Ideas that support skills, soothe emotions and spark joy
Most children will have their hearts set on a special gift for Christmas, but what about all the little extras like stocking fillers, small games, activities and sensory treats?
Choosing gifts for neurodivergent young people can be tricky. Some traditional Christmas classics can be a minefield:
● games that rely heavily on reading
● turn-taking
● waiting
● or managing the big emotions that come with losing
With the right choices though, games and activities can support regulation, boost confidence, develop thinking skills and provide genuinely enjoyable moments for the whole family. Here are some ideas we at Toucan have found useful, fun and supportive for a wide range of needs.
Board games that don’t require lots of reading
Simple, visual, and pattern-based games can support executive function, flexible thinking and social interaction without the pressure of decoding long instructions.
Qwirkle A colourful, tactile tile-based strategy game. Easy to learn, satisfying to handle and brilliant for mixed ages. Great for pattern recognition, planning ahead, and cooperative team play. Usually comes with a storage bag.
Dobble A fast-paced matching game in a handy tin. Great for visual scanning, processing speed, and quick turn-taking without the emotional weight of a “winner takes all” game.
Traditional favourites Chess, draughts, backgammon, Chinese chequers, dominoes, pick-up sticks, mancala, Othello.
These classics promote strategy, attention, fine motor skills, and calm focus. Many come in tactile wooden
sets.
Mastermind-style code breakers Logic-based guessing games for two players. Brilliant for reasoning, deduction, and working memory, all without needing to read.
Single-player and Logic Puzzle Games
These are fantastic for children who prefer independent play, find group games stressful, or enjoy quiet problem-solving.
SmartGames Colourful, robust, tactile puzzle games — many are pocket-sized and perfect for taking on journeys or using
as calm-down activities. IQ Puzzler is a Toucan favourite.
ThinkFun They produce many logic and reasoning challenges. Rush Hour is a firm favourite: move cars around a grid to free the “target vehicle”. Great for planning, perseverance and spatial skills.
These games are excellent for:
● building confidence through solo success
● practising persistence
● supporting attention and problem-solving
Creative Play, Art & Craft Gifts
Crafting can be calming, regulating, and brilliant for building fine motor skills and confidence.
Ideas include:
● Lego or other construction kits (brilliant for sequential thinking and quiet focus)
● craft materials (stickers, pom-poms, googly eyes, card, felt)
● modelling clay or playdough
● crochet or sewing starter kits
● woodcraft or whittling kits (age-appropriate and safe versions)
● baking or cooking sets
● mindful colouring books
● dot-to-dot or sticker mosaics
Creativity supports:
● self-esteem,
● sensory regulation,
● patience,
● and a sense of achievement.
Fidgets and Sensory Tools
Not all fidgets are equal and different ones support different needs.
Stimulating fidgets
(e.g., spinners, clickers, poppets)
Good for boosting attention during low-interest tasks but may be distracting in classrooms.
Calming fidgets
(worry stones, stress balls, squishies, soft textured items)
Helpful for anxiety, overwhelm, and grounding.
Proprioceptive and movement tools
● big squishy plushies for squeezing out big feelings
● wobble boards
● stretchy body socks
● indoor swings (if space allows)
● weighted items (lap pads, soft animals
Quiet spaces
Play tents, dens, tunnels, or a simple blanket fort can create a break-space for self-regulation.
Good sensory tools support:
● emotional regulation and anxiety reduction
● focus
● de-escalation
● body awareness
Sports, Movement & Outdoor Gifts
Movement-based gifts are brilliant for neurodivergent young people. Physical activity supports emotional
regulation, balance, coordination, focus, and overall wellbeing. It also offers a healthy outlet for energy,
stress, and frustration.Of course, any equipment linked to a child’s favourite sport will be a hit; footballs, basketball hoops,
dance gear, swimming accessories, cricket sets, trampolines and so on. But it’s also worth exploring some
less obvious options that encourage movement in fun, low-pressure ways.
Ideas include:
● Hacky sacks – great for coordination, rhythm and movement breaks.
● Juggling balls or scarves – build focus, dexterity and timing.
● Flow toys – poi, ribbons, scarves and streamers; calming, rhythmic and visually engaging.
(We love rhythmic ribbons here at Toucan.)
● Punch-bag headbands or boxing pads – brilliant for safe energy release and helping children
“blow off steam” in a controlled way.
● Balance toys – wobble boards, stepping stones, balance beams.
● Outdoor exploration gear – metal detectors, bug-hunting kits, explorer packs, magnifiers.
● Wheels and motion – bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards.
● Gardening tools – child-sized sets for digging, planting, watering and creating a sensory outdoor
space.
These kinds of gifts support:
● self-regulation
● sensory integration
● motor skill development
● confidence and independence
● grounding and restorative time outdoors, calmer moods and better sleep
Movement is one of the best regulating tools we have, and Christmas is a perfect opportunity to encourage
it in joyful, playful ways.
Wellbeing & Self-care Gifts
Especially good for older children and teens who may struggle with self-regulation, stress or sensory
overload.
Ideas include:
● bath sets with calming scents
● essential oil rollers
● soft pyjamas or weighted blankets
● cosy slippers
● skincare or haircare sets designed for sensitive skin
These promote body awareness, self-soothing and confidence in personal routines.
STEM and Investigation kits
Many neurodivergent young people love experimenting, building, and investigating how things work. STEM kits can cover:
● chemistry experiments
● coding robots
● circuits and electronics
● crystal growing
● magnets and physics sets
● geology, fossils, or archaeology kits
These support curiosity, focus, independent learning and scientific thinking.
Puppets and Imaginative Play
Puppets, finger, sock, or character kits are wonderful for:
● building communication skills
● allowing shy children to “speak” through a character
● practising social scripts
● storytelling
● performing in low-pressure ways
Buying two can help children act out conversations, rehearse tricky situations or simply play socially with a sibling or adult.
Music Gifts
Music can be a powerful support for neurodivergent children. It helps with emotional regulation, rhythm, coordination, focus, and self-expression and for many young people, it’s a genuine strength or special interest. You don’t need to invest in full-sized instruments (or endure the ear-bending torture of old-school recorder practice!) to encourage musical exploration.
There are now many accessible, child-friendly and sensory-friendly options that allow children to enjoy music in ways that suit them.
Digital and Quiet Options
Perfect for children who love making sound but need something that won’t overwhelm the whole household:
● Digital drumsticks with headphones – give the full drumming experience with none of the noise.
● Mini digital keyboards or pad controllers – compact and great for experimenting with sound.
● Noise-limiting headphones – for children who enjoy listening to music but are sensitive to volume.
These options support:
● rhythm and timing
● coordination
● safe sensory exploration
● emotional regulation
Tactile and Accessible Instruments
Brilliant for hands-on learners or those who prefer gentle, soothing sounds:
● Thumb pianos (kalimbas) – beautiful tone, calming to play and very accessible.
● Coloured music sheets or simplified notation – great for visual learners and beginners.
● Ukuleles – light, small and easier to learn than guitars; wonderful for confidence-building.
● Hand drums, shakers, tambourines, rain sticks – rhythmic, sensory and great for movement.
These support:
● fine motor skills
● pattern recognition
● sequencing
● self-expression
Sensory Music Kits (Younger Children)
For younger kids or those who regulate through sensory play:
● bells, scrapers, egg shakers
● chime bars
● soft mallets and beaters
● movement scarves to match music
● rhythm ribbons (a Toucan favourite!)
These encourage:
● cause-and-effect learning
● social play
● movement and flow
● joint attention
Encouraging Musical Interests
Some neurodivergent children have exceptional musical abilities or deep interest in a particular instrument
or genre. Christmas can be a good time to:
● upgrade or replace small instruments
● purchase songbooks linked to their interests, explore lessons or online tutorials
● introduce composition apps or simple recording software
Supporting musical interests can build:
● confidence
● emotional wellbeing
● perseverance
● a lifelong hobby or talent
Books (chosen thoughtfully)
Books can be comforting, inspiring or overwhelming depending on the child.
When choosing, consider:
● their interests
● their reading level (without shaming lower levels)
● their attention span
● whether they prefer images or text-heavy books
Options include:
● graphic novels
● comic books
● annuals
● factual books (animals, space, sport, history, tech)
● cookery books
● illustrated encyclopaedias
● childrens or young adult novels
Avoid giving books you loved as a child purely for nostalgia unless they genuinely match the young person’s interests and level. The right books support comprehension, calm focus, imagination and self-esteem.
And Finally… a Note on Choice
These ideas are just a starting point. Neurodivergent children are wonderfully varied and there are countless other options out there. The best gifts are the ones that:
● support regulation
● build confidence
● respect a young person’s interests
● and offer joy without overwhelm
There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, only what fits your child. Wishing everyone a wonderful and peaceful festive season.