This year’s ADHD friendly gift guide features favourites from my client community. From fidgets, to activities, to sensory tools, all items are well reviewed recommendations that I just had to share.
This gift guide is aimed towards school-aged children from about age 5 to 12. Check out my teen’s list here and my adult guide here. For full transparency the amazon links are commissionable links, but all others are not commissionable. None of these products are sponsored and I am not currently affiliated with any of these companies.
Deep Pressure Tools



Manimo Weighted Stuffed Animals: Both of my kids sleep with one of these draped over their torso. They add deep pressure therapy in cuddle toy form. These are great for kids that love the weight, but don’t love it in blanket form over legs.
Weighted Kids Lap Blanket: Deep pressure therapy is a lovely sensory support. Lap pads are a great option for while children are working at a desk or table or in the car on the go.
Sensory Sock: These are a fun way to access sensory proprioceptive input. I have had rave reviews from clients and this community. In my experience these kinds of sensory tools are a LOVE or HATE situation, make sure that you check the return policy.
Fun and Fidgeting




Tech Deck Set: Tech Decks are the old-school desk fidget and they are coming back. I have been told by tween clients that they are fun because they work like a fidget without looking like a fidget.
Geode Kit: I do not know what it is with ADHD and rocks and minerals, but they are loved by the ADHD community!
3D Titanic Puzzle: This fun puzzle combines the common hyperfixation topic of the Titanic with LED lights AND puzzling. I was so excited to find it, and over 3000 positive reviews!
DIY Fidgets: How cool is this! Fidgets and you get to make them yourself. I also love the story behind this company, I have more recommendations from them coming in my teen and adult lists.
Calm and Regulating




Calm Strips: I love this concept and product. These can be stuck to a laptop, phone, desk, bedframe, or anywhere else a sticker can stick to add a little sensory input or regulating cue.
Breathing Ball: This little tool is fun to collapse and expand as a fidget, but it also works really well as a visual breathing cue. I have clients that love this tool and it has almost 10,000 positive reviews!
Audiobooks: I love audiobooks! They are wonderful as a calming activity for quiet time moments and bedtime winddown. Here are my favourite ways to access them.
Yoto Player: This is a screen-free audiobook player that works well for ages 4-9. I own this device and it is well used by both my 5 year old and 10 year old. I love to play evening meditations on it before bed.
Sparkle Stories: This is an audiobook subscription that focuses on gentle audio stories for ages 2-9+.
Libro.fm: I recommend Libro.fm for any audiobook purchases. This digital audiobook store allows you to select your favourite local independent bookseller to support with part of your purchase. Additionally, Libro.fm gives you the ability to download your purchased book with audio files that can be played with any device, with no in-app restrictions. You can even download and make your own Yoto cards with Libro.fm audiobooks.
Loop Earplugs: These noise-filtering earplugs are always one of my top recommendations for sound sensitive clients, and they just released a kid’s version of their earplugs. These are a great tool for a child who still wants to be able to listen and engage in a conversation but needs some support reducing background noise.
Movement Support



Balance Board: Balance tools can be a wonderful regulating and ADHD support tool. This model is more challenging and one I recommend for older teens. These are great indoor movement supports for when the weather isn’t so nice outside.
Wobble Board: I love wobble boards as another indoor movement and balance tool. This style of board holds up to 300 pounds and is fun for toddlers through adults. We have had one in our home since my eldest was 3 and it is still used daily 7 years later.
Sensory Swing: Sensory swings provide vestibular and proprioceptive input to support sensory processing. This particular model is the one that I have had the most positive feedback about.
New e-Book:
Supporting ADHD at School
This e-Book is an Introduction to ADHD at School.
We will build understanding of the 3 core areas of impact: Executive Functioning, Motivation, and Overwhelm, followed by targeted strategies to support each area.
I have included my favourite, tried and true, tested by the 100s of families that I have worked with strategies to request on learning plans and IEPS.
There is a step by step break down of how to work with your child’s teacher to set up a plan for your child to take movement breaks.
You will also learn the basics of escalation planning if your child struggles with either external (meltdowns) or internal (anxiety and panic attacks) escalations.
You can learn more here:
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