ASMR has become huge on platforms like Youtube and TikTok of the last decade, so it's no shock that ASMR toys are now a thing. ASMR is actually the response you have to certain audio and visual 'triggers', where you may experience calming, tingling feeling when consuming ASMR content. ASMR content can help you as a parent sleep and kids too. It's also helpful when you want to relax or are feeling anxious.
The soothing benefits of ASMR are known to help people suffering with insomnia and PTSD, with 'ASMRartists' creating videos specifically for those who may be suffering - and there are lots of ASMR videos for children available too. If your little one needs some chill time or struggles to sleep, ASMR could be just what you're looking for, and now, they can experience it with ASMR toys too.
ASMR toys are designed to create an ASMR response when played with, making them an interactive and calming toy for little ones. Similar to sensory toys, ASMR toys will either be based on a relaxing activity, or making sounds that will give your child 'the tingles', soothing them as they play. As long as they're the right kind of ASMR trigger for your child, these toys can be a wonderful tool for anxious children, and can act a sleep aid.
Editor's Choice
• Best overall ASMR toy: Sensory FX ASMR Recorder Cube
• Best ASMR toy kit: Original Stationery Sensations Slime Kit
• Best ASMR toy for toddlers: Learning Resources Sensory Trio Fidget Tubes
Not sure what ASMR toy may work for your little? Take a look at our list of the best ASMR toys down below. We have taken into consideration design, price, and age suitability when selecting our favourites on this list.
The best ASMR toys for kids 2023
Best overall ASMR toy
www.argos.co.uk
If your little one loves creating their own ASMR or likes fidget toys, the Sensory FX ASMR Recorder Cube will be a winner. This cube has five panels that unfold, all featuring different designs that create amazing sounds. It's a full sensory experience, and it even comes with a recorder so they can play back all the soothing sounds they make.
One reviewer said: "Bought this a few months ago for my 1.5 year old. It kept her VERY happy and entertained on a airplane for a recent holiday. When she wasn't playing with it, her 5 year old brother was. Sooo satisfying!"
Pros
- Batteries included
- Versatile design
- Removable recorder
Cons
- None!
Best ASMR toy kit
Every parent knows how popular slime is, but many may not realise that slime can be great for ASMR. The Original Stationery Sensations Slime Kit is made to create ASMR sounds while your little one creates their very own slime. There are even sequins and glitter so they can make more crinkly triggers. We love how colourful this set is.
One reviewer said: "My 9 year old love this slime. She opened it as soon as she got it. It is so easy to use."
Another reviewer said: "My daughter loved this - Would definitely recommend and buy again."
Pros
- Hours of entertainment
- Lots included in the kit
Cons
- Could get messy
Best ASMR toy for families
www.very.co.uk
Colour and fun, the Crazy Sensations ASMR Mix'in Kit is all about making relaxing sounds and enjoy some sensory play with textured slime. They can make crunch slime or creamy slime, use the included tools to make noises, plus there's a handy tray that will help to contain any of the inevitable mess.
One reviewer said: "My daughter said this was the best slime she’s ever had! Has kept her busy for hours!"
Another reviewer said: "Brought this as a present. Its not been given yet, but it does look good."
Pros
- Kit includes 6 compounds, 6 decorations, 2 tools and a play tray
- Easy to play with
Cons
- Slime is a little sticky
Best budget ASMR toy
www.selfridges.com
With 10 ASMR designs to collect, these ASMR Sensory Fx Bars are perfect for your little one's pocket money, with each design creating interesting and unique sounds. These work as ASMR toys and as fidget toys, plus your child will love the excitement of finding out which bar they've gotten as they open the packaging.
One reviewer said: These sensory fx sticks are great for everyone! I have anxiety and this helps me focus on one thing and helps my anxiety disappear! My kid loves them too. Great product for every household!"
Pros
- Collectible
- Sensory designs
Cons
- Quite small
Best ASMR toy for satisfying sounds
For children that love soft, crinkly and crunchy sounds, the Learning Resources Playfoam is the perfect choice. The set includes eight colours, all designed to be squished and pulled, with a fun texture. We really like how easy this is to use, plus the fact it encourages a bit of creativity.
One reviewer said: "This product works exactly as advertised. It's great clean fun and doesn't dry out or leave too much residue on hands. It's not too difficult to clean up if it's dropped on carpet.
It's really good for kids who need squishy sensory input, and it's safe enough to leave in their room and not worry too much about mess.
The colours are vibrant and mix really nicely, I would have liked a bit more sparkle but the kids don't seem to mind!"
Pros
- Won't try out
- Easy to play with
Cons
- Some reviewers thought it was smaller than expected
Best ASMR toy for toddlers
Designed as sensory toys that help with their fine motor skills, the Learning Resources Sensory Trio Fidget Tubes combine sight, sound, and touch for audio and visual triggers. The falling beads sounds and swirling glitter is incredibly calming for little ones, plus they'll be easy for your child to grip.
One reviewer said: "Arrived nicely packed. This set is great, well made, and durable. They are colourful and perfect size for little hands. They don’t leak and safe to use. I would recommend."
Another reviewer said: "These are absolutely fantastic, our toddlers love them. They are so well made and are very durable. Would recommend."
Pros
- Portable design
- Great as a fidget toy too
Cons
- A little boring for old children
Best ASMR toy for babies
www.thelittlesensorybagco.co.uk
Beautifully designed with a choice of elephant, bear, or bunny illustrations, these The Little Sensory Bag Co. Pastel Wooden Maracas are simple but oh so effective. Not only will your little one love shaking these around, the sound is perfect for ASMR, and can even help them to self soothe.
Pros
- Lovely pastel design
- Great value
Cons
- No reviews yet
What is ASMR?
ASMR actually stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It's a pleasant and comforting tingling sensation on the skin, with some feeling it go down their scalp and spine. It's typically triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, like tapping, water sounds, or soft lighting. Even though you'll see ASMR videos, those are actually the triggers - ASMR is the response to those triggers.
ASMR content, including Youtube videos, tend to be like marmite. Not everyone gets ASMR, so you'll either love it or hate it. But if you do get ASMR, certain triggers (everyone has their favourites) will most likely calm you and make you sleepy. Just popping on a good ASMR video can help many people finally doze off.
Is ASMR suitable for children?
ASMR is known to help with an adult's mental health, and this is the same for children. ASMR can be used as way to promote your child's mental wellbeing. The soothing 'euphoric' sensations can comfort your child and help them to drift off too. As long as you're choosing appropriate content for them, ASMR is a wonderful to help with their anxieties and sleep issues.
ASMRartists like Zeneia’s ASMR and WhispersRed Sleepy Children have done some fab ASMR content for kids.
What should you consider when choosing an ASMR toy?
Design: You child will have different triggers that they like, so a toy that creates those, while also being easy for them use and in their favourite colours will be the best option for your little one.
Size: Part of them being easy to use is also making sure they're the right size for your child to hold onto. You may also want them to be a size that won't take up lots of space and is even portable (they're a great toy option for car journeys).
Material: Because your little one will probably fiddle with ASMR toys a lot, you'll want them to be made from a durable material that still creates those lovely tingling sounds for them.
Eve Miller is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby, working for Bauer Media for over two years. She is passionate about beauty, creative writing, and women’s healthcare.