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Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming 🎁 In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids and adults, plus creative experience gifts that go beyond toys.
We cover:
Our top 10 sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids
Unique and practical gift ideas for adults
Why experience-based gifts can be so meaningful
Links to products and tools we use and recommend
Thanks for listening 🩷
Tell us what’s on your holiday gift list this year. We’d love to hear your ideas!
Looking for holiday gifts that your child will actually use and love? 🎁 In this episode, we’re sharing our top sensory-friendly gift ideas for kids and adults from calming beanbags and swings to fidgets, books, and self-care tools.
You’ll also hear why we love experience-based gifts like trampoline park passes, sensory gym memberships, and swim lessons. These kinds of gifts can make the holidays more meaningful and less overwhelming for both kids and families.
Thanks for watching 🩷
Share your favorite sensory-friendly gift ideas in the comments! Let's build the ultimate gift guide together!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
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When it comes to holiday shopping for children with sensory needs, ADHD, or autism, it can be tricky to find gifts that are not only fun—but also functional, calming, and supportive for their development. That’s why we’ve pulled together a carefully curated list of gifts and experience ideas that we recommend to all the families we work with.
These ideas aren’t just toys—they’re therapeutic tools that support sensory integration, motor development, and self-regulation. And yes… they’re also super fun.
Whether you're shopping for a sensory seeker or a more sensitive kiddo, these gifts are OT-approved favorites:
Supports:
Visual perception.
Oculomotor skills.
Attention and processing speed.
This simple, fast-paced card game is our go-to recommendation. It’s portable, adaptable, and can be played in countless ways—from therapy sessions to dinner tables.
Supports:
Breath control and self-regulation
Oral motor skills
Visual tracking
This classic “floating ball” toy helps kids learn to control their breath in a playful, engaging way—perfect for calming down on car rides or winding down before bed.
Supports:
Visual cues for deep breathing
Mindfulness and body awareness
This expanding ball provides a visual guide for inhaling and exhaling. It's great for children who need help understanding the rhythm of deep breathing.
Supports:
Deep pressure input
Calm-down spaces
A cozy, compressive chair that provides the proprioceptive input kids often crave. Great for reading nooks, calm-down corners, or just relaxing after a busy day.
Supports:
Vestibular input
Proprioception
Calming and regulation
Designed by our team at Harkla, this swing is a favorite for both sensory seekers and avoiders. It creates a “hug-like” pressure while providing the soothing motion kids love.
Supports:
Fine motor skills
Tactile input
Creative expression
Think paint-by-number—but with sculpting clay! A unique and creative way to combine sensory input with art.
Supports:
Gross motor skills
Visual processing
Glow-in-the-dark sports equipment makes indoor movement activities more engaging—especially in the winter months.
Supports:
Gross motor development
Upper body and core strength
This customizable indoor rock wall system turns any space into a sensory gym. Great for home therapy or active play.
Supports:
Motor planning
Core and upper body strength
Vestibular input
A perfect gift for kids who love to swing, flip, or climb. Can help build strength and coordination safely indoors.
Supports:
Balance and coordination
Creative play
Sensory exploration
These stackable, colorful stepping stones are a beautiful and versatile option for play-based sensory input.
Because sensory care isn’t just for kids—parents and professionals need support, too! Here are our favorite ideas for self-care and sanity-saving tools:
LifePro Vibration Plate – For grounding, regulation, and circulation.
Vital Neuro Headphones – Real-time neurofeedback training to reduce stress.
Specs Fidget Tools – Sleek and effective fidgets for teens and adults.
Self-Care for ADHD (Book) – Practical support for neurodivergent adults.
ThroughDay App – A neurodivergent-friendly task manager.
Tile or AirTag Tracker – Never lose your phone, wallet, or sanity again.
Loop Earplugs – Reduce auditory overwhelm in busy or loud environments.
Liquid Sand Frame – A calming visual sensory tool for desks or home offices.
EMF-Blocking Blanket / Grounding Mat – For nervous system regulation while working.
Water/Air Purifier Systems – Healthy home upgrades for the whole family.
Sometimes, the best gifts don’t come in a box. These experiences provide lasting value, regulation, and joy for children with sensory needs:
Trampoline park membership.
Local sensory gym punch card.
YMCA or indoor pool pass.
Rock climbing or ninja warrior passes.
Art or music class enrollment.
Gift cards to favorite smoothie spots or restaurants.
A subscription box for sensory or fine motor fun.
Zoo or aquarium family membership.
Therapeutic horseback riding sessions.
Sensory playdate sessions or respite care coupons.
Keep it simple: One perfect fidget is better than 10 forgotten toys.
Focus on your child’s interests: Not every kid loves puzzles or blocks—and that’s okay.
Quality over quantity: Durable, multi-functional items last longer and support regulation over time.
Create sensory moments, not just presents: A bean bag and swing can transform a room into a calming oasis.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links & make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews & comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair & balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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