Best Gifts And Toys For Autistic Children
Best Gifts and Toys for Autistic Children
Looking for gift ideas for that special child in your life? If you’re anything like me, you want to make sure each gift matters. I don’t like buying things for the sake of buying things, you know? Sure, it’s exciting to have lots of presents to open, but that can be a bit overwhelming for some kids on the spectrum. It’s better to get them something you know they will use, and that will help them in some way at the same time. After all, Christmas and birthdays are great times to invest in new fun therapy tools, right?! So here are some great gifts and toys for autistic children!
Nope, you don’t have to go to some expensive therapy shop – online or in person. There are some great places to find sensory and developmental toys near your home. Some of my personal favorites:
Dollar Tree – Yep, I said it! Check out my other post on 175+ sensory items from the Dollar Tree!
Five Below – I never knew what this store was until last year! It’s AWESOME!!! I have found hopper balls, pod swings, mini skateboards, and countless other impressive items there for $5 or less!!)
Walmart – Recently, they have really hopped on the sensory bandwagon. You can find mini trampolines, bean bag chairs, and tons of sensory toys here. They also have a great variety of developmental toys, like Leap Frog, V-Tech, and Fisher Price. Check the baby/toddler aisle of the toy section, and there are some pretty cool new finds!)
Amazon – You’re already on your computer or smart phone, so why not shop online? Amazon Prime has free 2 day delivery, and they don’t mess around!
What to consider when shopping for toys for autistic children
Don’t just go out and buy something that is popular. When you’re looking for toys for autistic children, there are a few things to consider. First, think about their special interests. If they have an obsession, there is no harm in purchasing a gift in that genre.
Otherwise, think about their specific needs. If the child is non-verbal, you may want to splurge on a speech therapy tool. If they are a sensory seeker, look for items that will provide a lot of sensory input. Children who also have ADHD or anxiety always benefit from fidget toys and calming tools.
If you don’t know the particular needs – say you’re looking for a gift for a friend’s child or a nephew – fidgets and sensory toys are pretty much staples! Or you could always go with an autism subscription box designed specifically for kids on the spectrum!
This post contains affiliate links, which simply means that I may receive a small commission from any purchases you make through my links, at no additional cost to you.
Developmental toys for autistic children
Lacing beads
Telephone
Stacking pegs
Bumpy ball
Interactive game controller
Fisher Price Bright Beats Ball (My little guy has the entire Bright Beats “family” and is OBSESSED with them!!)
Activity cube
Mushroom garden
Music table
Button Art
Rocktopus
Code-a-Pillar
Hedgehog
Muffin Match
Rainbow stacking toy
Shape sorter
Vestibular toys for autistic children
Crash pad
Scooter board
Yogibo
Stepping stones
Balance board
Mini trampoline
Indoor bouncy house
Mini slide
Climber toy
Pod swing
Kids hammock
Tunnels
Sitting wedge
Wiggle cushion
Speech therapy gifts
Toobaloo
Echo microphone
Spingo
Tiny Talker
Communication boards
First word board books
Speech tablet
Smart Talk
Hot Dots
Leapfrog First 100 Words
Mirrors
Mr. Potato Head
Fidget toys for autistic children
Monkey noodles
Tangle
Flippy chain
Snake fidget
Senso-band
Rainbow ball
Peas in a pod
Color changing sequins
Mochi squishies
Swirly bands
Small Sensory toys for autistic children
Squigz
Sensory balls
Zuru hamster (My boys hold these vibrating pets in their hands for sensory input)
Play Doh
Smooshies
Water timer
Hexbug Nano
Stretch balls
Calming gifts and toys for autistic children
Jellyfish lamp
Lava lamp
Essential oil diffuser
Wave projector
Vibrating plush
Oral sensory gifts
Blocks chew necklace
Recorder
Chew tubes
Bite bands
“Oreo” necklace
Munchable bead chain
Mint chewy
Chewable pencil topper
Tough Bar
Vibrating strawberry teether
Harmonica
Chewy bracelet
Giving the perfect gift
Not every kids needs the hottest new trend. When buying toys for autistic children, keep their developmental and sensory needs in mind, and look for a gift that will benefit them as well as excite them. Don’t be discouraged if you are still purchasing gifts well below your child’s target age – as frustrating as it can be, remind yourself that your child will enjoy it, and that is what matters most. I still purchase a LOT of 6-12 month old toys for my 3 year old, but his face lights up, and they get the most use. Focusing on meeting one of their needs is the goal when picking out the perfect gift. Where are your favorite places to shop for kids on the spectrum? Let me know in the comments!