An individual retains information and learns better when they are using their senses.

Babies and children's brain development needs to have the chance to explore their environment. This supports the child's ability to complete more complex tasks, develop language, improve social interaction, cognitive growth, gross motor skills and problem-solving.

Although sensory play is necessary for babies and children's development, many adults benefit from it too. The use of sensory items can help individuals calm, relax and focus on a task or activity. They can have a calming effect in many situations and can help to reduce anxiety and sometimes stop the onset of meltdowns. Sensory items can also act as a grounding technique when feeling overwhelmed.

There are so many ways sensory items can help and every person may benefit from sensory items differently.

We are all different and some of us are more sensory 'aware' than others. Some people who are autistic can be hyper (over) and hypo (under) sensitive to a wide range of stimuli. For example, bright lights, certain sounds, tastes and smells can be overwhelming and certain types of touch can be extremely uncomfortable.

Those with hyposensitivity (many have both) may need to rock, fidget and swing as well as using sensory stimulating items like fidgets, chewy items, different textured items with bright colours and so on.

Many individuals with ADHD cannot focus on a task without having something to fidget with and so having a sensory or fidget item with them can help increase their concentration and focus.

Individuals who have an impairment, such as hearing or sight, need more sensory input using their other senses, especially touch.

Individuals with physical difficulties also benefit from using sensory items in many ways. Those with developmental delay also benefit from sensory items. It may help with hand-eye coordination, motor and cognitive function, strengthening muscles, development to meet certain milestones, teaching play and more.

Those with mental health struggles, such as anxiety, may benefit from sensory items to keep their hands and mind busy as well as grounding them.

The answer to this question is complex and above are just a few reasons why some individuals may need to use sensory items more than others.

Sensory 'play' is any activity that stimulates the main senses. It isn't just about touch. It is 'play' that has an effect on touch, smell, taste, sight and sound, as well as where each body part is in relation to another body part and the sense of balance.

Although all babies and children need sensory play for development, adults can benefit from it too.

Our sensory boxes and bags are for anyone as we tailor each one to the individual's age, likes and needs.

We take great pride in tailoring each box or bag to the individual's age, needs and preferences. We know, as the saying goes, one size does not fit all so the same items won't be suitable for everyone which is why we choose the items based on the information you give us when ordering. Therefore, in order to get the most benefit out of the sensory box or bag, we ask you to tell us as much information about your likes, dislikes and needs as possible. We hope you love your sensory box or bag as much as we enjoy choosing your items!

We try our best to post orders out within 3 working days of your order confirmation depending on the time your order was placed. You should expect your order within 2-7 days of shipping confirmation.

If you need your order for a particular date (for example a birthday), please drop us an email or social media message and we will try our best to accommodate!

If you haven't received your order after 7 working days of shipping confirmation, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll have a look where your order is up to.

Email: contact@alissensoryboxes.com

Facebook/Instagram: @alissensoryboxes

If you want to set your own price for your sensory box or bag, be it more or less than we charge, just message us on Facebook or Instagram by searching ' Ali's Sensory Boxes ' or email us (contact@alissensoryboxes.com). We do lots of custom orders and we will try our best to accomodate to the value you want to pay!