This Irish non-for profit toy shop helps subsidise therapy services for children across the country

Toy shopping for good.

If you are still ticking off items on your Christmas list, you might love to know about Sensational Kids, an Irish not-for-profit toy shop that sells toys for kids of all ages – and abilities. Even better? All profits go towards subsidising therapy services for children including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. Sensational Kids is an award-winning social enterprise that has already changed the lives of over 6,800 children across Ireland, saving their families over €1.5 million in therapy fees. The organisation provides vital front-line therapeutic supports for all children, including those with special needs, ensuring that children have access to vital supports when and where they need them. With 45,000 children on waiting lists for Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, the services at Sensational Kids are a lifeline for families whose children would otherwise be waiting three to four years to access services. Extensive waiting lists extinguish the opportunity for timely intervention and better outcomes for children with an additional need. Fundraising and earned income from Sensational Kids’ Child Development & Learning Store and its training workshops help to subsidise its therapy services, bridging the gap between public and private services and providing a practical, accessible, and affordable service for those in need. Children and parents alike will adore this Christmas. Each item has been carefully chosen to help nurture and foster children’s learning and development, and 100 percent of the profits from the store go to subsidising therapy services for children of all abilities. There are toys for messy fun, toys for exploring, toys for sensory play and plenty of books to inspire their imagination and love of reading. We also love their selection of weighted toys and blankets, often used as part of occupational therapy for children with autism, anxiety and other sensory issues. The therapeutic use of weighted product has been proven to help focus, attention and body awareness. We love this Weighted Cat. It weighs roughly 900 grams and allows the owner to feel more grounded, focused and secure. In fact, weighted toys have been invaluable in the treatment of children with additional sensory needs. These great Christmas gifts and much more are available now at www.sensationalkids.ie Order before Friday, 18 December, for delivery before Christmas. There is also a click and collect option from one of the four centres nationwide.