The Best Gifts for Autistic Kids, According to an Autistic Mom

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I get it. Buying gifts for autistic kids and adults can be intimidating. I mean, we’re awesome, and sometimes — oftentimes — picky. Kids? Even more so. And the fact that there are so many flavors of autism makes things that much trickier. Sensory seekers, like me, want things that give us feedback, and gifts that cater to that like spiky footrests and spicy pickles, are well-received. Autistic kids with more sensory sensitivities tend to shy away from things that provide too much input.

The only common denominator I have ever found with autistic kids and adults is that we all hate the seam in our socks, tags in our clothes, having our shoulders trapped in a too-tight jacket, and anything other than luxe, soft fabrics. Okay, and social situations. Those are also unfun in the extreme.

I put together this list of great gifts for autistic kids with help from my autistic son, my autistic friends, and parents of autistic kids to help you find something for the amazing autistic kid in your life.

Gonge Floor Surfer

Bicycles and other ride-on toys can be challenging for some autistic kids. They're too high, or too tricky to maneuver. The Gonge floor surfer keeps kids close to the ground and completely in-charge of their locomotion. The low center of gravity is soothing, but the zooming around is fun.

Sleep Pod

Physical touch isn't always the easiest for autistic people, but the feeling of pressure on the body can be a huge relief. The Sleep Pod (as seen on Shark Tank) is like a swaddle for kids and adults. It's made out of soft, easy-to-clean jersey fabric that's breathable but puts enough pressure on the body to feel it.

Moon Lamp

All people are all different. While my son likes to sleep in absolute darkness, even covering his head, as a kid I needed a lamp that was just enough to illuminate the room around me because being unaware of my surroundings at any time was a trigger. This is a gentle moon lamp that has the added benefit of remote control so that your kid can change the color and level of light themselves.

Large Human Dog Bed

Whoever invented this is a genius. It's a great place for anyone to hang out, but it's especially good for autistic kids and I'll tell you why; just like the Hug Sleep above, this bed provides a sense of security via light confinement. It's low to the ground, so it automatically feels more restful and safer, and yeah, your pup can get in there with you, too. And don't worry parents, the cover is machine-washable.

iPhone 14 Pro Max Case

When in social situations, it can be nice to have something to focus your attention on that isn't obviously sensory-seeking. This case has a soothing texture that your kid can hold in their hand and stroke to help bring their brains back to somewhere near neutral when out and about.

Batac 16L Backpack - Del Día

There are a lot of reasons why I think that Cotopaxi is one of the best gifts for autistic kids that you can get. First, the texture is different from other backpacks. Instead of a rougher material, it's silky smooth. Second, it's easy to open and close, and pockets to keep things separate. Third, it's a "cool" bag, and making friends and fitting in as an autistic kid is hard. Having something cool helps.

Kids Bubble Slides with Charms

Socks are bad, shoes aren't fun, barefoot is good, but getting anything on the bottom of your feet? Horrible. These slippers are different because instead of texture being on one point or another, they have the same texture throughout, giving sensory feedback and protecting little feet from the floors in the house.

14 oz Iconic Pop Fidget Water Bottles

Finding the right water bottle can be a chore. My son and I both prefer a straw model that keeps beverages at the correct temperature for extended periods of time.

This bottle has a straw, is triple-wall insulated, and has a strap with fidget pops on the exterior to give more physical input than just the beverage.

Bedtime & Sleep Calming Ocean Wave Projector

A general lack of a typical circadian rhythm is pretty common for autistic kids, and there's not been a lot of help in that area.

Many sleep soothers are too much sensory input for autistic kids and adults. This projector is designed to have just the right amount of sound and light, with a wave projector and soothing music to help kids get to sleep and stay asleep.

Wobble Cushion

Wobble cushions with texture give kids sensory input and vestibular input by allowing them to bounce and rock while seated. This can go a long way to keeping focused on tasks like schoolwork. Letting kids stim while working increases their ability to get what they need to get done, done.

Anatomy Skull Model

How cool is this 3D puzzle? It's a map of the human skull with labeling and the information about each part of the skull. Learn about mandibles and ocular bones while figuring out the puzzle.

It's the kind of science-meets-game toy that speaks to a lot of kids on the spectrum.

Therapy Swing for Kids

The feeling of being hugged (and not by a person) is super calming for a wide swath of the autistic community. If I could explain it to a neurotypical person, I guess that I would liken it to sitting down after work, taking off your shoes, and relaxing on the couch. It centers you and takes you back to somewhere around neutral.

Switch – OLED Model w/ Neon Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con

Many autistic kids are avid gamers, or they will be soon. My son included. A handheld, portable game system is a great thing to have, especially in situations where kids might be uncomfortable and in need of distraction. This game device can also be hooked up to a television for bigger play, or two-person gaming.

Swivel Papasan Chairs

Papasans are popular in the autistic community for their hug-like feel. This one can be raised or lowered, and also has a rocking feature, making it possibly the greatest computer or desk seat for autistic people out there right now. It comes in several colors with machine-washable fabrics.

Roller Jr Teal — Silent Fidget Toys

The level of satisfaction you get from this fidget toy is out of this world. It's a completely silent fidget roller toy made with smaller hands in mind. It's designed in a way as to not distract in classrooms or similar settings, but still feeds the brain the sensory input needed to focus.

Wooden Wobble Balance Board Kids

Knowing about stims is important when considering autistic gifts for kids. Stims are movements or gestures — like bouncing, hand flapping, lip biting, et cetera, that autistic people do to calm themselves. Rocking happens to be among the most common.

This rocking board leans into that (because there's nothing wrong with stimming, though you may have heard otherwise), and gives kids the ability to settle into that calm in a bigger way.

Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones

Too much sound can be overwhelming for many autistic kids and adults. And it doesn’t have to be one thing — kids may love loud music but hate the sound of cars. Or, like me, they love white noise but loathe animal sounds. These noise-canceling headphones give kids a choice.

They’re high-quality Bluetooth headphones that aren’t too tight, and really block out sound. The sound quality of the headphones is also excellent.

Cotton Pajamas Set

Let me tell you why these jammies are a great idea. First, they’re silky soft without actually being silk or satin, which can be uncomfortable. Second, the seaming is minimal. Third, they’re tagless. And finally, they don’t have elastic at the ankle or the wrist like many pajamas do.

More: The Best Gifts for New Moms

Coding Critters Go Pets Scrambles the Fox

Coding games are intriguing all on their own, but if you have a kid into computers and numbers? Nirvana.

Coding Critters Go is part game, part coding practice, part car toy. Screen-free coding lets kids power their animals along the tracks, finishing challenges and coding fun games. It's structured play that feeds the mind.

Sensory Chew Necklace

Every pencil I had in school looked like it was attacked by animals. The ends of my hair didn't fare much better. Nowadays there are far better solutions, like this nontoxic and cute chewing necklace. Made of silicone, this necklace can be mouthed, sanitized at night, and mouthed again.

Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock for Kids

Remember that circadian rhythm thing? Falling asleep isn't the only problem — waking up can be challenging as well for autistic kids. This alarm clock gradually lights up, eventually mimicking the sun. Kids get that extra bit of alert that their body needs to tell them to wake up, and start their day.

Neurodiverse Sweatshirt

I have never seen a more perfect sweatshirt in all of my life, and I have one from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games that I found in a dollar basket at the thrift store. It comes in sizes toddler through adult and fits nice and comfy.

Ergonomic Under Desk Footrest

I cannot sit still at work, and my son struggles to do his homework without just a wild amount of fidgeting. This footrest provides physical stimulation that helps soothe the need to move around constantly by giving pressure to the feet.

This rest is fully adjustable, and the little nubs on the rest really get in there with deep stimulation.

Cotton Robe

Robes are great for kids with autism because there are no buttons or weird closures. The robes must be cotton and absorbent for most of us, and they must be washed a few times before they're worn to soften them up and get rid of the new-clothes stench.

Fleece robes are popular for kids, but if they even get slightly damp they feel like covering your entire body in a wet sock if you have sensory challenges.

Gift Card — Amazon for All Occasions

There's nothing simpler than a gift card. That way, no matter what their current special interest is (mine is currently Victorian-era union efforts in coal mines — ask me about it), they can get something that they want within reason. It's not a cop-out at all, I promise.

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