Inside: Gift Ideas for your favorite Autistic Teen.
Teens on the spectrum come with many quirks and traits that make them extra great people to buy gifts for. Though it can be like a double-edged sword because it can also make it sort of confusing.
But that is the whole point of gift-giving, to spend time thinking about your friend or loved one and really figure out what it is they most want or need.
These days, autism awareness is getting better, but it still needs improving. You can show the autistic people in your life some extra love through the act of giving them a gift!
If you have very few ideas on what to get them, don’t worry. I’ve made a list of over 27 of the best gifts for an autistic teenager.
If by the end of this article you haven’t found anything that screams (insert name here) then your next step is simple: Ask them.
I know I know, it may go against the code of presents, but it’s the only sure-fire way you’ll pick something out that they’ll love. No shame in your gifting game.
I’m going to break it down into categories so if you have one in mind you know exactly where in this article to go. First, we have Sensory Gifts, then helpful. Next is visual, and last is informational. If you know what of these will suit your teen best, then feel free to skip ahead.
Sensory Gifts
When it comes to gifts for Autistic teens, you can never go wrong with sensory toys. Not only are they fun, but they can act as a stress reliever while in overstimulating situations. Many of these come in sets or packs of multiples so the fun will never run out. Check them out!
1. Epic 35 Piece Fidget Toy Set
4. Calming Water LED Projector
This one is extra cool. It’s a projector that projects the image of water wherever you want it to be. This can be a great night light to help get your teen into a relaxed state of mind. I just might order one of these for myself!
These squishy cats are like the classic stress ball but reimagined for the cat lover. If the teen you have in mind has a love for cats this is a great simple gift to add to their bag
9. Award-Winning Shape-Shifting Box
Helpful Gifts
Being on the spectrum comes with some hardships. Being in new situations, having their routine disrupted, or just simply socializing with people they may not know very well can have large impacts on their brain. It’s up to the people around them to help bring some calm back to their environment and to get them outlets to express their feelings. I feel like when autism is discussed, people are really only talking about how it affects children. But autistic children grow up to be autistic teens and adults. Though they may have had time to learn coping mechanisms that will help them move through life easier, it can still be more challenging than a neurotypical. So this list is full of gifts you can give that can help in those overloading situations. Take a look.
11. Sound Canceling Headphones In Black – Sounds are one of the biggest things that can overwhelm an autistic teen. This can make it really hard for them to go out into public without having an awful time. Getting overstimulated happens to the best of us. These sound-canceling headphones should be a staple for teens on the spectrum who struggle with loud sounds.
15. Blue Compression Vest – Have you ever gotten so overwhelmed that you just want to crawl into a ball or have a 1-hour hug? Well, then you may want to consider getting one of these for yourself too. This compression vest helps apply pressure to your abdomen in a gentle but firm way, which can be very helpful to teens on the spectrum who enjoy this feeling.
17. DBT Workbook For Teens –Â DBT is a workbook that many therapists will use to help people learn how to effectively manage their emotions. This can be especially helpful for teens on the spectrum. As they go through life they can use the tools they learned in this book to help them out when in tough situations.
Visual Gifts
These ones make my heart happy. Of course, the gift that you give highly depends on the teen’s likes and dislikes, as well as their sensory needs. So if they find visual stimulation to be something that brings them joy then this list is for you(and them by proxy).
19. Visual Guide To The Galaxy
21. Sunset Lamp – This one is simple but super pretty. It casts this beautiful orange glow that resembles a sunset. Now you can have that golden hour light at any time of day.
24. Hanging Window Crystals – With these crystals, you hang them on your window sill, and every time the sun shines on them they cast awesome little rainbows all around the room. It’s hard to be stressed in a room of rainbows.
Informational Gifts
More Ideas You & Your Teen Will Love
- 27+ COOL ART SUPPLIES FOR TEENS NEXT BIG PROJECT – Does your teen have a love for creating art? Then you likely know what it’s like to be in their presence when inspiration strikes and they don’t have the supplies; Catastrophe! That artistic inclination should be celebrated and encouraged. One of the best ways to fire this flame is to always have a good supply of art tools on hand, ready for whatever project is in the works. To avoid having to make a surprise trip to Michaels, check out this list we put together of over 27 cool art supplies that are a must-have for your budding artist! After all, it’s better to be prepared. We’ve included the essentials, from pencils to watercolor. Check it out here!
- 47+ FUN THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE WITH TEENS – Nashville is one of the coolest cities to visit with the family. With so many things to do, places to see, and people to meet, planning your trip can be a sort of daunting task. But fear not, I’m here to help! I put together a list of over 47 things you can do with your teens that will make your next trip to Nashville one to remember! Pick out your favorites and add them to your to-do list.
- 37 COOL BLOG IDEAS FOR TEENS {LIFESTYLE + TEEN LIFE} – Is your teen interested in starting a blog of their own? How exciting! Blogging is a wonderful outlet for emotions. It’s basically like a public journal. Journalling has so many awesome benefits from lowering stress levels to creating a better sense of self. There is really no downside to starting a blog at this age. Picking a topic or niche can be the hardest part of this very fun process. I’ve compiled a list of 37 of the COOLEST Blog Ideas for your teens that range from lifestyle to hobbies. There is really something for everyone here so take a look and see if one suits you.
I am Natalie, the eldest sister of two teens. I hope to bring not only a fresh outer perspective but an internal one as well when writing here.