If you’re looking for the top gifts for your autistic teenager, you’re in the right place. Finding the perfect gift is a great way to express your love. So, to help you prepare for this holiday season, we’re diving into the best 41 gifts for your autistic teenager in 2024.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a nominal fee from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure policy for more info.
41 Best Gifts for Autistic Teenagers
Below you’ll find 41 of the best gifts for autistic teens and tweens. I included these gift ideas for a couple of reasons.
- We have and use most of these gift ideas in our own home.
- I’ve crowd-sourced opinions from autistic families in my own community and
- Searched the top Facebook Groups led by the autistic community for real expert recommendations.
- Autistic people are the real autism experts.
However, as the saying goes, “When you’ve met one Autistic person, you’ve met one Autistic person.” That means it’s always a safe bet to follow your child’s interests when choosing gifts.
Use this list of gift ideas for your autistic teenager or tween as a jumping-off point. Ask them what they’d like and have fun shopping!
1. Noise Cancelling Headphones
- SonicSeal – ClearArmor’s exclusive sound technology provides better protection to save your hearing.
The ClearArmor Earmuffs are the perfect present for autistic teens who have sound sensitivities. They’re sleek-looking and very comfortable.
2. Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
These Beats Sudio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are a great option for teens with sound sensory sensitivities. They’re great for not only blocking out noise but also providing excellent sound quality for your teen to listen to music. Note that these headphones are noise canceling through the use of white noise.
- High-performance wireless noise cancelling headphones
3. Squishmallows
Squishmallows are the sensory plush toy craze of the season! These plushies are sensory squish heaven and they come in different shapes, characters, and designs.
For even more holiday fun, you can purchase a mystery surprise box of five 5-inch squishmallows for a discounted price. They’re the perfect gift for autistic children of all ages.
4. Hand2Mind Sensory Fidget Tube
Hand2Mind Sensory Fidget Tubes provide soothing visual input that can help any dysregulated teen calm.
5. Magnetic Ring Fidget Spinner
This Magnetic Ring Fidget Spinner is the ideal gift for your teen to help them release extra nervous energy.
- 【Colorful & Upgraded Magnetic Quality】-9 piece camouflage rings including 3Pcs camouflage black,…
6. Shapeshifting Fidget Cube Box
This Shapeshifting fidget cube box is amazing! It doesn’t look like much, but it is. Fidget toys are excellent tools for all ages. However, this shapeshifting fidget cube box takes it to a new level.
It’s made of magnets and is visually stimulating while calming. My kids love this box. It’s almost like a Rubik’s Cube, but not. I highly recommend it.
7. Video Game System
If you’re looking to add a video gaming system to your home, go for it. While many parents worry about screen time, there are benefits to playing video games.
- fine motor development
- hand-eye coordination
- increased processing speed
Xbox vs PlayStation Debate
We love a good Xbox in our home. My neurodivergent teenagers have been happy with the XboxS. In fact, we have three Xbox systems in our home. (That may sound wild but gaming is a fun family activity. In our home, relationship is the number one priority.)
Anyway, I recently asked my neurodivergent teens what they want for Christmas of 2023. They were pretty clear… the PlayStation 5.
Pros of the PlayStation 5:
An IT gamer friend recently boasted about the PlayStation 5 highlighting the following features.
- Better performance
- Processing
- Video
- Sound
Between both systems, I don’t think you could go wrong either way.
Decide between the Xbox or the PS5 based on your autistic teen’s gift preference.
Pair your gaming system with a gaming gift card and your autistic teenager is good to go!
8. Video Games Headset
In our home, we use this noise-canceling headset for Xbox gaming.
Though many parents worry about online gaming, playing video games is a great way to increase social interaction.
Engaging in a shared activity is a great way to develop social skills.
Without the pressure of interpreting facial expressions and eye contact, Autistic kids and adults often thrive in their online communication.
What’s the Deal with Sensory Toys?
Sensory toys and tools are a great option for anyone with sensory issues. Autistic Self-Advocacy Network is an autism advocacy group led by autistic adults.
They point out the unique sensory experiences of autistic people.
Some autistic people have challenges with sensory integration. This makes processing multiple forms of sensory input difficult.
Specifically, some are extra sensitive (hyper) to sensory input such as bright lights or sounds. On the other hand, some may have a hard time processing sensory input (hypo) and seek more input in order to regulate well.
For example, some autistic teenagers experience sensory overwhelm by excessively loud noises. While another child may seek out proprioceptive input and therefore, loves jumping on a trampoline.
9. Alcohol Based Art Markers
Many autistic kids are gifted in art. Shuttle Art 88 Colors Dual Tip Alcohol-Based Art Markers are a good option for your artistic teen.
Further, this set of alcohol markers includes 88 different colors and lasts a long time.
They’ve lasted almost an entire year for my artistic autistic teenager.
10. Skin-Tone Marker Set
This skin-tone marker set is a good choice for any artist and includes 40 different skin-tone colors.
11. Marker Paper Pad
I learned about the importance of marker paper from the artists in my life. Who knew?!
This Canson 9×12 Marker Paper Pad is the perfect paper to use with those alcohol markers.
12. Ipad Mini
- WHY IPAD — Colorfully reimagined and more versatile than ever, iPad is great for the things you do…
Yes. I know an iPad is NOT cheap. However, many of our Autistic teens are brilliantly creative and are natural-born artists. Even if they’re not natural, they may love drawing.
Unfortunately, many parents panic when the traditional routes of education and parenting fail with their Autistic kids. This is a shame that is fortunately changing.
Friend, find your child’s passions and fan the flame. If your autistic tween or teen is always drawing, and you can afford it, purchase an iPad Mini and a digital pencil.
Then have your child download Procreate drawing app to get them started in their possible digital art career.
13. Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit
- SO MANY TOYS IN A SNAP: A safe and fun way to introduce children ages 8+ to the basics of electrical…
Speaking of investing in your child’s skillsets, perhaps you have a budding engineer in your home?
If your teen is always taking things apart in your home, this is one of the best gifts for them!
The Snap Circuit Electronics Exploration Kit is a captivating kit that allows kids to explore circuits and electricity through easy-to-do challenges. This is a great gift for an independent homeschool student as well!
Bonus, the tiny pieces and required intricate detail are great for strengthening fine motor skills.
14. Darth Vader Lego Set
- This collectible LEGO Star Wars building set for adults features menacingly detailed Darth Vader’s…
Legos are favorite toys for both children and adults. Many autistic kids and teens are analytical and linear in their thinking.
If your teen loves Legos, support that interest for as long as you can. It may lead to a career in architecture, engineering, or more.
Using Legos is one of the best ways to help your child strengthen:
- Hand-eye coordination
- fine motor skills
- executive functioning such as planning and working memory
- visual-spatial skills
- perseverance and follow-through
Further, any occupational therapist will agree that the bilateral coordination and integration involved in building with Legos is superb.
Check out this Darth Vader Lego Set as a gift option. In the end, Legos are always on the best toys list for a reason.
15. Foldology Oragami Puzzle Game
- ✓ BRAIN-TWISTING ORIGAMI PUZZLES – Foldology has 100 puzzles, 5 difficulty levels, and 50+ hours…
- ✓ SMALL & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY – It comes in a convenient, portable size (5×5 inches) that fits into…
- ✓ FOR AGES 10 & UP – No previous origami/puzzle experience required. Adults, teenagers, and…
- ✓ COGNITIVE BRAIN-TRAINING GAME – These brain teasers train visual-spatial ability,…
- ✓ EASY TO START, BUT CHALLENGING TO MASTER – The increasing difficulty presents new and exciting…
The Foldology Origami Puzzle Game is a great gift idea for any autistic teen who enjoys puzzles and crafting.
While not a “craft,” this puzzle is a great challenge and requires similar fine motor skills as traditional crafts.
This is one of those specialty items with the potential to get all family members together at the game table.
16. 4E’s Novelty Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere
- 4 BREATHING BALLS FOR ADULTS & KIDS – Colors may vary. Relax and calm your mind & body with this…
This set of Expandable Breathing Ball Spheres is an inexpensive gift to bring mindless stress relief while having fun.
17. Kinetic Sand
- 3 COLORS OF KINETIC SAND: This Kinetic Sand bulk bag includes 2lbs each of red, yellow, and blue…
Kinetic Sand is an incredible sensory tool that offers calming sensory stimulation. This is a great tool for both young children and older children. In our home, we all love it.
And because everyone has sensory needs at different times and in different seasons, you don’t need to be autistic to love kinetic sand!
It comes in bright colors and is tactile sensory play at its finest.
Plus, kinetic sand is a fantastic emotional regulation tool often used in a variety of therapy modalities.
18. Squeeze Craft Puff Slime
- MIX AND MATCH COLORS – Kids will love this playset of gooey putty in pink, red, light blue, purple,…
Squeeze Craft Puff Slime is the ultimate sensory goop. If your teen loves to manipulate different textures, try this puff slime.
This set is a 12-pack with different color options for hours of sensory fun.
19. Wood Wobble Balance Board
- Black balance board can help improve core strength, coordination, posture, and balance
This Wood Balance Board provides great sensory input to the brain that helps in so many different ways.
Balancing exercises provide the brain with much-needed vestibular input to increase focus, attention, and joint health.
20. Board Game Backpack
Board games are ideal gifts for Autistic teens and tweens who enjoy the gameplay.
GeekOn’s Ultimate Board Game Backpack is the perfect gift for your board game lover! Does your teen love Dungeons and Dragons?
I also love this ShuttleTote game tote bag that fits a ton of board games!
21. Qbitz Extreme
Qbitz Extreme is a fantastic visual dexterity game that’ll keep your puzzle lover busy for hours. The challenges are calming and challenging at the same time.
22. Dungeons & Dragons
- QUICK ENTRY TO DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Step into the exciting world of D&D with the Dungeons & Dragons…
Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game that’s a hit with many autistic teenagers.
It’s heralded by the community as a game that supports social skills, confidence, and decision-making.
Not bad for a board game.
23. Telestrations
Telestrations is a hilarious take on drawing challenges that so many creative types enjoy.
Have you ever noticed your teen on YouTube doing drawing challenges?
Yep. Telestrations is perfect for any artist type!
The best part is a great way to connect the entire family centered on your child’s interest.
24. Puns of Anarchy
- PUNS OF ANARCHY: One of the most witty and quirky party games that’s laugh-out-loud unique every…
Puns of Anarchy is a game where players compete by manipulating pop-culture terms into clever puns.
For example, you may receive the term, Fleetwood Mac. Your job is to change the band’s name into a pun based on a category like “Animals.”
- Fleetwood Mac –> Fleetwood Magpie
Ok. So maybe I wouldn’t win with that example, but you get the idea.
Honestly, many autistic individuals have trouble with language processing. This game is a fun way to engage in language and wordplay to enhance language skills.
25. Laser Star Projector
- Sky Lite instantly projects a field of drifting BLUE stars against a transforming BLUE nebula cloud…
Blisslights Laser Star Projector is the perfect gift for so many. Set up this light projector in a dark room to create a calming sensory experience.
One of the emotional regulation activities I recommend when experiencing sensory overload is removing oneself to a dark quiet room.
Adding this calming light system is a perfect fit. This Blisslights Star Projector provides visual input that’s soothing to the nervous system.
This could be even more exciting if your teen enjoys astronomy!
26. Pop Tubes
- 😍24PCS & 6 COLORS: 24 Mini pop tubes in six colors: green, blue, yellow, purple, orange, and red….
Pop tubes are great sensory items that are inexpensive and satisfying. The tube makes a variety of different sounds as they’re manipulated.
These are not quiet fidget toys by any sense of the imagination but provide satisfying tactile and auditory input.
27. Body Sock
For the autistic person who seeks proprioceptive input, try this Space Explorers Body Sock by Fun and Function.
Proprioception is one of our many sensory systems. When the brain receives this deep pressure it releases feel-good calming chemicals such as serotonin.
(This is why we moms love a good massage. That deep pressure meets our proprioceptive needs which releases serotonin to calm the body and the mind.)
If your child tends to seek proprioception, try a body sock.
28. Weighted Hoodie Wrap
Why didn’t they have this when I was growing up?! If your teen loves a weighted blanket like I do, this Weighted Hoodie Wrap is amazing!
What teen doesn’t resonate with a hoodie?
29. Fuzzy Weighted Blanket
- 🍍【IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP】: Yescool Gradient weighted Blanket combines luxury and comfort, 500GSM…
This fuzzy weighted blanket is on my Christmas list for sure!
You don’t have to have a sensory processing disorder to appreciate the proprioceptive input of a weighted blanket.
The nice thing about this shaggy blanket is that it comes in different options of color, size, and weight.
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception has to do with the input we receive in our joints and muscles that relate to body positioning.
Example:
- Close your eyes.
- Bend your arm.
- The sensation that tells your brain that your arm is bent has to do with proprioception.
When the brain seeks proprioceptive input, your child may:
- Chew on everything
- Crash into walls or other people
- Hit people without provocation
- Seek deep pressure in a variety of ways
To learn more, check out The Unregulated Child: Self-Regulation & Sensory Systems In Your Home & Homeschool.
30. Color Changing LED Lamp
- 💡【Classic, Modern Design】 Timeless classic design and fits perfect in any room from modern to…
Another calming sensory tool is this Color-changing LED Lamp. Create a cool and calm vibe in your teen’s room with this form of visual input.
31. Northern Lights Lava Lamp
The Northern Lights Lava Lamp is another calming form of visual sensory input that your teen will love. This lava lamp mimics the cooler colors of the Northern Lights.
For a different option, this Volcano Lava Lamp has deeper red and orange tones to warm up any teen’s room.
32. Sunset Lamp
- 💡【Classic, Modern Design】 Timeless classic design and fits perfect in any room from modern to…
This Sunset Lamp Projector is so cool! It can be used in a variety of ways to change the mood of your teen’s room.
If your teen enjoys acting and role-playing, this is a fantastic way to change the scenery for YouTube videos or any other creative endeavors.
33. Hammock Swing Chair
Highwild Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing is a great sensory gift for your teen.
Let’s be honest. As kids become teens, they’re developmentally wired to seek independence.
You and I both know what that means. They’re in their rooms a lot. In fact, I once heard someone refer to the teen bedroom as a little apartment.
Why not set it up to be a sensory haven for them? This hammock chair is a beautiful addition to your teen’s bedroom, and it provides the brain with vestibular input.
34. Amazon Echo Show 8
- BETTER INSIDE AND OUT – Entertainment is more immersive with spatial audio and an 8″ HD…
Amazon Echo Show 8 is a smart speaker with a touchscreen. It features:
- Video chat capability,
- Listen to music,
- Watch and stream video,
As with all Amazon devices, you can use Alexa parental controls on the Echo Show.
35. Creative Cosplay Book
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Haas, Amanda (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 282 Pages – 09/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Stash Books (Publisher)
Creative Cosplay: Selecting & Sewing Costumes is a good gift idea for the tween or teen interested in learning more about cosplay.
It’s a great introduction to Cosplay and is filled with vibrant images of cosplay professionals in costumes and makeup.
The author, Amanda Haas, has a friendly tone and walks her readers through all things cosplay from:
- what to expect
- where to start with sewing
- how to create a vision board on Pinterest
- navigating social media safely
- basics in cosplay communication skills
- and more!
If you have younger kids who are interested in Cosplay, I recommend you guide them through the book.
Bigger bonus! It’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
36. Jim & Gloria Face Paint 32 Colors
- 32 COLORS LARGE STICK – Great value for versatile and long lasting fun with family and friends….
Jim & Gloria Face Paint is the perfect starter kit for someone dipping their toe in cosplay.
It’s reasonably priced, includes 32 color options, and includes some body paint for larger coverage.
Don’t forget to throw in a pack of make-up remover wipes. You’ll thank me later.
37. Gift Cards
Parents of children of all ages know nothing beats a gift card. This is especially fun because it offers an experience and a present.
A gift card to open Christmas morning. Then an Amazon gift card to spend while the family chills together on Christmas Day.
Some other great gift card options include:
- Fast Food (Chick-fil-A, anyone?)
- Restaurants,
- Frozen Yogurt,
- Starbucks,
- V-bucks (Fortnite Cash),
- Robux
What does your teen constantly ask you to grab on your way home? I know I’m not the only mom who gets those texts.
38. Inspiring Books by Autistic Authors
One of the most wonderful things you can do as a parent of an Autistic teen is give them a sense of pride in who they are. Often that means providing them with inspiration in the form of an Autistic community.
One way to do this is to give them a book written from the perspective of autistic people.
Autism Books by Autistic Voices
Here are some options recommended by the Autistic community.
- Can You See Me?
- Written by Autistic author, Libby Scott, Can You See Me, a story about a girl named Tally entering middle school. She suddenly feels like she needs to hide her autism and ultimately realizes that fitting in isn’t worth it.
- A Kind of Spark
- This is a story about a girl named Addie. She learns about the historical persecution of women and how it relates to her modern-day experience as an autistic. It’s an excellent book about bullying.
- The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide
- This book celebrates the strengths of the Autistic individual from a neurodiversity lens. Includes tips for managing tricky situations and more.
- The Reason I Jump
- A 13 -year-old Autistic boy shares his perspective on the internal world of Autism.
For more suggested reading options for your teen, here are some quality books written by autistic authors.
39. Neurodiversity Books for You
- Autism Women’s Network, Inc. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 216 Pages – 01/10/2017 (Publication Date) – DragonBee Press (Publisher)
As the parent of an autistic child, supporting our kids to thrive means embracing their unique wiring. One way to do this is to learn from Autistic adults.
As a gift to yourself and your autistic teen, consider reading one of these books focusing on the many strengths of Autism.
Have you read any of these yourself? Do you have any recommendations?
- Silberman, Steve (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 560 Pages – 08/23/2016 (Publication Date) – Avery (Publisher)
- What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew
- Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
- The Reason I Jump
- Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges
Don’t have time to sit down and read a book? I get it so I listen to audiobooks. Ask for an Audible subscription this holiday season.
40. TouchPoint Solutions
We LOVE Touchpoint Solutions. Soon after buying our first pair, we bought a second set because my entire family uses them.
What are they?
Designed by neuropsychologists, Touchpoint Solutions are wearables that use bilateral vibration stimulation to calm the fight-or-flight response of the dysregulated nervous system.
Benefits of Touchpoint Solutions
These have been a game changer for my kids and me. We use them to:
- improve focus, attention, and concentration,
- reduce anxiety,
- enhance mental well-being and emotional regulation,
- support sleep,
- and more
With so many autistic teens suffering from overwhelming stress, I have to share these. My teen hogs them all the time.
(Hense, why we needed another pair. Trust me. Touchpoints are worth the investment.)
41. Sauna Blanket
This next gift idea is one of my neurodivergent family’s favorites. Yep. Our LifePro Far Infrared sauna blanket has been one of the best investments we’ve made.
Sauna and heat exposure in general, have incredible effects on the nervous system. In our home, we all use it. This includes my autistic teenager.
A sauna blanket is an excellent gift for an autistic teenager for a number of reasons. Here are a few of these potential benefits.
- Proprioceptive Input
- To reduce anxiety symptoms
- As a calming self-regulation tool
- Detoxification
- Support dopamine and serotonin regulation
- Sleep support
I can’t more highly recommend this as a great gift for any neurodivergent family. In the end, you know your teen’s sensory needs best. For our family, the benefits have been profound.
Right Gift for Your Autistic Teenager
Ultimately, the best gift for any child, Autistic or not, is based on your child’s interests.
There are many autism resources out there to help you equip your autistic child to thrive. Those include adult Autistic-led organizations such as:
When we put on a strengths-based neurodiversity lens, the sky’s the limit for our kids!
So, I can’t wait to hear which gift ideas sparked your interest for your autistic teenager.
Did I miss a cool gift option? Would love to hear from you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a nominal fee from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure policy for more info.
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
