A Holiday Gift Guide for Kids Who Live Out Loud
The ADHD mind is bright, colorful, and dynamic — like a kaleidoscope that dazzles in the right light. These creative gifts — recommended by ADDitude contributors, readers, and editors — shine that light on our kids’ unique talents and enviable energy. Get inspired here, and watch your child sparkle in the New Year. [Note: Prices listed here are accurate as of 11/22/19.]
Trampoline by Merax with Basketball Hoop, Protective Netting, and Ladder
$499.99 (plus $19.99 to ship)
“Many parents worry about the safety of backyard trampolines (#CommissionsEarned), but the one I gave my son a few years ago is his favorite gift of all time. He jumps on it every day. It’s fun, helps get rid of all that energy, and tires him out (which helps him sleep better)!”
— Karen, a member of ADDitude’s Facebook community
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Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend trampolines for home use and says children younger than 6 are at greatest risk of injury.
Meinl Cajon Box Drum
$78
“My 12-year-old son has ADHD and I discovered his love of music while attending church. A worship band was there one Sunday and one of the members played an instrument called a box drum (#CommissionsEarned). My son was mesmerized. From that day, I watched him ‘play’ the back of whatever chair happened to be in front of him — just like the box drum musician! I wanted to encourage him, so we bought him a drum of his own. It’s loud and sometimes annoying, but it gives him a creative outlet and I’ve noticed he’s not on electronics as much!”
— Amy, an ADDitude Insider
Compression Rings
$17.99 for a set of 50
"Compression rings (#CommissionsEarned) are a great tiny fidget that doesn’t make any noise. You simply roll them up and down the length of your finger, which is said to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote blood circulation in the fingers. They’re inexpensive, so it’s okay if they get lost, and they really do help some kids — from elementary school through college — feel more engaged and awake during classes."
— Katherine Quie, Ph.D., L.P., ADDitude blogger, mom of two, author of Raising Will: Surviving the Brilliance and Blues of ADHD, (#CommissionsEarned) and licensed psychologist specializes in pediatric neuropsychological assessment
Taco Vs. Burrito Card Game
$19.99
This award-winning card game (#CommissionsEarned) was dreamed up by a 7 year old named Alex! Though it’s quick and easy to learn, it involves some simple strategy and gives your kids the green light to wage a food fight (without the mess). Beware of “action” cards like Crafty Crow and Trash Panda — they can steal your “food” and turn winners into losers — but the real game changer happens when a player draws the Health Inspector card!
Gravity Blanket from ThreeHighChairs
Price varies
“I like to support small businesses, so I often head to Etsy when shopping for gifts. We ordered our unique blanket from an Etsy seller called ThreeHighChairs and were impressed with the quality and customer service we received. Some say these heavy blankets help them sleep — the way a sensory tool (manipulating dough or inhaling scented oils) can help you relax. Everyone in my family has one on their bed — personalized with their name or initials.”
— Katherine Quie, Ph.D., L.P., ADDitude blogger, mom of two, author of Raising Will: Surviving the Brilliance and Blues of ADHD, (#CommissionsEarned) and licensed psychologist specializes in pediatric neuropsychological assessment
One Question a Day Journal for Kids
$11.99
“The best present I ever received was from my mother and she gave it to me every year. Money was tight in our house but there was always a supply of loose-leaf paper, pens, and pencils for me under the tree. Mom noticed how much I loved writing stories and poetry. She also knew I had trouble expressing myself and had very few friends. Writing was my entertainment and also helped me work through some difficult emotions. Today, I encourage my three young children to write, too, so each of my kids has a journal (#CommissionsEarned). I will always be grateful for my mother’s precious gift and someday — when I have more free time — I plan to get back to writing.”
— Rosemarie, an ADDitude Insider
Melissa & Doug Fashion Design Activity Kit
$13.76
“Our daughter is really into fashion and the Melissa & Doug Fashion Design Activity Kit (#CommissionsEarned) was a big hit. It comes with nine double-sided rubbing plates, pencils, and crayons. As someone who loves organization and strives to keep the level of chaos in my children’s bedrooms and play spaces to a minimum, I love that the pieces of this kit fit neatly into their carrying case and can be easily stored that way, too.”
— Marie Jackson, ADDitude blogger, organizing enthusiast, and mother of a daughter with ADHD
Creative Brick Box by LEGO
$43
“When I was growing up, I struggled in school but found myself learning better when I turned classroom lessons into LEGO creations. For example, when we learned about WWII in high school, I built a fighter plane modeled after pictures we had seen in class. Bringing history lessons to life thru LEGOs helped me understand the subject and make sense of the time period. To get younger kids started, I recommend the classic large creative brick box (#CommissionsEarned).
“It's a large bucket with LEGO pieces of various sizes (some small enough to be a choking hazard), shapes, and colors. It doesn’t come with any instructions, so the child’s imagination can take the lead. I still love the process of visualizing my idea, coming up with a plan, and then putting it all together. LEGOs are so fun it’s easy to stay focused long enough to finish the build!”
— Andrew Flavahan, ADDitude blogger and adult with ADHD who is still a big fan of LEGOs
Nikon Camera
Starting at $298
“When I was younger, my uncle gave me a basic Nikon camera (#CommissionsEarned). He thought I might enjoy expressing myself through photography and he was right. My uncle had tapped into an interest I didn’t know I had at the time. My camera helps me relax and focus, too. I’m forever grateful for this gift because it changed my life.”
— Dana, an ADDitude Insider
Kids Create Absurdity Card Game
$13.94
This kid-tested and parent-approved family card game (#CommissionsEarned) will get even grandpa dancing, singing, and sharing funny stories. It’s easy to play, simple to set up, and fun for kids, adults, and teens. If you love Cards Against Humanity, you’ll love this G-rated version — a great stocking stuffer.
Gifts of Time
Priceless
“I’m the mother of two boys — Drake is 5 and has ADHD and ODD; Rex is 10 and has ADHD combined with autism. When friends and family ask about gifts for my boys, I encourage them to spend time in their world — an afternoon at the zoo, an outing to an arcade, a visit to the pottery-painting place, a trip to the local science center, a skate around the ice rink, or even an afternoon hike. These are all opportunities to make meaningful memories that will be cherished for years to come. I’ve got their wants covered — my boys are blessed to have all the pets, toys, books, clothes, and shoes they need — but I think no child can ever be given too much love. Gifts of time communicate love loud and clear.”
— Mary White, ADDitude blogger, writer, and mother who shares her family’s story on Instagram @thatkidsmother and Facebook @thatkidsmom
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
