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Create a Texture Box for Grounding

Why a Texture Box?

Grounding activities work by engaging your senses to bring you back to the present moment. A texture box is a simple, hands-on way to do this using the sense of touch. By exploring different materials, temperatures, and weights, you can interrupt spiraling thoughts, calm your body, and give your mind a chance to reset.


This activity isn’t just for when you’re in crisis. Practicing grounding regularly, even when you’re calm, helps make it easier to remember and use when you’re overwhelmed.


How to Make Your Texture Box

You don’t need anything fancy. A small box, pouch, or even a drawstring bag works perfectly. The goal is to collect a variety of items with different textures that feel grounding to you. Unless a texture is one you don't like, I recommend having different textures. Some examples:


Smooth / Cool Textures

  • A glass marble

  • A seashell

  • A polished crystal or gemstone

  • Smooth stone

  • A smooth necklace pendant


Soft / Fuzzy Textures

  • Velvet string

  • A piece of fleece fabric

  • Pom-poms

  • A feather

  • Yarn or wool

  • A plushie


Rough / Bumpy Textures

  • Sandpaper square (small, so it doesn’t irritate skin) (or a textured sticker)

  • Textured rubber (like from a keychain or toy)

  • Pinecone (if you don’t mind it being a bit messy)

  • Beaded keychain

  • Scrubby sponge (new, clean one!)

  • A coin


Flexible / Squishy Textures

  • Stress ball

  • Foam block or squishy toy

  • Pipe cleaner (bendy and slightly rough)

  • Bubble wrap (bonus: popping sound) or bubble pop fidget

  • Silicone baking mold (mini size)

  • Slime or putty


Unique / Mixed Textures

  • Ribbon with sequins or embroidery

  • Velcro strip (both soft and scratchy sides)

  • A zipper on a scrap of fabric

  • A small brush (makeup brush or craft brush)

  • A keychain with multiple materials (metal, rubber, etc.)

  • One of those plushies where you can rub the sequins back and forth


There are no rules. Choose whatever textures you like.


How to Use It

When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected:

  1. Slowly reach in and touch each item.

  2. Notice the differences in texture and what it is like soft, hard, rough, smooth.

  3. Pay attention to temperature. Which items feel cool, warm, or neutral?

  4. Consider the weight. Which items feel heavy or light in your hand?

  5. Spend a few minutes exploring until you feel more present.


This activity helps anchor your attention in the “here and now” instead of getting lost in difficult emotions or memories.


Expanding the Practice

If you enjoy this, you can make grounding kits for your other senses too:

  • Sight: A photo, colourful beads, or something sparkly. I enjoy things like liquid timers too.

  • Sound: A playlist of soothing sounds, not just music (like rainfall, birdsong, or white noise), a sound focused fidget

  • Smell: A small scented lotion, essential oil, or fabric with a familiar smell.

  • Taste: A piece of hard candy or gum you save for grounding.


Final Note

Grounding practices are personal. What soothes one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. Use this as a starting point to explore what helps you feel safe and centred.


Disclaimer: This activity is shared as a peer-support resource. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Please only do what feels safe for you. [Read my full disclaimer.]


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