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Gift Ideas for People in the Autism Community

Aide Canada
Are you shopping for a loved one in the autism and/or intellectual disability community. Our self-advocate and parent staff members put their heads together to make this list of gift ideas that might be just what you are looking for.

 

Gift ideas for autistic people

Gift ideas for autistic people
  • Wobble cushions or textured steps – These are great for sensory seekers who have a lot of energy.
  • Hammocks and Rockers – These toys are great for people who are soothed by a rocking motion.
  • Big block sets for kids – Many children with an autism diagnosis enjoy stacking and organizing items by colour and shape, and big blocks are easy to clean.
  • Textured toys and fidgets – These cool toys have different textures which are great for people who are sensory seeking.
  • Infinity Cube – This cube is a great tool for those with busy hands.
  • Weighted lap pads – These can provide extra pressure to those who find it calming.
  • Burrito Blanket – Cozy, wrap-around blanket. Soft fabrics are what make this blanket so popular.
  • Noise Cancelling headsets – Many neurodivergent people have sound sensitivity. Noise cancelling headsets are great in crowded settings or when trying to sleep.
  • Bluetooth Hat or Headband with earphones – These warm hats or headbands keep you motivated to with your own music. They are a great alternative for those who do not like in-ear or over-ear headphones
  • Tents – Great for people who want to feel safe in a space with lower visual stimulation.
  • Light Strip Kit – These kits completely change the feel of a room and can be placed just about anywhere in the room. Great for folks with light sensitivities.
  • Neck reading light – This wearable light offers an alternative to typical reading lights where the shape and angle are adjustable to meet comfort levels. Great for folks with sensitivities to light.
  • Activity wristbands – These devices help monitor activity level and sleep. They can be a very useful tool for encouraging healthy lifestyle activities for all ages!


Books by and for autistic people
Here are some suggestions from the AIDE Canada Library.

  • “My Quiet Place” by Monica Mikai
  • “The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Teens : DBT Tools to Help You Deal with Sensory Sensitivity, Manage Emotional Overwhelm, and Thrive” by Rhiannon Theurer and Megan Anna Neff
  • “The Autistic Guide to Communicating and Connecting : Understanding our Communication Differences and Social Needs” by Niamh Garvey
  • “You gotta eat : Real-life strategies for feeding yourself when cooking feels impossible” by Margaret Eby
  • “How not to fit in: an unapologetic guide to navigating autism and ADHD” by Jess Joy & Charlotte Mia
  • “How to be you : 40 simple hacks to work with your neurodivergent brain, not against it” by Ellie Middleton


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Gifts ideas for parents or caregivers in the autism community

Gifts ideas for parents or caregivers in the autism community
  • Spa gift baskets: so many caregivers forget to take time to care of themselves, spa kits can help motivate some self-care
  • Streaming site gift cards: when their‘me time’ is scattered throughout the day, easy entertainment with the ability to pause is a must.
  • Coffee gift cards: help caregivers take a break and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or coffee


Books about hands-on activities to help children learn and explore through play.
Here are some suggestions from the AIDE Canada Library.

  • "Sensory activities for autism: fun learning games for autism and sensory disorders" by Mary McPhee
  • "Sensory Play for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Easy Projects to Develop Fine Motor Skills, Hand-Eye Coordination, and Early Measurement Concepts" by Casey Patch
  • "Thriving with autism : 90 activities to encourage your child's communication, engagement, and play" by Katie Cook, MED, BCBA

 

Books by autistic authors: insights that may help parents understand their kids better.
Here are some suggestions from the AIDE Canada Library.

  • "Life on the Bridge: Linking my World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist" by Kaelynn Partlow
  • "Hi World, I'm Dad : How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation" by James Guttman
  • "Raising a Whole Child : A family guide to supporting autistic children into adulthood" by Carrie Cariello

 


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Keywords•
Across Canada , Parent Author/Contributor , Self-advocate author or contributor , Sensory Issues , Well-being and life satisfaction ,
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