It seems like only yesterday I was writing my last autistic gift buying guide. However, once again we are back at the pinnacle of gift buying season – something that, like the timeless decision of whether to stuff your face with pigs in blankets or save room for yule log later, should never be taken lightly, especially when buying a gift for an autistic person.

So, In an effort to help make this year’s gift buying decision that bit easier, today I wanted to talk you through 10 more ideal gifts for autistic people (a list which, though Christmas orientated, can also be applicable to birthdays and other celebrations). Like the year prior, this autistic gift list will contain a mixture of items for people all over the spectrum. So remember, if one item seems way off the mark, stick with me and I’m sure you’ll find something to knock those Christmas socks off.

(Please note: some, but not all, items featured in this list contain affiliate links – this means that, if you do buy anything using those links, there is a chance I will get a small percentage of the purchase. But hey, it is the season of giving after all, and I would NEVER recommend anything I don’t believe in)

1. Headphones or Earphones

One incredible autistic gift idea which will almost certainly be on my Christmas gift list this year (especially after accidentally destroying my last pair last week) is a new set of noise cancelling headphones/earphones.

While I’m sure many of you do not need an introduction into what makes headphones so great for autistic people, I will quickly say that there is no better way to de-stress and escape from the busy world than by putting on a well-designed, comfortable pair of noise-cancelling headphones/earphone. In my experience, I find that Sennheiser noise isolating earphones reign supreme – as their enhanced bass is more than efficient at drowning out any outside noise. However, for someone who wants sound blocking out whether or not they are listening to music, then you’ll want to check out Series 1 of the QuietComfort range by Bose (or Series 2 if you recently won the lottery). Be warned, I usually opt for wired headphones over wireless as, when going cordless, there is always a slight chance of high-pitched feedback.

Understandably, you may find both these ranges a tad too technical, so for those looking for a simple break from the outside world (without also having to break the bank), then I recommend a pair of HearTek earmuffs – something which I haven’t personally tried but have only read good things about, and are a brand which I have no doubt will be well received by younger children/teenagers due to the range of different colours.

2. Invisible I Clothing

Since autistic YouTuber, Katy Gough – aka Invisible I, launched her new range of clothing this year, I’ve endlessly had my expectations blown out of the water with each new line released. Katy’s subtle yet expressive styles always seem to resonate with me (as well as the whole autistic community) and whether it’s a quirky slogan Tee or simple logo jumper (not to mention the awesome holdall she brought out with the last line), her designs are always as versatile and dynamic as the spectrum itself.

Now, in time for Christmas, Katy and the team at Weird Triangle have just put out a plethora of new spectacular seasonal themed designs – perfect for those looking to celebrate their identity in a festive fashion-forward way.

3. Lava Lamp

Through calming lights, soothing sounds and the sweet, sweet smell of nostalgia, lava lamps make incredible gifts for autistic people – especially for those with sensory processing difficulties.

I myself received a lava lamp for Christmas in one of the years before iPhones (if you can imagine a time) and I remember staring at its floaty gooey colours for hours on end – while my new PlayStation gathered dust on a shelf. Although to some, Lava lamps may appear random in nature, they actually often repeat certain patterns with slight alterations and, while I have no proof of this, I do believe that it was my ability to observe such unpredictable shapes, in such a contained environment, that made me love my lava lamp – as it gave me reassurance in a world that can’t be controlled – that or I just REALLY liked the colours.

(Please be careful when giving a lava lamp to a tactile autist, as they can get quite hot!)

4. Weighted Blankets

You may have already heard about the benefits of weighted blankets for autistic people, but have you actually seen the effects first hand? Weighted blankets are the only item you will find on this list which come with years of academic research behind them, all agreeing on one thing: they are great.

In short, what makes weighted blankets so good, is that they move less on a person’s body when they are being used. This is ideal for many autistic people who have sensory processing issues and can become distressed when lighter blankets stroke their skin during sleep. A simple swap from one blanket to the other can help with a much better night’s sleep – something which leads to less stress, improved concentration and an all-round better quality of life.

5. Nintendo Switch

One of the more expensive gifts on this list, a Nintendo Switch is not only the best gaming console for people on the spectrum but, after having mine for over a year now, I can honestly say it is the best gaming console in general.

With a robust catalogue of family-friendly games that challenge autists but don’t cause frustration, the real selling point of this brilliant piece of hardware, is its adaptability; in that it can be played on the TV and in handheld mode, with one simple motion that is as easy as ‘switch’ing on a light (and just as fast).

What makes this so incredible is that it provides a great opportunity for autists who rely on their console as a way to escape from the world and, thanks to a flexible yet simple to navigate parental settings, family members can pre-programme the console to stop working at set times – helping to establish a routine, while also ensuring your child doesn’t become glued to the screen.

6. Chewigem Box

As anyone who read my post on ‘the best sensory toys for autistic people’ will know, I am a huge fan of the products offered by Chewigem. Featuring a wide range of items to meet the diverse range of sensory seekers, Chewigems selection, which includes: fidget toys, Chewigem-necklaces and even diaries to help nurture a chewing habit, really do make the company the best in the business.

The only downside to the giant array of products offered by Chewigem is that the options can seem a bit overwhelming. However, for those who don’t know where to start, Chewigem also offer a subscription box which helps find the right item for the right chewer – while also ensuring the joy of gift opening, long after the festive period finishes.

(For more information on Chewigem check out my post on Sensory Processing Disorders)

7. Something to Build

One of the earliest gifts I remember receiving (and one of the earliest memories I have in general) was the Christmas morning I woke up to a wooden train and railway set. What particularly made this gift brilliant was that, with only a few pieces, I felt like I could do and make ANYTHING (even when I was copying the pictures of layouts from the box – which happened more often than not).

As such, I spent days and days working out different combinations, to create interacted systems that my trains could ride on. Not only was this great fun, but it also helped me to develop by solving little puzzles of how to get the whole track to link up.

While this experience makes me want to heavily recommend train sets for autistic people, I feel it should be said that any gift which encourages building can have as rewarding an effect. For example, Lego, colouring, drawing or cooking and baking books.

8. A Quiet Zone

(Photo Credit: Anna L-B via Ikea)

The sad reality of the world today is that, due to factors such as new technology and larger social demands, the world has become a louder and more intrusive place than ever before (and it’s not getting any quieter). That’s why one autistic gift idea I can’t recommend highly enough is to find a location in your home, away from the hustle and bustle of modern living, and build a quiet zone for the lucky autistic person in your life.

Quiet zones give autistic people a welcome break from the world and, while we always have a bedroom, having a private space we can retreat to specifically when we need to regain control, is much more preferable as it is one place with one purpose. There are countless ways to achieve this (check out Pinterest for inspiration) However, for those strapped for time, a simple indoor tent will more than do the trick.

9. Books

It’s undeniable that in recent years film and TV have become much better in their depictions of autism. Despite this noticeable improvement, nothing quite beats the depth and versatility in characters quite like a good book.

While autistic people shouldn’t be confined to reading autistic depictions in literature (nor are they determined by what genre we should read), the recommendations I want to make will be just that as, for me, there’s nothing better than really losing yourself in a character when reading. Something which, for obvious reasons, means most of my favourite books star autistic leads. Some great recommendations include:

• Schtum: As recommended to me by the brilliant Graeme Simsion (from The Rosie Project fame) Schtum is a hilarious dark comedy centred on an autistic child, his father and his father’s Jewish orthodox father. Sure to make you cry as hard as you laugh, Shtum is a story which doesn’t shy away from discussing how tough having an autistic child can be, whilst also championing the beauty our alternative minds can bring to a family.
• The Kiss Quotient: A new romance novel which breathes fresh air into the autistic archetype, The Kiss Quotient is a gender-swapped ‘Pretty Woman‘ that features an Asian, female, autistic lead with a flourishing work life and failing love life (prudes be warned, this book features sex scenes… A LOT).
• Turtles all the Way Down: From John Green, the incredible mind behind ‘The Fault in Our Stars‘, Turtles All the Way Down is a brilliant young adult novel which features a protagonist, heavily speculated to be on the spectrum, searching for a missing billionaire, whilst battling her crippling anxiety. With plenty of themes in common with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Green’s latest work is one no autistic bookworm will want to miss.

10. A Pet

They say a dog isn’t just for Christmas, but that doesn’t mean Christmas isn’t an ideal time for a dog (or any other pet) – provided you’ve done your research and checked with everyonelse in the home. Whether it’s a rabbit, a cat or anything else Noah tried to get on that ark, animals make brilliant companions for autistic people, thanks to their loyalty and, generally, predictable behaviour.

You often hear about how many autistic people have sensory dogs which help us to calm down and de-stress after a long day out. However, those same effects can be gained from other animals. When I was younger, my friend had an aquarium which I would gaze into day after day, and while you can’t play frisbee with a goldfish, I would always leave feeling calmer and happier from just observing nature in such close proximity.

Carry on the Conversation

These have been my top 10 picks for autistic gift ideas this year, but please let me know in the comments if you think I have missed any key picks out. Also, if these ideas are still (somehow) yet to spark your imagination, check out my autistic Christmas gift ideas post, from last year.

As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.

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Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.