Get your pens and paper ready! The Candor team has put together a list of gift ideas for the neurodiverse adult in your life. From auditory and sensory to weighted options, we have created a list we hope you will find helpful in your gift giving this holiday season.
We want to emphasize that this is not an extensive list and won’t cover all the complexities and needs of the neurodiverse community. However, we hope it can give you an idea of where to start, and what we find beneficial in our own lives.
Auditory sensory
We couldn’t make a gift guide without mentioning one of our favourite products, Loop Earplugs. Available in several options to accommodate the needs of anyone on your gift list.
- Quiet earplugs are ideal for sleep and focus.
- Experience – a great option for focus, music, or events.
- Engage earplugs are fantastic for social gatherings, conversations, or parenting.
- Switch combines all three styles into one!
We also have a code for 15% off, should you choose to give these to a friend or family member this season.
Many neurodiverse individuals benefit from white or brown noise to help with concentration and over or under stimulation.
“White noise encompasses sound from the complete spectrum. Brown noise consists of only low frequency sound, giving it more bass-heavy notes.”
–Huffpost
Sound-cancelling headphones or a noise-making machine could make a great gift depending on the individual.
Touch sensory
To make your gift-hunting a bit easier, we have rounded up our top picks for touch sensory (“with ADHD, touch can be a major component of self-regulation, which is the process of managing one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in relation to the demands of the situation” –Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry):
- Fidget Cube by Ansty Labs
- 12 sided fidget cube
- FidgetsByAmelie: Unique Fidgets for Grown-Ups
- Fidget rings
- Stimagz
- Speks
- Calm Strips
- Reversible sequin pillow
- BubblesXBoutiques
A great way to test out a variety of fidgets is to consider a Fidget Advent Calendar. Plus, it would also make a great gift for your neurodivergent loved ones.
Weighted products
Weighted blankets and other weighted products have significant impact on neurodiverse individuals. According to Healthline, the deep pressure stimulation can help relax the nervous system and can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce depression symptoms. Other items that can have a similar impact include:
- Weighted lap pad
- Weighted pillow
- Weighted stuffed animal (how cute are they?!)
Tech ideas
Here are some gift suggestions for the tech lover in your life:
- Temperature-controlled drinking products such as the Ember Mug and OHOM UI Heating Mug
- Tile Bluetooth trackers or Apple Air Tags
- Shower clock/radio
- Waterproof Notepad
Need a few more? How about these:
- Moon Pod
- Pill organizers
- keychain
- wristlet
- Sticker sheet
- patch set
Fun stickers, pins, patches - Clothing
- Awareness pins/badges
- Incense
- Serenity Roller
- Snacks! Stock up favourites like Smart Sweets, salty treats, chocolate, or crunchy goodies.
As we have previously discussed, this list does not cater to every need of neurodivergent individuals. We hope this list serves as both a guide and as insight into the unique qualities of neurodivergent individuals in your life.
Be sure to come back next week to see our holiday gift guide for neurodiverse kids!
