28 Best Gifts For Kids With Autism They Will Love
In this post you will read about 28 Best Gifts For Kids With Autism They Will Love.
When you are looking for the best gifts for kids with autism I can tell you from experience that it’s all about what’s their special interest at the time. Those are hands down what he/she will spend the majority of the time playing with.
Here is a list of some of my sons favorite gifts he has played with and absolutely loved, from the time he was a toddler to now.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links (at no extra cost for you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more on my Private Policy & Disclaimer page.
1. Blocks
Blocks Gift Ideas For Toddlers With Autism
HANDS DOWN they are some of the best gifts to give a child with autism. When he was as young as 2 (maybe sooner) my son LOVED to stack things. Build them up and then make them fall.
They are great not only for developing motor skills!
You can use blocks to practice learning the name of colors, teach turn taking, and even add some words / phrases in there.
It’s a great opportunity to insert yourself in your child’s favorite play.
When you play with your child, even if you are just there, it really does help.
You may not notice it at first, but give it time.
Here are some great options:
- The MEGA BLOKS Fisher-Price Toddler Block Toys are a classic. They work great at any age and last forever! Work great as bath toys as well.
- Wooden Stacking Boxes are amazing. My son would build a tower taller than him at one point. And making the tower fall was his favorite part.
- Can’t forget Stacking Cups were an all time favorite. Stacking them, lining them up, putting things inside. Pretending they were cups to drink from, anything and everything.
Tip: an added bonus to getting them blocks is that you can use them for so much more! Especially when it comes to speech development. Things like, “Oh no, crash”, “they fell down”, “my turn, your turn”, and so much more. If you are looking for some inspiration, watching Ms. Rachel videos on youtube has been great for us.
Blocks Gift Ideas For Kids With Autism
At the time that I’m writing this post (2024) my son in 6 years old, and he is LOVING Legos!
The amount of Legos out there, the combinations, and the things you can create is really amazing.
There are these apps that show you different things you can build with the legos that you have and your child can go from there.
- This LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box is one of my sons current obsessions. I’m amazed at the things he is able to put together. If you have a kiddo that loves building, then this makes for a great gift.
- Magnetic Tiles are a must. Hours of fun and you can take them everywhere. When my son was smaller and we had a doctors visit, we would pack a couple of these and while we had to wait he would spend it playing with his tiles.
- For more advanced play you may like the Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Set. Comes with wheels and windows, to build more elaborate designs.
2. Numbers
Number Gifts For Toddlers With Autism
My autistic son would count ALL THE TIME. He could recite the alphabet and count to 10 before he even said any words.
We would sing number song from sun up to sun down.
A great gift for a toddler that loves numbers are the following:
- The Wooden Number Toy Puzzle, is a great way to learn numbers, practice motor skills, and eye-hand coordination. And, if you loose the pieces (like I did) you simply color in the board and keep going.
Number Gifts For Kids With Autism
My son right now is a HUGE fan of the show Numberblocks.
It combines some of his favorite things, numbers and songs. He loves singing the theme song and then doing all the math problems. It is a greta show for kids.
- Hand2mind MathLink Cubes Numberblocks 1-10 Activity Set, he spends HOURS with this. Building the different characters, acting out scenes from the show, and just taking them everywhere he goes. We had to buy a second set because he looses the parts. So keep that in mind.
- Numberblocks Plush Toy, we have One and Two and my son loves them! I’m pretty soon we will be getting the Numberblocks Three and Four Playful Pals soon enough.
- And staying on the theme of my son loving Numberblocks, numbers, and puzzles, we got him the Numberblocks Adding and Subtracting Puzzle Set.
3. Alphabet
Alphabet Toys For Toddlers With Autism
My son would LIVE with his alphabet tablet. He would carry that thing everywhere. Instead of a security blanket my son had his alphabet board.
- My son started with the Alphabet Puzzle, then lost all the pieces (as they do), and so what I did was simply color the board with some markers and he just walked around using the board.
- These Number and Alphabet Flash Cards are great. But make sure you are close by when they are playing because if not you WILL loose some parts.
Alphabet Toys for Kids With Autism
My son loves puzzles, so getting him the Alphabet Wooden Puzzles With Storage Box was a good way for him to get two things that he loves in one.
The Magnetic Letters Numbers Alphabet are a great choice when you are starting to practice reading/writing. Als when you need to cook and find something for them to entertain themselves.
4. Jumping
If your kid loves to jump as much as mine does, then getting a trampoline is the way to go.
I got this recommendation from my sons occupational therapist and it has been a great addition to our living room.
And it is especially wonderful in allowing them to get that energy out in a safe way (instead of climbing on the furniture… which will happen).
The Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline is a great option for your kiddos. Or, get one for adults, Exercise Trampoline is a great choice, it’s what I did. Because sometimes mom likes to jump too. lol
5. Swimming
Bath Gifts For A Toddler With Autism
If your toddler lover water as much as my son does, then bath time is one of their favorite activities.
Here are some of his favorite toys:
- Waterfall Fill Spin and Flow is hours of fun. Kids love seeing things go down and splash.
- Munchkin® Learn™ Bath Letters and Numbers, a must if your kiddo loves letters and numbers.
- Nuby Floating Purple Octopus is perfect for practicing motor skills while they take a bath.
Pool Gifts For A Child With Autism
My son LOVES the water. Which is great and terrifying at the same time (because he is still not great at swimming).
If you have a pool, obviously my fist recommendation is to get a fence as soon as possible.
My son sees a pool and just immediately wants to jump in. Which is scary when you can’t be watching them 24/7.
Pool toys are great, and not only are they getting exercise, but you can use it to play and stimulate interaction and speech development.
- Diving Pool Toys are an excellent choice if your child is a good swimmer and also competitive. Hours of fun in the pool.
- Pool Floats Toys Games Set make for great gifts to enjoy during pool time.
- Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket is a must when they are in the learning stage.
- If you are looking for an option without the arm floaties, then Neoprene Swim Vest for Children is the solution for you.
6. Sports
Sport Gifts For Toddlers With Autism
At the beginning, the park is your best friend. Not only is it FREE, but you get so many different kids for your child to play with. And stimulation is KEY.
When my son was a toddler, I would take him to the park and he would observe the other children and participate in “parallel play”.
Basically this means that he would be with other kids in the sand box, not playing with the other child but playing on his own next to him. Each in their own world.
As time when by he started wanting to play with other kids.
They would spend hours running around and going up and down the slide. He would have such fun.
gift ideas for toddlers with autism is basically anything he can take to the park to play and share.
- A Beach Toys Set is your best bet at the sand box. They are indestructible and a great way to introduce your child to playing with others.
- Truck Toy Set are a fan favorite when it comes to playground toys. They all love them!
Tip: Park time is also a great opportunity to learn about sharing, taking turn, and interacting with others. Even if at first all they do is observe, that is a building block. That’s how they are learning and taking things in.
Sports Gift For Kids With Autism
Once your child is out of the toddler phase and is ready to play with others, sports are a great thing.
Soccer-Futbol
If your kid loves to kick a ball, then this is a great choice!
- This LED Hover Soccer Ball makes for a great choice for indoor use. Maybe it’s raining, maybe you don’t have a back yard. Whatever the case may be… this is a good alternative.
- For outdoor use, this Mini Soccer Goal Sets works. It’s the perfect way for them to be able to practice at home and enjoy running around.
Dance
If you have a kid that loves to move, music, but isn’t that great at following instruction, then dance is a greta fit.
Not the conventional and structured dance like ballet, instead a more fun approach where kids are free to express themselves through music and have fun at the same time.
It’s also a great way to have them in the same room with other kids.
- A Dance Mat makes a great gift for a kiddo that loves to dance. This makes for an alternative to have at home in case they aren’t able to go to a class.
Jiu jitsu – Martial Arts
If your son ever watched Cocomelon growing up, then at some point you got to the episode where they did Karate.
Mu kids would love to kick things and pretend they were at a martial arts class, so finding one was something we did and he loved jujitsu.
They run and play, get exercise, interact with other kids, and learn self defense, all while playing. Can’t recommend it enough if it’s one of your child’s special interest.
here is something that we got so they could practice kicking at home:
- Standing Inflatable Punching Bag: it’s great to have at home if you kid loves to kick and punch.
In this post you read about 28 Best Gifts For Kids With Autism They Will Love.
To summarize
It’s all about building from what is your child’s special interest. There is no point in trying to force something, it won’t work.
Take something they love, enjoy, and build a connection from there.
It will open a wold of possibilities.
Other Posts You Will Love
- Best Free Services In Regional Center For Autism
- Best Activities For People With Autism They Will Love
- Best Books About Sensory Processing Disorder: A Helpful Guide for Parents
- Best Free Autism Resources For Parents You should Know About.
About The Author
Written by Belén, a former therapist, late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, and stay-at-home mom to her autistic son. She creates thoughtful, practical content to support caregivers and families navigating hospital stays, disability, and neurodivergent life.