Best Autism Gifts: Calming Tools, Sensory Toys & Seamless Socks

When shopping for someone on the autism spectrum, finding the right gift can be challenging. Some individuals are nonverbal and cannot say what they want while others have sensory sensitivities that make certain textures overwhelming.

Sensory toys, clothes, and gifts that cater to their needs and interests make holiday shopping easier. Find useful tips and the best gift ideas for kids, teens, and adults with autism using the FLAT SOCKS® holiday gift guide.

In This Article

• What makes a good gift for an autistic person?
• Why are FLAT SOCKS the best gifts for autistic children and adults?
• Top 5 Gifts for Kids with Autism
• 5 Gift Ideas for Autistic Teens
• 5 Gifts for Adults with Autism

What is a good gift for an autistic person?

The last thing you want this holiday is to give your loved one a gift that makes them feel ignored or overstimulated. Good gifts for someone with autism complement their specific interests and support their sensitivities by helping them self-regulate.

Many people with autism have special interests like trains or dinosaurs that make gifting easier, but you also must consider their sensory triggers. For example, they might get anxious around noisy toys or feel irritated wearing anything other than seamless socks.

Sensory gifts like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory-friendly clothing help kids and adults self-regulate, finding comfort and control in overwhelming situations.

What makes FLAT SOCKS the best gifts for autistic children and adults?

Clothes with annoying, itchy materials and seams often cause stress and discomfort for people on the spectrum. Someone with heightened sensitivities is more likely to feel overwhelmed wearing socks since feet are one of the most sensitive areas of the body.

FLAT SOCKS are sensory friendly socks for kids and adults that help them stay comfy and focused so they can avoid sensory overload. These sensory-safe stocking stuffers are the best gifts for someone with autism thanks to features like:

• Completely seamless fit eliminates the feeling of bumpy, itchy seams.
• Non-slip bottom stays in place so there’s no bunching up.
• Soft, cushy feel provides cozy all-day wear.
• Moisture-wicking and odor control tech reduces sweat and stink.
• Machine washable design makes them easy to keep clean.

The perfect socks for kids with sensory issues and autistic adults, FLAT SOCKS Kids and FLAT SOCKS come in a variety of colors and patterns. Browse the collection for unique gifts that match their hobbies or interests.

Gifts for Kids & Toddlers

Toddlers and elementary-aged children are just beginning to explore their senses and learn important developmental skills. The following gifts for kids with autism help encourage their development in fun and comfy ways:

1. Weighted Stuffed Animal

A weighted stuffed animal provides deep touch pressure that promotes relaxation in kids and toddlers with sensory issues. This huggable stuffy helps them stay calm at home, school, or while traveling.

2. Sensory Toys & Bins

Sensory play helps kids explore different sensations and builds their confidence. Stress balls, kinetic sand, and fidget toys make excellent gifts for sensory seekers and avoiders. For hours of play, consider shopping for sensory bins or kits.

3. Sensory Friendly Socks

Make morning routines easier with FLAT SOCKS seamless socks for kids. Put an end to sock tantrums with this no-sock solution and choose from patterns like dinosaurs, Outerspace, rainbows and splatter paint.

4. Star Projector Night Light

Toys that are visually engaging and offer slow, repetitive patterns also create feelings of comfort and calm. A star projector is a calming night light that helps kids sleep soundly.

5. Doorway Swing

Gifts centered around movement help improve body awareness and manage overstimulation. A doorway swing gives children the opportunity to move, especially when they’re stuck indoors in the winter.

Gifts for Teens

As kids grow into their teen years, they start to develop more specific interests. With this in mind, consider the following gift ideas for a teenager with autism:

1. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Teens who are on the spectrum may find loud noises particularly disrupting. Noise cancelling headphones give them control of the situation and help them remain focused.

2. Socks for Sockless Shoes

Sockless shoes are popular for people with sensory issues thanks to their barefoot, slip-on style. The best socks for sockless shoes help them beat the sweat and stink that comes with going sockless so they can still enjoy that sock-free feel.

3. 3D Printed Fidget Toys

Fidget toys satisfy a teen’s tactile sensory needs, and a 3D-printed design has lots of moving parts. There are thousands of patterns available, making it easy to find toys for their specific interests including insects, dragons, and more.

4. Hammock Swing

A hammock swing is like an upgraded sensory swing for older kids, teens and even adults. By providing vestibular input, the swing helps ease anxiety with calming pressure that helps reduce sensory seeking behaviors.

5. Smart Speaker

Smart speakers are excellent gifts for autistic teens who are also tech-savvy. These voice-activated devices can help with daily tasks, keep their minds engaged, and provide many different avenues of entertainment.

Gifts for Adults

Many age-appropriate gift ideas for adults with autism have the same qualities as kid’s sensory toys. Choose from hobby related gifts or versatile gift ideas like the ones below:

1. Chunky Knit Blanket

Offering deep pressure and a soft touch, chunky knit blankets are perfect for autistic adults who love to lounge and be comfy. Available in many colors, the thick, soft texture these blankets offer satisfies different sensory needs.

2. Seamless Socks

Looking for comfortable, sensory-friendly clothes for someone on your list? Along with soft loungewear and tagless shirts, seamless socks like highly breathable mesh FLAT SOCKS are great gifts for adults with sensory processing issues.

3. Brain Games

Puzzles and brain games help stimulate cognitive abilities in autistic adults wherever they are on the spectrum. You can shop for word or number puzzles as well as paint-by-number coloring books for adults who love to be creative.

4. Himalayan Salt Lamp

Decorative lights that emit soft, soothing light can be beneficial for adults with sensory needs. A Himalayan salt lamp has a warm, low light that makes it ideal for night and day.

5. Noise Filtering Earplugs

Earplugs that filter out loud or distracting sounds help reduce sensory overload in adults and improve their focus. Specifically made for those who struggle with noise sensitivity, these earplugs allow them to remain engaged without completely blocking their hearing.

Shop FLAT SOCKS Sensory Friendly Socks for Christmas

Sensory toys, calming devices, and clothes like FLAT SOCKS are the best gifts for autistic people of all ages, helping them feel comfortable and engaged so they can enjoy the holiday. Shop all FLAT SOCKS or sign up for emails below and save on holiday deals, clearance, and bundle discounts.

References:

Toys for Autistic Children and Teens. (n.d.). National Autism Resources.