Welcome to the official ABA-LLC Sensory Gift Guide!
The holiday season is just around the corner! In this blog post, we will be rounding up some of our favorite sensory offerings on the internet for our 2025 Sensory Gift Guide. “Sensory” items are designed to appeal to one of the five senses. They stimulate the senses, inspire creativity, and can even help regulate emotions and discomfort.
Many neurodivergent people, including people on the Autism spectrum, often experience Sensory Sensitivity. For those with any kind of Sensory Sensitivity, items designed with sensory experiences in mind may be desirable. However, no person’s experience is universal. Every person has their own unique sensory preferences. We have tailored our list to showcase what types of tools will be desirable to people who enjoy a particular type of sensory input. We encourage you to consider your loved one’s unique likes and dislikes before purchasing a sensory gift.
In the section below, we address and explain what Sensory Sensitivity is in Autism and how it manifests. To skip to the gift guide, click here.
Sensory Sensitivity in Autism
Sensory sensitivity is a common symptom of Autism. It usually manifests in two different forms: “hypersensitivity” which refers to the experience of more heightened and intense sensory inputs, and “hyposensitivity” which refers to the experience of reduced sensory inputs.
When we understand that individuals on the spectrum experience sensory inputs differently, we can empathize when this leads to challenging behavior. After all, who hasn’t had the experience of becoming irritated by a certain repetitive sound and then lashing out? Our bodies have thousands of nerve endings that send signals to the brain, affecting our behaviors.
Hypersensitivity
People who experience hypersensitivity might feel that their experiences are amplified. Sensations that are easily tuned out by someone neurotypical are overwhelming for someone with hypersensitivity. This can result in mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion.
Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity affects the individual’s ability to process things like temperature, noise, and even hunger cues. A person with hyposensitivity might not know why its too hot to wear their coat, or understand that they’re being too loud for the environment they’re in.
Sensory Seeking & Sensory Avoidance
Individuals on the spectrum may perform certain behaviors with the goal of adjusting their sensory inputs. You have probably heard the term ‘Stimming,’ before, which refers to a common form of sensory seeking that helps an autistic person “balance” the inputs they’re receiving. Conversely, sensory avoidance is where a person goes to great lengths to avoid experiencing certain sensory inputs.
Sensory Overload
If a person on the spectrum receives too much sensory input, either all at once or building up over time, they might experience what is known as “Sensory overload.” In overload, all of the brains energy is focused on sensory processing, which may inhibit other functions like speech. Some sensory friendly objects, such as noise-cancelling headphones, can help “dampen” sensory inputs.
Sensory Gift Guide
This gift guide is broken down by which sense the toy delights.
Tactile
Tactile toys will appeal to people who love to fidget with their hands. Though we experience tactile sensations throughout our body, our fingers and hands are especially sensitive. Tactile sensory toys are a popular gift for people of all abilities. We have a few favorites picked out here – but fidget toys are truly expansive! Try looking around on Etsy or Amazon for some truly unique sensory gift finds!
Visual
Some of us just can’t get enough visual interest! These gifts are designed for those who are fascinated by gazing at light, motion, and depth. Some toys have an additional tactile or auditory dimension.
Auditory
Have you ever used a keyboard that clicks just right? Or a tone that hits you just right? These auditory toys will certainly be a hit with those who love clicks, snaps, and noise.
Flip and clack toy
Snapperz
Sound Mirror https://nationalautismresources.com/sound-mirror/
Clicky Keyboard Fidget
Boomwhacker
CD Player
Oral Proprioceptive
Some individuals are drawn instinctually to use their mouth to explore the world. While this is often not considered safe or healthy, oral proprioceptive sensory toys can be a great way to redirect that interest somewhere safe. These tools are designed to be chewed and sucked!
Olfactory/Scent
These toys all come with their own unique olfactory input – they delight your sense of smell, that is!
Sensory Regulating Gifts
These gifts have proven exceptionally helpful in helping people regulate stress and discomfort.
Weighted Blankets
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Loop Earplugs
Proprioceptive & Vestibular (Movement)
It’s natural to need an outlet for expressing yourself and your body! These toys and tools all encourage the use of the whole body. They engage a person’s sense of proprioception (which refers to our sense of our body in space, as well as motion) as well as the vestibular system (which regulates balance & motion).
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC works with around 190 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.” Learn more about us at https://aba-llc.com/