nephew, coworkers, and my children’s teachers.  There is nothing better than snuggling up in a warm, soft blanket. It is even better with a fun pattern.  Both of my children ask for a blanket every Christmas on their wish list. My daughter actually requests a blanket for her birthday every year too, which is in June!  I have purchased several different brands of blankets over the years but my favorite has to be the one by CuddleDuds. Add a family fun movie like Ramona and Beezus or Harry Potter and you are all set to give this fun gift.  CuddleDuds Blankets

 

I hope these stress relief toys for children and teens with anxiety will help you find a perfect present or “just because” gift for a special child in your life.  Anxiety can really bring a child down. These stress relief toys will bring enjoyment to anxious children.  

 

Disclosure: the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. You can read more about that here.