The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Top of pops – toy that helps kids with anxiety

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THEY are the latest playground craze to strain parents’ wallets.

But Pop It toys, which mimic the joy of popping bubble wrap, can be soothing for children, say experts.

More than five million Pop Its have been sold in the UK since April.

The Works, one of the biggest toy retailers, has sold 1.2million products since February.

The toy, which can cost from about £5 to £20, was invented by Theora Design, run by Israeli couple Theo and Ora Coster. Its appeal is simple: press the bubbles, hear a pop and, when they have all been pushed in, flip it over and start again. Pop Its are credited with helping children with learning difficulti­es.

Tom Purser, of the National Autistic Society, said: ‘Repetitive actions such as playing with a sensory object like a Pop It can help them manage anxiety and sensory overload.

‘It can give a sense of calm and be fun, too.’

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