How do I set up the First–Then schedule?

Pick one short 'First' task and one motivating 'Then.' Place tiles, say it simply ('First socks, then snack'), and celebrate finishing the 'Then.' Keep steps short at first.

How many tiles should I use at once?

Start with just two (First/Then). When that’s easy, you can chain short rounds (e.g., First open one gift → Then 2-minute fidget, repeat).

Do I need a color printer?

No. Color looks nice, but black-and-white works. You can outline or highlight tiles and it will still be effective.

Print on cardstock, laminate if possible, and add hook-and-loop dots. Magnets on a baking sheet also work well for travel.

What age range is this for?

It’s flexible—generally preschool through teens. For non-readers, rely on the pictures; for older kids, use the text prompts or photos from your phone.

How do I use the Quiet Zone and Headphones signs?

Post the Quiet Zone sign where breaks happen. Keep a weighted lap, quiet fidgets, and soft lighting there. The Headphones sign normalizes noise tools with guests and hosts.

How do I use the Food Explorer kit without pressure?

Offer tiny tastes on the Try-It Plate and reward any brave step—look, sniff, lick, nibble—on the Star Chart. No forcing; celebrate attempts only.

Can I use this at school or in therapy?

Yes, many families and professionals do. Please follow the download terms on the Thank-You page; don’t repost or resell the PDF.

Holiday Sensory Toolkit

A friendly set of printables to make gift-opening and gatherings calmer: a First–Then holiday schedule (with tiles), meltdown plan mini cards, Quiet Zone & Headphones signage, and a holiday food explorer kit.

Free download: Enter your email and we’ll send the toolkit + link you to the Thank You page.

What’s inside

First–Then Holiday Schedule with swappable holiday tiles.
Meltdown Plan Mini Cards with quick co-reg steps.
Quiet Zone door sign + Headphones Available sign.
Holiday Food Explorer Kit: star-chart + try-it plate.

You’ll get a single PDF pack. Print what you need or keep it handy on your phone.

Get the Toolkit

Instant email with the Holiday Sensory Toolkit + link to the Holiday Toolkit download page. We never spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Preview the pages

First–Then holiday visual schedule (preview) — **First–Then holiday schedule** A simple visual that shows what’s happening now and what comes next. Use with tiles; keep steps short and celebrate finishing “Then.”

Holiday first-then tiles sheet (preview) — **Holiday tiles sheet** Pre-made icons for routines like shopping, presents, travel, visit, etc. Cut/laminate, add hook-and-loop, and let your child help choose the order.

Meltdown plan mini cards (preview) — **Meltdown plan mini cards** Pocket-size cards with calm steps (retreat → reduce input → regulate → rejoin). Pick 2–3 favorite strategies and practice them when everyone’s calm.

Quiet Zone door sign (preview) — **Quiet Zone sign** A clear sign to mark a quiet retreat area. Add a weighted lap, headphones, and a soft light.

Headphones signage (preview) — **Headphones available sign** A friendly visual cue for family or hosts that headphones/earplugs are available for use. Tape near the door or party area and pair with the “quiet zone” sign to normalize sound supports.

Food Explorer star chart (preview) — **Food Explorer star chart** Celebrate tiny steps with food. Track “look/sniff/touch/taste” wins without pressure. Let your child place/color the star; never remove stars for refusals—only add for brave tries.

Try-It plate printable (preview) — **Try-It plate** Low-pressure food exploring plate with four zones (“Look,” “smell,” “touch,” “Taste”) make new foods feel safer. Offer micro-portions and to celebrate wins pair with the star chart.

How to use it (3 quick steps)

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1) Preview together

Show the First–Then schedule and choose tiles for the day.

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2) Post your plan

Hang the Quiet Zone sign, keep mini cards handy, and agree on a break signal.

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3) Lower food pressure

Use the star chart and try-it plate to celebrate tiny wins.

More holiday help

Quick links

Holiday Gift Guide› Quiet Fidget Picks› Warm-Light Ideas› All Gift Guides› Toy Finder Quiz›

By age

Kids› Teens› Adults›

Toolkit FAQs

How do I set up the First–Then schedule?: Pick one short “First” task and one motivating “Then.” Place tiles, say it simply (“First eat, then open a gift”), and celebrate finishing the “Then.” Keep steps short at first.
How many tiles should I use at once?: Start with just two (First/Then). When that’s easy, you can chain short rounds (e.g., First open one gift → Then 2-minute fidget, repeat).
Do I need a color printer?: No. Color looks nice, but black-and-white works. You can outline or highlight tiles and it’ll still be effective.
Best paper and prep?: Print on cardstock, laminate if possible, and add hook-and-loop (Velcro©️) dots. Magnetic tape also works well.
What age range is this for?: It’s flexible—generally preschool through teens. For non-readers, rely on the pictures; for older kids, use the text prompts or photos from your phone.
How do I use the Quiet Zone and Headphones signs?: Post the Quiet Zone sign where breaks happen. Keep a weighted lap, quiet fidgets, and soft lighting there. The Headphones sign normalizes noise tools with guests and hosts.
How do I use the Food Explorer kit without pressure?: Offer tiny portions on the Try-It Plate and reward any brave step (look, sniff, touch, taste) on the Star Chart. No forcing — celebrate attempts only.
Can I use this at school or in therapy?: Yes, many families and professionals do. Please do share this page with friends and family. Please don’t repost or resell the PDFs.

Need more ideas? Try Quiet Fidget Picks and Holiday Sensory Gift Ideas.