What are the Best Gifts for People with Disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorders?
Some family members can be tough to buy for, especially those with special needs. There’s always the question of “What do they want?” and “What do they need,?” but for those with sensory processing disorders, it can be even more difficult to find clothing and entertainment options that are sensory-friendly. Here are a few of our top picks for the best gift ideas for adults with special needs and sensory processing disorders.
1. Sock of the Month Club Subscription
Sock of the Month Club is a monthly subscription box from John’s Crazy Socks that sends a comfy pair of fun and unique socks straight to your loved one’s mailbox. For children and adults with special needs who have sensory issues or concerns, soft socks and clothing are a great way to provide a gift that is both useful and helpful. The best part: Sock of the Month Club was started by a young man with Down Syndrome, John Cronin, and his father, Mark, who donate 5 percent of the proceeds to the Special Olympics. You can also find a selection of special awareness items whose proceeds benefit research for autism, Down Syndrome, and more.
GIVE A SOCK OF THE MONTH CLUB SUBSCRIPTION JOHN’S STORY
Photo: Reason to Bake
2. Gluten-Free Cookies that Support People with Down Syndrome
Crafted in an artisan bakery in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, Reason to Bake’s gluten-free cookies are both delicious and life-changing since they support a small business owner with Down Syndrome. In an effort to encourage adults with intellectual disabilities to pursue their dreams and a fulfilling career, owner Elise Sampson and her daughter Carolyn whip up delicious small batches of their chocolate chip, cranberry oatmeal and spicy ginger cookies with are free of GMOs, gluten, and food preservatives and are safe for sensitive stomachs. If you’re purchasing a gift for the holidays, don’t miss their special edition holiday batches!
LEARN MORE ABOUT REASON TO BAKE BROWSE THEIR COOKIE SELECTION
3. Sensory-Friendly Gifts
Adults and children with intellectual disabilities who also have sensory processing disorders may enjoy the gift of receiving items that are soft and offer comfortable textures. Certain toys and entertainment devices may be too bright, too loud, and too overwhelming for those with sensory disorders. Here are a few alternative gift ideas:
4. Tablets for Gaming, Streaming Video, and More
Tablets are a great gift for children and adults with special needs because they provide an opportunity for solo entertainment through games, audiobooks, and more. Tablets are another great option for those with sensory processing disorders who prefer to avoid crowds and large groups and can benefit from entertainment they can enjoy on their own.
Amazon Fire Tablet
The newest Amazon Fire tablet with Alexa starts at just $49 and is thinner, lighter, and has more battery life than previous Fire tablets. With Alexa, tablet users can ask for weather updates, sporting event scores, report the latest news, and even call or message friends and family members with an Alexa tablet, Echo devices, or the Alexa app.
AMAZON FIRE TABLET
Samsung Galaxy Tablet
The Samsung Galaxy tablet has a price point of less than $175 and includes features like a microSD card slot for viewing media, a quad core processor for fast web browsing and gaming, and an Android Lollipop 8-inch display that offers clear and vivid resolution for videos and games.
SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET
Apple iPad
The Apple iPad is the original and most popular tablet model, and for good reason. In addition to the ability to sync across all Apple devices, the iPad offers a level of user friendliness and display functionality that is uniquely advanced. The price point for iPads is relatively higher, however, since prices range from around $299 to $499 depending on the size, storage, and display options you choose.
APPLE IPADS
5. Bean Bag Chairs or Swings
Bean bag chairs and indoor hammocks and swings can be a great gift option for people with sensory processing disorders who want a place to play video games or read a book when they feel out of their comfort zone around large groups. Plus, bean bags can be moved easily, so if your loved one lives in a group home for special needs adults, they can take their bean bag chair with them to daily activities for comfort and enjoyment.
SHOP BEAN BAG CHAIRS
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