Affordable Sensory Tools My Kid With Autism Loves (Canadian Picks)
Sensory tools are something I’m still learning about. One minute, we were navigating teething toys and mouthing everything in sight, and the next, we were discovering specific tools that actually met my son’s sensory needs.
Getting here wasn’t straightforward. In the beginning, I wasn’t aware of what was out there—or what we even needed. I’d see other neurodivergent kids wearing noise-canceling headphones and think, That’s not for my son. He loves noise. When a resource teacher gave us a dog tag-style chewelry necklace, he yanked it off instantly. Into the toy box it went, never to be used again.
Then a daycare teacher once suggested a weighted vest. I cringed. At that point, my reaction to sensory tools was mostly resistance—I didn’t fully understand their purpose, and honestly, some of the options felt extreme.
But everything shifted when Matty started injuring the top of his hand. What began as light pressure turned into a habit that left a pale bump. I covered it with Band-Aids to help it heal—it's still faintly there, and I’m hoping some sun exposure will help it blend back into his beautiful brown skin. Every time I saw it, I felt an overwhelming guilt. I knew from the free workshops I had taken that the behavior was sensory-related, but I didn’t know how to help him—besides redirecting constantly, which was exhausting and not always effective.
Then one day, I picked him up from aftercare and noticed something different. He was wearing a chewelry necklace—and not trying to pull it off. His teacher had placed it slightly off-center on him, and he was actually using it. That was the turning point.
I started experimenting with different chew necklaces (all from Amazon). At first, he’d chew right through them—bits of rubber would come home in a Ziploc bag—but I kept searching. Eventually, I found durable options made for tough chewers. Once he got comfortable with the chewies (as I call them), it opened the door to using other sensory toys too.
Below are our favorite affordable sensory tools—all available on Amazon Canada. Most come in bulk packs, so when one wears out (and they will), it’s easy to replace without breaking the bank.
I’m still not ready for weighted vests or blankets—that feels like a bigger investment we’re not quite ready for. These simpler tools have worked beautifully for now.
Our Favorite Sensory Tools (Canadian Amazon Picks)
🦷 5-Pack Sensory Chew Necklaces
🔗 Link
These multipacks have lasted us the longest. Sure, he’s chewed through some pieces, but the bright colors and textured designs keep him engaged—especially during commutes and transitions.
📣 Sensory Stretch Tubes
🔗 Link
These are a big hit. He loves the popping sound when they stretch and collapse. He even discovered YouTube Shorts featuring them, and they seem to have a calming, ASMR-like effect on him.
🫧 Sensory Bubble Poppers
🔗 Link
We’ve had these long before his diagnosis, but he only recently started using them regularly—mostly for mouthing. They often come with a keychain attachment, so I can clip them onto his backpack. Perfect for on-the-go sensory play.
Every child is different, but these tools have made a huge difference for us. If you're just getting started with sensory tools or looking for budget-friendly options, I hope this helps give you a starting point—without the overwhelm.
*Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.*