First rule of thumb is that almost everything can be a toy. Look around your house and trust me you'll find toys you'd never think of. Our vision specialist has emphasized how important it is for a vision impaired child to familiarize themselves with everyday objects as early as possible. The goal is to find everyday objects that can be introduced to safely now! Keep in mind many of these toys can only be used while under supervision.
START SMALL
Empty water bottle - It makes a the best crinkle noise! It was one of our first discoveries in creating toys out of nothing. Will would crinkle it for hours. When the empty water bottle didn't hold his attention I added rice kernels so it rattled too.
Tupperware - Really any empty container works, take smaller toys and put inside. You can put the lid on for them to shake, or leave the lid off so they can take the toys out and put back in. Also think about using different shaped tupperware to teach shapes. Either way it's a winner.
Rubber Spatula - This is great because it's a 2 in 1. It acts as a teether and a way for them to familiarize themselves with the object. On that same note you can use a lot of different kitchen utensils in this same way, rubber or wooden spoons, spatula, and rubber bristle brush.
Pill organizer - Someone gave me this to use for myself but once Will got his hand on it that changed. Most pill organizers also have braille on them too! Again you can add things in the compartments for sounds affect. Just make sure the compartments are closed tight.
Plastic cup - Same possibilities as the Tupperware. Try to find one with a handle so they can practice grabbing it and bringing it to their mouth. You can hot glue bells inside even!
Measuring cups and spoons - Will loves his plastic measuring cups. I have them hanging from an activity center with elastic so he can pull them towards him and they snap back to the same place. The plastic teaspoons are also a fan favorite, he plays with them on a ring like a rattle and likes to teeth on them as well.
Bean bag - Take a tube sock, fill with dried beans, and tie it off well! Now you have a easy bean bag that they can feel and manipulate easily with their hands. You can always add a bell in it too! Like I said bells can be added to ANYTHING!
Hair brush - Will plays with his baby brush all the time. He enjoys putting the soft bristles in his mouth. Most hairbrushes would work but maybe stay away from hard bristles as they could poke an eye ball or get into other mischief with it.
Curly ribbon - Think the type of ribbon you'd get on a birthday present. It activates touch and hearing! It's like a pom pom. Will loves to shake it around and rub it on his face.
Empty milk carton - A half gallon would be an ideal size and great with the handle to grip. like everything add things that rattle to turn it into a toy. I've also used an old oatmeal container and put other toys inside.
Electric toothbrush - The vibration of the toothbrush entertains Will for hours!!!! As soon as he hears me turn it on he starts searching with his hands. He teethes on it and I run the bristles through his hair. He can't get enough!
Old computer keyboard - Something I've learned is that there are no braille keyboards. It is all through memorization and keyboard short cuts as using a computer mouse isn't really an option. The sooner they can familiarize themselves with a keyboard the better! They can play with it like a piano and you can even add the smell stickers for something different.
Loofa - Bath poofs offer great texture! We have several attached to different activity centers. We have one that has bells sewn on and he loves the combination of the sound and the texture!
Mylar balloon - This required supervision but is a great texture sound combo. Someone gave us a partially deflated balloon which is perfect because he can grip and crinkle it easily.
Different textured fabrics - You can buy a sensory fabric kit or you can make your own. They also have sensory blankets on etsy. Things like burlap, silk, velvet, fur, and fleece. You can put them on a ring, or use them on a quilt, think outside the box!
Bells - You can never have enough bells! They can be added to anything and everything. Just buy a pack of assorted bells and add them to things as you see the opportunity. You can't go wrong with noise!
Scratch and smell stickers - This offers an opportunity to develop smell. You can stick them to toys, activity center, high chair, really anything. It's not as much of a toy as it is a toy embellishment. Definitely offers a new addition to any old toy.
Empty CLEAN childproof prescription bottle - Think about being blind and having to take different prescription medications daily. This is yet another daily activity that will require thinking outside the box. You can use the bottle with the lid as a rattle putting bells, dried beans, or rice inside. It gets them used to gripping the bottle.
TV remote - Similar to the computer keyboard it's another everyday object that they will use and can get used to early on through play. I will say these days technology offers voice remotes so it's not as essential for them to memorize but another fun practical toy.
Everything list above are just the things I've thought of thus far. Obviously the possibilities are endless. It's all about thinking outside the box and manipulating toys and household items to work for your child!
