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DIY Sensory/Comfort Gift Box for People with ASD

A shopper's guide to stores and items for creating your ideal sensory/comfort gift box for a loved one with ASD

By Talia DevoraPublished 3 years ago 9 min read
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An example of a typical "comfort kit" for people with special needs like Autism

Are you looking to purchase some comforting gifts for your loved one with Autism but don't know where to start? Do you want to create a homemade comfort/sensory gift box but needs some affordable gift ideas? If you are looking for some fantastic gift ideas, please give this blog a read!

There are many reasons why the holidays can be challenging and emotional for some people living with ASD. Change is one reason why the holidays can be a challenge, as many people with Autism have a hard time adapting to change. As an adult living with ASD and Anxiety, I understand the need for comfort, especially during the holidays and the pandemic.

Regardless of age, ability and gender, people with Autism need some sort of sensory, emotional and creative outlet to help them cope with holiday and everyday stresses, even after the pandemic. I have HFA (High Functioning Autism) and Anxiety, so someone like me needs constant stimulation and creative outlets to help me manage my symptoms. I have tried everything from the use of essential oils to scribbling in my sketchbook. Coping mechanisms like the administration of essential oils and scribbling in my notebook are the most effective for me. There are many other ones, but these are just to name a couple.

For anyone wanting to create a comfort gift box for a loved one, a friend, or a colleague with Autism, these are some possible items for you to purchase online and in-store!

1. Glow in the Dark Fidget Spinner @ The Autism Community Store

There are numerous objects that people with Autism rely on, and toys are one of them. Fidget spinners have gained popularity in 2016 and are common toys that kids and youth use to relieve anxiety, stress, frustration, anger and increase a sense of calmness. This is no different for people on the spectrum, because they are prone to meltdowns and other feelings of negative emotions from time to time. People with Autism can have some emotional challenges like depression at night, so anything glow-in-the dark can be therapeutic for some. This glow-in-the-dark fidget spinner is a great emotional release for any of those nighttime blues that she/he experiences Fidget spinners make a great gift for your loved one who uses toys and other gadgets to self-soothe!

2. Motivational Stress Balls @ The Autism Community Store

We all need to be reminded of the positive traits that we have. Thinking about them is one thing, however we also have to see these affirmations to make them more powerful. People with Autism have endured so many things like bullying, neglect and other forms of mistreatment throughout the years, so they are in great need of some positive affirmations and things to empower them. These motivational quote stress balls are a fantastic addition to your gift box, if your loved one really needs some positive quotes to remember. Stress balls are also a healthy emotional outlet for those who thrive with touch, such as myself!

3. Water Arcade Game @ The Autism Community Store

Since when does gaming have to be electronic? Is gaming only for young children or no? Absolutely not! These cute little portable water arcade games are for younger children, but they can be used by people of all ages. This is a great toy to keep in your purses and backpacks for any trips to the community, rides on the public transit, in the waiting room at a doctors office, at a coffee shop, and even just to have some time alone at the park! Age is just a number, so if your loved one enjoys using his/her hands and playing all sorts of non-electronic games, go purchase these adorable water arcade games and add them to the comfort gift box!

4. TY Beenie Boo (Helena the Huskycorn) @ Mastermind Toys

There is a stereotype about stuffed animals being for "young kids only", but I am totally against that belief. I know many adults and other older children that collect and own stuffed animals for many reasons. One of the main reasons why people collect and own stuffed animals, is to comfort themselves! Some adults with Autism don't favour stuffed animals, but for those who do, this will be a great addition to your gift box! It can be kept in this in your box at all times for when he or she needs some companionship and something soft and fuzzy to touch!

5. TY Flippable Clip-On (Moonlight the Owl) @ Mastermind Toys

Keychains, keychains, keychains!!! Keychains are easy to find in drug stores, dollar stores, book stores and other hobby/entertainment shops. Keychains are mainly used to clip on your backpacks and purses for decoration, but some people love to use these as a toy as well. Plush keychains can also be a fidget toy for people who love all things soft, fuzzy, colorful and squishy! If he or she loves anything soft, fuzzy and colorful and wants to revisit his or her childhood days, purchase this sparkly and adorable plush keychain and add this to the gift box!

6. Pollyanna Paperback Book (Classic Starts Edition) @ Indigo Books and Music

Some people with ASD such as myself are considered "book collectors" or "bookaholics". Books can be used as a form of therapy called Bibliotherapy and/or a form of affordable, portable and screen-free entertainment. Books are considered TV for smart people! Depending on the level of reading that he or she has, these modified and engaging Classic Starts novels are fantastic gift options. Pollyanna is one of my favourite books, but I don't remember the exact plot since I read it a long time ago. If he or she enjoys enlightening, positive and motivational stories like Pollyanna, this can be a great addition to his or her comfort gift box!

7. Black Beauty Paperback Book (Classic Starts Edition) @ Indigo Books and Music

Animals like horses are great companions, teachers and therapists for people on the spectrum. I read this story when I was in Grade 8, so I don't remember exactly what the synopsis is. Nevertheless, Black Beauty is a phenomenal story for animal lovers and classic literature enthusiasts of any kind. For those who are looking for a simplified and condensed version of this classic, devotional and beautiful story, you can purchase this Classic Starts edition and add it to his or her comfort gift box!

8. YumEarth Organic Lollipops @ Amazon- $7.59

No holiday celebration is better without sweets and candy! During the holidays, sugar is an easy thing to indulge in. Without thinking of the health consequences like weight gain, we tend to overindulge in sweets, pastries, chocolates and other foods with refined sugar. Some people on the spectrum cannot consume refined sugar or need to eat it sparingly due to comorbidities they might have. These organic, gluten free, natural and non GMO lollipops are satisfying options for anyone who loves candy and other sweets! He or she can enjoy all the classic delicacies without risking his or her health, gaining excess weight or worsening the symptoms of a disease like diabetes. These lollipops are easy to find online, but Amazon is also a great platform to buy these lollipops online!

9. NOW Orange Oil Liquid (30 ml) @ Amazon -$6.60

Essential oils are one of my favourite things to use in times of stress, sadness, anger, frustration and anxiety. I am a person who thrives with all sorts of pleasant smells. I have not used orange oil in a long time, but I really enjoy it because it helps me reduce my sugar cravings. I start to feel joyful and relaxed when I smell or administer some orange oil through my hair, hands or wrists. Not everyone enjoys essential oils, so these are great options for those who enjoy essential oils! This brand called NOW is one of my favourites, and these are easy to find at health stores and Amazon.

10. NOW Eucalyptus Oil Liquid (30 ml) @ Amazon - $7.92

One scent that I can never get enough of is eucalyptus oil! Out of all my top five favourite scents like lavender and tea tree, the sweet and fragrant odor of eucalyptus oil is something I can never live without! Some days I use it more than others, and I always feel refreshed and serene after I use it. These essential oils are super easy to find at multiple health food stores, grocery stores, department stores such as Walmart and of course online like on Amazon! Eucalyptus oil has numerous health benefits like inhibiting the growth of bacteria, increased energy levels, strengthens the immune system and removes mental exhaustion, and will be an amazing gift for your loved one who loves essential oils!

11. Pocket Size Word Hunt Puzzle Book @ Barnes and Noble- $4.50

One common pastime that is loved by most people on the spectrum is doing word hunt puzzles! Since I was 13 years old, I have been doing word searches and never stopped enjoying them! Word searches are a great mental and screen-free activity that can be done at any time of the day and night. Pocket size word search puzzle books are an advantage for those who are constantly on the go and need a phoneles activity to keep them occupied during long hours of travelling. Word searches are also therapeutic and engaging pencil games to do in the waiting room at a doctors office. If he or she is considered "a puzzle lover" or a "puzzle fanatic", get this Hawaii themed word search puzzle book so that he or she can take a distant trip to Hawaii wherever and whenever she or he wants!

12. Positive Word Scramble Book @ Barnes and Noble- $6.99

Positivity is something we all need to mentally and physically survive in this fast-paced and complex world! Whether we experience positivity through language, visuals, and sound, positivity is the best medicine! These word scramble puzzles with positive words and language are perfect for individuals who love both puzzles and positive language. Visuals and sounds are powerful, but words and language are also powerful if we want to remember the actual word or phrase we are searching for! If he or she is having a bad mental health day and needs to see and remember some positive words, this word scramble puzzle book would be a great idea to add to the gift box!

Final Thoughts?!

People across the globe are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, and some of these stores in which they sell these products are not in your country. If you can't visit stores like Indigo or Barnes and Noble in Pakistan or Israel, these products can be found and bought on Amazon and The Autism Community Store, because they offer international shipping. The Autism Community Store is a great online store to support small businesses, especially to those living on the spectrum. If you live in Canada or the US where Barnes and Nobles and Indigo are both online and in the community, you will have no issue finding and purchasing these products from those two bookstores!

I wish you many successes, luck, happiness, health and I am sending all the special people lots of love during the holidays! Take care, stay blessed and happy holidays to all the humans around the world!

#autism #supportsmallbusinesses #love #happiness #success #disabilityisnotinability #friendsfromaroundtheworld #hanukkah #christmas #theautismcommunitystore

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About the Creator

Talia Devora

Poetess, visual artist and lifestyle/quiz writer! My pastimes include reading, sleeping, gaming, music, fitness, etc! Be yourselves, be kind and value life! Let's connect and be friends!

My IG accounts: @tdwrites24 & @tdcreates97

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