Are you trying to find the perfect gift for someone in your life that has a sensory processing disorder, ADHD, or is on the autism spectrum? If you’re uncertain what’s going to make for a gift, then keep on reading!
How do I find the perfect gift for someone with SPD, ADHD, or Autism?
Children with sensory challenges may have a sensitivity to noises and lights, which can make gift-giving difficult. The new hottest toy may sing a catchy tune, and flash 12 different lights, but that toy may induce a meltdown of epic proportions if your child has sensory sensitivities! As parents we want our kiddos to have the opportunity to enjoy their gifts while also feeling safe and comforted.
The best way to find the perfect gift for someone is to truly understand what they love and enjoy in life. Think about their hobbies, interests, and age level. When I start shopping for Roo I like to think about what she has been hyperfocusing on recently as well as things that I know will hold her interest while also be able to withstand her not-so-gentle play habits.
Many children on the spectrum show a wide range of sensitivities and difficulties that make it more difficult to play in the way society has deemed as “normal”. The beauty of children on the spectrum is that they have varied interests just like us and we can foster those interests while also supporting their sensory needs. So many of the gifts and toys that I have found for Roo over the years have been able to double as a toy as well as a sensory aid. Gifts like these truly help your special someone feel uplifted and supported as they navigate daily life.
In this autism gift guide you’ll find different sensory-specific gifts like ear protection and weighted blankets, as well as toys to help expel excess energy, travel items, and fidget toys. You can give the gift of safe adventures, comfortable sleep, and fun all the while protecting their sensory sensitivities.
If you have other ideas I would love to hear about them and I will update this guide over time!
Alright, let’s hop into the list!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running! Thank you for your support.
To infinity and beyond! Looking for some fashionable ear protection to reduce the noise around you? Then look no further, than the Zohan nebula ear muffs. These earmuffs are not only super comfortable but they also allow your child to look stylish all the while reducing the impact of the noises around them. Roo loves that they are stylish and they are a bit bulky so most people just assume that she has really cool music headphones on. I appreciate the additional padding so that she doesn’t want to take them off all the time. They also fold up easily so they are great to pack when traveling.
Don’t let its small size fool you, this Little Tikes Trampoline is perfect for sensory seekers and kiddos with ADHD. I love that it features a safety handlebar to keep your little ones safe while they work to burn off that extra energy. We have ours indoors and in the living room so that it is easily accessible for her to self regulate, but Lightning Bug also uses it to burn energy off, so it is a win-win!
Fun and Function’s Blue Weighted Compression Vest
Weighted vests are great for kiddos who need help regulating their anxiety and attention. This fun and functional weight compression vest helps keep your child feeling secure and safe as they travel to a new place or attend their regularly scheduled events. This vest will help your child calm anxiety and other sensory disorders because it feels like a comforting warm hug during new situations or everyday stress-inducing situations. A weighted vest is perfect for traveling when sensory overload is inevitable.
Sensory socks are an absolute hit around here. Sensory socks give children who have a sensory processing disorder a sense of safety and comfort. Sensory socks are like a compression sheet that is mobile. Roo likes to climb into her sensory sock and see how far she can stretch it with her body. It is also large enough for her to make a quick escape pod when she needs some time to decompress.
Sensory fidget toys give stress and anxiety relief as well as help children with a sensory processing disorder and ADHD focus easier. This variety box features a variety of squeeze fidgets, flippy chains, liquid motion timers, stretch bands, and more! This bundle will provide your child with everything they need to reduce stress and maintain better concentration throughout their day. My favorite feature of this bundle is that each item comes with more than one item which means you can stress less about toys getting destroyed or lost.
Sprinkles The Unicorn Weighted Sensory Toy
Give a fashionable gift of comfort with this adorable mini sequin pet, the unicorn plush toy. This weighted sensory toy for kids can provide hours of sensory play as well as provide visual and tactile benefits with the sequins that can be reversed and moved around.
A toy that pulls, bends, and pops! This fidget pop tube toy gives kids hours of sensory play with its ability to enhance your kids’ fine motor skills. You get six different tubes in a variety of colors! The added benefit is that they make a really silly noise when you pull them and push them so it can help with sensory skills. Roo & Lightning Bug love connecting them and also using them as microphones. I didn’t think that these tubes would be such a hit, but they love them.
Have a kiddo that seems to destroy everything? Is it driving you absolutely crazy? Try this journal, which is meant to be wrecked. Let’s face it, life is hard and it’s even harder for people living with sensory disorders and other mental health issues that cause strain on their daily life. Roo has a habit of ripping paper, I can clean out the backseat and somehow she still finds paper to shred. This journal has been a lifesaver because it can be taken on the go and channels her impulsive destruction. This journal will open their mind to a whole new world, and help reduce anxiety and stress while boosting creativity!
Sweetzer & Orange Weighted Blanket for Kids
Weighted blankets are perfect for kids who have sensory processing disorder or are on the spectrum. Weighted blankets have a similar effect as swaddling or a nice hug as they work to calm the nervous system. The pressure from the blanket can help improve sleep, decrease anxiety, improve focus, and help calm meltdowns.
Sensory Compression Bed Sheet for Kids: Alternative to Weighted Blankets
If you have a kiddo that gets hot easily or does not care for weighted blankets compression sheets are the perfect alternative! Compression bed sheets provide the same comfort and stress relief without adding too much extra warmth so your child can feel relaxed to get some sleep. Once we put a compression sheet on Roo’s bed we noticed that her quality of sleep improved and she woke up less throughout the night, while also being able to calm her body down.
DreamPad has found the solution for a good night’s sleep. The IBBCES approved pad has proprietary music that helps you relax before bed. Let’s face it, our busy lifestyles keep the mind going beyond bedtime. DreamPad decided to create a solution that provides you with maximum comfort, music that only you can hear, and the ability to fall asleep fast and stay asleep. Perfect for all ages!
Silicone Chewing Beads Jewelry for Autism, ADHD, Biting and Teething Toddlers
This colorful silicone chewing bead necklace will bring color and comfort to your child’s life. This biting and teething necklace is a wonderful way to help children who desire oral stimulation to feel relaxed. *Note: This necklace is not well suited for aggressive chewers.
Sensory Chew Necklace – Tough Chew Necklace for Moderate to Aggressive Chewers with Autism, ADHD, SPD, Oral Motor Teething & Biting Needs
Parents of kiddos who need oral stimulation to reduce stress and anxiety can rest easier knowing that this fashionable sensory chew necklace is here. This chew necklace provides your child with multiple textures on one necklace that they can use to feel calmer during overwhelming situations.
Octopus Adaptive Daily Routine Chart for Kids: Fosters Responsibility, Independence and self-Esteem
Get your children doing daily chores on time with these magnets that encourage kids to know what they expected to do for chores. The 175 unique magnets provide a fun way to encourage independence and boost self-esteem while your kids learn to get things done without you having to remind them over and over again. This chart is also great for littles who need to know what comes next. It can be a great tool for signaling and wrapping up activities with reminders for transitions.
Octopus Kids Smart Watch v2 – Plan Activities, Responsibilities and Healthy Habits
This multiple-use smartwatch helps kids learn the concept of time all the while encouraging them to be independent and stay active. This smartwatch for kids includes a fitness tracker as well as a daily schedule option to help your kids feel more independent. We utilize the Octopus Smartwatch to help Roo manage transitions better. From the parent dashboard, I am able to input her entire schedule for the week, including her school schedule, medication times, and bathroom reminders. Check out my blog post on the Octopus Kids Smart Watch!
