Your Holiday Gift Guide!

Sensory Friendly Edition 

Part 1

Holiday shopping and gift-giving can be difficult. We want our kids to be entertained, but also, we like toys that contribute positively to their development. Although Autistic Children may have specific areas of focus they appreciate, or be engaged by non-traditional items, there may be additional considerations when getting holiday gifts. Frequently, Autistic Kids have different developmental sensory and safety needs, and it is important to understand that every person has individual differences that should be honored.  

Here are some suggestions by Pediatric Occupational Therapists, Parents, and Pediatric Mental Health professionals to incorporate your autistic child’s sensory and developmental needs and create really fun play opportunities. 

1. Squigz 

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set, 24 Piece Suction Toys, Suction Bath Toys, Sensory Toys for Kids 3 and Up

According to Fat Brain Toys (the company that makes Squigz), “Squigz are fun little suckers!” the are soft but firm 100% food-grade silicone suction cups that stick to most flat, non-porous surfaces without leaving any marks or mess. They take some gentle strength to stick them on, and a little extra strength to pull them off, which is a great way to provide proprioceptive (deep pressure) input and work on upper body strength! Squigz encourage creativity, fine motor skills, interaction, and playful experimentation, as well as relaxation and sensory stimulation. They are award-winning!

Best Toys for Kids Award Winner – ASTRAParents’ Choice Approved AwardOppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 

2. Kinetic Sand 

Kinetic Sand Ultimate Sandisfying Set, 2lb of Pink, Yellow & Teal Play Sand, 10 Molds & Tools, Sensory Toys, Christmas Gifts for Kids Ages 7+

Kinetic sand is a great way to bring the beach indoors! It does not stick to most surfaces, has easy clean up, is generally inexpensive and can be made at home. Playing with Kinetic Sand can enhance fine motor skills, support sensory processing by providing tactile input, promoting body awareness, enhancing sensory integration, calming and organizing the nervous system, and reducing anxiety and stress. 

3. Therapy balls

Kosmiko Extra Thick Yoga Ball Exercise Ball, 5 Sizes Gym Ball, Heavy Duty Ball Chair for Balance, Stability, Pregnancy, Quick Pump Included (Purple- S) – Walmart.com 

A large ball can enhance overall muscle tone, and kids enjoy the play so much, they may not realize they are also working on balance, healthy posture and core stability!  

4. A Hammock

FDW Heavy Duty Steel Hammock Stand, Portable for Outside or Backyard Use, Indoor Patio Accessory, Easy Carry Blue – Walmart.com 

Rocking in a hammock can have a calming effect on the brain and provide relaxation in stressful situations. Light rocking in the hammock and the feeling of being “held” can improve falling asleep.  A hammock offers a quiet retreat when overloaded with stimuli.  Rocking in the hammock stimulates the vestibular system in the ear, which is responsible for sense of balance, coordination and orientation. 

5. Wearable fidgets or chewelry

ARK Chewelry | Chewable Jewelry | Sensory Chew Necklaces 

Chewing can help prevent meltdowns and reduce anxiety. Having a socially acceptable and safe item to chew can help promote self-regulation and decrease some less adaptive chewing and biting behaviors. 

6. Train set 

Melissa & Doug Wooden Railway Set, 130 Pieces – Wooden Train Set for Toddlers Ages 3+

Train sets are just fun and the repetitive nature of train movements and the predictability of schedules and routes can provide comfort and stability. Trains offer a sense of order and consistency, which can be calming and reassuring. The visual and auditory stimulation of trains may be appealing to children with sensory processing difficulties. Special interests, such as trains, can provide a sense of identity and purpose. The spinning wheels and rhythmic movements of trains can be visually satisfying. 

6. Play-doh 

Hygloss Products Dough, Safe & Non-Toxic Modelling Dough for Arts & Crafts, Learn, Unscented, 1lb. of 6 Colors, 6 lb. Total

Kids can improve their fine motor skills by squishing, pinching, rolling, and shaping the play-doh will help strengthen hands and finger muscles. 

7. Bubble gun 

JOYIN 2 Kids Bubble Gun with 2 Bottles Bubble Refill Solution, Bubble Guns Kids 4-8, Bubble Machine Gun for Toddlers 1-3, Bubble Gun Blaster Party Favors, Summer Toy, Outdoors, Easter, Birthday Gift

Bubble guns provide endless fun for both children and adults. By promoting physical activity, bubble guns encourage kids to play actively. Chasing and popping bubbles can help develop coordination and gross motor skills, and they are easy to use, making them accessible for users of all ages.  

9. Other fidgets

Schylling’s Nee Doh Nice Cube Squishy Stress Ball, Squeeze Dough Toy, Ages 3+, Blue, 1ct – Walmart.com 

Fidget toys can be tactile, visual, or auditory, providing stress relief, increasing focus, and promoting self-regulation. 

Stayed tuned for Part Two!