We’ve Tested Hundreds of Products and Found 47 We’d Give to the Neurodivergent Folks in Our Lives

OK, yes, everyone needs comfy clothes. But, for those of us with sensory sensitivities, soft material that is cool and feels “invisible” on the skin is key. Alo’s Airlift leggings fit this bill. These leggings are lightly compressive, so rather than feeling sucked in, you just feel supported, making for a comfortable, neutral feeling throughout the day. I really like that they don’t have side seams, too, because it is one less physical detail I have to worry about getting stuck on throughout the day. I find these leggings to be very versatile. I wear them for running errands, taking my son to the park, and lifting at the gym. They’re great for someone who needs a comfy pair of pants they can toss on and forget about as they move through their day.

This electric, heated blanket will be a warmly welcomed gift if your friend’s temperature-regulation issues run cold rather than hot. Writer and tester Marisa Olsen said it heats up quickly, and she appreciated the six different heat settings and four timer settings. We love the dozen color options, five size options, and how the blanket has a default shut-off after three hours. The polyester blanket has flannel on one side and sherpa fabric on the other. Best of all is the price; at under $40, it represents a great value.

Slip shorts are a great invention. They can be worn under sheer skirts or short dresses to provide extra coverage. They can protect against uncomfortable skin chafing. You can even throw on a big shirt and sleep in them. But some common issues with slip shorts are them riding up or being made from material that leaves you sweaty and irritated. These cooling slip shorts from Thigh Society nix all the cons of slip shorts and leave you only with the pros — comfortable, breathable, “lounge-able” coverage.

Dietitian and writer Tori Martinet, RD, who tested these shorts for us, appreciated that they’re fitted but don’t ride up. “They also have extended sizing up to 6XL, and they make several types that are noncooling and other varieties that might work for someone who runs cold or wants to exercise in them,” she said. We love all these options and are confident you can find the perfect fit for your person.

Loud noises can be especially activating for the neurodivergent nervous system. These noise-cancelling headphones are sweat-proof, have removable and washable silicone ear cushions, are made of premium leather, and have an extra-long battery life of 50 hours. We also like that they’re wireless.

Writer Brittany Vargas, who tested these for us, celebrated their versatility. “[They] can be used while working out, but I’ll also be using [them] on flights, while working, or whenever I want immersive sound or don’t want to deal with earbuds,” she said. That solidified our decision to name these headphones the best gift for your loved one who wants some peace and quiet.

There’s nothing worse than feeling hot while trying to fall asleep. Blasting the air conditioner isn’t always an option, and sleeping in lighter layers sometimes doesn’t do the trick. Slumbercloud’s UltraCool Body Pillow offers multiple benefits: the support of a long body pillow and a cooling sensation to stay comfortable throughout the night. Writer and dietitian Tori Marinet, MS, RD, appreciated how effective the pillow was, noting that it was truly cooling. She thinks it makes for a great personal gift for a hot sleeper who is on the market for a body pillow.

Some folks prefer to feel the ground under their feet, rather than having the entire sensation absorbed by the sole of the shoe. They also likely want something that keeps their feet cool, avoiding the dreaded sweaty shoe. The Vivo Barefoot Motus Strength II shoe hits all of these points and then some. It features breathable mesh, strong traction for a secure stride, and plenty of flex. The wide toe and barefoot style make it possible to feel the ground with each step. Writer Esme Benjamin found the minimal style of this shoe especially helpful for strength training, too. “I could spread my toes and really press my foot solidly into the ground as I performed exercises like single-leg Romanian deadlifts and lunges while holding heavy dumbbells,” she said.

Got a kid who prefers their foods don’t touch? The OmieBox Bento Box has compartments to keep foods separate. “I love that the Bento Box comes with a handle, a thermos food jar, and multiple compartments,” said Scully. “Pasta stays warm in the thermos and his food stays well separated.” We love that the rubber edging comes off for easy cleaning and that the lunchbox is top-rack dishwasher safe. “I love that there are a couple of customization options,” said editor Ashley Ziegler. “Plus, it's so cute!” It’s also leakproof, eliminating the need to constantly scrub lunchbox spills out of your kid’s backpack.

Being a student comes with a major mental load, not only from learning new content every day in your classes, but also from the energy that is required to stay organized. Bullet journals can be a game-changer. They can be adapted to whatever format you desire and are extremely flexible. We love the unique cover design on this one from Papier.

A weighted blanket is known to be a big source of sensory comfort. But there’s something that is even cozier to many. A weighted, lavender-scented stuffed animal. Warmies offers just that. An otter, sloth, capybara, dog, or other plushie from Warmies is a versatile cuddle bug that can be chilled for a cooling sensation, microwaved for warmth, is lightly weighted, and is filled with fresh French lavender. It can be used for any moment when some comfort and care are needed. Editor Simone Scully fount that her whole family gets use out of their Warmie. “We used ours when my son got an ear infection, when I get cramps, migraines, neck pain, or a sinus infection,” she shared. “My husband even used it when he had some jaw pain,” she added. If otters aren’t their thing, browse the Warmies website; there are plenty of animals and themes to choose from.

This gift is a triple hitter sensory-friendly option. It is weighted and can be used hot or cold, making it fantastic for someone who enjoys different temperatures and weighted sensations to relax. I personally use this eye mask often. When I know I am up against a stressful week at work, I’ll slip it into my bag and put it on during a break. The weight helps ground me after just a couple of minutes. I also bring it on flights and overnight trips. It is a small but mighty treat for a loved one.

Finding soothing bath products that aren’t filled with artificial fragrances can be quite the challenge. This is especially frustrating for those of us who are scent-sensitive but just want a nice, deeply nourishing body product. We love By Valenti’s Organics Castille Bar Soap. It is a simple Mediterranean-style bar soap made with organic extra virgin olive oil. “I liked that this soap is unscented,” shares Bonaccorso. She found it to be very hydrating and mild. It is on the pricier side, making it great for a special treat many folks wouldn’t necessarily think to buy for themselves.

Some fidget toys can call attention to themselves, with bright colors and audible sounds. These memory gel stress balls are quiet and discreet, which makes them perfect for use during class or meetings. They’re well-designed, too. “I love how the outside of these isn’t as sticky as other squishes and doesn’t collect hair and lint,” shared editor Olivia Campbell. “I really appreciated the denser firmness of the minis, and the squishiness of the originals.”

A common misconception is that every neurodivergent person does not enjoy scented products. “There is no monolith of preferences within the neurodivergent community as a whole, nor within more specific neurotypes,” Boscaljon says. She emphasizes the importance of honoring each individual’s uniqueness. The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a great gift for someone who wants to enjoy aromatherapy but at their own pace.

The great thing about diffusers is that you can control the scent level by simply adding more or less essential oil to the diffuser. Pro tip: See if you can sneakily find out any essential-oil scents that your loved one likes, and add them to your cart.

For many, kinetic sand is a meditative, satisfying, and creative sensory experience. The texture of the sand offers a nice tactile experience, since it can be squeezed and molded quite easily. The feeling of it can be soothing, but the experience of creating new shapes with it can also feel pensive.

This kinetic sand kit from Grounded Labs is a beautiful and easy-to-use place to start. It features a rainbow light that gives the tray a colorful hue. It comes with a small ball that creates different patterns out of the sand. We like how versatile this is, ensuring there’s a special sensory experience for anyone who uses it.

A good fidget toy can be an excellent tool that’s both soothing and captivating for various neurodivergent folks. Editor Ashley Ziegler spoke to this: “I have one daughter with autism and another with ADHD, and the way they both gravitated to this thing is truly wild.”

She noticed that her daughter with ADHD will play with it while watching television or reading. Meanwhile, her daughter with autism will zone out and relax with it for long periods of time. “I figured it was a toss-up whether or not they’d like it, but I’m honestly blown away with their responses,” she said.

Getting the body moving is critical for neurodivergent and neurotypical folks alike. The key to becoming consistent with physical activity is to make it as easy as possible. We love this cardio trampoline trainer from Marcy because it is foldable and easy to transport, supports up to 250 pounds, and has a bar to help with balance as needed. This can be set up in the living room to use while watching television or put in the backyard for a bounce with a view. “My son, who has ADHD, can use it when he needs to move,” explains writer Marisa Olsen. She also uses it, enjoying the brisk workout it provides without being hard on the joints, and deems it a win for the whole family.

A warm bath can be an excellent grounding ritual to wash away the day. While there are tons of bath oils and salts out there, we were interested in finding a product that targets specific ailments and follows through on providing relief. That’s where Flewd comes in. Flewd is a company making bath soaks with ingredients like magnesium, nootropics, and microminerals to relieve stress, combat sleeplessness, and ease aches. “I struggle with anxiety, tension, and insomnia, and I feel as though the product truly helps,” shares writer Alexandra Klausner. She noted that they are a bit on the pricy side, but finds them to be well worth the price. We love the Whole Mood Bundle for a luxurious gift, but those who need to be a bit more price-conscious can grab a single soak for around $10.

Finding special interests that are engaging and interesting can be an important component of self-care, especially for neurodivergent folks. Anything can be a special interest: a genre of movies, a type of collectible cards, or a niche sport. This is where these inline skate come in. They’re an excellent gift for someone who already loves being active and getting outdoors but is looking for a new activity to get into. They’re comfortable and sturdy with plenty of ankle support, so they’re beginner-friendly. “They’re incredibly comfy,” said editor Katrina Cossey, noting she didn’t even feel pain from her plantar fasciitis while skating.

Neurodivergent folks are often left to mask as they navigate a world centered around the neurotypical experience. Having soothing routines to release stress is key, along with having an arsenal of tools to help ground at the end of the day. Add the Novaa Light Pad may be a good add for a loved one’s toolkit. Combining heat and red light therapy, this pad is designed to calm back, nerve, and joint pain. “It did immediately soothe my muscles,” shared Weiss, noting that the product states it takes weeks to see real results, but she felt immediate relief. This is sure to be especially beloved by athletes, desk dwellers, and anyone else who deals with general aches and pains.

A card deck that encourages supportive emotional habits can be perfect for someone who best digests information in bite-sized pieces. Writer and therapist Riley Blanton said that this deck is equal parts practical and impactful: “It provides tangible examples in which a boundary might be helpful, helping you walk through the boundary-setting conversation without pressure.” She also said that the deck is of great quality, with the cards feeling strong and sturdy.

Some folks deal with a nervous system so sensitive that caffeine isn’t an option. This tea set from Traditional Medicinals focuses on soothing teas that encourage drinkers to slow down and lean into self-care. You can expect calming ingredients like lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. If you want to really complete this gift, throw in a sweet kettle.

Our tester, writer Mary Sauer, enjoyed the flavors of these relaxing teas: “The teas were lovely. I think a tea drinker or someone who needs a little extra self-care would appreciate this.”

Who doesn’t love a good snack plate? I’m talking a full spread of bites, from sweet to savory, that can be spread out on a desk or shared with loved ones. Lalo, the kids’ brand known for high-quality baby products, makes this snack plate that has three compartments plus a small container for dipping sauce. I initially received one to use for my toddler’s meal prep, but I quickly began using it for myself. The stainless steel prevents gross smells, the compartments are the perfect size, and it is easy to clean. I love to fill it with crackers, hummus, cheese, and nuts.

Another winner for those days when executive functioning is at a low is a robot vacuum. Having a clean home can help decrease mental chatter and stress, but the focus and energy required to clean can make it feel like an impossible task. This self-directed vacuum takes the work out of cleaning, automatically mapping out the perimeter of your house and ensuring it gets to every nook and cranny. A bonus feature is that it also mops and is able to sense when it moves from carpet to hardwood floor, allowing it to seamlessly switch over to mopping. It is an easy life hack that has a major payoff. “The house always looks freshly vacuumed, and the interface is so easy to use,” shared writer Jen Sinclair.

Many folks with ADHD struggle with food waste because they forget about the fresh ingredients they bought or have issues with creating and sticking to a weekly meal plan. And people with sensory issues may have certain food textures or scents they need to avoid. A meal kit service can help address these needs by allowing you to choose the exact meals you want and delivering them to your doorstep. While a lot of meal prep services deliver ingredients and have you prepare the dishes yourself, Factor delivers them pre-made to your door. All you have to do is heat them up. There are dozens of different add-on options and plenty of dishes that cater to different dietary restrictions. Writer and registered dietitian Kristy Del Coro tried out Factor and found it to be tasty and convenient. She did give a heads up to more health-conscious folks that some meals can be pretty heavy on fat, sodium, and calories.

As we’ve covered, executive functioning can be a real challenge for neurodivergent folks, especially those with ADHD. The antidote to this is getting consistent, easy, and simple systems in place. Enter the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro. An air fryer can significantly cut down on cooking time and open up a world of simple and satisfying recipes (I love air-fried sweet potatoes with perfectly crispy chicken). Two things to keep in mind: It is a splurge and takes up some real estate on a countertop. If neither of these details are dealbreakers, then this is a gift sent down from heaven. “It heats up in just a few minutes, you can cook a ridiculous amount of food in it, and it has a ton of different functions,” shares Martinet. Enough said, consider us sold.

Folks who are stuck going to the office may be frustrated by the noise that comes with the office environment. Watercooler conversations, printers humming, the faint sounds from a conference call — it can all be maddening for a neurodivergent person.

These earplugs offer tons of options. There are four different sizes, offering a customizable fit. There’s an option to filter out background noise even more, giving the true sensation of putting the world on mute. It also removes the dreaded “blocked-ear sensation” when talking, making it much easier to have a quick side conversation without having to remove the earplugs altogether.