The Holiday Gift Guide for Young Explorers & Creators
The 2020 holiday season carries much uncertainty, but one thing is sure: Creative gifts that channel ADHD energy, pique kids’ imaginations, and keep the family moving will be lifesavers this winter. Here, find toys, games, and other product recommended by ADDitude readers who know what kids with ADHD really love.
Roller Blades
$59.99
Basketball canceled? Gymnastics on ice? Keep your active, energetic child (age 6 and up) moving joyfully with these beginner roller skates. Easier to store than a scooter or bike, these flashy roller skates are equipped with laces, Velcro straps, and high-strength buckles to help protect young skaters who might also struggle with motor skills and coordination. We also recommend investing in knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet — and maybe a matching pair for Mom?
Sensory Sack Therapy Blanket
$19.50
This body sock is a popular self-soothing tool for children (ages 6 and up) with sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or frequent sensory overload. The ergonomic design and easy-movement material — 80% nylon and 20% spandex — combats anxiety by allowing kids to simultaneously relax and feed their sensory needs. The sack uses a snap closure that can be easily undone and prevents kids from getting tangled in fabric.
Indoor Popup Tent
$22.99
Personal space and privacy at home are rare — and so important — these days. This indoor popup tent provides a welcome escape for young children with active imaginations, and a safe space for retreat when emotional or sensory overload creeps up. The space ship tent fits up to three children, is easy to assemble, and comes with an intergalactic projector toy and 3 space-themed image slide discs
Brain Flakes
$16.99
Brain Flakes are interlocking plastic disks (free of BPA, lead, heavy metals and phthalates) that children (ages 3 and older) can use to make creative original designs and structures. Brain Flakes develop spatial intelligence and thinking, and they are accessible to children with varying levels of motor skills. More than 500 interconnecting disks easily click together, providing a straightforward task for children with inattentive ADHD who reject detailed directions.
Telestrations Board Game
$29.95
Telestrations is like Pictionary meets the old-fashioned ‘telephone’ game — a highly engaging family game for up to 8 players. Each player starts with an erasable sketch book, dry-erase marker, and word card. A timer gets turned and everyone draws their secret word, then passes their book to the player on their left. Each player guesses the word associated with the first player’s drawing, passes again, and an image is drawn for the guessed word. Processing speed, vocabulary, and time management are all tested in this fast-moving and hilarious game.
Space Hopper Ball
$15.90
Children with ADHD (ages 7 to 9) learn best in 20- to 25-minute increments with activity breaks in between. When cooped up at home distance learning, kids can expend loads of energy in limited time and space with this space hopper ball — a timeless favorite. Bouncing up and down can help diminish restlessness, and the ball could even act as a fidget-friendly seat during Zoom classes. This product comes with an air pump for easy inflation.
Don't Go Bananas Game
$15.99
This game, based on the ABCD model of cognitive behavioral therapy, helps kids identify emotional triggers and explore ways to change negative thought patterns. Players (ages 6 to 12) answer questions about 5 strong emotions (anger, sadness, worry, fear, and jealously) as they play cards. More thought-provoking questions can be added for tougher gameplay.
Disney + Subscription
*price varies
Movie and TV streaming services have saved many a Friday night for families during quarantine. If you’ve exhausted Netflix and Hulu, Disney+ could keep the laughter and wonder going full steam all winter. A subscription grants access to Disney shows for children, tweens, and teens, plus the acclaimed filmed version of the musical Hamilton (a parent and child favorite). The GroupWatch feature allows you to stream and view the same movie or show with up to 6 friends: a great way to socialize while social distancing.
Light-up Air Hover Soccer Ball
$21.98
A smooth surface is the only requirement for children (ages 5 and up) to use and safely enjoy this light-up soccer ball, which actually hovers in the air. It’s even safe for energetic children to use indoors: a rubber outer rim protects walls and furniture if (and when) the disc ricochets off of them. Red and blue flashing lights stimulate the senses.
Bouncyband Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet
$27.99
Has your child ever toppled over backward while trying to balance precariously on two (or one) chair legs? Now they can wobble safely with these “feet” that easily snap onto the bottom of standard chairs. Learning in a wobble chair feet has multiple benefits for children with ADHD and learning disabilities: continuous movement increases blood flow to the brain, increasing attentiveness; and expelling excess energy can reduce stress and increase the time spent on a challenging task. Plus, you can pair this product with Bouncyband’s “wiggle feet (#CommissionsEarned)” cushion, which also promises to alleviate anxiety and boredom.
Goobi Construction Set
$29.95
This toy’s multicolor pieces (made with certified BPA free material) inspire kids to construct 3D puzzles that showcase their creativity, build their fine motor skills, and encourage their active experimentation. This Goobi product is made for children ages 3 and up, but it can also serve as a kit for a STEM learning curriculum and comes with a 32-page illustrated instruction booklet.
Hatch Rest Sound Machine
$69.99
This multi-functional night-light, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert is customizable and designed to adapt to your child — from newborn to adolescent. For children with pre-existing sleep issues, experts recommend using the device’s sound and color combinations to improve sleep. Functions are linked to your smart phone or tablet, where you can easily program features like white noise, or set an alarm to wake up your child.
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NOTE: Please note that all names, models, prices, links, and specifications were accurate and items were in stock at the time of this article’s last update on November 14, 2022.
#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication
