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
3D Sensory Ball
Kidhabe
Description
3+ Years
A next-level evolution from traditional sensory boards — KIDHABE 3D sensory activity ball features 24 colorful silicone strings and a display stand, offering richer textures and more DIY possibilities than ever before. Kids and Adults can press, peel, loop, bridge, and DIY their creations around the entire sphere, developing fine motor skills, dexterity, and spatial awareness in a sensory relaxing activity.
Autism Live Says:
We love how adults can craft their own personal sensory experience, the result is a beautiful work of art that can be displayed, changed, and shared.
Therapist Recommendation Toy Winner
Stretch Stress Balls
YoYa Toys
Description
Experience effective stress relief and endless fun with our YoYa Toys Pull & Stretch Ball Set. These squishy fidget toys are your perfect companion wherever you go, allowing you to play, squeeze, and stretch them to your heart’s content.
Autism Live Says:
Our therapist judges loved the squishy, stretchiness of these multi-purpose balls. They are great at reducing stress and anxiety.
STEM Toy Winner
Mechanical Dragonfly
Fuxinee
Description
12+ Years
This mechanical style dragonfly building blocks kit restores the biological structure and movement of dragonflies, incorporating uniquely designed mechanical elements, presenting a sci-fi feel, exploring insect ecology through hands-on building, stimulating scientific interest, and being the first choice for educational entertainment.
Autism Live Says:
We love this awesome kit that is easy to display when done.
Speech Builder Toy Winner
Shoebill Stage Puppet
Description
3+ Years
The Folkmanis Shoebill stage puppet is designed in a cool gray-blue palette of feathery plush. Expressive eyes and a hidden castanet to clatter away, lend this intriguing bird realism with a touch of whimsy.
Autism Live Says:
We love this incredible puppet and the way it encourages communication. It is stunningly gorgeous. We defy you to not want to interact with it. The clack noise it makes is just the icing on the cake.
Social Skills Builder Toy Winner
The Autistic Adult's Toolbox
Natalie Diggins
Description
17+ Years
Imagine starting your day knowing you have the tools to handle whatever comes—whether it’s navigating work, connecting with friends, or managing sensory demands without losing your balance. The Autistic Adult’s Toolbox gives you a workbook of practical tips, tactics and autism-affirming strategies to make that possible.
Autism Live Says:
We love that Natalie Diggins created this book when she couldn’t find the answers she needed. What a great resource for adults on the spectrum.
Sensory Toy Winner
Inverse Twisty Puzzle Keychains
Project Genius
Description
8+ Years
Twist. Solve. Go.
Inverse Keychains pack the full challenge of twisty puzzles into a compact, portable design. These mini puzzles come in three fun styles perfect for beginners, commuters, and fidget fans alike.
Autism Live Says:
These fun key chains provide soothing tactile input for sensory regulation on the go! Use to help with focus, as well as the feelings of being stressed or overwhelmed.
Parents Recommendation Toy Winner
Magnetic Finger Rings
Finger Rock
Description
Quickly focus your attention and release stress through a simple rotation game, when you feel anxious, stressed and fidget. Smooth Surface & Round Corner, protects your fingers from scratching.
Autism Live Says:
This is a great “spin” on the traditional fidget. We love the feel of the easy glide. It is a highly satisfying sensory experience.
Oldie but Goodie Toy Winner
Scrabble
Hasbro
Description
8+ Years
Get family and friends together for a fun game night with the Scrabble board game! Put letters together, build words, and earn the most points to win.
Autism Live Says:
This classic game is Dr. Temple Grandin’s favorite!
Motor Play Toy Winner
Mini Rebounder
BCAN
Description
13+ Years
The high-quality bungees provide a smoother and quieter experience without disturbing others, 8 mm thickened bungees deliver a comfortable workout experience and caring protection for the knees and back.
Autism Live Says:
We love the 450lb. weight limit, and strong bungee cord rebound system on this rebounder. It is ideal for a great workout or a sensory distress for adults.
Kid's Choice Toy Winner
Shark Blanket Hoodie
Ink Arts
Description
17+ Years
This wearable shark blanket features a unique design that resembles a shark, complete with a fin, tail, and shark-like appearance. It is designed to wrap around the body, allowing the wearer to slip their legs into the shark’s mouth, giving the illusion of being swallowed by a shark.
Autism Live Says:
Our kid judges love how cozy and soft these onesies are. They are the perfect and fun sensory experience of warmth on a cold day.
Empowering Employment Skills Toy Winner
Working While Autistic
Future Horizongs
Description
18+ Years
In Working While Autistic, Wendela Whitcomb Marsh delves into the challenges and triumphs autistic individuals face in the workplace. From acing the initial interview to navigating workplace politics, this is the handbook you need to get your career in gear.
Autism Live Says:
We love all the common sense tips in this guide, including and entire section of successfully navigating jury duty!
Educational Toy Winner
IQ Stixx
Smart Games
Description
7+ Years
IQ Stixx features 120 challenges. Thanks to its compact size and portable travel case, you can put this puzzle at the top of your family’s travel games list. Build concentration, problem-solving abilities and math skills while playing with SmartGames’ board games for kids and adults.
Autism Live Says:
We love this travel game that builds logic skills and can sometimes quiet a brilliant brain by giving it something to focus on.
Best Card/Board Game Winner
Cross Spin
JoPat Games
Description
8+ Years
Race your friends and family to solve bite-sized crosswords. The twist? You can spin the board to unlock countless possibilities. Perfect for puzzle lovers of all skills!
Autism Live Says:
This is a fun game for teens who love crossword games. It is hours of fun for small groups!
Boredom Buster Toy Winner
Big Book of Spot the Difference
Parragon Books
Description
Packed with more than 100 Brain Busters™ picture puzzles, this Spot the Difference book for adults is designed to keep your mind sharp and thoroughly entertained.
Autism Live Says:
We love this large print book, that lays flat so you can search to your heart’s content with fun and ease.
Best Video Game Winner
A Little to the Left
Nintendo Switch
Description
This charmingly illustrated video game features 100 unique logical puzzles plus a new puzzle delivered each day! Hints and tips are available on every puzzle to prevent frustration.
Autism Live Says:
We love that this “Extra Tidy Edition” comes with even more logic puzzles to solve. This is a great stress reliever played on its own or a raucous fun game played in a small group.
Best Puzzle Winner
El Castillo Pyramid
Project Genius
Description
8+ Years
Step into the fascinating world of ancient Mayan ingenuity with the El Castillo Pyramid puzzle. Inspired by the Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, this puzzle celebrates the breathtaking architectural and astronomical precision of the Mayan civilization. Your challenge is to align the pyramid blocks so that each side adds up to 91, mimicking the intricate balance of this ancient structure.
Autism Live Says:
This beautiful puzzle is a workout for the brain. Decode the symbols, spin the pieces and do the math to finish this majestic structure.
Best Book Winner
Free Marcus Katz
By Howard Chesley
Description
14+ Years
Woven into his funny, chatty Yelp reviews of restaurants and businesses, 22-year-old Aspie Marcus Katz chronicles in vivid, oversharing detail how, after the death of his doting mother, Marcus finds himself with a bullying conservator who tries to warehouse him in a dead-end group home and drain his inheritance. Marcus runs away on an inspiring journey to make a stand and finally take control of his life.
Autism Live Says:
We love this book so much it makes us stand up and cheer. It is a great book for adults and their families to open the door to the most important conversations of a lifetime.
Best Art/Craft Winner
Let's Resin
Let's Resin
Description
18+ Years
Dive into resin art with this complete kit featuring 4 versatile silicone molds, 16oz of premium epoxy resin, a dazzling 12-color glitter set, 12 real dried flowers, and essential tools like measuring cups, wooden sticks, gloves, and droppers. Perfectly tailored for beginners, ensuring a seamless start to your resin art journey.
Autism Live Says:
We love that adults can preserve their passion projects and make gifts for others. This kit contains everything they need for this stellar craft.
Dr. Doreen’s Favorite
Colored Pencil Set
H&B®
Description
10+ Years
This colored pencil set comes with 182 pieces of art accessories, suitable and perfect for beginner and advanced artists, adults and kids. H & B colored pencil raw material are made of crude wood, and tested by TUV, the pencil is also harmless to the human body, so even the kids can use this set without worry about any harm.
Autism Live Says:
Art is therapeutic, it calms, and it provides a medium to communicate. Dr. Doreen especially likes the organization of this kit, so the colors can be clearly seen and chosen.
Shannon's Favorite
Blank Comic Book
Papeterie Bleu
Description
10+ Years
This book is the perfect gift for an aspiring artist or cartoonist. Featuring unique template pages designed to enhance the creative process, allowing comic book lovers to create their own characters and storylines. Enough space for hours and hours of creative fun for all ages.
Autism Live Says:
Shannon loves the idea of giving this to all of the budding artist who have a story to tell, sometimes all they need is help with the formatting.
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.