5 Autism-Friendly Christmas Gifts

By raluca.olariu@…, 9 November, 2022
 green Christmas ornament

Christmas—the most wonderful time of the year. And probably the noisiest. Neighbor parties, socializing, carols, train sets, crowded markets, etc. All these, combined with the appetite for gift browsing, and we're in for a busy, anxious, but also magical time.

For children with autism spectrum disorders, it can be a challenging experience. They might get triggered more often, suffer from sensory overload, and generally find it harder to relax.

So what are some good ways to make this holiday season easier for autistic children? 

There are plenty of ways to create an autism-friendly Christmas, and this article outlines some of them. Keep reading to discover how you can help your child enjoy the holidays without getting overwhelmed, and explore some of the best Christmas gifts for children with sensory issues.

Five Strategies for an Autism-Friendly Christmas 

1. Create a schedule around Christmas activities.

Since most individuals with autism thrive on routines, it's best to build a routine that includes festive activities gradually. For instance, you can start by reading a Christmas tale in one day and put up some decorations in another. Then you might take your child on a short Christmas shopping trip (don't forget the noise-canceling headphones in case it gets too loud).

2. Be mindful of presents. 

Another potentially triggering event is the giving and receiving of presents: the quantity, how to wrap and unwrap them, how to behave when receiving presents, etc. That's why taking extra care on this subject can be helpful as well.  Don't hesitate to tell your family and friends about your preference regarding presents. Instruct them on what your child prefers or dislikes, including whether they prefer presents wrapped or unwrapped (which could also be triggering). 

3. Avoid overstimulating toys.

If your child is prone to meltdowns, avoid buying any new toys until after the holidays. It's better to wait until after the New Year when things have settled down. Or, you could opt-in for sensory-friendly toys or devices that can help autistic children process information more easily. 

4. Consider using a sensory diet.

Some kids with autism have difficulty processing certain types of stimuli, such as touch, sound, smell, taste, and sight. A sensory diet helps them cope with those triggers. Since Christmas involves plenty of holiday-related food that includes sweets, meat, and lots of carbs, it might not be a good idea to feed your child Christmas food the whole holiday season. 

Can sweets make autism worse? Read this article to find out.

5. Plan for the holidays.

Finally, if you know your child has trouble relaxing during the holidays, plan ahead. You don't want them to feel stressed out because they don't know what to expect. So, before the holidays begin, start talking to your child about what they'd like to do, what they're looking forward to, and what they dread. This way, you'll be able to prepare accordingly.  

5 Autism-Friendly Christmas Gifts

DIY Felt Christmas Tree for Kids

Children can freely decorate the Felt Christmas tree, allowing them to practice fine motor skills, creativity, hand-eye coordination, or color recognition ability. This sensory-friendly tree is the perfect gift for those affected by sensory sensitivity.   

Northern Lights Aurora Projector

This projector features white noise relaxing sounds like running water or soothing chimes, which can help kids with autism relax and fall asleep more easily. This is a great gift idea for toddlers and adolescents who are struggling with sleep issues.   

Push Bubble Sensory Squeeze Fidget Toys

This squeeze toy is designed to stimulate reasoning strategy, logical thinking, and fine motor skills, and it can be also used as a anxiety and stress relief. 

Customer review: "My son kept asking me to buy more pop-it toys so I got this one because it had the puzzle element added to it. He loves it and is using it not only as a puzzle, but to create different shapes with the pieces which helping him develop skills at the same time. Great value for money too since it serves multiple purposes."  

Qaba Kids Plush Ride-On Rocking Horse

Another great option is the Qaba Kids Plush Ride-On Rocking Horse, which comes shaped like a koala to make it more fun for your little one. It has a plush seat and soft arms for comfort, and it features smooth rocking runners with a safety belt to ensure safety.

This product is suitable for kids aged 18-36 months, and it makes a realistic sound of a koala when squeezing its ear, adding more fun while your kids are playing.  

V-Top Chewy Necklaces

These oral chew toys help autistic children keep from hands, clothes, pencils, erasers, etc. It aids them in handling overload sensory more easily, reducing anxiety symptoms and helping soothe, calm, or focus. V-Top's chewable jewelry is made of 100% natural rubber latex which makes it safe for use by all ages. The unique design allows your child to chew on the toy without choking and it is easy to use, clean, and dry. It can be washed in the dishwasher and its convenient for children to use at school or any other public places.  

Conclusion

Although Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be a difficult period for autistic kids. However, there are many ways, as outlined in this article, that can help them cope better with sensory overload and anxiety. 

Photo credit: Unsplash.