No one likes receiving a gift they’ll never use. This can be extra frustrating for neurodivergent folks who get generic gifts that don’t take into account sensory preferences. The same way you wouldn’t get someone a gift that isn’t relevant to their interests, there’s no use in getting a neurodivergent friend something that isn’t aligned with their taste.

If you’re wondering what neurodivergent means, let us explain: It’s an umbrella term that recognizes that brains are diverse and process information differently, leading to variations in sensory processing, executive function, use of language, and more.

“With the popularization of this topic in social media, people often use neurodivergent as shorthand for ADHD and autism, but it also includes things like C-PTSD, OCD, dyslexia, giftedness, and so much more,” says Kristin Boscaljon, a licensed mental health counselor based in Seattle, Washington.

So, the likelihood is high that you or a loved one is neurodivergent. Since neurodivergent folks can experience significant variations in sensory processing and brain function, things like scent and texture can be especially important for them. Also, there may be tools that could be supportive in helping them navigate spaces that aren’t conducive to the comfort of neurodivergent people, like traditional office spaces.

This is generalized information about neurodiversity and some of its variations, though. It’s key to remember that each person is unique. “There’s no monolith of preferences within the neurodivergent community as a whole, nor within more specific neuro-types,” Boscaljon says.

With all of this in mind, we tested over 400 items to find great gifts for the neurodivergent loved ones in your life.

Cozy and Comfortable

There’s nothing worse than feeling hot while trying to fall asleep. This cooling mattress-topper from Silk & Snow is comfy, but it also helps regulate your temperature while you snooze. The price tag may feel like a splurge, but writer Grace Gallagher put things in perspective: “It’s a good price, especially when compared with buying a new mattress.” That’s a fair point, and it drives home the fact that this could be a fantastic gift for your loved one.

Slip shorts are a great invention. They can be worn under sheer skirts or short dresses to provide extra coverage. They can protect against uncomfortable skin chafing. You can even throw on a big shirt and sleep in them. But some common issues with slip shorts are them riding up or being made from material that leaves you sweaty and irritated. These cooling slip shorts from Thigh Society nix all the cons of slip shorts and leave you only with the pros — comfortable, breathable, “lounge-able” coverage.

Tori Martinet, RD, who tested these shorts for us, appreciated that they’re fitted but don’t ride up. “They also have extended sizing up to 6XL, and they make several types that are non-cooling and other varieties that might work for someone who runs cold or wants to exercise in them,” she said. We love all these options and are confident you can find the perfect fit for your person.

Many neurodivergent folks deal with temperature sensitivities. Warmth, humidity, and sweating may be experienced as physically overwhelming sensations that prompt sensory overload.

Sleeping is a common time for overheating, but this cooling sheet set and comforter can help avoid that.

“These sheets are so incredible,” gushed our editorial director and tester Simone Scully. “They’re very soft and have kind of a slippery, silk-adjacent feeling. And they’re actually very cooling. I used to wake up sweaty — but not anymore with these sheets. I feel like they make me actually relax.”

As for the comforter, it’s sold separately but worth the added cost. Scully said that it’s “made with the same cooling material as the sheets, so that it kind of feels more like a top sheet, only with some extra weight. If you sleep hot, this is the comforter for you.”

Loud noises can be especially activating for the neurodivergent nervous system. These noise-cancelling headphones are sweat-proof, have removable and washable silicone ear cushions, are made of premium leather, and have an extra-long battery life of 50 hours. We also like that they’re wireless.

Writer Brittany Vargas, who tested these for us, celebrated their versatility. “[They] can be used while working out, but I’ll also be using [them] on flights, while working, or whenever I want immersive sound or don’t want to deal with earbuds,” she said. That solidified our decision to name these headphones the best gift for your loved one who wants some peace and quiet.

Some folks prefer to feel the ground under their feet, rather than having the entire sensation absorbed by the sole of the shoe. They also likely want something that keeps their feet cool, avoiding the dreaded sweaty shoe. The Primus Trail Flow shoe from Vivobarefoot could be a good fit, no pun intended. They’re lightweight, have a mesh upper to keep feet cool, and a responsive sole, so you can feel the ground. Plus, they’re great for traversing outdoor terrain while hiking.

“I love the concept,” Vargas said. “Barefoot shoes have no insoles, so you get a more-natural experience, like you are barefoot,” she continued. She also felt like she got a chance to sense and adapt to the ground, which was a real winning feature, she said.

This electric, heated blanket will be a warmly welcomed gift if your friend’s temperature-regulation issues run cold rather than hot. Writer and tester Marisa Olsen said it heats up quickly, and she appreciated the six different heat settings and four timer settings. We love the dozen color options, five size options, and how the blanket has a default shut-off after three hours. The polyester blanket has flannel on one side and sherpa fabric on the other. Best of all is the price; at under $40, it represents a great value.

Staying Organized

Time blindness can plague many neurodivergent folks, leaving them challenged to manage and estimate the passage of time.

Rather than approaching this as a problem to fix, let’s take this for what it really is: A perspective and experience that may be different than others. We love the Anne planner from Laurel Denise. I personally have it and appreciate that it is well-organized. A big bonus is that it is very customizable, since all dates can be filled in.

As we’ve covered, keeping up with a medication routine is key. This gorgeous pill-organizer set from Dosey is for the person who appreciates an elevated aesthetic. They might have their whole vanity color-coded or love a particular color. This set includes a pill organizer and a small pill-compact. The pill organizer features seven different compartments, each labeled with a day of the week. The small pill-compact comes with a mirror. We like the pill organizer as a pretty bedside- or vanity table-companion. And the compact is the perfect plus-one for a purse, gym bag, or car console.

A steady med routine is essential for so many of us. Yet, when traveling, there can be so many moving pieces that cause medication to accidentally fall by the wayside. This chic pill-organizer from Cadence is easy on the eyes, fun to organize, and extremely adaptable. We like that this particular version of the Cadence pill case lasts for two weeks. There’s plenty of space for morning and evening doses. You can even pull off one of the containers and slip it into your purse before running out, in case you have medication that needs to be taken with dinner.

Keeping track of things isn’t always the easiest for the neurodivergent mind. Folks who struggle with executive functioning, a common challenge for those living with ADHD, might find themselves frustrated trying to find their necessities.

This nightstand organizer is a great way to keep all things tidy and in order. It has a few different compartments that are perfect for glasses, a remote, and other knickknacks, plus a wireless charger.

Got a kid who prefers their foods don’t touch? The OmieBox Bento Box has compartments to keep foods separate. “I love that the Bento Box comes with a handle, a thermos food jar, and multiple compartments,” said Scully. “Pasta stays warm in the thermos and his food stays well separated.” We love that the rubber edging comes off for easy cleaning and that the lunchbox is top-rack dishwasher safe. “I love that there are a couple of customization options,” said editor Ashley Ziegler. “Plus, it's so cute!” It’s also leakproof, eliminating the need to constantly scrub lunchbox spills out of your kid’s backpack.

Special Sensory Finds

Some fidget toys can call attention to themselves, with bright colors and audible sounds. These memory gel stress balls are quiet and discreet, which makes them perfect for use during class or meetings. They’re well-designed, too. “I love how the outside of these isn’t as sticky as other squishes and doesn’t collect hair and lint,” shared Everyday Health editor Olivia Campbell. “I really appreciated the denser firmness of the minis, and the squishiness of the originals.”

Many fidgets can be one-dimensional, focusing only on texture or color. This magnetic fidget set from Speks is fun, engaging, and unique. Campbell gifted these to her nine-year-old son, and they kept him occupied for quite some time. “They’re like a smaller, more portable and grown-up version of MagnaTiles,” she shared. “It would be a good fidget toy for when it’s okay to make a bit of noise and have noticeable hand movements.”

A weighted blanket is known to be a big source of sensory comfort. But there’s something that’s even cozier to many: Let us introduce you to Turbobo, a weighted sensory stuffed-animal made with plush material. It weighs five pounds, and it comes with a hot/cold gel pack for its ear and some essential oil samples. It also comes with a cute picture book called Meet Turbobo.

Scully gifted this dog to her son. “He found the weight of it soothing, especially at night, because he said it felt like someone was sleeping with him and keeping him safe,” she said.

A common misconception is that every neurodivergent person does not enjoy scented products. “There is no monolith of preferences within the neurodivergent community as a whole, nor within more specific neuro-types,” Boscaljon says. She emphasizes the importance of honoring each individual’s uniqueness. The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a great gift for someone who wants to enjoy aromatherapy but at their own pace.

The great thing about diffusers is that you can control the scent level by simply adding more or less essential oil to the diffuser. Pro tip: See if you can sneakily find out any essential-oil scents that your loved one likes, and add them to your cart.

This gift is a triple-hitter on sensory options. It is weighted and can be used hot or cold, making it fantastic for someone who enjoys different temperatures and weights to relax. Writer Katie Mannion said she believes this eye mask is great for everyone, since it can be used hot or cold, but she especially enjoyed it hot. “What I love about this eye mask is that the outside fabric really doesn’t get too hot,” she said.

For many, kinetic sand is a meditative, satisfying, and creative sensory experience. The texture of the sand offers a nice tactile experience, since it can be squeezed and molded quite easily. The feeling of it can be soothing, but the experience of creating new shapes with it can also feel pensive.

This kinetic-sand kit from Grounded Labs is a beautiful and easy-to-use place to start. It features a rainbow light that gives the tray a colorful hue. It comes with a small ball that creates different patterns out of the sand. We like how versatile this is, ensuring there’s a special sensory experience for anyone who uses it.

A good fidget toy can be an excellent tool that’s both soothing and captivating for various neurodivergent folks. Editor Ashley Ziegler spoke to this: “I have one daughter with autism and another with ADHD, and the way they both gravitated to this thing is truly wild.”

She noticed that her daughter with ADHD will play with it while watching television or reading. Meanwhile, her daughter with autism will zone out and relax with it for long periods of time. “I figured it was a toss-up whether or not they’d like it, but I’m honestly blown away with their responses,” she said.

Sunglasses can be a real game-changer. They can help with light sensitivity, shielding out extra-bright lights that could otherwise be overwhelming for a sensitive nervous system. They can also be really wonderful in social situations. Some neurodivergent people find that wearing sunglasses can be helpful in maintaining eye contact and navigating neurotypical social expectations.

Writer Ashley Rowe, who tested these sunglasses for us, noted that the strong polarization is fantastic for managing light sensitivity.

Finding soothing bath products that aren’t filled with artificial fragrances can be quite the challenge. This is especially frustrating for those of us who are scent-sensitive but just want to take a nice, warm bath. These bath cubes from Lola Arnao are unscented and made for sensitive skin. I have used them personally, and I loved that I was able to have a nourishing bath without overwhelming scents and ingredients that dry out my skin.

If you’ve got younger sensory-seeking kiddos on your list (around ages 4 to 7), we recommend this dinosaur kit. “I like that this comes in a nice storage box that everything fits in. This is important to me when I'm choosing toys for my son because he has so much stuff, it's hard to stay organized,” Scully noted. “The items themselves are also very nice: he was particularly into the wooden dinosaurs, and played with those the longest. He also liked the cookie cutters and had fun making shapes with those. On the whole, he had a lot of fun making little scenes for himself for the toys to play with.”

Wellness Finds

Tools to simplify life are key for everyone, but especially for those with neurodivergent minds. This water bottle from LARQ makes staying hydrated extremely easy. It is self-filtering, so you can pour tap water into it and have it immediately filtered. It’s also self-cleaning. This is a huge benefit, because remembering to wash and dealing with all the various parts of a water bottle can be very cumbersome. Finally, this bottle has a light that goes off at various intervals throughout the day to remind you to hydrate. I personally tried out this bottle and loved how easy it was to stay on top of my water intake.

Coloring can be an excellent stress-reliever, with studies showing it can reduce symptoms of anxiety.

This is great evidence that, above all, coloring is good for soothing the nervous system. We love this Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book. I’ve personally used it, and I loved its cute wildlife scenes and its many pages to color on. Plus, this is a must-have for those whose special interests include nature or coloring.

Some folks deal with a nervous system so sensitive that caffeine isn’t an option. This tea set from Traditional Medicinals focuses on soothing teas that encourage drinkers to slow down and lean into self-care. You can expect calming ingredients like lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. If you want to really complete this gift, throw in a sweet kettle.

Our tester, writer Mary Sauer, enjoyed the flavors of these relaxing teas: “The teas were lovely. I think a tea drinker or someone who needs a little extra self-care would appreciate this.”

An unfortunate statistic states that those who identify as neurodivergent can have symptoms of anxiety that negatively impact their well-being.

If that tracks for your loved one, consider this journal for them. Create Your Own Calm: A Journal for Quieting Anxiety is an excellent coping tool for anyone navigating the tides of anxiety. I had an opportunity to use this journal and really loved the illustrated affirmations throughout the book.

A card deck that encourages supportive emotional habits can be perfect for someone who best digests information in bite-sized pieces. Writer and therapist Riley Blanton said that this deck is equal parts practical and impactful: “It provides tangible examples in which a boundary might be helpful, helping you walk through the boundary-setting conversation without pressure.” She also said that the deck is of great quality, with the cards feeling strong and sturdy.

Think of this as the book version of the Set Boundaries Deck. Considering everyone takes in information differently, this book is perfect for those who like a long-read format and thrive by taking notes in the margins. Blanton liked that the book was full of interactive details, including real-life examples and practical scripts that you can use during sticky conversations. She also said that this book could be helpful for a variety of people: “It could be helpful for anyone in a life transition, young adults, people navigating older ages, and wanting to improve their relationships.”

Vibration therapy has long been used to help treat sensory-processing issues. It’s a promising tool for supporting sensory regulation and motor development.

Our tester, Scully, recommends this under-$200 option as a great place to start. “I find it helps me feel more energized in the morning and helps me relax after a long day at work at the end of the day. It has a variety of settings too, so you can start slow and work your way up.”

Acupressure can be an excellent tool for grounding, which, as mentioned, is key for a sensitive nervous system.

This acupressure mat from Vie Healing is a fantastic tool. I personally tried it and loved how it is extra-long, so it can accommodate various body types. Its spikes aren’t too sharp, so acupressure newbs can appreciate it. Plus, it’s made from a soft linen material that is beautiful and comfortable. Before gifting this, see if you can get any hints on sensations that your loved one prefers. The prickly intensity of an acupressure mat isn’t for everyone.

Hacking Work-Life Balance

Folks who are stuck going to the office may be frustrated by the noise that comes with the office environment. Watercooler conversations, printers humming, the faint sounds from a conference call — it can all be maddening for a neurodivergent person.

These earplugs offer tons of options. There are four different sizes, offering a customizable fit. There’s an option to filter out background noise even more, giving the true sensation of putting the world on mute. It also removes the dreaded “blocked-ear sensation” when talking, making it much easier to have a quick side conversation without having to remove the earplugs altogether.

Many folks with ADHD struggle with food waste, because they forget about the fresh ingredients they bought or have trouble creating and sticking to a weekly meal plan. And people with sensory issues may have certain food textures or scents that they need to avoid. A meal-kit service can help address these needs by allowing you to choose the meals you want, and by sending you all the ingredients you need in just the right amounts for the meal at hand. Plus, there are tons of ready meal options.

After testing Blue Apron, Martinet said, “I really think the meal kits are stellar, the flavors are good, and the recipes are clear and well written.” Blue Apron recently moved away from a subscription-based model, making it much more gifting-friendly.

Comfort is beyond important for neurodivergent folks. What could simply be an annoying office chair for neurotypical folks could cause major discomfort, distress, and distraction for someone who is neurodivergent. This chair from Pipersong offers something for everyone: people who like to sit cross-legged, prefer one leg propped up, want to sit on their knees, or just want a good ol’ regular sitting position. This is a great option for office-dwellers who would need some support getting comfortable in a new environment.

Who doesn’t love a good snack plate? The Easy Scoop Plates from Omie are perfect for munching on an array of snacks. Some folks have an aversion to different foods touching each other, so this is a great solution.

The plate is technically made for babies learning to feed themselves, but Ziegler decided to give it a try with her daughter with autism, who is a selective eater and doesn’t like her foods touching. Turns out, it was a hit. “She absolutely loves this plate,” Ziegler said. “I like that the divider can be lifted to use as a snack tray, or set on the plate for a meal.” She also said that it quickly became her daughter’s go-to plate.

How We Chose the Best Gifts for Neurodivergent Folks

We went to great lengths to compile this gift guide with sensitivity and practicality in mind. We enlisted our roster of Everyday Health writers and editors, some of whom have neurodivergent family members or are neurodivergent themselves, to try out over 400 gifts. Every gift was assessed for affordability, effectiveness, and accessibility.

Additionally, we consulted a licensed therapist to get her input on how to choose the best gifts for neurodivergent folks. I’m also a licensed therapist who works with neurodivergent folks, and I have many close neurodivergent loved ones who top my list of gift recipients every holiday season. Finally, we did a stringent process of approvals, scoring each product selection against recent research and having our editors assess each product to ensure that it fit within the scope of this gift guide.

Allow this gift guide to be just that — a guide. No item is perfect for every single person, so remain open-minded and see if any of these gifts feel applicable to the neurodivergent person in your life. When in doubt, ask them what they’ve been interested in lately, or if there are any tools they feel could help them out. Keep the pressure off by reviewing the return policies and even slipping a gift receipt in the box.

How Do I Choose A Great Gift for The Neurodivergent Person in My Life?

The best way to choose a great gift for a neurodivergent person is to follow their interests. Take note of what they like and find a gift based on that interest. Of equal importance is noticing what they don’t like. For example, if you notice they avoid certain textures or sensory experiences, acknowledge that there is likely a reason for this and source a gift that is mindful of their unique preferences. There is no single blanket item that is best for neurodivergent people, but this gift guide can provide an overview of items that may speak to many folks in your life.

FAQs

What is the best gift for adults with ADHD?

There is no one universally best gift for someone living with ADHD. Be sure to follow their interests when selecting a gift and don’t assume they want a gift that directly responds to one of their challenges. For example, if they’ve admitted time blindness is an issue, don’t assume they would appreciate a planner. Instead, wait to see if they bring up that they’d like support in managing time blindness.

How do I know if my gift is right for the neurodivergent person in my life?

Trust that they will let you know. Be sure to review the return policy on any gift you get and look into a gift receipt. No one likes to be stuck with a gift they don’t like and won’t use.

What are some items neurodivergent folks may not want?

Any gift that feels presumptive or prescriptive is likely out. If you’ve never seen them fidget, giving them a fidget set may seem random. If temperature regulation isn’t a concern for them, a cooling comforter probably won’t be something they’re excited about.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Author

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

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Angela D. Harper, MD

Medical Reviewer

Angela D. Harper, MD, is in private practice at Columbia Psychiatric Associates in South Carolina, where she provides evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for adults.

A distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Harper has worked as a psychiatrist throughout her career, serving a large number of patients in various settings, including a psychiatric hospital on the inpatient psychiatric and addiction units, a community mental health center, and a 350-bed nursing home and rehab facility. She has provided legal case consultation for a number of attorneys.

Harper graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a bachelor's degree and cum laude from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in adult psychiatry. During residency, she won numerous awards, including the Laughlin Fellowship from the American College of Psychiatrists, the Ginsberg Fellowship from the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, and resident of the year and resident medical student teacher of the year. She was also the member-in-training trustee to the American Psychiatric Association board of trustees during her last two years of residency training.

Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents. She currently supervises a nurse practitioner. She is passionate about volunteering for the state medical board's medical disciplinary commission, on which she has served since 2015.

She and her husband are avid travelers and have been to over 55 countries and territories.

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Olivia Campbell

Editor

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History. She is a freelance editor at Dotdash Meredith and a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, New York Magazine, Health, Parents, History, and The Guardian, among other outlets.

Campbell received a journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's in science writing from Johns Hopkins University, where she now acts as a thesis advisor. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.

Campbell lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and two cats.

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