20 Gifts for the Neurodivergent Person in Your Life

The biggest thing to remember is your gift doesn’t have to be groundbreaking or a new idea - in fact it is better if it is not. Many neurodivergent people are particular about what they use and wear for many reasons.  If you really want us to feel loved then make us feel understood. If someone in your life uses only one type of pen, or wears only a certain style of sweater - don’t try to change them. Instead surround them with a comfort of understanding and perhaps ask if there is a newer version you can give. It may seem boring, but getting us something we will use and you noticed us using will make us feel more loved and accepted. That said if you have no idea and you were not given hints or told what to get  - here are a few suggestions. I hope they help. 

NOTE: Mailing something back as a neurodivergent is taxing, and takes a lot of steps we are unlikely to conduct - so if you don’t know- ASK. If they don’t know, give them a gift card:)

Under $25 

(Disclosure: We have included amazon links below - we earn a small commission with the amazon associates program when you use the link.) 

1. Fun stickers for their water bottle, journal or anything - (you can also get them a water bottle with timings, (ie reach this line by 9am, 10 am etc- but this is an item your loved one is likely incredibly particular about on many levels - perhaps a gift card with a picture or link of what you wanted to get them - picked out but they still get to choose their own).

   
   

   

   
   

   Stickers 

   1. Floral Neurodiversity sticker https://amzn.to/3D9oxig

   2. Embrace Neurodiversity, not literally. Don’t touch me.  https://amzn.to/3CWXZ3H 

   3. Anxiety stickers with texture (P.S. these are okay - but the CALMstrips brand are better but of course more expensive)  https://amzn.to/3OMzskt  or https://amzn.to/4fX2tWV

   4. “CALMstrips.com” https://calmstrips.com/collections/all-products  These are the original and we highly recommend them. The textures are tested and have increasing grain/textures.

      
      

2. Fidget toys, sensory rings, stress/squeeze toys etc. These are more of a stocking stuffer - but still very fun! Pretty much everyone enjoys these:) 

   1. Transformable fidget spinners https://amzn.to/4f1s1Rl

   2. Fidget Pen https://amzn.to/4ge7JWl

   3. Black fidget toys https://amzn.to/4inFPZ4

   4. Shashibo Shape shifting box https://amzn.to/3Bh4TAp  

   5. Spinner rings https://amzn.to/3ODRx4a These adult spinner rings are unobtrusive but useful! 

   6. NeeDoh Sensory Squeeze Toy  https://amzn.to/3ZCZSeP (there are others but this brand is proven and preferred:)

   7. NeeDoh Shaggy (like a squishy koosh ball) https://amzn.to/4iolhQf 

      
      

3. PushPeel Sensory Activity Board https://amzn.to/3BgRFUn (this is perfect for us pickers/scratchers/peelers out there).

   
   

4. Charging cords with multiple ports - don’t worry even if they have one - they need more. This way you aren’t looking for additional cords you just plug in. There are a ton on amazon, but start here,  one with color-coded ports or one for the bedside. There are longer ones (10 ft. instead of 4-5) to use when traveling or in the living room. 

   
   

5. Gift card for food delivery- there are a lot of times when cooking is too much energy and decision making, but so is the guilt of ordering out. Many times when we look in the fridge we see ingredients and work. Feeding someone says you love and understand what their needs are - even if you don’t understand the why. (Meal kits could be good too- but they may just cause more guilt - if they rot in the fridge with the other ‘ingredients’, or they may not have many meals I/we/they actually want to eat). Try going local first - nearby restaurants might deliver. Otherwise check which delivery they use and get them a gift card there (ie. DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, PizzaHut, Dominoes etc.) 

   
   

6. Pomodoro Timers - Yes there are phone and computer timers - but a timer that is separate is helpful - as then we don’t pick up our phone - and start scrolling or clicking on other open tabs on our computer. I like this (MOOAS Dodecagon timer) one - it's easy, has 11 preset times and is unobtrusive until it goes off. Additionally there are cool visual countdown timers too:) that are analog with a color wheel disappearing. 

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

7. Acrylic Glassware - It looks nice, doesn’t change the taste of drinks like plastic and stainless steel can, is BPA free (or should be) and best of all it doesn’t break when you accidentally knock it over. There are so many now that are really nice looking, personally I really like the Godinger Dublin style - looks like crystal, Amazon, Macy’s, West Elm, Target, Walmart etc. all have some. (NOTE: My head was spinning on whether all or some is in fact dishwasher safe so depending on the recipient please note that it is recommended to hand wash, and if you can’t do that- put in the top dishwasher rack. It seems alcohol content or heat may cause micro-cracks etc. just FYI. That said, I'm clumsy, my mom has Parkinson’s, and my sister has a toddler - so having non breakable drink ware is a must.)

   
   

8. Money $ for Socks - If you want to give them a laugh - give them cash or a gift card - with a note - exclusively for the purchase of their choice of socks. (Seriously socks are really difficult! Do not buy them socks, if you want them to actually wear them - you may think they are funny- but we are extremely particular on this subject - we have systems in place.)

   
   

9. Favorite chapstick or lotion in bulk - Again you will have to ask what this is - as it will be excruciatingly specific. It must be the exact brand, flavor and type:). It may not seem exciting, but it can be awesome (or maybe I’m just hoping my sister reads this and gets a bunch of Burt’s Bees Lip Balm for me:) Side note - your person will likely have a purse/pocket lip balm, a bedside lip balm, a computer lip balm, etc. then probably loses a lot or accidentally wash them. 

   
   

10. LOQI Reusable Shopping Bag https://amzn.to/3D9Jp93 Not your average shopping bag. They are made from OEKO-Tex certified recycled materials & made with waterless printing. They can hold up to 44 lbs, (believe me I have filled these at Trader Joe’s with frozen foods and wine multiple times, and never had a problem). The straps are big enough to comfortably sling over your shoulder to carry, but they stuff down easily so you can still fit them in a pocket or purse. They are a perfect as an extra travel/shopping/ laundry bag. They are decorated with amazing art and look nice. My only problem is that I keep losing them, (ie. borrowers don’t give them back:). 

    
    

    

    
    

11. Books to help people manage and celebrate their neurodivergence - Ok, this is another one to discuss with them. I really like both of these creators, they are social media (TikTok creators) that wrote books I have found very useful. Of course not everything served me but it wasn't meant to, however they both helped me to better understand myself to help me separate my chores and myself from societal expectations of neurotypicals.

    1. How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis - A gentle approach to cleaning and organizing. https://amzn.to/4ixZcif

    2. Dirty Laundry: Why Adults with ADHD Are So Ashamed and What We Can Do to Help by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery. https://amzn.to/3ZNKUTx

       
       

12. Vitamin Stickers - Personally remembering to take vitamins is difficult - I know it shouldn't be but it is! But I've found I'm way more likely to use a vitamin sticker! (I am not a biochemist or physician - so check with your doctor or pharmacist before using!) Personally I don't get the same icky stomach as with oral vitamins- although I'm not sure of the transdermal efficacy - but I figure something is better than nothing. I really like the brand "Barriere" as they have fun designs but they are more 'plasticky/ sticker like' and more expensive. My personal favorite is one that looks like tattoos:) PatchMD is another brand and there are many others. Even B vitamin stickers for party nights. There are lots - but I've used the Yetaim Recovery patch and it seemed to help. (Please note- don't use multiple patches at the same time and check with your pharmacist for any possible medication interactions).

    
    

13. Better Sleep -

    
    

    

    
    

    1. Sleep Mask - Bucky - 40 Blinks Sleep Mask - Yes it looks like a strapless bra- but it doesn't push on you eyes, and is awesome!

    2. LED Stickers - If something happens your friend will not wear an eye mask - these cool stickers are perfect to cover up those overly bright LED lights on electronics - there are different thicknesses and levels of stickiness so you can use them for travel as well! (Believe me there is nothing worse than a bright LED light to a sensory sensitive individual trying to sleep:)

       
       

$60 and under

      (Obviously you can make any of the gift cards above have a larger value for this category as well).

14. Ear Plug Alternatives Flare Audio and Loop Earplugs are fabulous for sensory overload. Both companies have multiple types depending on the use; everyday, concerts, sleeping. I prefer Flare because I have tiny ear holes and use the kids/mini version. My friend likes the Loop for concerts as they look more stylish. AGAIN - a gift card to one of these is great! Amazon links FlareAudio https://amzn.to/4gaNCb0 LoopEarplugs https://amzn.to/3ZnmO0b 

    
    

    

    
    
    
    

15. Migraine/Headache hat - TheraICE was the first big seller and you can get them on amazon, but other companies like HungoverAF have cute designs too for $30-45. I have multiple, as one can be cooling while I use another. (Many people with ADHD suffer from migraines.)

    
    

    

    
    
    
    

16. Mighty & Bright Chore Charts to help get things done. So far I really love these - the magnetic are more expensive, so choose whether you view your refrigerator or a particular wall more. They also have a room reset in partnership with KC Davis. If you aren’t familiar, look her up! She has great tips for those struggling with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent struggles-  find her on TikTok and Instagram, and more importantly her book “How to Keep House While Drowning”. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with kids she describes how to separate cleaning and tidying from shame and morality. I found it very helpful. 

    
    

17. Wearable Blanket - I use mine all winter! I can do things because the sleeves do not get in the way, it's comfy and cozy, I still have a pocket and place to put my hands and there isn’t a weird waist tightening sash etc. Personally I like an all fleece one like this…Waitu Wearable blanket https://amzn.to/3Znonez (I prefer a long one, although I am short then I can curl my feet under it).  Others like a sherpa lining, or short. Does your friend wear sherpa lined things or are they weird (like me) with linings? If they like Sherpa lining then go for the COMFY original - https://amzn.to/49oHQjZ . (There are a lot of other versions but these are two we like.) 

    
    

    

    
    
    
    

$65 or Above

18. Activity ticket for an online or in person class or activity. Domestika has incredible sales right now. Uncommon Goods Experiences are what my sister has gifted me - a mixology and a watercolor course - both have been great. 

    
    

19. Gift a learning platform, course, or membership. Memberships range from on sale at $72 to about $160/ year, or about $50 for a year’s access to a single course.  Most seem to be having sales right now. Masterclass ,  Domestika , BBC Maestro,  Great Courses  and so many more. 

    
    

20. A massage, haircut, or other self care they have not taken the time to schedule or do. You will likely need to do this with them - or at least arrive together, or plan a coffee date or lunch in the area:) prior to the appointment.