Finding the right gift for children with autism can sometimes be tricky. They may have sensory issues, or they might not understand what you’re trying to say.
But don’t worry! We’ve got some great ideas that will help make your shopping experience a little easier this year. Whether it’s something practical like a new sensory toy or something more personal like a special book, these gifts are sure to put smiles on their faces and bring joy into their lives.
Autism Gift Ideas For Kids With Sensory Issues
Sensory toys are a wonderful way of helping kids with autism learn about different textures and shapes. These toys also allow them to explore their environment in ways that they wouldn’t normally do. Many of these toys are designed to stimulate all five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Some examples include:
- Sensory balls – These are fun toys that contain small objects inside. The child is able to roll the ball around by shaking it up and down. This helps develop coordination and fine motor skills.
- Chewing necklaces - These items can help children with autism calm down during a meltdown or generally reduce anxiety and stress.
- Fidget toys - Fidget toys are a great way to keep kids busy when they need to focus. They can help improve attention span and concentration.
- Play dough - Play dough is another great sensory toy that allows children to use their hands to manipulate the material. It also provides an opportunity to practice fine motor skills.
Other sensory items that can make great gifts for children with autism are sensory swings, squeeze balls, or liquid timers.
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You can also consider items that help increase attention, focus, memory, and problem-solving. Examples include:
- Puzzles - Puzzles are a great way to teach children how to pay more attention to details, improve memory and visual-spatial thinking.
- Memory games - Memory games are perfect for exercising memory and boosting attention.
- Brain teasers - Brain teasers are great for improving logical thinking and reasoning skills.
8 Christmas Gifts for Children with Autism
1. Zimpli Kids SnoBall Multi-Sensory Play
Sensory play is one of the most important things for children with autism. It teaches them about the world around them and gives them opportunities to interact with others. The SnoBall allows kids to have fun both indoor and outdoor fun by creating artificial snow. Whether used for decoration, sensory play, or SnoBall fights, this is a wonderful Christmas present for children with autism.
2. Taco vs. Burrito Strategic Card Game
Suitable for kids aged seven years and up, this card game is a good way to exercise attention, focus, and problem-solving skills. It's also a fun game to play with the family, strengthen bonds, and foster communication.
3. 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.
4. Fidget Toys
It might sound unbelievable, but a fidget spinner is a great toy for children with ADD and ADHD. Kids focus more by keeping their hands busy while concentrating on other tasks. Fidget spinners are enjoyable for many children due to the smooth and fast rotation, plus it's quiet and compact. They come in many visually stimulating designs that can be sensory and appealing to what your child loves. If fidget spinners are not your child's thing, there are many other fidget toys for keeping hands occupied, like a ball of yarn to stretch toys.
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5. Coogam Wooden Hexagon Puzzle
An educational gift that will keep kids busy and boost their imagination and creativity. Made with non-toxic paint, it ensures safe play.
6. Jnater Shark Tooth Chew Necklace
This product is 100% safe and non-toxic, made from 100% certified food-grade silicone, with no taste or odor, BPA free, and without PVC or cadmium. It is suitable for all ages and is ideal for children with autism, ADD/ADHD, OCD, anxiety, aggression, and sensory issues. Jnater's shark tooth chew necklaces are available in different sizes and colors. These colorful pieces are great for children who love sharks and animals.
The shark tooth design chewing necklace is easy to grab, provides different oral motor inputs, and reduces anxiety. Also, it is made from tear-resistant silicone designed specifically for mild to moderate chewers.
7. Baby Touch and Feel Merry Christmas Board Book
This charming board book for babies is an ideal gift that helps develop fine motor skills and build an early language foundation.
8. Rock Painting Kit for Kids
If you want to make a gift that sparks creativity, this is the one for you. The rock painting kit makes for a great craft gift that will help kids express themselves through art. With the right materials, they'll be able to create beautiful masterpieces.
Choosing Christmas presents for children with autism is challenging, but hopefully, the ideas presented in this article will make the journey easier for you.
Photo credit: Unsplash.