Special Needs > Texture Toys

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Tactile Snap Beads

Sixteen multicolored tactile snap beads enhance color and shape discrimination, motor skills, and eye/hand coordination.

US$20

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Oball Stranz

Lightweight and crushable. Oball Stranz invites finger exploration and experimentation as children who never before could grasp a ball find themselves easily holding & exploring these PVC and latex-free balls. OBall Stranz is covered with smaller strings creating a unique textured outside. The Oball Stranz is 4" in diameter.

US$7

 
 
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Sensory Balls

Available in three sizes and three colors, these durable firm rubber balls feature soft bumps for ease of grasping and sensory stimulation. More durable, firmer, heavier, and more densely textured than Gertie balls, Texture Balls afford opportunities to explore differences in color, size, and weight while developing motor skills and eye/hand coordination

US$4 - $6 each
US$12
set of 3 (1 of each)

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Gertie Ball /Bumpie

Bumpie has the same features as the Skushi Ball except the Bumpie is covered with mini bumps; assorted colors: green, blue, and purple; comes inflated to 5". Offering a child a Gertie Ball/Bumpie, a Glitter Bumpie Skushi, a Pearl Bumpie Skushi, and a Skushi encourages exploration of similarities and differences in size, texture, and color. Not for "Biters."

US$5


 
 
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Skushi Balls

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Skushi Ball is a specially textured ball with unique features that allow it to be grabbed, squeezed, and hugged as well as thrown, bounced, and kicked. Made of nontoxic PVC material, Skushi inflates in seconds with straw provided. Individually packaged with straw and plug. Skushi has smooth tacky surface; assorted colors: red, purple, and green; inflates to 9". Not for "Biters."

US$5.50

All Skushi Balls are easy to roll and catch. They don't bounce off hands. Infants enjoy grasping and squeezing underinflated balls of different sizes. To add sound, teachers of the visually impaired carefully drop grains of uncooked rice into the ball before inflating and inserting the plug.


Pat Little, a physical therapist for 30 years, raves about Skushi and Gertie Balls: "I used them extensively in my therapy with people of all ages. They can be partially inflated which allows work on grip and dexterity, or they can be fully inflated for rolling, catching, reaching activities. Having children actually work to inflate them helps increase lung capacity and teaches breath control. The balls with bumps add a textural component for tactile input.

 
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Glitter Bumpie
Skushi Ball

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Glitter Bumpie Skushi Ball offers smaller, spikier bumps that are closer together than the larger, rounder bumps of the Pearl Bumpie Skushi Ball. Glitter Bumpie comes in two assorted colors: purple and blue; inflates to 9". Not for "Biters."

US$8

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Pearl Bumpie
Skushi Ball

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Pearl Bumpie Skushi Ball features rounded bumps; assorted colors: purple, pink, and green; inflates to 9". Not for "Biters."

US$8

 
 
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Aku Ring

These soft, super flexible seven inch diameter rings feature a unique nipple studded surface that makes grasping and catching easy. Available in four colors: red, yellow, green, blue. Sold individually or as a set of four with one of each color. Suitable for children and adults.

US$10 each

US$36 set of four

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Read about the different uses for Wikki Stix

Wikki Stix

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Bright and colorful, nontoxic Wikki Stix bend easily enabling child to create pictures, even stand-up flexible figures. Reusable. Available in package of 48 Wikki Stix in assorted primary or neon colors. Offers thousands of possibilities, from art to math. Some children dislike feel of waxed string. Using Wikki Stix to outline shapes allows blind or visually impaired children to participate in activities such as coloring that sighted peers enjoy.

US$6.50

 
 
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Wikki Stix Basic Shapes

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Fun hands-on way to learn ten basic shapes. Includes ten design cards, two extra work boards, 72 nontoxic Wikki Stix, and a foldout sheet showing ways to combine shapes.

US$12

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Wikki Stix Activity Set

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Parents' Choice Classic Award Winner contains 84 nontoxic Wikki Stix in 16 colors and two sizes, multi-use 9" x 12" playboard, eight page idea booklet, and handy re-closeable storage bag. White board provides high contrast play surface, an asset to low vision children.

US$17

 
 
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Explorer Ring

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Open the doors and make the beads-go-round! Learn fine motor skills with the motivation of flowing beads. The Explorer Ring works on a range of skills while encouraging tactile, auditory and visual exploration. You can Squeeze the buttons, Pull the knob, Rotate the cuff, Turn the key and Spin the handle to make the beads flow. Game booklet included with play options for all levels.

US$40

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Shape SENSEation

Shape SENSEation is a visual and tactile matching toy consisting of six different soft shapes loaded with visual and tactile stimulation. Each of the six shapes - circle, star, crescent moon, triangle, heart and square - is symmetrically divided so that children can pull apart and match according to shapes, patterns and textures. Each shape has distinct visual and tactile combinations including a raised rib design bordering each shape, which makes it ideal for all children including those with blindness or low vision. Packaged in clear vinyl zip tote.

Play Ability Factor: visual stimulation, tactile stimulation, memory and recall, matching skills, problem solving.

US$40

 
 

General info on Tangles


Tangles, the ultimate universal playthings, feature a series of 90 degree curves interconnected to pivot 180 degrees at each joint. Just as a Tangle has no beginning and no end, there is no end to the pure delight children and adults alike experience when turning, twisting, bending and coiling a Tangle. Lightweight and portable, Tangles are the pinnacle of take along stress relievers.

Teachers who use Tangles as a reward for children with autism report improved behavior: an increased calm and ability to cope with stressors that usually send them "over the edge" as well as increases in skill acquisition. Tangles invite manipulation and reward play with improved concentration and spatial relations and problem solving skills. Try a variety of Tangles for their different sizes, colors, and textures.

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Tangle Therapy

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Twenty interconnected pieces pivot and rotate when squeezed or twisted. With its soft, pliable coating and distinctive raised tactile nodes, Tangle Therapy is easy to grip and manipulate. Its low impact motion relieves stress, strengthens finger muscles, and restores motion to joints. Latex Free.

US$12

 
image of Tangle Original with Texture (coming soon)
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Tangle Original with Texture

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Offering vibrant colors and five different textures, Tangle Original with Texture invites being twisted, turned, bent, and coiled. The links can be pulled apart and pushed together, building finger strength and improving hand-eye coordination.

US$12

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Tangle Junior Textured

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
The smallest Tangle is the perfect take along stress reliever. Don't leave home without it.

US$4

 
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Tangle Relax Therapy

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
TSized like Tangle Junior Textured, Relax Therapy features a soft, pliable coating and distinctive raised tactile nodes like its larger companion Tangle Therapy. Easy to grip and manipulate, its low impact motion relieves stress, strengthens finger muscles, and restores motion to joints. Latex Free.

US$6

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Tangle Hairy

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Tangle Junior Textured and Tangle Relax Therapy have a new companion designed to tickle your fancy: Tangle Hairy. Sixteen interconnected sections of soft, pliable TPR “hairs” tickle, twist, turn, and bend. Bright, vibrant colors in six color combinations. Latex free.

US$6

 
 
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Brain Noodles

Brain Noodles, jumbo 18-inch long silky fiber stems that bend and twist any way you want, invite open-ended play and provide visual and tactile stimulation that promote kinesthetic learning. Bright colors, soft, silky texture, and flexibility make Brain Noodles an ideal tool for sensory-motor integration and occupational therapy.

Brain Noodles are easy to grasp, bend and shape, and can be straightened to reuse for all kinds of activities by children of varying abilities. Washable and available in bulk by color or packaged with an activity booklet. Each package contains 12 assorted Brain Noodles in 10 vibrant colors: red, yellow, blue, orange, lime green, purple, pink, white, black, and zebra.

Brain Noodles - Bulk

Min. purchase: 10 noodles
Need in quantity? Call for special pricing.

Please specify quantity by color on the shopping cart page after adding to cart.

US$1.25 each


Total Quantity
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Brain Noodles 12-pack

assorted colors

US$15 per pack

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Teachable Touchables

Smooth or bumpy, fuzzy or furry, soft or scratchy? Children build tactile awareness and vocabulary as they explore 10 distinct pair of texture squares. Each pillow or patch measures approximately two or three inches and fits easily into small hands and into the cloth drawstring bag. Includes an information sheet brimming with fun activities that "touch" on tactile discrimination, vocabulary, communication, and matching. Use blind folds with sighted children to focus their attention on tactile discrimination and increase their awareness of how blind children experience their environment.

US$25

 
 
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Bumpity Blocks

Bumpity Blocks are a weighted foam alternative to classic blocks. The extra weight and unique texture provide increased motor control. The non-standard shapes encourage creativity in building. 8 blocks in 4 distinct shapes and 4 bright colors. Game booklet included!

US$30

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Tactile Bars

Interactive tactile game consisting of 2 wooden bars each with 9 textured pieces, strengthens tactile perception, concentration, cooperation, and promotes healthy, positive, non-aggressive touch. Activity guide included.

US$88

 
 
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Bizi Ball

Bizi Ball is loaded with stimulating features that encourage children to explore. The one-piece, pull apart ball is a fun way to learn cause and effect as well as coordinated movement. Bizi Ball has a variety of tactile features and sounds including crinkles, chimes and rattles... and the teething ring handle adds bouncy fun!

Play Ability Factors: high-contrasting colors, inviting features, visual and auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation and discrimination, memory and recall.

US$23

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Jacob Rib-it-Ball 18"

The Jacob's Rib-it-Ball and it's unique, patented ribs make it easy to grab even for the smallest hands. this ball is lightweight, making it fun and easy to throw even for children with limited muscle strength. Jacob's Rib-it-ball is made with crisp material that naturally makes noise, enhancing auditory awareness every time it's touched. This ball is also made with high contrasting colors - prefect for kids with low vision.

Play Ability Factors: fine and gross motor skills, forearm rotation, trunk extension and flexion, grasp and release timing, whole body strength, eye/hand coordination, visual and auditory processing, tactile stimulation.

US$40

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Mini Rib-it-Ball

Babies give the Mini Rib-it-Ball two thumbs up for its many features. They can grab onto the ribs and hear a satisfying crackly sound, shake it for a gentle chiming sound, chomp on the ring for teething relief and pull on the string for a soothing whirring vibration. The nylon fabric is cool and bright, and the ribs are soft and gentle - perfect for little hands to grasp. At six inches, it's sized just right.

Play Ability Factors: visual, auditory and tactile stimulation, eye/hand coordination, oral awareness, fine motor skills.

US$20

 
 
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Buddy Dog

One of the first things children recognize is faces. Buddy's face, with its oversized eyes and friendly smile, will easily capture a child's attention. Buddy's high contrasting colors are extra appealing to all with low vision or autism. The stimulating textures encourage tactile exploration - the cool cotton, soft velour, rubbery raised dots and the secret patch of rough fabric on Buddy's back. Buddy's reversible vest crinkles with a wonderful crackling sound, yet can be removed for children who are auditorially hype-sensitive. When Buddy's tail is pulled, he vibrates with a soothing hum.

Play Ability Factor: high-contrasting colors, inviting features, visual and auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation and discrimination, memory and recall.

US$26

 

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Cat

17" pre-251 $30

12" Mini pre-252 $20

Buckleyboo

Super soft plush playmates that invite investigation and enhance cognitive and fine motor skill development. Available in two sizes: 17" with five different buckles and the 12" mini with three. Designed to grow with the child through multiple stages of learning:

- Stage one finds the child visually scanning and matching the brightly colored patterned ribbons.

- In Stage Two, the child is able to buckle, but not unbuckle, making Buckleyboo an ideal parent/child activity that fosters social interactions.

- By Stage Three, the child has developed sufficient physical strength and problem-solving skills to buckle and unbuckle and will happily do so over and over again. Children also incorporate their favorite Buckleyboo into their imaginative play.

US$20-30

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Dog

17" pre-253 $30

12" Mini pre-254 $20
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Lion

17" pre-255 $30

12" Mini pre-256 $20
 
 

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Mama K's Play Clay

WARNING: CHOCKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay is a 100% natural modeling clay made using certified gluten free flours, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable colorants, and organic essential oils. Feels great. Both children and adults benefit from the tactile and olfactory attributes of this clay. Knead, mold and shape your cares away.
Not food. Don't Eat!

Ideal for those with celiac and autism spectrum disorders.

Available individually:
Refreshed ~ Cardamon
Relaxed ~ Chamomile

US$5 each

Available in a set of 5
(one each):
Soothed ~ Lavender
Eased ~ Bergamot
Inspired ~ Lemongrass
Balanced ~ Geranium
Uplifted ~ Sweet Orange.

US$23.99 5-pack

Cardamon

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Chamomile

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5-pack

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Bead Ball

Stressed out? Need relief? Grip a Bead Ball and knead away your stress. Ultra soft, flexible, thermoplastic elastomer ball filled with hundreds of brightly colored squeezbale soft beads invites play and rewards our efforts by relieving stress and restoring a sense of calm. Ideal exercise for building hand and finger strength.
2 1/2 inch ball. Assorted colors.

US$6

Light Up DNA Ball
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Light Up DNA Ball

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years old. Not for "biters".
Light Up DNA Ball, the stress ball that lights up your life. Ultra soft, flexible, thermoplastic elastomer ball filled with soft translucent mini spheres in assorted bright pastels and a LED ball that lights up when squeezed. Pick one up and play; your stress will melt away.
2 1/2 inch ball.

US$7

 
 
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Activity Teether

Lightweight, easy to grip, this rattle/teether makes a gentle rattling sound when shaken and offersa variety of pliable textured surfaces perfect for teething..

US$10

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Baby Links

Bright and colorful, simple and effective design with different textures suitable for teething, Baby Links attaches a favorite toy to car seat, crib, or stroller.

US$7.50

 
 
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Flashing Spiky Ball

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for "biters" of any age.
Bounce these squishable 2 1/2" spiky balls to activate the colored flashing lights. Assorted colors.

US$3