Christmas is a special time of year for every family, but if you have a child with autism, it can be extra challenging. While you want to make the season magical and enjoyable for your little one, you also want to be sure that any gifts you give are appropriate and will not cause undue stress or anxiety.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best Christmas gifts for kids with autism. These gifts are all designed to be fun and safe for kids on the autism spectrum, and we’re confident they’ll love them!
- The first gift on our list is a sensory-friendly stuffed animal. These animals are specifically designed to be gentle and calming for children with autism, and they make great snuggle buddies.
- Another great gift idea is a set of weighted blocks. These blocks can provide deep pressure input which can be very calming and soothing for children with autism.
- If your child enjoys music, then a musical toy or instrument would make a wonderful gift. There are many different types of instruments available, so you can find one that suits your child’s interests and abilities.
- Another great idea is a set of three-dimensional puzzles. These puzzles are perfect for children who enjoy visual challenges, and they can help with fine motor skills and problem-solving ability development.
- Lastly, we have arts and crafts supplies. Many children with autism enjoy being creative, so arts and crafts materials would make a great gift. There are many different types of materials available, so you can find the perfect setting for your child’s interests and abilities.
1. A Set of Sensory Tools
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the perfect Christmas present for a child with autism. However, a set of sensory tools can be a great gift idea that can help the child in many different ways.
Sensory tools can help to calm and focus a child with autism, as well as provide them with a way to express themselves. They can also be used to help the child develop new skills and abilities.
Some great sensory tools that would make an ideal Christmas present for a child with autism include:
- A weighted blanket or lap pad. Weighted blankets and lap pads are often used to help calm and focus children with autism. They provide gentle pressure that can help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of security.
- A set of noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones can be a great way to help a child with autism block out unwanted noise and Stimuli. They can also be used to help the child concentrate on tasks or activities.
- A Chewy Tube or Chewy Necklace. Chewy tubes and necklaces are great for children who need to chew on something to self-soothe or stay calm. They are also a good way for children to release excess energy or boredom.
- A fidget toy or fidget spinner. Fidget toys and spinners are great for children who need something to fiddle with in order to stay calm and focused. They are also a lot of fun and can help the child to develop fine motor skills.
- A Sensory Integration Swing. Sensory swings are great for children who need vestibular input in order to calm down or focus. They can also be used as a form of exercise and gross motor development.
Read also: How To Choose The Right Gifts For Kids With Special Needs
2. A Customized Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are a great way to provide deep-pressure input for kids with autism. They can be used for calming and sensory input and customized to each child’s needs.
The best-weighted blankets for kids with autism are those that are made of high-quality materials and are filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic pellets. They should also be able to be washed easily and be durable enough to withstand regular use.
Some of the best-weighted blankets on the market include the following:
1. The Sensory Owl Weighted Blanket:
This blanket is made of 100% cotton and is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic pellets. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs.
2. The Harkla Weighted Blanket:
This blanket is made of soft, breathable cotton and is filled with non-toxic glass beads. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs.
3. The Gravity-Weighted Blanket:
This blanket is made of 100% cotton and is filled with non-toxic glass beads. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs.
4. The Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket:
This blanket is made of 100% organic cotton and is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic pellets. It is machine washable and comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs.
5. The Napper Weighted Blanket:
This blanket is made of soft, breathable cotton and is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic pellets. It comes in a variety of sizes and weights to suit different needs and can be machine washed for easy care.
3. A personalized Autism Book
A personalized Autism Book is one of the best Christmas gifts for kids with autism. It is a great way to show your child that you are sensitive to their needs and that you care about them.
Personalized books for kids with autism can be found online and in many different stores. You can find them in both English and Spanish. There are also many different types of books available, so you can find one that is perfect for your child.
Some of the best-personalized books for kids with autism include:
1) My Special Book About Me by Tara Mitchell. This book is designed specifically for children with autism. It helps them to learn about themselves and to feel good about who they are.
2) The Magic of Friendship by Marsha Gordon. This book teaches children with autism the importance of friendship and how to make friends.
3) I Can Do It! by Donna Antonucci. This book is designed to help children with autism to build self-confidence and believe in themselves.
4) The Brave Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. This book is a classic story that has been loved by children for generations. It teaches children with autism that they can do anything they set their minds to.
5) Pinky Dinky Doo by Jim Jinkins. This book is a fun and silly book that will make children with autism laugh out loud.
4. Pretend Play Toys
Pretend play is a great way for kids with autism to explore their imagination and work on social skills. Here are five of the best pretend-to-play toys for kids with autism:
- Wooden play kitchen – A wooden play kitchen is a great way for kids with autism to pretend to cook and clean. It also helps them work on fine motor skills.
- Doctor’s kit – A doctor’s kit is a great way for kids with autism to pretend to be a doctor or nurse. It also helps them understand basic concepts about the human body and health.
- Cash register – A cash register is a great way for kids with autism to learn about numbers and counting. It also helps them practice fine motor skills.
- Costume accessories – Costume accessories, such as wigs, glasses, and hats, are an excellent way for kids with autism to dress up and have fun. They can also help them express themselves creatively.
- Building blocks – Building blocks are a great way for kids with autism to explore their creativity and work on fine motor skills.
Read also: Autism And Sensory Issues: The Connection
5. Educational Toys
There are many great educational toys on the market that can help children with autism learn and develop new skills. Here are five of the best Christmas gifts for kids with autism:
- The Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register is a great toy for teaching kids about math and money. It comes with a built-in calculator and 30 different plastic coins and bills.
- The Vtech Touch & Teach Word Book is a great way to help kids learn to read and spell words. It comes with 80 different words and their definitions, as well as over 200 different pictures.
- The Melissa & Doug Wooden Pattern Blocks & Boards Set is a great way to teach kids about shapes, colors, and patterns. It comes with 120 different wooden blocks in six different colors.
- The ThinkFun Rollercoaster Challenge is a great way to teach kids about physics and engineering. It comes with an instruction booklet that explains the physics behind rollercoasters, as well as all the pieces necessary to build your own mini rollercoaster.
- The LEGO DUPLO All-In-One Box of Fun is a great way to teach kids about colors, shapes, and numbers. It comes with a sorting tray, 35 DUPLO blocks in five different colors, and a number sheet with stickers.
Read also: How Can the Therapist Help Autism Children?
What are Autism-Friendly Toys
When it comes to Christmas gifts for kids with autism, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it’s important to find a gift that is both enjoyable and stimulating for the child. Secondly, it’s important to find a gift that is safe for the child to use.
With these things in mind, here are five great Christmas gifts for kids with autism:
A Sensory Toy
Sensory toys are great for kids with autism because they help to stimulate the senses. There are various sensory toys on the market, so you’re sure to find one that your child will enjoy.
A Building Toy
Building toys are another great option for kids with autism. These toys help to encourage problem-solving and fine motor skills. Plus, they’re just plain fun to play with!
A Musical Toy
Musical toys are also great for kids with autism. These toys can help to stimulate the senses and promote creativity. Plus, they’re just plain fun to listen to!
An Educational Toy
Educational toys are a great way to help kids with autism learn new skills. There are various educational toys on the market, so you’re sure to find one that your child will enjoy.
A Safe and Durable Toy
When it comes to choosing a Christmas gift for a child with autism, safety and durability are important considerations. There are a variety of safe and durable toys on the market, so you’re sure to find one that your child will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of great gifts that you can give to children with autism this Christmas. By taking the time to consider their individual needs and interests, you can find a gift that will bring them joy and make this holiday season special.
