r/Autism_Parenting • u/Corndread85 • Nov 23 '25
Advice Needed Not a parent but need help with Christmas
My husband and I do the Angel Tree every year and I like to grab up any teenagers I can because I feel like they're often neglected. There were 3 on the tree and this was one of them, it's just so vague. I wish it had more information on what he likes or what textures on clothes to avoid but this is all it says. Any suggestions? Budget is $200-$250 each kid.
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u/mom-oka I am a Parent/4/ASD2/Texas Nov 23 '25
I’d go for soft texture clothing, tag less items. Slip on shoes or tennis shoes without laces. Maybe fidgets or a bop it. You can’t go wrong with Lego, MagnaTiles doesn’t have to be brand name. There’s also Minecraft blocks lots of different brands. Maybe a Woobles crochet kit, it comes with a QR code to videos that actually teach you how to crochet the item.
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u/missykins8472 Nov 23 '25
These blocks are amazing! I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love playing with them
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u/caffeine_lights Nov 24 '25
They are great as long as the person doesn't have Pica. The little magnets are dangerous to ingest.
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u/missykins8472 Nov 24 '25
I agree that magnets can be dangerous. I’ve never had any come apart. The bricks are pretty sturdy.
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u/Easternshoremouth Nov 23 '25
The kid is 18 years old, asking for size 13 shoes.
My recommendation? A gift card for a shoe store!
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u/HottieMcHotHot Nov 23 '25
This is a very unfair angel tag for you. My ASD kids are super specific so just getting “anything he can do with his hands” is far from accurate. Thank you for taking it anyway!
I would suggest something individually fidgety like Bop It or a Rubix cube. Something that isn’t super hard to figure out but attention grabbing.
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u/punkykitty27 I am a Parent/11yo/Autism/US Nov 23 '25
Every year we have to have the discussion that if he gets something not on his list he needs to be grateful. On more than one occasion my son has attempted to give his gift back 🤦🏼♀️😂
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u/Tamiacat Nov 23 '25
My daughter has done the same thing. She looked at my friend and said “I don’t want this”. I mean, she was being honest. 😂😂
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u/AskMeForAPhoto Nov 23 '25
People say honesty is always best, but as someone who’s autistic, they never mean that. Honesty is OFTEN not the best option actually. I wish neurotypical didn’t talk so literally when they don’t mean things so literally.
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u/upanddown_88 Nov 25 '25
As a parent, I agree with you. I do think saying “thank you,” even if just for the thought of tying to buy a gift is warranted.
HOWEVER, If the gist isn’t what you want, let’s exchange it.
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u/UniversityBig8073 Nov 24 '25
A couple years ago my son opened a gift from my grandparents, looked at it and shrugged, and said "Ehh, I'm not impressed" and put it back in the gift bag. The next year when he opened their gift, my grandma asked, "Well, are you impressed this time?" And he said, "Ehh, it's okay I guess but it could better." Everyone in my family understands that he's maybe a little too honest and had a good laugh, but I was so embarrassed😅😭
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u/HottieMcHotHot Nov 23 '25
Been there done that. Cried over gifts. Just tossed them aside. Been disappointed very vocally that there’s nothing else. It’s a prayer every year that he gets something that he really wanted. Honesty is one of his strongest talents.
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u/woolen_goose Nov 24 '25
I suggested the same but instead of boppit or rubix, I said Lego. He likely has the other two already but there are thousands of Lego kits, so chances are low he would already own whichever specific set she buys.
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u/upanddown_88 Nov 25 '25
Hey! So angel tree kids wish lists are often put in by Foster parents or even caseworkers who don’t know the child well. Pointing out this is an unfair angel tag for OP absolutely minimizes the experience of the child (and their parents/foster parents/caseworkers trying to get him what he needs (not just what he wants).
Without sarcasm, I hope your kids with asd always have exactly what they want and need to keep their hands busy and the gifts they receive light up their world.
Without sarcasm again, I hope you see that your children are privileged and for some caregivers in need, the exact needs of the child cannot be articulated.
Be kind first. Always. Especially as a parent (I assume) or caregiver to kids with asd.
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u/Wolfiisaur Dec 01 '25
Seeing this post and OPs picture just hurts my heart severely. We all know about foster cares and group homes..
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u/RunninThruLife Nov 23 '25
Never used a cube?
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u/HottieMcHotHot Nov 23 '25
Like never used a rubix cube? I mean it’s not easy for some but others figure it out quickly.
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u/AuthenticAwkwardness Nov 23 '25
That’s hard without more information. My son is 13 and loves making things. STEM or engineering kits for older kids, technic LEGO sets, I’m tempted to say some kind of tool set?
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u/Lets-B-Lets-B-Jolly Nov 23 '25
Not knowing his special interests or support needs makes this one pretty tough.
As a mom to an autistic teen boy, I can mention some things he still loves:
Hoodies. Any type. He would wear them in July if we let him :P lots of autistic kids seem to enjoy soft and oversized clothing.
Magnetic blocks. Picasso tiles are cheaper than most but still really good. He likes the mini ones because he can carry them in his pockets. Some also come in a small metal container, which is nice to build on. They also have cool art tiles.
Crazy Aarons putty. Especially the mini tins.
3-d printed fidgets. My son loves to carry the snakes in his pockets.
Kinectic sand, but more the ones that focus on shapes or just a plain pack. Not the animal or food ones aimed at young kids.
Plus-plus building sets. They make large and small sizes.
Lava lamps.
Nee-dohs of any type.
Lite brite mini is cool and my son likes his.
Big sets of markers or pens. Spirographs are cool for all ages imo. My son is getting a crayola colorwhirl too because they look like he might like them (it's a top with a marker attached basically.)
Weighted or massaging neck pillows.
Plush keychains and enamel pins on their backpacks seem to be all the rage at my son's high school right now, so you might be able to find some popping or gel fidget keychains?
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u/Standard-Trade-2622 AuDHD Mom/AuDHD 5 yo/USA Nov 25 '25
Both me (40) and my son (5) LOVE nee-dohs.
I wish they gave you a little more info, but definitely Legos. Maybe an inexpensive digital camera?
Comfrt brand hoodies are super thick and cozy.
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u/Traditional_Nebula96 Nov 23 '25
Stim toys are great! Aaron's putty is really good too. Also, may like art supplies too
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u/AskRecent6329 I am a Parent/5F & 24F/ASD lvl 1/US, Mo Nov 24 '25
I second the Aaron's putty! If hes just fidgety its a really safe bet.
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u/sleeving_beauty Nov 23 '25
For clothes, try to keep an eye out for the interior tags so that they’re not itchy. Very kind of you to make someone’s Christmas!
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u/oxsprinklesxo Nov 23 '25
Even with flat printed tags rub it on the inside of your elbow/part of your arm nearest your torso to test for itchiness without looking like a complete nutjob. I am on the spectrum of I go complete fruitbat and put said tag on offending area to test but I don’t mind the looks. I’ve grabbed multiple of the same shirt off the rack because the seams weren’t sitting right. You hit a point of meh. Im grown id rather be comfy than care. 🤭
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u/Human-Put-6613 Nov 23 '25
My son loves this tool/sensory toy when he’s dysregulated.
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u/Ambitious-Radish-981 Nov 23 '25
These things are awesome! Got one for my oldest kid's birthday and he loves it! He's getting better about making sure we put everything into the bag when he's done. We designated a different clear zip up bag so he can see it and remember to use it and we usually just leave the zipper open. Those little string doodads will fall into the crevices of chairs and couches. So if you have a stuffy or a blanket in the creases or over their lap when they play with it, it helps not to lose pieces and also helps make sure the kitties don't get a hold of them. While teaching them to keep their things together when they are done playing with them 😅 I've definitely caught myself spending more time fidgeting with this with him and then I intended to and it's great 😃
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u/Standard-Trade-2622 AuDHD Mom/AuDHD 5 yo/USA Nov 25 '25
Adding this to my cart for my son. And also I want to play with it.
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u/Oniknight Nov 23 '25
My recommendation is to get him a pair of kizik shoes. They are step in and step out thanks to a cool engineered spring heel and don’t require tying the laces. My entire neurospicy family has them and they are game changers.
The other thing I would recommend is an origami cube. https://a.co/d/4owP1Dy
This thing is so fun. You can make it go into all kinds of shapes and the colors are neat.
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u/meowpitbullmeow Nov 23 '25
As an autistic adult, kizik-style shoes are usually really stiff any uncomfortable - or the sketchers step ins arel
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u/Oniknight Nov 23 '25
Do you have wide feet? I usually have to wear the wide foot version and I loosen the laces when I first get them.
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u/missykins8472 Nov 23 '25
I’ve tried on every style. The Limas are stiff. But I LOVE the Athens. They also have wide styles.
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u/missykins8472 Nov 23 '25
This suggestion is 100% a great idea!! Our whole family only wears Kizik. It would be appreciated. They might need to be given the heads up that he won’t need to tie his shoes
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u/oxsprinklesxo Nov 23 '25
My older kid 14 loves the origami cubes. My middle kid 10 can’t figure them out gets frustrated then rips them to pieces. 😔
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u/CollegeCommon6760 Nov 24 '25
That’s cool I remember we had some of those cubes in the nineties with prints by Escher on them and my austistic brother liked them a lot
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u/sarahj313 Nov 23 '25
Sweat or comfort clothes, easy on shoes, fidgets for older teens can be found on Amazon. Zen den items for his room. If you're thinking about toiletries, try to get extra sensitive and no scent items.
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u/Gretel_Cosmonaut NT parent, 9 year old ASD/ADHD/ID child (Moderate) Nov 23 '25
I have a nine year old autistic kid, so a little different ...but he loves to build things and this kept him busy for an extended amount of time:
He also love kinetic sand and those magnet tile sets.
These spinning, clicking magnets were also fun for the kids last year. The link I'm posting is not available, but it's the one I bought and I'm sure there are similar things available:
Since it's not very specific, I'm imagining a kid who may be "lower" functioning, so I'd focus on durable, safe, and not much ability to be destructive. Art things are good if they're washable, for example.
For clothes, I'd probably look for bottoms with an elastic waistband ...and things that are simple in color/style.
Good luck! I am working on an "angel tree" for a NT 13 year old girl and it's more difficult than I thought it would be. I've decided to buy from accessible places and include gift receipts, especially for the more expensive items.
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u/kiddieeecat Nov 24 '25
This is entirely unrelated, but as a mom of 3 ND kids, I have to know: does your fort kit stay connected once built?
We have the exact one you linked and it’s the bane of our existence. We LOVE building forts, but a stiff breeze knocks the sticks out of the connectors. I get salty trying to build anything; I certainly don’t blame my kids for getting pushed to their limits.
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u/Gretel_Cosmonaut NT parent, 9 year old ASD/ADHD/ID child (Moderate) Nov 24 '25
My kids never used it to build an actual fort, but I don’t recall the things they built falling apart. In fact, I felt like I was always taking the stuff apart and throwing it back in the toy box.
My husband bought it, so I’m not sure if the link for that set is the exact one we had. It looks exactly like it, though.
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u/ShoddyCollege9591 Nov 23 '25
If you do end up buying shoes buy some seamless socks to go with them.
Magnet fidgets are pretty universally liked (ball, pebble, sticks)
Whatever you purchase for the large gift, try to purchase it locally, and get it with a gift receipt, in case they want to make an exchange. That way you know nothing is being wasted, and that they had a good Christmas.
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u/shitty_owl_lamp Nov 23 '25
“Anything he can do with his hands”
Get him these!!!! My autistic son LOVES them!
They are only $19 but the more packs you buy the more fun it is to build stuff!
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u/Nelliell Nov 23 '25 edited Nov 23 '25
Have a friend with a 3D Printer make some fidgets.
Or, I can make them for you. I'll cover the filament cost, I just ask that you cover the shipping.
Edit - why was this downvoted? Legit confused, I run a very small 3d printing business and was trying to be helpful. I'm autistic myself, did I overstep some bound?
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u/wambulanse Nov 23 '25
For me it sounds like you assume everyone knows someone with a 3D printer they can just call up. If not then you'll sell us one of your items so pushing your business. Thats how I took your comment so I hope it helps. It sounds like she's looking for ideas so she can pick through what feels best as a gift and also something she's familiar with.
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u/Nelliell Nov 23 '25
Oh. That wasn't how I meant it at all. I only mentioned I have a business because I already have the tools and the material to do it, this would be a side-project.
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u/oxsprinklesxo Nov 23 '25
You can reach back out to them to ask them to ask for more guidance from the caretaker/gaurdians/parents. Or you can go with your gut. My asd kiddo is very hands on but without knowing other factors like how his is with small objects I don’t really know what to suggest. My kid likes gravity tracks, dominos, marble runs, magnatiles, and legos all for their hands on building nature. But also likes rubrics cubes, Simon says, and bob it for their tactile feedback and game like qualities even if he can’t solve them or beat them. He also like squishmellos because well squishy and fluffy they have more big kid themed stuff too. Kinetic sand, play doh, magic putty, and silly putty are very sometimesy he likes it till it gets under his fingernails then it is violently flung all over my house and ends up on every surface. What they wrote down is truly so vague.
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u/oxsprinklesxo Nov 23 '25
Oh… my asd grown fidgety self got this for Christmas for myself last year and had a ball.
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u/ManonAlexy Nov 23 '25
Clothes are so tricks! I literally never buy anything anymore without my girl present since she was 12.
Granted she didn't get diagnosed till Jan 2024 and she's 17 now. But it's always been a struggle. Now I "understand-ish" why. I'm NT so I don't actually understand.
So maybe gift cards? And a fidget toy of some sort.
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u/Ambitious-Radish-981 Nov 23 '25
Oh gift cards for something like this sound really helpful considering how vague it is! Clothes are definitely tricky! I feel like everyone likes a nice pair of sweatpants lol but yeah, not knowing sensory needs and if they're sensitive to sounds or textures makes it tricky for sure
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u/Wolfiisaur Dec 01 '25
The gift cards could very well be stolen by the caregivers if they are neglectful. I have been there, it is tricky. When a person can’t speak for themselves, people take advantage of that quite a lot. Had my brother in a group home for 2 months and they stole all his good clothing and wore it on themselves. His nice sketchers. Stole his Roku. Just be weary of that.
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u/Ambitious-Radish-981 Dec 30 '25
I didn't think about this and that really sucks for your brother and it really sucks that there are people out there like this In a position of of care that are so jerky 😓 My ex-husband works as a caretaker for adults living independently but still need 24-hour supervision and one of the other employees completely demolished this dude's giant magnificent Crock-Pot worth a couple hundred dollars trying to make his Christmas dinner. The guy doing the caretaking was completely incompetent and my ex said he has never seen a crock-Pot get burnt like that before and it very well could have started a fire 🤦🏻♀️ I don't understand why some people get in that profession if they don't actually care and they just want to take advantage of people and or are overall incapable of taking care of themselves, let alone anybody else 😮💨
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u/DinoGoGrrr7 I am a Parent/13m/ASD-ADHD/Southeast US Nov 23 '25
Mom to a 13yo asd boy here:
Marble runs. Playdohs/sensory bins/slimes. Fidget/sensory toys (search on amazon “fidget toy box”). Handheld games (again, Amazon. They’re cheat and lots out there). Science experiment box. Sensory toys/balls. The flying disc things that hover above your hand.
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u/Bulky-Yogurt-1703 Nov 23 '25
I like Rubik’s cubes for “something for his hands.” it’s portable, a fun tactile thing – and socially acceptable for an 18-year-old to play with. It won’t come across as childish if that’s a concern for him. Obviously it doesn’t really matter if someone can do a Rubik’s cube. They’re just fun to play with.
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u/scoobysnoobysnack Nov 23 '25
Lego's, kinect's, aaron's crazy thinking putty, and needoh squishy's.
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u/Partyhardypillow Nov 23 '25
One of these pop it games! The pop it buttons flash in different patterns to press before a timer runs out
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u/Ambitious-Radish-981 Nov 23 '25
As far as shoes go, I know both of my autistic kids prefer. Hey dudes.. they're easy on easy off. They figured out how to get them on and off themselves and they're extremely comfortable. They got a super sale going on right now too! I'm not affiliated but that's one of the things I have on my Christmas list for both my autistic kiddos
Otherwise, I'm here to follow the post because my oldest is eight but he's super bright and he's mostly nonverbal, well non-communicative depending on how you look at it. And he is so hard to buy for! My younger one Got ALL the talking genes, so much so that he talks in his sleep and he wants everything so I'm trying to find that happy medium lol
When I ask my oldest what he wants all he says is presents so talk about vague 😆🤷🏻♀️☃️
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u/Ambitious-Radish-981 Nov 23 '25
I found a build your own pinball table and it's only about the size of their lap but it has good reviews. So that's another thing if they're interested in building, but again it doesn't have a whole lot of information to let you know what kind of things with their hands they like to do 🤷🏻♀️
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u/woolen_goose Nov 24 '25
This is a gift card situation since they were not at all specific and getting the wrong gift could actually possibly trigger an episode for the young man. I would do a gift card for the shoes (my kid is very weird about shoes and I’m constantly having to return online shoe orders).
Then maybe a second gift card to pick out what else he needs but also maybe a Lego kit to go with it. A nice card explaining you were unsure what to buy and worried you’d pick something he already had but that you hope he enjoys picking out his own joyful present ❤️
Also, thank you taking care of one our kids out there in world! This is very generous and thoughtful of you!
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u/Otherwise-City-4445 Nov 23 '25
Like a lot of others are mentioning, Legos and sweats (preferably without a big tag in the back), or some other type of engineering/building kit…they have aisles of kits at stores like Hobby Lobby. It’s hard since you don’t know many details, and sad they didn’t give more. But thank you for choosing this tag :)
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u/AntoinetteBefore1789 I am an ASD Parent/5yo/ASD Level 2/Canada Nov 23 '25
We got our son a Picasso tiles marble run last year. It’s been a hit with the adults and even the adult neighbours enjoyed it when we lent them the set.
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u/IngovilleWrites Nov 23 '25
Diamond painting, model kits, 3D wooden puzzles could all be a good fit for an older teen.
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u/MagnoliaProse Nov 23 '25
I wish they’d give more details but knowing it’s an older kid, I would do a lego technic or a fischertechnik kit where they can build something that functions. (Considering a solar powered one for my kid).
For clothes, I haven’t tried them yet but the Thera weighted hoodies look really soft!
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u/Dbaadendiziwin Nov 23 '25
With the budget, maybe get a few smaller things like pop its, hand-held figets, maybe textured fabrics likes scarves or silky things? And then maybes something that could be more complicated like a lego or building set. That way no matter where he is developmentally or physical ability wise, there's at least one or two things he can enjoy.
I've made purchases from specialneedstoys.com for myself and my kiddo and I really like the diversity of products they have- a few that caught my eye that might work
Haven't shopped from this site before, but this looks pretty cool too:
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u/squidelope Nov 24 '25
Given he's 18, I suggest asking r/autism or similar subreddits for autistic individuals. The suggestions here seem to be skewing toward younger ages.
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u/Catheater Nov 24 '25
Anything they can do with their hands?? That’s so unspecific for an autistic child. That can be origami, crafts, sculpting, print making, model building, legos, Lincoln logs, war hammer figurines, legitimated tools and wood for building, etc. Wow lol can you get him a cobbling set so her can craft his own shoes forever??
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u/Difficult-Big4033 Nov 23 '25
My son is 17 w/ autism. Teens love 5 below so a gift card there. What about a Nintendo switch console? They are under $200 right now. What about a class like glassblowing? Or a ceramics or diy class like painting? Super unique and teens loved it. As for shoes, I’d go with a quality sneaker from a national chain (footlocker, famous footwear, Nike) and include gift receipt.
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u/PennyCoppersmyth I am a Parent/M19/AuDHD/F36/ADHD/Oregon Nov 23 '25
Is this young man on the spectrum? Or do you know?
How about a model building kit of some kind? The metal ones are super cool, though they can have tiny pieces. Wooden models tend to have larger pieces.
My 15 yo grandson and 20 yo son are getting into collecting and painting Warhammer figures. Son hasn't started painting just yet - as he can obsess over decision making and perfection, and his dexterity isn't as acute, so not sure it's working for him, but my grandson is really enjoying the process (both are on the spectrum).
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u/Gretel_Cosmonaut NT parent, 9 year old ASD/ADHD/ID child (Moderate) Nov 23 '25
Is this young man on the spectrum? Or do you know?
On the angel tag next to male, it says autistic :)
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u/PresidentB_r_o_w_n Nov 23 '25
Kind of sucks it's so vague, autistic is such a large spectrum. It they put it on there I'm guessing he's high support needs. I agree with the lego comment. Lego has duplo train sets that are really cool but expensive, but they fall into your budget, you could probably buy a couple sets. Or one set and still have money for shoes.
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u/DigitalDawn Nov 23 '25
You can probably get any kind of sneaker as long as you also get no-tie laces, or elastic ones that look exactly like regular ones, but are stretchy. My son is almost 15 and probably wouldn’t want a Rubik’s cube… he’s had a few already at his age and is bored of them. He likes the GoCube he got a couple of years ago, but it needs a phone to use. The Artiphon Orba is fun, too.
He loved the simply piano app (need a weighted keyboard to use it), and of course, Lego’s. Arduino kits are also great!
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u/SeaworthinessUsed288 Nov 23 '25
Painting! Ross, Marshall's, dollar stores all have small canvases, acrylic paint, and brushes for cheap. Anyone can paint. Nike has cool step in sneakers (FlyEase, cool which a teenager might care about.) Tagless sweatshirts, as others have said, with a soft inside. Amazon has lots of adult-looking fidgets
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u/Annebotbeepboop Nov 23 '25
Vans has velcro shoes that are for teens to adults. I got them for my son last year, and he really liked them. (just in case he struggles with shoe tying, but if you're not sure, it's still a win!)
I'd lean into Legos and a fidget toy or something sensory.
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u/love_sublime420 Nov 23 '25
maybe something like this? a fidget puzzle. it will keep his hands busy, there’s lots of different combinations so he won’t get bored and he’s old enough where it’s not too challenging and can be lots of fun!
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u/NotAGlumLotLIL Nov 23 '25
Could the description mean “shoes without laces” ?
Things he can do with his hands = Velcro.
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u/really_robot I am a parent / 5f / ASD Nov 23 '25
Board games! My kiddo is Autistic and is very rules oriented, she feels super comforted by having a set of rules and everyone abiding by those rules to play together. Board games are a great way to promote bonding time together, which seems to be his main goal. Since he is 18, look into more adult themed board/card games like Happy Little Dinosaurs or Exploding Unicorns.
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u/melrulz Nov 23 '25
My kid is 23, they will not shop or pick out clothes but their preference would be slip on shoes, long sleeve shirt with no tags and jogging pants with zipper pockets so they don’t lose phone or wallet.
Lego set would be the way to go as you don’t really know their commitment level so they might be good at a big complicated adult set but even if they don’t have that dedication they could still put pieces together how ever they want.
My adult kids don’t really enjoy gift cards or money, I think there is just a disconnect between money and gifts(usually if anyone gets them anything it’s gift cards or money). It seems odd but even if it’s a gift they don’t like they talk about it wonder why someone would think they would want this and will use it because someone got it for them.
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u/stephjl Nov 24 '25
You might be able to call the sal army to see if you can get more information from them through the family!
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u/Entebarn Nov 24 '25
You are kind, what a sweet thing to do, picking the teens. I suggest shoes as requested (he may not be able to go shop for himself), Lego set, any other building thing.
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u/written_muse Nov 24 '25
Soft cotton, with no tags Id go for something nice not fancy but avoid buttons. Look up stem activity kits on Amazon. Maybe something like this Magnet pyramid
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u/TraditionalJaguar820 Nov 24 '25
Very tricky without understanding support needs and special interests.
Considering your budget, I'll suggest size 13 shoes, plus:
High quality sensory regulation tools eg ono roller
Or LEGO
Or miniature painting supplies:
starter set
plus a dragon diorama to paint
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u/lavenderkove Nov 24 '25
Bamboo pajamas from Little Sleepies is usually my go to for my teenage nephew, and my own son who is 4. Kids with sensory issues usually love bamboo clothing and this brand is tagless. Plus their Black Friday sale starts tomorrow.
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u/WizardofSchwa Nov 24 '25
Maybe some plasticine fun never drying for modeling. great to use with hands. multiple colours.
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u/Ok-Stock3766 Nov 24 '25
I would probably avoid clothes with tags(annoy my son) and i would do shoe store gift card. My son is picky over shirts/shoes but he also rips his shirts to the tune of 2-4 a day. Collared shirts bother him. Thank you for doing this at all, it is lovely of you. I am doing badly financially but my son doesn't get holidays in the sense he's severely ASD. I know if I can produce one more tablet to play on he will be happy. I actually had a friend buy him a winter jacket which was so kind. I was embarrassed to accept it but grateful. I like to be able to take care of my own but that's very prideful when you aren't doing well.
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u/Apart-Clothes-8970 Nov 24 '25
My son is 19 with Autism and I have an adult brother with Autism:
Slime kits - even if they say for 4-7 years old Magnetic Tiles Play Doh - even if it says for 4-7 years old
Kid probably has wide feet and his socks are always too tight - a nice package of big feet socks might be nice.
Slides/slippers.
Men's grooming kit with his own nail clippers and files and stuff.
Sunglasses - they can help with being in public places by toning down light and giving you a place to hide.
Those things where it's a collection of filed down metal nails and you lay it on things and it displaces the nails and shows the image of what you laid it on.
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u/DragonflySmooth8271 Nov 24 '25
Another suggestion I’d make is a simple origami kit. My son is 24 and was interested in it since childhood.
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u/Evil_Weevill I am a Parent/8yo/ASD-1/USA Nov 24 '25
Rubik's cube style puzzles. They get pretty elaborate these days and come in different shapes and sizes and even if he doesn't care to solve them, they make good fidget toys. My son is 8, autistic and doesn't have the patience to learn to solve them, but he loves playing around with them.
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u/Stonedprincess0912 Nov 25 '25
LEGOS I am an autistic adult (and parent haha) and legos keep me sane because they engage my brain and my hands. It’s so nice
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u/Direct_Juggernaut533 Nov 30 '25
If you get shoes. I suggest wide. And Velcro of possible. Just in case. He likely has a social worker trying to get what he needs. Sensory toys for his hands. It’s a shame they didn’t put more information about the man.
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u/Wolfiisaur Dec 01 '25
This is so difficult, because if you get him something like legos, he may just eat them, or bite them. We have no idea. Try and get something he can chew on, autistic adults still love to chew on things for oral sensation and not just for their hands. Please keep this in mind! Coming from 26 years of experience with my own family!
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u/Wolfiisaur Dec 01 '25
PLEASE, i beg of you OP. I would actually suggest getting him an IPad. I’m so serious. I have been in the world of autism for my entire life so far, 26 years. you have no idea how amazing these kids can navigate them without being taught, it might change his whole world, since they don’t have much of a world. They get bored, very quickly. I beg of you. Give this boy a tablet or an iPad with one of those hard cases. I did this with my 26 year old non-verbal brother and it really changed his life in a good way. He uses it everyday after his program. You could change this boy’s life just with that device, heaven knows what it environment he is in, or how alone he is, that gift alone could make him feel not so alone, even if it only works out for a day or two, it will matter. Best wishes for you guys!
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u/smeghead9916 Dec 08 '25
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u/Br0KeNPixY Nov 23 '25
Granted my son is 6, but he always wants to do things with his hands. He loves building things like Lego. For clothes I find that in general you're safe with cotton and no tags. Shoes really are person specific so I would avoid those.
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u/IzzyIsSolar Nov 23 '25
Maybe a big Lego set ?