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As the holiday season envelops us with its festive spirit, it can stir a mix of emotions—some neurodivergent individuals revel in the holiday cheer, while others brace themselves to navigate through it (personally I do a bit of both!). Amidst this season's excitement, we're also faced with overwhelming gift-giving choices. I have ambivalent feelings about the commercialization of the holidays. It is the moments of coziness 🕯️ and the precious time spent with family that I truly value. However, the frenetic pace of holiday shopping often overshadows these simple pleasures. Despite this, the act of giving thoughtful gifts holds a special place in my heart.

So, I've crafted a neurodivergent holiday gift guide. 📔✨ This collection features items from small, neurodivergent-owned businesses, sensory-friendly gifts, insightful books, and perfect finds for ADHDers and Autistic individuals. If you're navigating the overwhelming sea of options, I hope this guide offers some guidance and direction!

Explore the guide right here in this blog post, or conveniently download the PDF here. Inside the guide, you'll discover a variety of thoughtfully curated categories:

• Sensory Soothing Gifts: Find items that provide comfort and sensory satisfaction, perfect for those who seek a calming experience.

• Gifts for Book Lovers: Dive into a selection of books that cater to diverse interests and provide valuable insights.

• Gifts for ADHD Adults: Discover gifts that are particularly suited to meet the needs and preferences of adults with ADHD.

• Gifts for Autistic Adults: Choose from items specifically chosen for their appeal and usefulness to Autistic adults.

Gifts from Neurodivergent Business Owners

I love supporting Neurodivergent-owned businesses. Here are a few neurodivergent-owned shops to support this holiday season! 

• Fidgets by Amelie: Amelia's shop offers beautifully crafted and soothing fidgets. Here is a link to her website, and you can find her Etsy shop here.

• Hooked Asheville: Stephany, a former engineer and mathematician, has a unique crochet jewelry shop where her love for symmetry and patterns shines. Check out her work at Hooked Asheville.

• BubblesXBoutiques: This slime shop, managed by a Neurodivergent 12-year-old, features sparkly slime that's sure to delight ND kids. You can find their creations on Etsy at BubblesXBoutiques.

• LilPenguinStudios: Réka, an Autistic artist, offers a variety of beautiful writings, drawings, and creations, including communication and hidden disability cards. Her shop is available at LilPenguinStudios.

• Neurodivers Betsy, known for her educational content on Instagram, runs an Etsy shop filled with pins, badges, and stickers that celebrate Autistic culture and pride. You can explore her collections at Neurodivers.

• Autistic AF: Autistic AF makes great T-shirts and other Neurodivergent Pride items.

• Retrophiliac: Margaux Wos, an Autistic Canadian artist, creates art and designs to reduce negative stigmas. Their collection includes communication stickers and pins, available at Retrophiliac.

These shops not only offer unique and thoughtful gifts but also empower Neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Supporting them is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer and make a positive impact in the community.

Gifts for Sensory Comfort

If sensory comfort were a love language – it would definitely be mine! Embracing this concept, I've selected some sensory-delightful gifts that are perfect for the ADHD and Autistic people in your life.

• The Moon Pod: My absolute favorite bean bag chair, the Moon Pod — this is my favorite way to experience a sensory release! I love unwinding by laying in it with a weighted blanket, cocooned in comfort while listening to a stimulating song. It's my go-to sensory detox method.

• Gravity Weighted Blanket: A perfect companion to the Moon Pod, the Gravity Blanket enhances my sensory detox routine. Its comforting weight pairs plus soft texture create an enveloping, soothing experience.

• Weighted Lap Pad: For those moments when you need sensory comfort on the go or at work, a weighted lap pad is ideal. Easier to handle than full-sized weighted blankets, it offers just the right amount of pressure to help you focus and stay grounded.

• Juniper Ridge Natural Campfire Incense: This is my top pick for incense. Juniper Ridge's Natural Campfire Incense is a delightful sensory experience, especially for those of us who are sensitive to scents. Its natural, campfire-like aroma is comforting without being overpowering.

• Neff Heather Beanie Hat: If you've caught my podcast on YouTube, you've likely seen this hat! The proprioceptive input it provides is one of my favorite sensory strategies. It's comfortable and just what I need for a bit of sensory regulation.

• Weighted Pillows: As a bonus, these weighted pillows come from a neurodivergent-owned business started by Matt, an ADHDer. They offer a unique blend of comfort and support, perfect for unwinding after a long day or for moments of sensory overload.

 Gifts for Book Lovers

For those who love to lose themselves in the pages of a book, here’s a selection that speaks directly to the neurodivergent experience:

• Self-Care for People with ADHD I love the structure of this book, which is very ADHD-friendly, with lots of short snippets on ways to engage in self-care as an ADHDer.  

• Unmasking Autism Walks through what masked autism looks like.  It provides valuable insights for individuals to safely explore and embrace their authentic selves while also expanding the societal understanding of neurodiversity's vast and varied landscape.

• Is This Autism? An essential guide for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of non-stereotypical autism. Research-baked and accessible. This is my favorite book on autism I've read this year. 

• Your Brain's Not Broken redefines ADHD, highlighting that its unique brain wiring isn't a flaw but a difference. The book addresses the challenges of ADHD, like time management and mood swings, and reframes them as part of a distinct neurological makeup, not deficiencies.

• Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap is a fun, neurotypical satire book if you're looking for a good laugh. 

Gifts for ADHD adults

Finding the perfect gift for adults with ADHD can be a unique challenge. We often appreciate items that cater to our sensory needs, assist in organization, or simply add a bit of fun to our daily routine. Here are some top picks:

• Sequin Pillow Cover Cushion: For those who are tactile seekers, these sequin-covered pillows are not just visually stunning but also incredibly soothing to touch. They're great for creating a calming emotion regulation space, not just for adults but for kids too.

• Smart Coffee Warmer: Ever brewed a cup of tea or coffee and completely forgotten about it? I certainly have, and more times than I'd like to admit! A mug warmer is a game-changer, keeping your drinks warm and saving those forgotten cups from going cold.

• Tile Mate (Bluetooth Tracker): These handy trackers have become a regular gift from my spouse, and I'm definitely getting the hint. They're perfect for keeping tabs on easily misplaced items like keys and wallets.

• Speks Geode Sphere: I'm a big fan of Speks, and this geode sphere is no exception. It's a staple in my sensory kit, and it often becomes everyone's favorite!

• ONO Roller (Adult Fidget Toy): This is another favorite of mine. The ONO Roller is not just a fidget toy; it's a stylish, discreet way to keep your hands occupied and your mind focused.

Gifts for Autistic Adults

Finding the right gifts for Autistic adults can be a thoughtful process. Here are some gift ideas that cater to our sensory delights:

• SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box: This adult fidget toy is one of my personal favorites. The ability to shift and shape into various patterns provides long-lasting engagement and enjoyment.

• Loop Quiet Ear Plugs: Simple yet effective, these earplugs are fantastic for anyone needing a break from auditory overload. They're discreet and comfortable, making them an ideal choice for sensory sensitivity.

• Fantasy Jellyfish Lamp: For those who find visual stimuli soothing, this jellyfish lamp is a mesmerizing option. It creates a calming underwater-like ambiance, perfect for relaxation.

• Moving Sand Art Liquid Motion Bubbler: This flowing sand art picture is another visually engaging gift. It’s fascinating to watch and can be a great source of visual stimulation and relaxation.

• 3D Pin Art: For a tactile and repetitive sensory experience, 3D pin art toys are a great choice. They offer a unique sensation and can be both calming and satisfying to engage with.

Embracing the Season: Your Guide to Thoughtful Gifting

As we delve into this season, filled with its unique blend of joy and challenges, I hope you find some moments of warmth, understanding, and cozy moments we all cherish.

For those who want to keep this guide close at hand, you can download a PDF version here.