Do you have great present ideas for your kids during the year and then forget them all in the run up to Christmas? That’s me to a tee.
To make your Christmas less stressful, I’ve asked parents and kids for great gift ideas for sensory-seeking, autistic and anxious children. From stocking fillers to bigger buys, I hope it’ll make it easier for you to find presents that put a smile on your kids’ faces.
Here’s the list you’ve all been waiting for!
Stocking fillers
Super stretchy bands from The Works
At £2 for six, they’re stocking fillers that are sure to please. I always bring toys for children to fiddle with during sessions, and these are amongst the most popular!
Home comforts
OK, so it’s not your traditional Christmas gift but lots of children tell me that they hate the feeling of a duvet cover and prefer to sleep without. Now, you can give your kids exactly what they want without worrying that visitors will think that you’re a little lacking in the bedding department! See Matalan’s range here.
These are now far easier to get hold of (and cheaper) than they used to be.
This article explains how weighted blankets can help people who have anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders or autism. Don’t forget to follow manufacturer’s guidance about recommended weights and frequency of use.
You can now buy plain grey, Minecraft, Fortnite and Paw Patrol blankets for kids from Argos. On Amazon, you can choose between smooth weighted blankets and ‘teddy bear’ style fluffy ones. If you want to see before you buy, it’s worth making a trip to Dunelm or The Range.
Just for fun
We’ve all had those moments when the kids don’t want to get into the bath, but these fun lights from Amazon might make all the difference. And who’s to know if you have your own disco bath when they’re safely tucked up in bed? I won’t tell anyone!
Giving a child a safe space of their own at Christmas is a great idea… after all, no-one can accuse them of being antisocial if they’re simply enjoying being in their new present.
I do wonder if they come in adult sizes too. After all, there’s bound to be a point over Christmas where we all wish we could hide out in a tent with a mince pie and a good book… I’ve ordered this pink VW tent from Amazon for my granddaughter.
The magical sand sticks to itself, flows through the hands and is particularly easy to shape and model. You can get a variety of kits from High Street stores, including Argos and Smyths Toys.
I’m tempted to buy my granddaughter the scented ice-cream set from Smyths for £11.99. However, it might have to live at her parents’ house as I’m not a fan of vacuuming.
Activities
Baking is a good way to entertain children whilst subtly helping them improve their fine motor skills.
Whilst Lakeland has a good selection of children’s baking materials, a trip to Webbs of Wychbold at this time of year is not for the fainthearted. Luckily, you can also find a sizable range of baking goodies at places like Poundland, B&M, Home Bargains and the Range. For less than £10, you can easily put together a decent-sized box of bits and pieces that your child can use for years to come.
Alternatively, you can find ready-to-make cake and biscuit kits in major supermarkets. At Sainsbury’s, you can choose from cute Polar Bear cupcakes and tempting Christmas Tree brownies. Who am I kidding? I want both!
There are lots of experiences to choose from including Simply Alpacas, the Sealife Centre and horse riding/grooming.
It sounds obvious, but just because we’d enjoy something, doesn’t mean that the young person we’re buying for will! It’s always best to check!
Sneakily useful
Yes, you read that correctly! Peanut balls are designed to have therapeutic use (as they improve core muscles) but they’re also good fun! Not to mention getting the kids to sit on one will give you more room to stretch out on the sofa whilst the Christmas pudding goes down.
Worcester-based sensory equipment supplier, Sensory Direct, has an anti-burst smooth peanut ball for £30.
Squeezing and cuddling a cuddle ball provides a child with the deep and calming pressure needed to help deal with anxiety and stress.
Plus, in this cold weather, the cuddle ball also helps keep hands and arms warm!
Gifts that keep on giving
These cut out background noise whilst allowing you to be part of conversations. I believe they also make life more bearable for those of us that can’t bear to hear anyone else chew (especially when all squashed round the table at Christmas).
Loop earplugs start at £13.95 and there’s a choice of colours available.
There are lots of different types available, including console subscriptions, streaming services (such as Disney+), magazines, baking boxes and at-home science kits.
It’s worth checking if you are eligible for any free subscriptions via your mobile provider or your bank account. If you’re with Vodafone, for example, you might be able to get six months of discovery+ for free.
For older teens, a gaming subscription from EA costs £3.99 a month and provides access to fan-favourite games plus up to ten hours playing time on new release games with zero commitment.