Each year Autism Live curates a list of top toys and gifts in a wide range of categories and developmental levels to help you find the perfect gift to delight the children, teens and adults in your life who are on the Autism Spectrum. In the adult category we have included toys and gifts that we hope will foster independence, skill building, and the reduction of day -to-day stress. We have attempted to choose toys in various price ranges to help you make the perfect holiday selection. We hope there is something to delight everyone on your list!
Top Toy Winner
Gyro Ball
Jin BD
Description
Highly beneficial grip strength trainer for golf, tennis, climbing, cycling, basketball, cricket, martial arts and with improved playing performance for pianists, drummers & guitarists. Novelty design with LED lights, which is fun to see how fast you can get it spinning. Cool LED lights inside will light up while spinning, no battery needed, powered by rotating the wrist. Rehabilitates sore muscles, kill time & add fun!
Autism Live Says:
We love this ball that is designed to build and rehabilitate muscles in the hands and arms. Our adults love it as a fidget!
Therapist Recommendation Toy Winner
Adulting Kit
Pinch Provisions
Description
Growing up is no joke, but this Adulting Kit is sure to give anyone a chuckle. This funny yet functional 8-piece gift set makes the transition to adulthood a little easier. Contents include a laundry bag with laundry instructions, a pill box, a 50-page to-do list notepad, bill opener, “cook at home vs. takeout” meal decision coin, 12 pre-printed file folder labels, and 2 coasters. It’s the perfect gift for your favorite graduate or newly minted adult.
Autism Live Says:
We love that this kit has functional items but also a sense of humor!
STEM Toy Winner
Noodle Flyer
Spaghetteez
Description
With this educational airplane set motor skills as well as 3D understanding. The many possibilities of connecting the sticks also stimulate creative thinking! It’s hours of crafting fun!
The toy set contains a total of 76 pieces, consisting of soft craft sticks in different lengths and colors as well as various accessories for connecting and clicking.
Autism Live Says:
We love the STEM skills this kit fosters. Work on problems solving, cause and effect and so much more. Most of all it is just plain fun!
Speech Builder Toy Winner
Karaoke Machine
Description
Experience the ultimate home or outdoor entertainment with this portable karaoke machine. It features a professional karaoke speaker, two wireless microphones for dynamic duets, and easy-to-use volume controls. With flashy DJ lights and options for TF card, AUX, and USB connectivity, this multifunctional karaoke system Can be used as a wireless Bluetooth speaker, microphone, media player, and even a guitar amplifier. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to outdoor parties.
Autism Live Says:
There is nothing like a microphone to urge individuals to produce sound. Singing is also a great agent to encourage speech as well.
Social Skills Builder Toy Winner
Artagia
Artagia
Description
An awesome game that is a perfect recipe to set the stage for romance: whether you’re a girlfriend, boyfriend, newlywed, wife or husband, this is an ideal way to spend quality time together. Pick a card, answer a question about your partner to test your knowledge about each other or complete a romantic dare. Perfect for couples wanting fun & lasting memories. Topics & questions designed for powerful and fun conversations with the person you love.
Autism Live Says:
This is a great game for couples already in a consensual relationship, who want to increase their intimacy. This is a game about communicating and listening to your partner.
Sensory Toy Winner
Calm Crate Sensory Box
The Calm Crate
Description
This Sensory Box is jam-packed with a variety of handpicked fidget toys and sensory-friendly items designed to bring calm and comfort to your daily routine. Each box contains a mix of textures, shapes, and soothing tools that help ease anxiety and manage sensory overload. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, focus tools, or just some moments of relaxation, this Sensory Box is perfect for neurodivergent individuals or anyone who enjoys a little extra sensory support.
Autism Live Says:
We love these hand curated sensory boxes direct from Scotland. Order early so they arrive on time! In fact we encourage you to order the larger box! They are worth it!
Parents Recommendation Toy Winner
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Steel Crate Games
Description
You’re alone in a room with a bomb. Your friends, the “Experts”, have the manual needed to defuse it. But there’s a catch: the Experts can’t see the bomb, so everyone will need to talk it out – fast! Whether it’s defusing a bomb or deciphering information from the manual, everyone has a crucial role to play.
Autism Live Says:
Don’t be fooled by the name of this game! This a great fun game that gets everyone talking…and listening. It’s also amazing for teaching perspective taking!
Oldie but Goodie Toy Winner
Magic 8 Ball
Mattel Games
Description
Magic 8 Ball Retro has all the answers to all your deepest questions! This “throwback” version Magic 8 Ball reminds fans of the fortune-telling fun they know and love. After “asking the ball” a yes or no question, turn the toy upside-down and wait for your answer to be revealed through the window. Answers range from positive (“It is certain”) to negative (“Don’t count on it”) to neutral (“Ask again later”). It’s the fastest way to seek advice!
Autism Live Says:
This retro toy is great for starting conversations, reducing anxiety and having fun! All these years later, it’s still a great gift!
Motor Play Toy Winner
Magnetic Fidget Pen
BYTEAIDREX
Description
This magnetic pen doubles as a fidget toy for adults, making it the perfect stress reliever for your daily routine. The magnetic design allows for endless possibilities in terms of shape and form, making it a great tool for creativity and innovation. Designed for individuals who love to fidget, this pen can satisfy the need to move and touch while providing a functional writing tool.
Autism Live Says:
These pens are infectious fun! They will keep the fidgeter in your life busy so they can focus. We love all the things you can make with them and it still functions as a pen!
Kid's Choice Toy Winner
Duomoto
Fun in Motion Toys
Description
Nothing compares to the unique design of the STEAM-accredited Duomoto magnetic puzzle cube! It is the next-generation shape shifting box from Fun In Motion Toys. It has a hidden surprise – it is made of 1 cube that divides into 2 parts! The magic happens when you divide your cube and free your imagination to create over 100 shapes of infinity puzzle masterpieces! Similar to its cube cousins, Shashibo and Cubendi, Duomoto comes to you in 4 different styles inspired by nature, and consists of 96 rare earth magnets!”
Autism Live Says:
We love Shashibo, and this is Shashibo times 2! We love the way these puzzle blocks allow the player to access a zen space where play relaxes you! We also love the victory of creating different shapes and then returning those shapes back to cubes!
Empowering Employment Skills Toy Winner
What's Next?
M&J Games
Description
Learning should be fun and empowering, especially in the context of preparing individuals for employment and the future. Innovative tools to help develop basic skills are crucial for the success of neurodivergent people in the workplace. Individuals with autism often have a tough time transitioning into adulthood. It can even feel like an interrogation to some, but gamifying it makes it less daunting and more engaging. It offers a fun way for individuals to practice social skills and prepare for questions about their future.
Autism Live Says:
This is a great game to help teens and adults work through the transition to employment. We love the way it reduces anxiety and builds self-esteem around the work place.
Educational Toy Winner
Date Deck
Apple
Description
Elevate your date nights and relationships with the Date Deck, a conversation card game for adults that brings excitement to couples games, date night card games, and gift ideas for couples. Looking for fun date night ideas? Try the Date Deck for couples game night that provides adult card games for couples with stimulating conversation cards.
Autism Live Says:
This is great game for supporting successful relationships, platonic and romantic. We love the way it teaches perspective taking in relation to social relationships.
Best Card/Board Game Winner
Floats McGoats
Hootenanny Games
Description
Get ready for an adventure on the high seas with Floats McGoats, the latest in strategy board games from Hootenanny Games. A seafaring goat crew was navigating treacherous waters when their boat capsized! The ship broke apart, leaving wood strewn throughout the waves. Each player’s goal? To save their shipwrecked goats by building a sturdy raft. But beware – your opponents are also vying for victory, and a hungry shark lurks in the waters! It’s every wee goat for themself!nd!
Autism Live Says:
Oh we love this game of strategy and trying to get our goats to float!! We really love the way it teaches perspective taking and problem solving!
Boredom Buster Toy Winner
Inverse Reflectron
Project Genius
Description
One twist of this mirrored-marvel and you’ll know the Reflectron is no ordinary cube! The uneven segments shift and morph the more you play. And with no colors to guide you, it’s an epic challenge! The Reflectron is solved when all 6 sides are even & squared off like a cube. Give it a scramble & challenge yourself again. Can you beat your previous time? Test your skills and enjoy the thrill of solving it faster with each attempt!
Autism Live Says:
This is the ultimate cube challenge! It’s too hard for us, but we know for some of our community this is great solvable challenge!
Best Video Game Winner
Katamari Damacy
Bandai Namco
Description
When the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys all the stars in the sky, he orders you, his pint-sized princely son, to put the twinkle back in the heavens above. Join the King and Prince of Cosmos on their wacky adventure to restore the stars at home or on the go. Enjoy quirky, infectious humor throughout – from the insanely cosmic animations, to the wacky and wonderful musical stylings, to the royally contagious storyline that’s undoubtedly like no other.
Autism Live Says:
This really unique app is available on both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay Store. It’s great to see an app that is fun and functional to treat ADHD symptoms!
Best Puzzle Winner
Hanayama Zelda Brain Tease
University Games
Description
Unlock the power of Hyrule with the Legend of Zelda Master Sword brain teaser. Enjoy hours of stimulating entertainment with this Mensa-rated brainteaser, perfect for individuals seeking a mental challenge. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this collectible item is made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
Autism Live Says:
These cast puzzles are well-made puzzles designed to collect and solve. We love that they are rated for difficulty, making it easier for gift-givers to shop with confidence.
Best Book Winner
Paige Not Found
Scholastic Books
Description
A thrilling adventure story that examines consent and privacy in a way that books have not had to before this generation where everything is online. When Paige learns that her parents enrolled her in an autism study without telling her, her world turns upside down. Suddenly she isn’t sure if she can trust the two people she loves most.
Autism Live Says:
This book embraces the phrase, “Nothing about us without us.” It is a wonderful read for adults.
Best Art/Craft Winner
Lego Modern Art
Lego
Description
Explore your creativity and artistic side by building and displaying your own piece of abstract art home decor with this LEGO Modern Art building kit. Assemble the collection of colorful and differently shaped accessories, including rectangles, triangles and circles. There are limitless possibilities to what you can create with this abstract art building set. Remember, there are no wrong ways to build: just have fun and experiment.
Autism Live Says:
This is the ultimate artistic expression for the Lego lover in your life. We love the way it can be made and remade!
Don’t forget to check out all the fabulous toy and gift winners in other categories.
You might find exactly what you are looking for there!
We at AUTISM Live
wish you the
Happiest of Holidays!
After all of your shopping is done, if you find that you have more to give, please join us in making a donation of any size to Autism Care Today (ACT). This wonderful organization gives grants to families for things like iPads, insurance co-pays, sensory equipment, GPS devices and more. Your donation could make another family’s holiday wishes come true.