31 Days of Sensory Play — Holiday Edition
A printable December calendar + activity guide packed with festive, low-prep sensory ideas to help autistic & sensory-sensitive kids feel calmer, cozier, and more in control during the holidays.
- 31 quick activities that mix movement, tactile play, deep pressure, and visual calm.
- Designed for busy parents, therapists, and educators who want simple wins.
- Flexible for different ages and sensory profiles — swap or skip any day as needed.
Print it once, reuse it every holiday season.
Get the printable calendar & activity guide
Pop in your email and we will send you the free printable PDF bundle:
- Page 1: 31 Days of Sensory Play calendar (Holiday Edition).
- Pages 2–3: activity guide with simple instructions & variations for each day.
- Bonus: occasional sensory tips, new printables, and gift ideas from SensoryGift.
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What’s inside the 31 Days of Sensory Play bundle?
This isn’t just a cute calendar graphic. You get a complete, ready-to-use toolkit you can print once and reuse every December.
Each square has a short, kid-friendly activity title so you can point, choose, and check off together — like a gentle sensory advent calendar without the pressure.
The companion pages explain each activity in plain language, with ideas to dial input up or down for seekers and avoiders.
Most activities use things you already own: blankets, lights, paper, tape, basic craft supplies, and a few sensory favorites.
Sample activities from the calendar
Here’s a peek at some of the sensory ideas included — all written with regulation and real life in mind:
- Cozy Christmas Calm Corner: create a little “holiday hideout” with soft textures and gentle lights.
- Jingle Bell Heavy Work Parade: push or pull a toy “sleigh” for big muscle, heavy work input.
- Gingerbread Playdough Bakery: squish, roll, and cut cinnamon playdough with cookie cutters.
- Christmas Lights “I Spy” Walk: light-seeing with clear rules, low noise, and an easy game.
- Ice Cube Ornament Rescue: rescue frozen ornaments from warm water for tactile + visual play.
- Christmas Morning Sensory Reset: a planned calm-down break built into the middle of gift chaos.
- Favorite Activity Replay Day: return to the biggest hit with one small twist.
- New Year’s Eve Glow Countdown: glow sticks and soft music instead of loud fireworks.
Inside the guide, each day also includes a short description so you know exactly how to set it up, plus ideas to shorten or simplify on tough days.
How to use your Christmas sensory calendar
- Print the calendar. Post it where your child can see it — fridge, bulletin board, or inside a calm corner.
- Skim the activity guide. Scan a few days ahead so you know which activities match your schedule and energy.
- Circle your “must-do” days. Pick 5–10 that feel realistic. The calendar is a menu, not a rigid checklist.
- Use it as a regulation tool. When things start to feel wild, choose a movement, calm, or tactile day to reset.
- Repeat the favorites. If your child falls in love with one activity, do it again — that’s sensory success.
Pair it with other holiday supports from SensoryGift
This calendar works even better alongside a few of your other go-to tools for holiday meltdowns, routines, and gift-giving.
FAQ
Is this only for autistic kids?
No. It was designed with autistic and sensory-sensitive kids in mind, but the activities can help a wide range of kids who benefit from movement, tactile play, and predictable routines around the holidays. You know your child best—adapt anything that doesn’t feel like a fit.
What ages is this best for?
Most activities work well for roughly ages 3–10 with tweaks, but older kids and teens can still enjoy many of them with more independence or by taking a “helper” role. Use the guide notes to scale up or down.
Do I need special supplies?
Not usually. Most ideas use things like blankets, lights, basic craft materials, and a few common sensory tools. If an activity does require something more specific, you can always skip it or substitute with a similar idea.
How do I get the actual PDF?
Scroll back up to the signup box, add your email, and you’ll get a link to download the printable calendar and activity guide. If it doesn’t arrive within a few minutes, check your spam folder or promotions tab.