How to Find the Perfect Gifts for Adults with Autism
Finding the perfect gift for any one individual is tricky because, as we know, everyone is different, and that goes the same for anyone that has autism and/or is on the spectrum.
Some people may lean more towards sensory toys and things to help them when everything gets a bit too…much. While others like to get a gift that reflects their special interests, it’s a common trope that people with autism have a specific hyperfixation on one or two hobbies; and they may really enjoy getting a gift that is directly correlated to that interest. Then there’s those who may want “boring” everyday items like toothpaste, shampoo, gift cards, etc. because it just feels good not to have to go out into the world to get that stuff- (because really who likes shopping for that stuff)?
Today we’re here looking for the perfect gifts for adults with autism, and like we just mentioned above, we first have to talk a bit about the how, where, and when, of acquiring and gifting a gift to someone who is neurodivergent.
✍️ First Things First: Write What You Know ✍️
If you’ve found yourself searching Google and asking, “what do you get for someone with autism?” or “how can I find the perfect gift for an autistic adult?” then we wanna say right off the bat that there’s no “general” gift that fits the bill for everyone. We mentioned it in the intro, but we wanted to reiterate it here. We’re here to talk about someone you know and who they are as their own individual person so we recommend starting with our favorite gift-giving method: writing. Specifically writing about what you know about them.
Take out a piece of paper, or bust out your phone’s notes app, and begin to write about the things you know best; what they like, what they dislike, any hyperfixation they might have, any common sensory issues they talks about, what they gravitates towards, and what they do for comfort. You’re essentially taking the time to make a list and write a mini bio on who they are, and with all of this written down you can then begin to research gifts.
Say they are really into a specific piece of media like a book or television series, you can go online to find fan made merchandise of said series. Or if they like to decompress after a long day at work and being with the family, look into getting noise-cancelling headphones that prioritize comfort.
This is a sure-fire way to find a gift that they will love and appreciate instead of just going off of what a random website says to do.
What we also recommend is asking them what they like. We know that surprising someone with a gift can be exciting both for you and the recipient, but a lot of neurodivergent people hate surprises. The last thing they want is to be interrupted with something they didn’t expect/plan for and they know you mean well, but for them they don’t like getting surprised. So before you go all out on setting up something big, make sure you ask them if they enjoy surprises.
An addition to this is to ask them how they feel about getting gifts. We’ve all been in the position of getting a gift from a relative or friend that you aren’t super stoked about. We have to put on a face and say we like it, when really we don’t. And for someone who’s on the spectrum, this can leave a lot more complicated feelings on the matter. We also recommend talking to them and asking them to write their own list of things they want or gifts they are okay with receiving. Sometimes we have to get over ourselves and choose to eliminate the “surprise” element of gift-giving and just ask what they prefer. This can guarantee that all future gifts are ones they will actually enjoy.
PerfectGift Asks: What is a hyperfixation?
In recent years, the language around autism, ADHD, OCD, and neurodivergence in general has gotten a lot more commonplace in our lexicon. You, knowing someone with autism, may be familiar with the phrase “hyperfixation” – but we thought we’d give a quick rundown on what this is just in case you may not be fully aware. (And this might give you more clues on finding the perfect gift).
A hyperfixation is best described as “full absorption” in a task or interest. A complete and utter focus on something the person finds they love doing. For example, someone may be really into planes, and immerse themselves in finding everything they can about planes or a specific type of plane by buying books, watching documentaries, etc. Typically they will absorb this information all in one sitting or as often as they can. This being the hyper in the hyperfixation. For some hyperfixations can be a real detriment to their everyday life, while others find that focusing on one thing or being completely absorbed into their hobby can help the everyday stressors or life. Everyone is different, so having a good baseline on the person and how they feel about their own hyperfixations should they have one is good before potentially buying something related to that interest.
Finding a gift that relates to their hobby is a perfect gift for an autistic adult!
Sensory Gifts That Are Just Right
We know one size doesn’t fit all and that goes the same for sensory toys and products. However through some research we’ve found a few that have been reviewed many times by other neurodivergent people so these may also work out for them.
Proven to help alleviate anxiety and promote better sleep! Image courtesy of: Luna.
People with autism sometimes feel different about touch than neurotypical people do. They may not love it all the time or the “suddenness” of it if they aren’t ready for it. But they will crave the feeling or pressure of what touch gives. A weighted blanket also offers someone that’s overwhelmed or has sensory processing issues deep focus as the pressure of the blanket keeps all of those external senses in rather than out. There’s been a lot of research in recent years on the benefits of a weighted blanket and it’s been said that it improves restless sleep, combats anxiety, and eases pain. If this sounds like something that would help then Luna is the place to go as they have their award-winning Luna Luxe Cotton Weighted Blanket available at multiple different price points depending on what weight/size you select:
15LBS Full is on sale for $74.99 (normally priced at $99.99)
15LBS Queen is on sale for $78.74 (normally priced at $104.99)
20LBS Queen is on sale for $82.49 (normally priced at $109.99)
20LBS King is on sale for $119.99
25LBS King is on sale for $129.99
Each blanket comes in a variety of colors and if you are unsure which weight/size is best for you they have a quiz on the store page you can take so you can ensure you’re picking the right one.
Introducing the new and improved “lava” lamp! Image courtesy of: Amazon.
You know when you were a kid and a friend or family member had a lava lamp? Those globs falling down or floating up would entrance you. Well, today it’s been said that these lamps (or similarly built products) are actually really great for a quick sensory break. They are quiet and offer external stimuli all throughout the day. These Liquid Motion Bubbler(s) come in a 3-Pack for $12.88 on Amazon which means they can have one in the office at work, one can stay in the common area in the house, and the other can go on the bedside table. It’s also great as you don’t have to worry about any plugs or it overheating, this is something that just goes on its own.
A silent project they can take anywhere! Image courtesy of: Wobbles.
If you haven’t heard of The Wobbles before then prepare to find your new favorite hobby. Crochet has been becoming more and more popular in recent years, and in part thanks to The Wobbles. They have created Crochet Amigurumi Kits which are small kits that come with everything you need to make a small crocheted creation. Beginner kits come with step-by-step videos and a pre-started piece so you can understand what you are making.
A fidget toy that we actually like (and it’s quiet too). Image courtesy of: Amazon.
There are a lot of fidget toys on the market, and most of them are…meh. Either they’re too loud, too distracting, or not stimulating enough. Sometimes basic is better and that’s why we’ve found that Tom's Fidgets Original Flippy Chain Fidget Toy for $6.99 on Amazon is the number one choice amongst those looking for a fidget toy that’s “just right” ala Goldilocks style. It’s small too so you can take it anywhere and is perfect for a mindless fidget toy.
These headphones are comfortable enough to be worn 24/7. Image courtesy of: Bose.
Headphones, while great, can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, especially when worn for long periods of time. But Bose, the famed headphone and speaker company, have the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $429.00. They are by-far one of the best over the head headphones out on the market. They’re light, but snug, and it doesn’t cause headaches if you need to have them on for more than a few hours.
Games, Puzzles, and Kits
Everyone loves a good time-suck, especially when it’s to do with something creative or intellectually-stimulating. There are many board games, puzzles, and art & science kits out there that would make for a perfect gift for anyone with autism. Obviously if they have a special interest in a genre of game or puzzle then start researching those, but if nothing particular comes to mind, here are a few we liked that they might too:
The game you can lose hours to happily. Image courtesy of: CATAN.
Catan is a fan-favorite amongst board game aficionados for being both fun and gripping. It has been a best-seller for many years and for good reason too, it’s all about building and managing settlements that later will transform into cities all the while bargaining for supplies and tools for future infrastructure leading to the goal of being the one to master Catan. It’s a great game to play and perfect to get lost in, especially for all of our neurodivergent friends out there. The CATAN® Board Game (Base Game): 6th Edition is $49.99. (And if you get really into the game there are multiple expansions much to the delight of players).
Get a puzzle of something she loves. Image courtesy of: Amazon.
Jigsaw puzzles are a classic gift that you almost can’t go wrong with. There are a million puzzles out there of course so picking one that pertains to their interests is the goal here. But if you want one that she might like based off of what she might find aesthetically pleasing then this 500 Piece Puzzle from Amazon for $9.99 is a great pick. A beautiful bird and flowers will meet the creator as they put the pieces together.
Build this kit and have it displayed in the home! Image courtesy of: exploratorium.
There are so many art and science kits out there, if she has a special interest in a specific branch of science or art form then you’ll know what to look for. But if you want something that can work that is tailored to a wider science fan then this Marble Run Spiral Hoist Model Kit from the exploratorium store for $58.99 is a great start. There’s 266 parts to this puzzle and it requires no glue or tools. She can build this and then watch the marbles run down the tracks she made.
Finding the perfect gift for adults with autism can be tricky, as is finding a gift for anyone, but as long as you keep an open line of communication going then she’s sure to enjoy any of the gifts you get them.
