Some people are really struggling to give the right gift to a non-speaking autistic relative or friend. I put together a list of items that I have liked over the years. Some items I have outgrown like Buzz Lightyear. Some are learning gifts, many more are mainly individual activities and a few are sports equipment. A good gift is something I can do on my own like trains (when younger), a scooter or a boom box. Practical gifts are good but it has to be special. A team shirt is better than a plain one. I would like new University of Illinois and University of Minnesota shirts.
Unwrapping gifts is fun if there are not many presents. When I sit too long opening presents, I get nervous and I run away to my room. This year I plan to use my butterfly chair and a weighted blanket when I open presents because it feels like a hug which is calming. Putting multiple gifts in one box might help to have fewer to open.
In the list below, I include things that have been fun for me and might guide you. You can also see items on my Recommended Products page:
- Railway Train Set & Table
- Hot Wheels Rooftop Race Garage Playset
- Knitting Board
- TIME For Kids Book of WHY
- 196 Pcs Marble Run Compact Set
- 6-ft Kids Pop Up Play Tunnel Tent
- Poker Set of Two Hands Free Playing Card Holders
- Deluxe Indoor Playground
- Upwords Family Word Game
- Wilson Blue Bullet Racket balls
- Disney Toy Story Buzz Lightyear
- AQUAPLAY Mountain Water Playset
- Magna Tiles Rectangles Expansion Set
Mitchell's Life with Autism 
Thanks, Mitchell! Just ordered Upwords for Noah.
Merry Christmas!
Mary Ellen and Noah
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
This was so helpful Mitchell – thank you for writing it! I have two young autistic sons. Happy Holidays to you!
LikeLike
This is very helpful for anyone wanting to give a gift. Great job!
LikeLike
What a fantastic blog! I’m a mom to a son with autism so it’s great to hear your perspective!!
LikeLike
Great gift ideas, Mitchell. Thank you!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for this blog it is eye opening. I will take your advice on gift giving and gift wrapping.
Thank you and Merry Christmas
LikeLike
I loved reading this! Thank you for sharing your perspective and tips! Merry Christmas!!
LikeLike
Thanks, Mitchell! Great ideas, especially about combining gifts to avoid having too many to open. I bought some card holders for my son and his friends at Community Access Naperville. We’ll try some partner card games this winter!
LikeLike
Thanks for the ideas! My son will love these!
LikeLike
[…] check out the blog I wrote a couple of years ago with gift ideas. Have a Happy […]
LikeLike