When buying gifts for autistic teenagers, it’s essential to take their unique interests and developmental needs into account. The best gifts combine these traits in ways that are engaging, creative, and useful.
The Autism Puzzle Piece Watch Band is an eye-catching and one-of-a–kind gift, perfect for celebrating neurodiversity pride. Sensory Sox offer compression hugs for sensory input while simultaneously developing motor planning skills in children and teens.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones make an excellent gift for an autistic teenager as it helps them focus, relax, and block out sensory stimuli. In addition, it’s useful for listening to audiobooks, music, podcasts and audiobooks. With their built-in microphone and remote for volume/track changes; lightweight design; excellent sound quality and comfortable wear over long periods; adjustable headband/ear cups which fit kids up to age 12, plus soft padding on their headband that makes wearing over ears effortless – these are highly regarded among parents whose children with sensory issues or autism spectrum disorder claim these headphones become part of daily routine use for them – parents report this is often reported as part of this gift for autistic teenagers or autistic teens!
Weighted blankets are an ideal way to help autistic teenagers manage anxiety and stress. Their deep pressure helps them relax and feel secure, as well as decreasing their heart rate. There is an array of sizes and colors to choose from; make sure it covers their entire body but isn’t so large it becomes bulky or uncomfortable.
Slime is an engaging sensory tool for teens. DIY kits or pre-made sets with all of the ingredients can be purchased. If you prefer supporting local businesses, kits are available at Adventures in Toys in Birmingham and Toyolgy Toys stores in Royal Oak, West Bloomfield or Bloomfield Hills.
If your teen enjoys drawing, a portable drawing board and pencils or an art case are great gift options to keep supplies close at hand. In addition, purchasing a camera or video creation kit may allow them to capture life more vividly than ever.
Squishmallows
If your autistic teenager enjoys collecting plushies, Squishmallows might make an excellent addition to their collection. This popular soft stuffed animal line comes in various shapes, sizes and characters–some featuring sequin-covered bellies or different textures to appeal to sensory seekers. Beyond traditional animal designs like cats and dogs, the company also creates special editions in collaboration with brands, franchises or charitable initiatives for added fun!
Squishmallows have quickly become one of the hottest toys on the market thanks to a number of key elements, including their low price point and wide variety. Gen Zers are particularly fond of collecting Squishmallows because each toy comes with an identification tag featuring short personality descriptions and character names that creates an immediate bond between collector and toy. People often collect several at a time; some even post about their collection online via social media such as an account at University of Alabama-Huntsville that displays hundreds of Squishmallows alongside meetup groups that allow students to connect both online or physically with fellow students online or offline.
Squishmallows’ success can also be attributed to their inclusion of non-binary characters. Bobby the Bunny, one of their first non-binary characters who uses they/them pronouns and debuted last year, has since been joined by more non-binary figures; Kellytoy’s senior vice president noted that they remain committed to including non-binary representation while respectfully portraying LGBTQ+ identities within their products.
Star Light Galaxy Projector
All autistic teens have something they are passionate about – be it dinosaurs, trains, music or Legos. Giving gifts that encourage creativity, socialization and sensory exploration will help them flourish and may include purchasing a Star Light Galaxy Projector; its projection of stars against a darkened sky creates an immersive experience they will love! Galaxy projectors feature both remote control and voice activation capabilities; plus come in various colors!
Bouncy trampolines make excellent gifts for teens seeking proprioceptive/vestibular sensory input, helping them feel centered and relaxed after jumping, as well as improving motor planning and balance skills. Artists may appreciate an XP-PEN Artist13.3 Pro 13.3, giving them full control to design artwork without constraints.
Magnetic levitation moon lamps can also make for great gifts for autistic teenagers who love space or want something relaxing in their room. It makes an excellent option.
Pinch Me therapy dough, made especially to address special needs and featuring a more dense texture to provide sensory input that feels soothing, is a good choice for autistic teenagers. This therapeutic material offers strengthening hands, decreasing anxiety and providing sensory input that’s relaxing.
Jewelry boxes with puzzle piece ribbon designs are a lovely and meaningful way to show your support for autism communities, while simultaneously giving your teen the chance to express themselves and make a statement about who they are.
Bubble Lamps
When purchasing gifts for autistic teenagers, we want to give something that they will use daily – toys that provide sensory input or assist with task completion will do just fine; furthermore they’ll keep them entertained for hours on end!
SensoryMoon’s Bubble Tube Lamp is an incredible sensory gift to help your loved ones relax before bed. With its soothing motor hum, vibrant LED lighting and bobbing tropical fish lulling them to sleep for years to come – this sensory gift provides a fantastic alternative to fidget spinners which tend to become short-term trends without offering real benefits to those using them!
Patterned fluorescent light filters make a thoughtful gift for autistic teens that will help them remain calm. Attaching directly to standard ceiling fluorescent fixtures, these light filters reduce glare, flickering and create a more soothing work environment – helping autistic individuals focus on homework or work without becoming distracted by bright lights in classrooms and offices.
Playable Art’s Kinetic Sand offers children an enjoyable way to mold and shape sand while honing fine motor skills. Available in multiple colors, your loved one is sure to find one that best reflects them and their interests.
Goliath Game’s WordSearch by Goliath Game offers an engaging way for autistic teens to test their mental capabilities. This hidden word puzzle transforms an independent activity into an engaging group activity that’s easy to transport on the go.
WordSearch by Goliath Game
If your teenager enjoys word games, this would make an excellent present idea. A novel take on classic hidden word puzzles allows them to build vocabulary, spelling skills and more while competing against friends and family in an enjoyable competition.
Gifting autistic teens and kids a sensory outlet is often beneficial, such as this mesmerizing bubble lamp that creates a soothing visual experience can help reduce anxiety. Other sensory tools that may help include stress-relief toys like fidget cubes or tactile items. Drawing sets, modeling clay sets or coloring books could all provide creative outlets. Finally, tablets or smartphones with autism-friendly apps could offer learning, communication and self-expression opportunities as well.
Star Light Galaxy Projector can provide soothing sensory input, making a relaxing environment in any dark room. Furthermore, pop tubes provide pleasing proprioceptive input; these items are inexpensive and come in different shapes, characters, and colors to meet every teen’s visual stimulation needs.
Libby Scott and J. D. Kraus are two excellent books written from an autism perspective that may interest your teen reader, such as Can You See Me? and The Aspie Teen Survival Guide; both come highly recommended from autistic communities worldwide and cover topics ranging from bullying to dating. Another suggestion might be Rudy Simone’s Asperger’s on the Job, another insightful book with practical information for working professionals living with Aspergers syndrome.