Kids Get Anxious Too—Here Are 8 Psychologist-Approved Toys (& Tips) to Relieve Their Anxiety, From $5

These toys can help kids cope with anxious feelings and build strong connections.

From separation anxiety in toddlers to the pressure to succeed for teens, all kids experience some level of anxiety throughout their lives. These types of worries are usually normal and will typically subside with age. However, if the anxiety is persistent and impacts their quality of life, your child may have a true anxiety disorder, and it’s best to speak with their doctor.

One way to help your child manage and cope with their anxiety is through play with toys and other items. “I recommend that a parent, caregiver, or trusted person in the child's life play with them,” says Hayley Pedersen, MS, PsyD , a licensed child and family psychologist and owner of The Child and Family Connection. “The toy itself is a tool to create more connection and groundedness to increase the child's interest and allow the caregiver to interact with them in a way that can reduce anxiety, increase parent-child connection, and create a sense of safety within the relationship.”

We spoke with Dr. Pedersen about the types of toys that are beneficial for kids who have anxiety and additional ways parents can lend support. From creating their own pineapple action figure to being cradled in a swing that "feels like a hug," these eight toys and games can help kids cope and start at just $5.

Aokitec Sensory Swing for Kids

$40

$28

Imagine your child’s delight when you tell them you’re installing a swing in their bedroom. This swing is a fun spot for kids to play, read, or listen to music and can help relieve anxiety. “This is a great toy for a child who may be dysregulated,” said Dr. Pedersen. “The secure feeling and movement of the swing can help with regulation.”

One parent who purchased this swing for her 11-year-old said that her daughter “immediately fell in love” after sitting in it, adding that it feels “like a hug.” This sensation is similar to that of deep pressure therapy, a calming touch sensation that reduces biosignals related to anxiety and is often used in professional settings.

Play-Doh Starter Set

$8

Kneading, rolling, and creating with Play-Doh sets is a go-to calming activity for kids of all ages. We love this cute little set because it has everything you need to get started, including four small cans of Play-Doh, stamps, and more. Plus, it’s small enough to fit inside a backpack for on-the-go play.

Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple Deluxe Set

$20

$13

The Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple is an action figure that helps kids identify and express their emotions in a fun way. Dr. Pedersen has one at her practice and said it can be especially helpful “for younger kids.” It includes a chart that displays 24 different emotions and encourages kids to match it with their feelings before creating a corresponding face on the pineapple. It even comes with a mirror so kids can see their own expressions before dressing up their pineapple.

Posh Creations Bean Bag Chair for Kids

$73

We love this bean bag chair because it’s durable, comes in various patterns and colors, and has a removable, machine-washable cover. Dr. Pedersen has similar bean bag chairs in her office and observed that kids “love to roll around on or dive into [them] when they’re feeling anxious.” This bean bag chair is spacious enough for kids to feel cozy but lightweight enough to move around your house with ease.

Carson Dellosa Calm Down Kit

$5

A ‘calm down corner’ is a designated place in your home where kids can go when their emotions are running high and they need a safe space to regulate. To set up your own corner, we recommend using this tool kit. It’s for kids ages 5 and older and comes with toys, stickers, and charts to make processing and managing their emotions fun.

DoDoMagxanadu Fidget Dodecagon

$9

Fidget toys are great for helping kids (and adults) regulate their feelings. We like this dodecagon toy because it gives kids 12 ways to fidget in one handheld device. From clickers and gears to buttons and spinners, kids can keep their minds and hands busy as they calm down and regulate. This fidget toy comes in a protective case and is small enough to fit inside a pocket, making it both discreet and portable.

Hand2mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles

$26

Dr. Pedersen calls these sensory bottles a “fan favorite” at her practice. “Children love watching the glitter move,” she says. “It can be calming [for them], and these are great to have in a ‘calming corner.’” Kids choose the bottle(s) that represents their feelings and then shake it up and flip it over. They teach kids how to identify their facial and body clues and make connections between their feelings and what they see on the bottles.

The set includes four sensory bottles labeled with different emotions, and each reacts differently when shaken up or flipped over.

Odoxia Sensory Tent

$70

$65

If a kid is feeling anxious, they may be overstimulated and need to escape their surroundings. This 35-inch blackout tent gives kids a private, secure spot to hide so they can regulate their emotions on their own time. One parent called it a “lifesaver” for her daughter who uses it as a place to go when she’s feeling overwhelmed. We also love that it pops up in seconds and folds flat into its carrying case, making it great for travel.

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