Quote from Penny McCarthy on October 22, 2025, 10:11 am

When it comes to choosing a thoughtful present, Dr Warlow says: “My advice would be to understand their sensory and communication preferences and pick something to match their personal needs. For example, to support with time management a watch or timer could be incredibly useful to help them countdown during a particular task.’ 

‘For someone who is hyperactive they may find something which helps them physically, like a trampoline or a piece of exercise equipment. On the other hand, if the person you are gifting has recently been diagnosed, a book which helps them to understand and learn about their diagnosis would make a beautifully considerate gift.”

Calming & Comfort

These gifts help children relax, feel safe, and settle when they’re overwhelmed or anxious.

• Weighted blankets – provide calming deep pressure input, reducing anxiety and supporting sleep. Weighted blankets from £79 with Oodie
• Weighted stuffed animals – they can be taken anywhere and offer comfort that offers gentle pressure and grounding. Weighted animal selection from £24.99 withWarmies.co.uk
• Soothing light toys - we find jellyfish and bubble fish lamps are popular options, to create a calming visual focus for relaxation. Sensory jellyfish Lamp £19.99 fromSensory Education 
• Essential oils – certain scents may promote calm and can be helpful for people with olfactory sensitivities. Lavender essential oil is a popular choice, to be used by an adult for a child, available from £11.50 from Tisserand
• Sand art – this is a soothing, mindful visual activity that encourages relaxation. Sand art options from £12.99 with Crafts4kids
• Sensory liquid timer – slow, gentle movement provides calming visual stimulation. This can also be used as a timer to support with transitions. Sensory liquid timers from £5.99 with The Little Sensory Box
• Sound Machines/White Noise Makers - Useful for children who need consistent auditory input for sleep or calm focus. Dreamegg portable white noise machine £33.99 with Amazon

Mindfulness and Breathing Tools

Items that support grounding and breathwork

• Hoberman spheres - to aid deep breathing in a colourful and fun way Expanding Magic Ball £12.99 with Amazon
• Breathing Boards - These can be taken on the go and can help children practise calming techniques in a visual and hands-on way. Mindful Maze Garden Pack £10.49 with Sensory Education

Sensory Play & Regulation

Great for children who seek sensory input or need ways to self-regulate throughout the day.

• Sensory Body Sox – encourages body awareness and can be calming and regulating. Sensory Body Sox in various sizes from £24.99 with Fledglings
• Fidget toys – support focus and reduce restlessness by keeping hands busy. A selection of fidget toys from £0.60p with Multi Sensory World
• Kinetic sand, slime, water beads, sensory play kits can provide tactile play that relieves stress and sparks creativity. A wide selection of kinetic toys is available atLearning Space UK
• Pushpeel (similar brands do exist) – engaging in tactile play can help to reduce anxiety and support regulation. Pushpeel is available for various prices on Amazon 
• Sensory swings or hammocks – provides soothing movement input for calming and balance. A selection of swings and hammocks start at £104.00 fromSouthPaw.co.uk
• Sensory Light Bracelets - a lightweight and visually stimulating accessory. Fibre Optic Flashing Bracelet £1.99 from Sensory Education
• Chewable Necklaces - combines safety, style, and functionality, making it the perfect discreet solution for children and young people who need a safe outlet for chewing. Chewable gem necklace £8.99 from Sensory Education
• Fidget jewellery - beautiful and functional jewellery that looks good and provides a discreet option for emotional regulation and fidgeting. Just Breath Fidget Bracelet from £16.99 

Focus & Executive Function Support

Helpful tools for children who need extra support with organisation, routines, and daily reminders.

• Organiser visuals (schedules, planners) - reduce anxiety by making routines predictable. Planners available from £8.99 on Amazon 
• Drink bottle reminder or smart water bottles - prompts hydration and supports independence especially for children, and adults, who may forget to drink throughout the day. Various sizes and prices available from Amazon
• Apple AirTag (for items frequently lost) - reduces stress by helping children keep track of belongings. Apple AirTag from £35.00 with Apple.com

Creativity & Learning

Encourage problem-solving, focus, and imaginative play in a structured, rewarding way.

• Building blocks, construction toys, puzzles - support creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills. Building blocks from £12.99 with Sensory Education 
• Lego - encourages imagination, fine motor skills, and calming repetitive play. Lego sets are available from £8.99 with Lego

Movement & Active Play

For children who need to move, these toys help with energy regulation, coordination, and focus.

• Active toys (scooters, ride-ons, skateboard) - provide fun movement and physical regulation. Scooters for 12months plus with Micro Scooter
• Wobble/balance board - supports balance, core strength, and focus while sitting or playing. Wobble boards from £34.99 with The Kid Collective 
• Trampoline - to use up excess energy and can be regulating for children who like to bounce. Trampolines in various sizes and for different ages, from £34.99 withSmyths Toys

Sensory Supports

Practical tools that make day-to-day life more comfortable and empowering.

• Noise-cancelling earplugs – protect against overwhelming sounds and prevent sensory overload. Noise cancelling earplugs from £19.99 for children and adults with Loop
• Clothing (neuroaffirmative and sensory-friendly brands) – allow children to express identity while staying comfortable. Clothing from £34.00 with My Best Interest

Social Supports

• Conversation cards - build confidence, social skills, and communication in playful ways. Conversation cards from £12.99 with Happy Confident

Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem

• All About Neurodiversity - The Card Deck - These brand new, fun animal photograph cards help young people to understand neurodivergence and learn more about what this means for them. All About Neurodiversity - The Card Deck £30 with Amazon

Room Décor

Create a space that supports sensory needs, comfort, and self-expression.

• Reversible sequin cushions - provide tactile and visual sensory input; children can run their hands over the sequins to create patterns, offering calming, repetitive play. Reversible sequin cushions from £9.29 with Amazon
• Bean bag chairs - offer a soft space for relaxation, sensory regulation, or quiet time. A wide range of bean bags from £39.99 with BeanBagBazaar
• Fairy lights, LEDs, and Star Projectors - create a soothing visual environment that can help with winding down, especially at bedtime. Planetarium Star Projectors from £27.99 with Amazon

Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem

• Engaging picture books - this can help affirm identity and support understanding of sensory needs, differences, or emotional experiences for all ages. “All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum” from £11.95 with Amazon and “My Brother Otto” from £12.15 with Amazon

Focus and Executive Function Support

• Light-up memo boards - perfect for reminders, affirmations, and messages to reduce forgetfulness and boost self-esteem. Light up memo board from £7.99 withMulberry Bush

Special Interests

Affirming a child’s passions by celebrating and supporting their deep interests.

• Interest-based activity kits - gifts tailored around a child’s specific interests (e.g. dinosaurs, trains, astronomy, animals, etc.) offer joy, confidence, and a sense of identity. Activity kits and information books from £7.99 with Usborne, National Geographic Kids, or Curiosity Box
• Merchandise and collectibles - items related to favourite characters or topics (e.g. Minecraft, Pokémon, Littlest Pet Shop) can be especially meaningful and validating. Widely available from major retailers like The Entertainer, Amazon, and HMV
• Room décor reflecting special interests - posters, bedding, lamps, or wall stickers themed around their favourite shows, games, or animals help create a space that feels personal and safe. A wide range of themed décor from £9.99 with Character.com
• Jewellery and accessories - themed bracelets, keyrings, badges, or necklaces related to a child’s interest can help with self-expression and bring comfort, especially in new or social environments. Themed jewellery from £3.99 on Etsy or can be found in store at Claires.

Communication Supports

These tools help children express themselves, share their needs, and feel understood when speaking is difficult. They can reduce frustration, empower autonomy, and support meaningful connection in ways that feel safe and authentic.

·         Communication Clothing – by My Best Interest
These beautifully designed t-shirts and hoodies display affirming messages such as “I communicate in my own way.” They help children (and adults) advocate for their communication needs without having to explain them verbally. Available from £19.99 at My Best Interest

• C-Pen Reader
  A C-Pen is a small, handheld scanning pen that can read printed text aloud. This can support children who find reading difficult, have dyslexia, or prefer to process information through listening. It can also be used for building confidence in independent learning.C-Pens from £225 with The Dyslexia Shop
• Recordable AAC Devices (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
  AAC devices allow children to record and play messages using buttons or tiles. These can be used to share needs, greetings, or personalised phrases — including gestalts (short, meaningful scripts often used by gestalt language processors, who learn language in chunks rather than single words). Using AAC helps children communicate confidently, even if they don’t yet use spoken words or find speech unreliable. Recordable AAC devices from £38.99 with Dimoohome
• “I Need Space” Badges or Wristbands
  These small, wearable tools communicate boundaries or needs without words — for example, “Please don’t touch,” or “I need a break.” They can be reassuring for children who experience sensory overwhelm or social anxiety. Wristbands and badges from £6.50 with The Little Sensory Box
• Mini Whiteboards or Notepads
  Simple but effective — a mini whiteboard allows a child to write, draw, or point to what they need. It can be particularly helpful when a child temporarily “loses words” due to stress or fatigue. Mini whiteboards from £3.99 with Baker Ross