When it comes to planning holiday parties or even everyday activities for autistic kids, there’s a tendency to look for sensory friendly activities. This holds true when you’re planning a sensory friendly birthday party or just looking for an afterschool or school break activity. I want to start sharing some of my favorites with you and we’ll begin with sensory friendly Valentine’s Day activities.
What is a sensory friendly activity?
So you may be wondering just what makes a sensory friendly activity sensory friendly. Well, while I can’t say for certain; I look for the following qualities. It needs to be an activity that involves the senses.
- Sight
- Touch
- Taste (sometimes!)
- Smell
- Sound
For autistic kids, some sensory activities may be preferred over others. For example, a sensory seeker may search out the tactile/touch but avoid the smell or sound.
My autistic daughter LOVES sensory bins. Anything with beans or rice, especially. But, because of her high risk for PICA, she has to be monitored closely when it comes to any sort of hands-on sensory activity.
I’ll be honest with you- I’m not a huge fan of slime. Nope.
Too much tactile for me.
I love playdough though as I find it to be quite the stress reliever.
Sensory jars? Beautiful.
But, actually putting my hands in stuff? Not so much. Or at least not anymore. When I was younger, yes. As an adult? I’ll pass.
1. Create DIY Sensory Valentine’s Cards
Crafting Valentine’s cards can be a wonderful sensory activity. Use materials with different textures to engage your child’s senses while keeping the environment calming.
Supplies:
- Soft felt hearts
- Puffy stickers
- Glitter glue (use sparingly to avoid mess)
- Textured paper or foam sheets
Steps:
- Lay out all materials on a clean, clutter-free surface.
- Encourage your child to touch and explore each material before creating their card.
- Let them design their card at their own pace, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
Pro Tip: Pre-cut shapes and provide simple instructions to avoid overwhelming your child.
2. Bake Sensory-Friendly Valentine’s Treats
Cooking is a great way to involve multiple senses. Choose simple recipes with minimal ingredients to reduce stress.
Ideas:
- Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies: Use gluten-free or allergen-friendly ingredients if necessary.
- Strawberry Yogurt Pops: Blend yogurt and fresh strawberries, then pour into molds.
- Two-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge: Melt chocolate chips and mix with sweetened condensed milk.
Steps:
- Involve your child in tasks they’re comfortable with, such as mixing or using cookie cutters.
- Create a calm kitchen environment by playing soothing music or working during quieter times of the day.
- Celebrate their contributions, no matter how small.
3. Set Up a Valentine’s Sensory Bins
Sensory bins can provide a calming activity while incorporating Valentine’s themes.
Materials:
- Dried rice or pasta dyed red and pink (use food coloring and vinegar to dye).
- Foam hearts and Valentine’s trinkets.
- Small scoops and spoons.
Steps:
- Fill a shallow container with your sensory base (rice or pasta).
- Add Valentine’s-themed objects, ensuring there’s nothing sharp or unsafe.
- Let your child explore the bin independently or with light guidance.
Pro Tip: If your child dislikes certain textures, swap rice for water beads or shredded paper.
Find even more ideas for sensory bins below!
4. Host a Mini Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
Plan a low-pressure scavenger hunt that’s tailored to your child’s preferences.
Steps:
- Hide Valentine’s-themed objects around the house (e.g., foam hearts, small toys, or stickers).
- Provide a visual checklist or picture clues to guide them.
- Keep the activity short and reward them with a small prize, such as a favorite snack or toy.
Pro Tip: Avoid hiding items in areas that could lead to frustration or overstimulation.
5. Read Valentine’s Day-Themed Books
Storytime is a calming and interactive way to celebrate the holiday.
Recommended Books:
- “Love Monster” by Rachel Bright
- “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond
- “Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney
Create a cozy reading nook with soft blankets and pillows. If your child enjoys tactile engagement, pair the story with sensory items like heart-shaped stress balls.
6. Valentine’s Day Craft Station
Set up a simple craft station for creating decorations or keepsakes.
Ideas:
- Handprint Hearts: Paint your child’s hand and create a heart shape on paper.
- Heart-Shaped Sun Catchers: Use contact paper, tissue paper, and glitter.
- Stamped Art: Provide stamps with Valentine’s designs and washable ink pads.
7. Plan a Calm Valentine’s Movie Night
Choose a movie with a gentle theme and minimal sensory triggers. Some great options include:
- “Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You”
- “Clifford’s Valentine’s Day”
- “The Peanuts Movie” (contains mild excitement but is generally calming).
Pair the movie with beanbag seating, noise-canceling headphones, and a small bowl of favorite snacks.
8. Practice Mindfulness with Valentine’s-Themed Activities
Introduce mindfulness exercises to help your child regulate emotions.
Activities:
- Heart Breathing: Draw a heart on paper and have your child trace it slowly with their finger as they inhale and exhale.
- Gratitude Journal: Help them list or draw things they love about their family, friends, or pets.
Valentine’s Day themed Sensory Bottles & Bins
- Valentine Sensory Bin from Fantastic Fun and Learning
- Valentine Themed Sensory Bottle from Teaching Mama
- Valentine Sensory Tub
- Glitter Glue Valentine’s Sensory Bin from Little Bin for Little Hands
- Valentine’s Sensory Bin from Simple Fun for Kids
- Valentine’s Sensory Tub from The Imagination Tree
- Simple Valentine’s Sensory Bin from The Chaos and the Clutter
- Find the Hearts Valentine Sensory Bin from Gift of Curiosity
- Valentine’s Activity Bin from Happy Hooligans
- Valentine’s Pasta Sensory Bin from Life Over C’s
- Valentine’s Treasure Dig from Living, Life, and Learning
- Valentine’s Preschool Activities Sensory Bin from 3 Boys and a Dog
- Pretty Pink Sensory Bin from Life Over C’s
- Sweet Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin from Living Montessori Now
- Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle from Rhythm’s of Play
- Red Hot Slime for Valentine’s Day from Lemon Lime Adventures
- Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin with Chickpeas from And Next Comes L
- Valentine’s Ice Hearts from PreK Pages
- Valentine’s Day Sensory Board from Mama Smiles (I love this idea!)
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Hearts Sensory Play from Simple Fun for Kids
- Love Potion Chemistry Experiment from Parenting Chaos
- Valentine’s Slime Play from Little Bins for Little Hands
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be overwhelming for autistic children. By focusing on sensory-friendly activities and creating a calm, nurturing environment, you can make the holiday a memorable and positive experience. Remember to prioritize your child’s needs and preferences above all else—their comfort and happiness matter most.
Have additional ideas for sensory-friendly Valentine’s activities? Share them in the comments below!
Bonus Resources For You!
As you help your child or students prepare for Valentine’s Day, try one of these free resources:
Valentine’s Day Social Story on Receiving Cards || Valentine’s Day Social Scripts on Card Exchange
Kori
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