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. This year we have chosen toys and gifts for caregivers. Some of these items are designed to create connection with our kids on the spectrum, some are designed to make life easier and others are just good for a caregiver’s soul. We hope you find something just right for the caregiver in your life.
Top Toy Winner
Loop Engage 2
Loop Earplugs
Description
Loop Engage 2 earplugs offer discreet relief from everyday noise for more clear and focused conversations. Filters background noise by 16 dB (SNR) for more present socializing, it minimizes the ‘blocked ear’ sensation.
Autism Live Says:
We love these earbuds for tuning out some noise and allowing us to focus on the noises we want to hear, like our KIDS!
Therapist Recommendation Toy Winner
Spafinder Gift Card
Spafinder
Description
With Spafinder eGift Cards, you can treat someone to enjoy manis-pedis, massage, haircuts, blowdrys, and wellness retreat getaways, as well as many other services at locations near them.
Autism Live Says:
Self-care is often hard for caregivers. We love that this card gives the recipient a choice of what kind of pampering they would like and where they want to get it.
STEM Toy Winner
Cryptex Davinci Box
Coejokno
Description
The Da Vinci Codec is copied from the Da Vinci manuscript in “The Da Vinci Code”. According to the plot of the story, there is a scroll about the greatest secret of the Priory of Sion and even the whole Christianity hidden in the cryptex. To open the cryptex, you must unlock a five-digit code.
Autism Live Says:
We love this conversation piece that doubles as a safe space to protect valuables. The password is also easy to change!
Speech Builder Toy Winner
The Speech Teacher's Handbook
Molly Dresner
Description
This engaging, easy-to-follow handbook provides parents with functional tips for helping their
children improve speech and language skills at home, while having fun at the same time.
Autism Live Says:
We love this easy-to-understand book. It is chock full of ideas for supporting your child to increase communication.
Social Skills Builder Toy Winner
One 4 All Giving Good Gift Card
Blackhawk
Description
Give the gift that gives back with the One4all Giving Good “Gratitude” eGift Card. No matter the appetite, there’s something on the menu for everyone at Applebee’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Chili’s, Cracker Barrel, Cold Stone Creamery, IHOP, Red Robin, or The Cheesecake Factory.
Autism Live Says:
What caregiver doesn’t appreciate a night when they don’t have to cook or do dishes, but this goes further…3% of your gift card redemption is donated to the charity of your choice.
Sensory Toy Winner
Morf Fidget Worm
Humango
Description
The Morf Fidget Worm flexes, collapses, and twists for endless play. Designed for kids and adults alike, this fidget worm offers satisfying sensory feedback to help reduce anxiety, ease restlessness, and improve concentration.
Autism Live Says:
OMG! We love these worms. They are great to keep in the car, reduce your stress during carpool and then hand it off to your child to let them decompress!
Parents Recommendation Toy Winner
Visa Gift Card
Visa
Description
Cards are shipped active and ready for use. Funds do not expire.
Autism Live Says:
A Visa card is the ultimate gift! It allows the recipient to spend the funds however they desire or need.
Oldie but Goodie Toy Winner
Charcuterie Board
Renmkj
Description
The Renmxj charcuterie board is an all-in-one solution for food prep and presentation. Cut and prep on one side. Flip to reveal 6 compartments ideal for charcuterie boards, snack trays, or veggie platters. You only need one board to enjoy both functions.
Autism Live Says:
What makes this board a great gift is the handy lid/carrying case! It makes showering loved ones with gourmet meats and cheeses that much easier!
Motor Play Toy Winner
Yoga Mat
Prosourcefit
Description
The High density 1/2” (13mm) foam on this mat guarantees protection for sensitive joints to ensure comfortable workouts. It is ideal for many fitness purposes, such as Pilates & yoga, the extra-large 71”L x 24”W mat fits any user.
Autism Live Says:
It’s bigger, it’s thicker, and it repels moisture. It is perfect for parents struggling to get a workout in.
Kids Choice Toy Winner
Movie Gift Card
AMC Theatres
Description
Amazing experiences actually come on a card! Whether it’s a birthday, a thank you or any gift-giving occasion, AMC gift cards will put a smile on anybody’s face. To make a purchase, present your gift card at any box office or AMC concession stand.
Autism Live Says:
Watching a movie is like a mini vacation. It can reduce stress, inspire, rejuvenate, and make you laugh or cry, or both. A movie gift card is a great gift for a caregiver. Throw in some babysitting for a spectacular gift.
Empowering Employment Skills Toy Winner
Life Skills Activity Book
Melissa Doherty & Sarah Janisse Brown
Description
The Life Skills Activity Book by Thinking Tree Books is the secret playbook of life for kids—a creative and engaging resource designed for ages 8 to 16. Whether your child is homeschooled, in traditional school, or learning independently, this book builds essential life skills for kids in a fun, hands-on way.
Autism Live Says:
Oh! This book gives step by step instructions for all the thing kids need to know in life, like how to use and read a tape measure!! How to tie a tie! How to pump gas in the car! We love this!
Educational Toy Winner
Center for Parent Information and Resources
www.parentcenterhub.org
Description
This is a free federally funded resource to help parents participate in their child’s IEP’s and understand their child’s educational needs, and legal rights. Classes and workshops are offered on a variety of topics.
Autism Live Says:
We love this resource because it exists in every state and is free. Parents can utilize this resource to learn everything there is to know about advocating for their child’s Free Appropriate Public Education.
Best Card/Board Game Winner
Splurt
Gamewright
Description
10+ Years
Collect the most cards by the time the game goes Splurt! Collect cards by yelling out answers that match the category in play. First player to call out a correct answer collects the card.
Autism Live Says:
We love that this card game works on word fluency, it encourages players to blurt out answers, even if they are wrong.
Boredom Buster Toy Winner
House Mommy's Boredom Busters
Karen Chapuis
Description
If you’re looking for fun and educational ways to keep kids happy and engaged – without having to rely on computers or electronic gadgets – then this little guide is for you!
Autism Live Says:
This little ebook is a great guide for parents to keep boredom at bay. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; this book is full of great ideas.
Best Video Game Winner
Gang Beasts
Boneloaf
Description
10+ Years
The point of Gang Beasts is to be a silly, chaotic, multiplayer party game focused on slapstick brawling where the goal is to be the last player standing. The fun comes from the ridiculous physics-based combat, where players try to throw their wobbly, gelatinous characters out of hazardous arenas.
Autism Live Says:
This game may not be right for some of our kids, but it is a great way to laugh and let off some serious steam while throwing competitors out of the playing arena.
Best Puzzle Winner
Family Tree Puzzle
I See Me
Description
Proudly display family heritage on a custom family tree puzzle. Include the family’s last name and add up to 10 names of immediate or extended family members. This keepsake heirloom can be enjoyed for years to come as you put together all 500 pieces in this 24 by 18-inch puzzle.
Autism Live Says:
We love that you can customize this puzzle to represent your family tree. This is a meaningful project for families to work on together, creating a lasting memory.
Best Book Winner
Navigating your Child's Unique Mental and Physical Needs
Boy's Town Press
Description
A concise, step-by-step blueprint for parents and caregivers to understand and maximize special education services, and the accommodations children need for full inclusion in the classroom.
Autism Live Says:
This amazing book empowers parents to advocate for their children’s rights at school. If you have ever felt like you weren’t sure your child was getting what they need at school, this is the book for you.
Best Art/Craft Winner
Hand Casting Kit
Luna Bean
Description
This kit includes everything you need for an easy and meaningful experience: 600g molding powder, 1000g casting stone, plastic molding container, gloves, sandpapers, sculpting knife, and detailing tools. Clear instructions walk you through each step so you can enjoy the process and create a lasting keepsake.
Autism Live Says:
We love this kit which can preserve the memory of a loved one’s hands. This is a great project to do with a grandparent, parent and your child. It creates a memory that is priceless.
Dr. Doreen’s Favorite
Manta Pro Sleep Mask
Manta
Description
Every aspect of the Manta Pro Sleep mask is made to give you ultimate comfort and total blackout for better, deeper sleep. Ventilated, cooling materials allow air to move freely through your mask even if you are a side sleeper.
Autism Live Says:
Good sleep is one of the most important components to a happy productive life. This mask helps to create that sleep environment. Dr. Granpeesheh gives these masks to friends to encourage better sleep.
Shannon's Favorite
Calm App
Calm
Description
Meditate daily with Calm. Reduce stress, improve focus, sleep better and live mindfully.
Autism Live Says:
Matthew McConaughey puts Shannon to sleep on a nightly basis. That is a small miracle. If you struggle with insomnia you owe it to yourself to try it.
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.