Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide 2025 – Christmas gift ideas for children on the autism spectrum and / or children with special needs. These autism-friendly, sensory-friendly toys were compiled into a list from the Easterseals organization.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS – TOYS OF THE YEAR
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR BFF
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR PARENTS
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR DOGS
SUBSCRIPTION BOX GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES
STOCKING STUFFER GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
“Autism-Friendly” or “Sensory-Friendly” toy lists mean a lot to us at Oakland County Moms. My son was born with Asperger’s in 2002. Asperger’s was an emerging autism spectrum disorder at that time and 2002 was also about the time that more thought and research went into parenting children on all stages of “the spectrum”. It was about this time we started seeing “autism-friendly” toys lists and… let me tell you, these lists have come a long way in 20+ years.
The first sensory-friendly toys recommendations were largely based on what the child liked and NOT what was healthy for them. Very few toys promoted skills that ASD children need – fine motor skills, communication skills, gross motor skills, interactive, etc.
Examples of “recommended” sensory-friendly toys back then used to include flashing strobe light toys with crazy patterns you could memorize, visual toys that would spin, flashy handheld video games, etc. When my ASD son was very young, these annual lists of toy recommendations were a minefield with toy manufacturers pumping out strobe light yo-yos while claiming the toy could actually help a child on the spectrum. Worse still, the “recommendations” were mostly written by the toy companies themselves! It was ridiculous.
I’m grateful an organization like Easterseals releases Sensory-Friendly Toys recommendations we can get behind.
OCM THOUGHTS ON AUTISM-FRIENDLY TOYS
Easterseals Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide 2025
Easterseals Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide 2025 – Qualifications
“Each toy was kid-tested and family-approved, ensuring that play is accessible, joyful, and developmentally enriching”
Easterseals Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide 2025 – Toys Feature
- Easy-to-use features (big buttons, textured parts, simple grips)
- Multiple ways to play (lights, sounds, flexible positioning)
- Movement practice (toys that build gross and fine motor skills)
- Social play opportunities (games that encourage interaction)
- Flexible design (adaptable for different abilities)
Easterseals Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide – 2025 List
- Mattel Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark Climber RC – Purchase Here
- Wild Republic’s Poppykins – Purchase Here
- Crazy Aaron’s Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty – Purchase Here
- Moose Toy’s Gui Gui – Purchase Here
- Crazy Aaron’s Super Scarab Thinking Putty – Purchase Here
- Wild Republic’s Earkins – Purchase Here
- Crayola Mess-Free Touch Lights – Purchase Here
- Lego Shape Sorter Puppy House – Purchase Here
- MOLUK Bilibo – Purchase Here
- Alphapals Backpack Rainbow Plush Letter Set – Purchase Here
ABOUT Easterseals
Easterseals helps 1.5 million people every year because of caring donors, partners, and others who believe in helping people thrive. Even though things have changed a lot in the last century, people with disabilities still experience many obstacles to living a healthy life. Easterseals also recognized that more could be done for older adults, veterans, and families. Easterseals continues to support people with unwavering compassion and care.
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS BUSINESS REVIEWS
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
Lastly, here is a website that offers autism friendly toys and a sensory friendly toys gift guide. Most of these products, at least for me, “fit the bill” as to what I think a quality ASD friendly toy should represent – toys with thinking, cooperative play, gross and fine motor skills involved. Still, I think you should choose autism friendly toys wisely based on the personal needs of your child.
For more info on Easterseals Sensory Friendly Toys Gift Guide, visit easterseals.com.
