Autism Holiday Gift guide

Autism Gift Ideas That are Fun and Therapeutic!

Are you struggling with getting a gift for your neurodivergent kiddo? Let's talk holiday gift ideas for kids with autism. My own kid once had a Christmas list that only included a cat (real, not pretend, mom), despite taking him to toy stores to look for ideas and perusing Amazon for inspiration (we gave in for 2 years but then felt we had to say no more), the following year, a bag of Doritos, and last year a heating pad.

But here's the thing, finding the right gifts isn't just about quirky requests. It's about navigating limited play skills, a limited range of interests, and the fact that some of these kids are nonverbal or even when they are verbal, may struggle to tell us what they want. As you embark on your holiday shopping journey, consider exploring our autism holiday gift guide for thoughtful and meaningful ideas that go beyond the ordinary, catering to the unique needs and interests of children with autism.

Compression Sensory Swing

Let’s begin with the Christmas gift that has hands down been the favorite over the years in my household- the compression sensory swing.

My husband was not pleased a few years ago when I introduced the idea of hanging up a swing in our family room but I think even he would admit, it is now of the most used items in our house. It is enjoyed by everyone from the preschooler to the teens and I made my husband hang it so securely that even the adults could take advantage of the fun.

We set ours up in the downstairs family room, hanging it from the ceiling with a sturdy bolt. But, if you are not interested in permanently hanging a swing in your house, there are hanging platforms you can find on Amazon too.

This swing is a great way to help with emotional regulation, managing activity levels, and working on social skills such as turn taking, waiting, and requesting politely. 

Safety tip: If you do decide to permanently mount the swing, bolt that thing down like you're building a fortress, and keep an eye on it. I know from personal experience, without a bit of supervision, kids can get a little out of control.

You can find these swings in fancy occupational therapy stores, but being the queen of cheap I am, I found a solid, budget-friendly one on Amazon that even came with all the hanging gear. It's lasted us several years of heavy use with no problems.

Weighted Blanket

Now, let's talk about another gem on my list—the weighted blanket. Now, I get it; this might not scream "fun" at first, but if you've been wrestling with sleep issues, this is a game-changer. Out of my four kiddos, two will not sleep without their weighted blankets and it has improved their sleep dramatically.

Quick heads up, though— it is important to do a little research and get the proper weight for your child and it is not popular with everyone with autism. My 10-year-old, who's got a lot of auditory sensitivities, isn't a fan. He says he can hear those beads moving around in the blanket every time he moves. But hey, it's not a total loss; I've adopted it for my own Netflix marathons on the couch.

Back in the day, I had my mom make these using plush fabric and plastic beads that are made for stuffing dolls because they were nearly impossible to find and cost a fortune. Now, though, you can find these comfy blankets at your local Walmart, Target, or the comfort of your couch through Amazon. And trust me, for many kids with autism, these blankets are like a warm hug—they're pure comfort.

Sound Puzzles

If you are looking for gift that will help you incorporate some of those therapy goals at home for your 2 to 6-year-old child with autism sound puzzles are a great purchase. This especially true if you have a young child with autism that loves auditory input.

Use this love of fun sounds to work on therapeutic goals such as using eye gaze or pointing to request (hold up 2 puzzle pieces and child chooses which piece to put in next), taking turns (child takes a turn and then waits briefly while adult or another child puts in a piece), working on expressive language (child uses a sound, a word approximation, or a short phrase to request each piece), or receptive language and basic early learner skills (ask child to put the blue piece in next or ask if he can find the dog in the puzzle).

Pop a Dot Books

Now, let's chat about another holiday must-have – books. If you're like me, sneaking in a book under the Christmas tree is a tradition. Pop a Dot Books are a great introduction to books if you have a child with autism that doesn’t like traditional books.

More than just enjoyable reads, these books serve as a great way to work on isolating a finger for pointing. Introduced to me a few years ago by my daughters speech therapist for the purpose of honing my daughter's pointing skills, they proved effective and became a favorite bedtime read. While seemingly a small skill, pointing is a foundational skill, particularly for some young children with autism.

Beyond this, the interactive element of "popping" dots on each page makes it possible to work on many other skills such as taking turns, requesting, or labelling. Available in a diverse range of sizes and topics, these books not only facilitate skill development but also act as a bridge to cultivating a love for reading in children who may initially lean towards tactile activities over independent reading.

Ball Roll Toys

Alright, let's shift gears to another cool find—ball drop toys. These toys go by a variety of names, but if you are looking them up, you should be able to find them by typing in "ball drop toys," "ball tower," or "pound a ball toy."

If your youngster is just beginning to be interested in playing in a functional way, these are absolute winners. There are many different styles to choose from, some geared toward toddlers and others that would interest children up to 7 or 8 years old.

Why are they often a hit? Tons of visual stimulation, and it's very clear what the child as to do, to “play” with the toy. Unlike action figures or blocks where a child with autism may be overwhelmed by the idea of “how” to play with the material, a ball drop toy is very clear. Drop the ball, watch the ball glide down and repeat. If your kiddo is drawn to sounds, look for a ball tower or ball drop that incorporates music or interesting sounds.

For older children (5 and up) look for the ball drops that are created by the child each time. This is an excellent way to expand beginning play skills, work on fine motor skills, and even sneak in some problem solving and science skill building.

Chewlery

Now, let's dive into a nifty stocking stuffer idea—chewelry. If you've got a household with a dedicated "chewer" (you'll spot them by the shirt collars that mysteriously vanish or the bare nail beds), these are a game-changer. Seriously, my son has some nail beds that are practically ghost towns.

But back to business—these chewelry items are a solid substitute. The catch? The kiddos need to be on board with using them. It might take a bit of gentle guidance, especially if they're accustomed to heading for shirt sleeves, finger nails, or pencils.

Their are so many themes and styles from Lego or unicorn necklaces, bracelets and even pencil toppers. I gifted Lego-themed ones for my sons one Christmas. Admittedly, they didn't quite take to them, but I've known many other kiddos that have successfully shifted from chewing on random items to using these necklaces or bracelets and it is something that is definitely worth trying if you have a chewer on your hands!

Magna Tiles

Now, let's shine the spotlight on another irresistible holiday favorite—Magna-Tiles. If you're anything like our family, these colorful magnetic tiles are a favorite or if you are new to them you really won't regret investing in some. They are a favorite at our house with both children and adults.

We began with the classic set but have gradually expanded—thanks, Grandma! Now, our Magna-Tiles collection includes the trains, marble rolls, and even little characters, expanding the possibilities of play. They are so much fun to build with and are an excellect way to incorporate building toys into creative play.

Mini Trampoline

Let's talk about another sensory must have—the mini trampoline. When rain clouds gather, this compact bouncer steps up as a go-to option for indoor play. The min-trampoline is a great solution for expelling excess energy, especially on days when outdoor activities are a washout and many kids with autism find comfort in the deep pressure that jumping provides and seek this type of movement. An indoor trampoline can be placed in front of the TV and your child can bounce away while you watch your favorite show.

If you are short on space you can consider a fold up version that neatly stores away and can be placed behind a door or under a bed. The mini-trampoline is a great solution for meeting sensory needs when going outside is not practical.

Navigating holiday gift giving for children with autism can be challenging but doesn't have to be! This holiday season, explore toys that blend fun with learning. Compression sensory swings contribute to emotional regulation, while weighted blankets offer comfort and aid in achieving restful sleep. Sound puzzles and Poke a Dot books introduce auditory elements to play, nurturing essential skills. Ball drop toys evolve into engaging tools for developing play skills, while chewelry provides a practical alternative for those inclined to chew on less ideal items.

What have been your most successful autism holiday gifts?

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