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The Best Fidgets & Sensory Items

A Curated List by an Autistic Adult

My name is Leann Firestone, I am an autistic adult with adhd. I created this gift guide for anyone looking to purchase a gift for a neurodivergent person. These gifts are separated by cost not by age or ability. They would be appropriate for most people. If you need more recommendations or have any questions please reach out to me at leann@ndnet.org, as I have most of these items and can tell you more about them .

 

 *I am an amazon affiliate so if you purchase items via the links on this list I will receive a commission at no cost to you. Prices may vary from the numbers listed here as I have no control changing rates. 

Best Fidget Toys Under $20!

  1. The NeeDoh Nice Cube &  Gum Drop are my new favorites! As someone who has tried many Schylling Fidgets, these are far above the rest. They have a slow rising squishy feel that is combined with a stress ball! These two models are very different from the other toys they sell ( I have a video on my instagram if you want to learn more! ) These are under $10 and good for any kiddo or adult. 
  2. These GooToobz squishy maze  toys are the newest craze in sensory toys. I have had fun testing them out, they make a fun noise and have a good squishy feeling. They seem like they could be popped or bitten open by a young child. Priced at $8-$10.
  3. These indestructible squishy balls are perfect for a young child or you’re an intense squisher. They are a solid piece and not filled with anything so they can’t be broken open like some of the other fidgets listed above. Here is a larger ball made by Schylling that is also unbreakable! 
  1. Aarons thinking putty is an amazing fidget tool for people of all ages ranging from $10-$20. It is far superior than any other slime or dough, and they have many colors and options. I recommend a texture putty or a color changing option!! 
  2. Mad Matter is another one of my favorite tactile sensory toys. Think Kinetic sand …but it is a dough! It has a very smooth satisfying feeling and cleans up easily!  
  3. Monkey noodles are a fidget that I carry around everywhere. They can be stretched, tied, chewed and more! They don’t make any sound and fit in your pocket ! They have thinner options and textured noodles and they are all under $15. 
  4. Tangles have been around for years and haven’t gotten enough recognition! They can be a great quiet fidget toy, and some of them can be chewed on ! They can be popped apart and remade into different shapes. 
  5. This pop socket toy is perfect for babies or adults who love to pop things ! They make a satisfying noise and they are visually stimulating. Wacky Tracks are very similar concept! 
  6. If you like rubix and the shashibo cube you will love infinity cube fidgets! They come in different styles like metal and plastic but wood is my favorite ! If you like this toy, the circle infinity toy is similar!! 

This is a long one and I’m going to take some of you back in time but these are seriously my favorite fidgets that are still kicking it !! This fiber optic table light runs on batteries and is under $15 and so much fun to touch or look at. These weighted snakes are just as satisfying as when you would purchase them at the zoo gift shop! Remember these fun pin art toys, now they have plastic versions too, but I still prefer the metal! If you loved gaming then or now, the mini controller  is a sensory dream!  And last but not least the good old fashioned Koosh ball! Easy to pick up ,hard to put down !

My Favorite Gifts for a Neurodivergent Kid or Adult! 

  1. As a family of Squishmallows collectors, these will always be on the top of my list. There are a variety of types and sizes prices from $15-$50 . I suggest going with a 20 inch like the one that is linked, then they are big enough to serve as a pillow or mini crash pad! 
  2. Fat Brain Whirly Squigz come in at just under $25 and are perfect for people who like fidget spinners. They are intended for kids and are safe for infants but these are also really great  for adults. There are less expensive sets linked here, but they are more childlike and dont have the fat brain quality. 
  3. Adult-ish Chew necklaces are subtle and fashionable! There are a variety of styles, and colors, coming in at under $10 these make a good gift for teens and adults . 
  1. Loop ear plugs are a great alternative to expensive bluetooth headphones. Loop have a variety of ear protection options in different noise options and colors. Please reach out if you need help shopping for these as I have tried many ! They are priced from $25-$50 depending on the type. If you using them for an active event or have a child that tends to lose things, I highly recommend this magnetic necklace for $25  . 
  2. Apple air tags are amazing for adhd adults who are often misplacing things, I have a set on my keys, inhaler and TV remote! At $25 they are affordable and long lasting. They can also be used with a wrist band for a child who elopes or a dog collar attachment for extra sense of security! They use the bluetooth from your phone to help locate the tag  and you can use the app to have it make a noise. The batteries inside last 6-12 months.  The non apple version would be the tile. 
  3. This Power bank with included cords has saved my life many times ! It has the chargers inside of the brick to anything you could need. I recommend getting two! It is priced at $40 but is usually on sale for less! 
  4. Nod Pod is a weighted face mask that is like a hug for your face, that helps people to slip into a deep sleep. Priced at $34 this makes a great gift for your spouse or that neurodivergent adult on your list who “has it all”. 
  5. Harkla 5lb weighted lap pad works well for adults or kids of any age. Being smaller it can travel well or even be used in the car. Weighted pads help to increase proprioception skills and can induce a calming feeling. Harkla is a very reputable brand of sensory items . This 5lb pad is priced at $40. Another similar option is this weighted shoulder and neck pad. 
  6. Shashibo Shape Shifting Fidget Cube with 36  Magnets inside. This magical cube is fun for kiddos and adults. It has a similar feel to a rubix cube but this cool cube transforms into over 70 shapes. They are priced at $25 and are a little bit fragile around younger kids. 
  7. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks with Travel Pocket Pouch make a great fidget toy to throw in your diaper bag or purse for moments of waiting. They can be made into a variety of shapes and are safe for babies too! Price point is around $35, and they are very high quality. 
  8. Montessori style wood stacking stones are great for kids or adults. They provide a calming experience as the user must slow down and be still for use. Can be made into a game ! Priced at $35 but usually on sale ! 
  9. Flō Stress Relief Mindful Necklace is great for people with anxiety that need a reminder to continue to use deep Breathing . Metal thin straw like a tube with Chain helps to control the pace of your breath. I have had one of these for a year and I enjoy wearing it . It is “adult” looking but would work for kids and teens as well. Perfect gift for the neurodivergent person who already has many sensory items. Priced at $30 with different metal options. 
  10. The Galaxy Sensory Light  has been another popular tik tok find for the year. I have had this one for a year now, and my husband actually gifted it to me last holiday! It’s perfect for bedrooms and living rooms , and would make a great addition to any sensory play room. 
  11. Weighted blankets are always a great option for someone who enjoys sensory pressure. They can actually help to promote proprioceptive feedback when used often !  If your kid or person isn’t into weight I always recommend a fuzzy blanket we have this one!! These vary from $20-$75.
  12. These Jellyfish Led Lamps are very visually attractive. It reminds me of a lava lamp but instead the jellyfish float around magically inside. This is priced at $50. 

My Favorite Big Spender Sensory Items – These items are a larger ticket cost , making them perfect for combo sibling gifts or something for the whole household ! The items on this list are around  $100 or higher. 

  1. Sofa Sack Modern Day Bean Bag chair filled with memory foam. After you make it fluffy and sink into it,  it hugs the body and gives some great proprioceptive feedback! Available in multiple sizes, fabric choices, and over 15 colors ! They come in a very small box and take 24-48 hours to full form, but unpacking them is part of the fun!! 
    • Large 6 Ft size. It comfortably fits 2 adults and makes a great crash pad. $149
    • Single Person 4 ft size fits one adult or child, makes a great addition to a sensory room or calm down corner! $100 

Small Kids 2 ft size– For a toddler or smaller child 6 years and younger. $50

  1. CordaRoy’s Corduroy Bean Bag and Lounger convertible chair has a higher price point but it is similar to a sofa sack and a crash pad combined. It can also be used as a bonus nap area or for living room sleepovers! There is only one size but different colors and fabric styles to choose from. The price point is $230-$400
  2. Apple Air Pod Pros or other noise protection devices are an amazing gift for a neurodivergent person with auditory processing sensitivities. Prices vary depending on model. Please reach out to me personally if you need an auditory device recommendation as I have done extensive research on this topic. 
  3. Led Bubble tube lamps are an amazing new visual stimulatory option for your home or sensory room! They have changing colors and floating fish included. The price point is $110-$150 depending on the height you choose. I would recommend 4 or 6 ft. 
  4. Harkla Sensory Swing provides an indoor sensory relief experience. The compression fabric gives great feedback as it cradles the user. You can purchase a swivel attachment if your child prefers spinning! Be sure to attach the swing to an exposed beam or support beam of the house. The price is about $100 which is a bit higher than other options, but this is my favorite type of indoor swing and harkla is a very reliable brand. This is a metal stand if you cannot attach it within your house. 
  5. The aerial Yoga swing is a bit different than the harkla as it has two ceiling attachments and offers a different type of relief. It is very easy to do inversions on this type of swing as it comes with handles. This helps for deep stretching and people who love to hang upside down. Priced at $50. This is a metal stand for it if you do not have an exposed beam . 
  6. Sensory Liquid Floor Tiles have been one of my favorite suggestions for adding some tactile play to the house!  The prices vary from $70-$100 based on tile sizes. They are fun to look at and feel very unique to step on!  Similarly, Walking on different textures and heights like these stepping stones creates a great brain challenge ! 
  7. Fiber Optic Sensory Lights, are a great visual and tactile experience if you want to add something fun and unique to your home or sensory room. They are priced at around $100 . 
  8. Mod Blox Play Couch, very similar to the Nugget and other similar play couches, this makes a perfect gift for young children and sensory seekers. The movable pieces makes it possible to create obstacles or unique seating. They have many color options and come in at $250.
  9. Pop-up Sensory Tent can be used inside your home or can actually travel with you to create an escape anywhere. This Would be perfect for upcoming holidays where you don’t have as much control over others at the parties !  This light blocking sensory pod tent comes in at around $75. 

Thank you to everyone who made it through the list and purchase via the links. I wanted to take this time to mention we also have a great variety of fidget toys and chewelry listed on our web shop to benefit our non profit! Please click SHOP at the top of this page to view them! 

 

View more of my amazon list ideas here!