Hi Reader,

First, I genuinely do not know how we are at that point in the year that many of us are thinking about holiday gifts, but here we are! I’ve put together a neurodivergent wishlist of gift ideas for all ages. These are things I personally use and love!

Holiday Gift Ideas

1) The Orba2. My son and I have been having so much fun with this. It’s a musical gadget you can hold in your hand and play various instruments. (You can see a video of us playing with it here) It’s perfect for pattern-finding people who enjoy the sensation of repetitive sounds and auditory stimming/fidgeting. Also great for people wanting to play music but who have dyspraxia/difficulty with fine motor skills. You can get 10% off with this code.

2) Elements Truffles: Truffles are a holiday classic (and as a bonus, chocolate releases dopamine!). These artisan, ethically-sourced truffles come from a small business with every lifestyle in mind (vegan, gluten free, ethically sourced). They also donate 25% of their profits. I love supporting value-based companies through my dollars.

3) The Gravity Blanket: I just can’t say enough about why I love this blanket. It’s the perfect weight (not too heavy, not too light), it doesn’t make me overheat like other weighted blankets, and I love the texture. This is a core part of my sensory detox routine.

4) The Moon Pod: Speaking of sensory detox, the moon pod is also a core feature of this. This is not your average bean bag chair! Zero gravity makes you feel like you’re floating/weightless (my favorite is to sit on the moon pod with the gravity blanket on top of me). Use my link to get $25 off your first order!

5) CMY Cubes: Such an aesthetically pleasing sensory toy! Great for kids and adults alike! You can get 10% off with this link.

6) Leather Journal Writing Notebook: I have noticed that many neurodivergent adults love the sensory experience of journaling or keeping notes in a robust/textured journal. Journals such as this leather one or the classic moleskin notebooks are my go to.

7) Anything from Faherty! It’s expensive and certainly a splurge. This is the most sensory-soothing clothing brand I have found. I splurge on these shirts, but then I go on to live in them and wear the same five shirts over and over (if you have seen any of my Instagram reels, you have undoubtedly seen me wearing Faherty!)

8) Iphone pop-it fidget cover. It might seem this is just for the teens, but personally, I love my pop-it phone cover too! They also make pop-it covers for Nintendo switch.

​9) Sensory Moon Bubble Tube: While this lives in my son’s room, I occasionally steal it and put it in my office because I love it too. Good for those who enjoy watching water patterns and who enjoy bright lights. Not great for those who get headaches from LED lighting.

The holidays can be a sensory overloading time for neurodivergent people. Hopefully, amidst it all, we can gift one another some sensory-soothing items to help us unwind from the stimulus of the holiday season!

Warmly,

Dr. Neff

Disclaimer: Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost, I will earn a small commission if you link through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting this newsletter.

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