By Tiffany Joseph, Bened Life Neurodiversity and Disability Consultant
Here’s a comprehensive holiday gift guide for kids ages 12 and younger with sensory processing differences, including gifts for Autistic kids. It is curated based on safety considerations, sensory needs, fun, and expert recommendations, and my own experience as an Autistic person, parent, educator, and elementary school employee.
This guide is designed to help loved ones, families, caregivers, and therapists choose fun, functional gifts for Autistic children and those with other sensory sensitivities. My hope is that this will be the go-to resource for caregivers, educators, and therapists looking for informed suggestions.
Prices and links are included where applicable. Sensory products can be found at places like the TikTok shop, Amazon, and small businesses like Fun and Function, Therapy Shoppe, Adaptive Tech Solutions, or National Autism Resources.
Why a sensory toy gift guide?
I know from experience that sensory toys really help children with sensory extremes, whether they are under- or oversensitive. And I also know that choosing gifts can be rewarding but very challenging.
Let’s face it, Autistic kids don’t necessarily play in ways that are expected, which is fine. But it also makes finding the perfect gifts difficult. Choosing a gift that matches the child’s sensory needs can be rewarding for them and for you.
Sensory needs can involve movement, touch, sound, body pressure, balance, and more. The right sensory gifts can provide for sensory regulation, exploration, connection, stimulation, and growth.
You should also carefully consider safety precautions when shopping for children with sensory imbalances. They often put things in their mouth, climb, jump, and touch everything they can, in order to fulfill those sensory needs.
Some safety considerations:
- Make sure all items are non-toxic, especially anything liquid
- Ensure toys are durable and don’t have small pieces, to avoid choking risks
- Get toys designed for chewing and durability if the child puts things in their mouth
- Always check age and safety recommendations on the product
Gifts for movement and proprioceptive needs
Because many Autistic kids crave movement like spinning and jumping as well as deep pressure to feel their bodies in space, it’s imperative to feed these urges with the correct types of toys and tools.
- Spinning seats and tilted spin seats: Perfect for vestibular input, and boosting balance and body awareness.
- Price: $60-150: Link: Spinning Chair
- These are great for spinning fun
- Sensory/ Fidget Spinners: Great for calming the brain or body that feels the need to spin around or watch something spinning. Some may also make a nice calming sound.
- Price: $5-30: Link: Sensory Spinner
- Get something plastic over metal for smaller kids
- Adaptive Swings: You can find all kinds of swings, including some that spin as well as swing in the typical directions. They can be mounted in ceilings or under decks. I personally have a swing stand that goes indoor and outdoors and holds up to 400 lbs for larger children.
- Price: $30-500: Link: Pod Sensory Swing
- There are dozens of different types of swings
- Balance Balls and Discs: There are many types of these that are helpful for balancing, sitting, and playing on. They may have bumps or spikes for tactile sensory needs at the same time. They are various sizes and shapes. Some are made to sit on, some are made to play with as well.
- Price: $25-60: Link: Balance Standing Discs
- Great for physical stimulation as well gross motor skills.
- Vibration Plates or Mats: A small vibrating platform can help with vestibular stimulation and muscle relaxation, and feeling one's body in space better.
- Price: $60–$100 Amazon: Vibration Plate
- Safe for older children under supervision.
- Rocking: Rocking is a common need in those with sensory differences. The constant moving gets energy out and helps kids feel their bodies in space.
- Price: $60–$100 Link: Ready Rocker
- Turn any chair, bed, or wall into a rocking seat instantly
Gifts for the sensory feeling of coziness
Providing for kids who need constant pressure is tough. Many kids do not get this need met during the day. It’s easy to see, too. These kids may ask for hugs all day long, bump into walls or their siblings or peers, or get underneath tables and playground equipment when others are sitting and playing.
Weighted gifts
- Weighted Stuffed Animal: These plush toys offer deep pressure and comfort, helping with grounding and calming. As a safety warning, don’t get a weight too heavy for a child’s own weight. That can pose a suffocation hazard.
- Price: $25–$40 Link: Weighted Stuffed Animal
- Great for sleep, quiet time, or as a portable comfort item.
- Weighted Blankets: These are helpful for older children and can be used for sleep or relaxation.
- Price: $40–$80 Link: Weighted Blanket
- Always choose the correct weight for the child based on their own body weight
- Weighted Vests and Jackets: These provide weight and pressure that many kids need to feel their own bodies in space. The main rule is never to wear a weighted item whether it's a jacket or weighted clothing for more than an hour at a time before a long break. It will lose its “potency” after a while because the child will increase their strength over time too.
- Price: $70-175: Link: Weighted Coats and Robes
- Weighted coats and outerwear are sometimes more convenient because you can throw it on the outside of everything else, without needing the access a vest would require.
- Yuck-E Sensory Medicine Balls: Yuck-E balls stand out because not only are they weighted, but they are also bumpy and soothing to rub arms, hands, and feet on.
- Price: $15-120: Link: Yuck-E Weighted Sensory Balls
- Don’t get too heavy of a weight for the child.
Sensory socks, sleeves, or covers
- Compression body socks: These provide proprioceptive input and physical feedback and pushback that kids need. They can be worn during play or rest.
- Price: $15–$25 Link: Sensory Body Socks
- Comes in various sizes and colors.
Gifts for tactile sensory relief
Tactile stimulation is important for sensory regulation. These gifts accommodate a range of touch preferences, from soft and velvety to crunchy and bumpy.
Slime, putty, and sand
These materials are popular for their tactile variety and creativity, and can make great toys for Autistic kids and anyone else who needs tactile stimulation.
- Price: $10–$25 Link: Sensory Slime Kits
- Always make sure it says “non-toxic and washable” to ensure safety.
Fidget board, pop toys, and picking toys
- Fidget Boards: Boards with zippers, buttons, and textures satisfy tactile and visual needs.
- Price: $30–$45 Link: Fidget Busy Board
- Great for school or travel, and extremely customizable.
- Don’t get the ones with different types of locks on them. The child might be a runner or eloper; no need to give them practice opening locks to escape.
- Pop-Its and Dimpl Toys: These simple, poppable toys are engaging and calming for restless hands.
- Price: $5–$15 Link: Dimpl/ Pop-It toys
- Available in various shapes and sizes.
- Picking Toys: These are great for kids who have a habit of picking at their skin or sores. Just make sure there are no small pieces leftover.
- Price: $25-50: Link: Skin Pickers Sensory Kit
- Incorporates items with pulling motions which is what skin pickers usually crave
Sensory mats and exploration sets
- Sensory Mats: Large mats with multi-textured bumpy, ridged, and velvety surfaces encourage tactile exploration.
- Price: $40–$50 Link: Sensory Mat
- Ideal for floor play, sensory gyms, sensory rooms, or quiet corners.
- Sand or Water Play Tables: Large, safe tables allow for exploration of sand or water without mess.
- Price: $40–$70 Link: Sensory and Water Table
- Excellent for sensory play and development.
Gifts for sound sensitivity and seeking
Auditory needs differ greatly. Some children benefit from noise reduction, while others enjoy sensory input from music or sound toys.
Sound-reduction items
- Kids’ Earplugs: These items help reduce overwhelming sounds and may be an alternative for kids who don’t prefer headphones
- Price: $30–$60 Link: Loop Earplugs for Kids
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily use.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These are great for reducing sound. The slight pressure on the ears may also be additional sensory comfort.
- Price: $25-70 Link: Headphone Ear Protection for Kids
- Some kids might not like these at first. For them, it’s important to get acclimated slowly and practice more and more minutes. Try different sets if one doesn’t work. And make sure they know the headphones will help sounds not hurt their ears as much.
Sound-producing toys that aren’t hard on caregivers
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Rainmaker or maracas: These types of sensory toys provide gentle, predictable sounds and visual effects. They actually sound like rain!
- Price: $10–$20 Link: Rainmaker
- Great for calming or sensory play.
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LED light-up music boxes: These items combine visual and auditory stimulation.
- Price: $15–$30 Link: Sea Dreams Aquarium Light and Sound Toy
- Fun for playrooms, sensory breaks, or bedtime.
- Use caution for those with seizures from lights.
Gifts for chewing and oral sensory needs
For children who chew or mouth objects, specialized chew toys and oral exploratory items are essential for safety and comfort. It’s important to make sure the chewing texture is something preferred or craved. Some people try to replace chewing on T-shirt sleeves and neck collars by using a hard or crunchy chew tool. However, if the child really likes the texture of the fabric, then a fabric chew would be the closest replacement for what that texture provides the child.
- Chewable Necklaces, Bracelets, or Straps: These are made from food-grade silicone and are safe for chewing. Be sure to get the correct “hardness” for the child. Some kids bite very hard and are very rough on their chew items. Always inspect the toy before every use for signs of wear or breakage, and remind any other adult that may be with them to be mindful each time.
- Price: $10–$20 Link: Chewable Jewelry
- Available in various shapes, textures and hardness.
- Chewable Fabric Shirt Collars: Designed for safe oral exploration, these shirts are made from soft, chewable materials.
- Price: $25–$40 Link: Breakaway Chewable Shirt Collars
- Comfortable and easy to clean.
- Look for safe options that break away so that they don’t pose a strangulation risk.
- Chewable Fabric Wristbands: Similar to shirt collars, but for kids that chew on their long sleeve shirts at the wrist
- Price: $10-30: Link: Chewy Wristbands
- Inspect before each use.
Gifts for visual and light sensory needs
Some children seek or need specific visual stimulation, such as lights, colors, and movement. Projectors and light-up toys may be a big hit with them.
- Starlight Projector or Night Light: These create calming, moving patterns and help with visual regulation.
- Price: $15–$30 Link: Starlight Projector
- Great for bedtime, quiet time, or whenever you need a calming scene.
- Ensure they only have non-toxic, safe ingredients.
- LED Fidget Spinner or Cube: These toys combine tactile and visual stimulation.
- Price: $10–$20 Link: LED Fidget Spinner
- Portable and engaging
- LED Light-Up Toys: Some of these items may combine visual and auditory stimulation.
- Price: $15–$30 Link: Light-Up Ball
- Fun for playrooms, sensory breaks, or bedtime.
Bonus sensory gift ideas
- Sensory and motor-friendly jacket: Puts a lot of sensory features together in one.
- Price: $30–90: Link: Sensory and accessible clothing
- These are made specifically for those with fine-motor skills disabilities by closing easily by magnet.
- They feature strong quality fabric with no seams, and a sound- and light-reducing hood for sensory-sensitive kids
- Available in many sizes and colors
- Large Soft Fabric Turn Fidget: Great for motor skills development and visual stimming at the same time
- Price: $20-50: Link: Tactile Turn Fidget
- Soft and large so no worrying about choking or hitting someone
- Aromatherapy Rollers: Safe, low-concentration essential oils can provide calming scents.
- Price: $10–$20 Link: Aromatherapy Roller
- Always check for non-toxic ingredients, and see how the child reacts to a small sniff first to see if they like it.
- Not for kids under 2 yrs old
- External use only
Final thoughts for choosing sensory gifts
Sensory gifts can make a lasting, positive impact on a child’s comfort, development, and quality of life. The key is that they should be chosen carefully.
- Consider the child’s specific sensory profile and preferences. If you don't know, definitely ask their caregivers
- Safety is paramount. Avoid small parts, choking hazards, and toxic materials.
- Always supervise usage or tell the adults in the household, especially with chew toys or liquid-based items.
- When unsure about a gift, consulting with therapists or the child’s care team may yield some specific answers.
About the author
Tiffany "TJ" Joseph is an Autistic adult working in accessible education with teen and young adult Autistic non-speakers. TJ is also the mother of three Neurodivergent children. She herself is Hard of Hearing and utilizes many ways to communicate including ASL, mouth words, and high-tech AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Their passion in the disability space is communication and education rights for people of all disabilities. Find TJ on social media at Nigh Functioning Autism.
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