The 2023 Neurodivergent Gift Guide
Howdy folks! The Trauma Triggers holiday season is in full swing. I am a big fan of holiday gift guides due to my inability to make decisions, so I thought I’d make my own.
When I drafted this post, I was feeling so optimistic about the holidays! I’ve been feeling really good and not like a bottomless pit of despair and trauma reactions like I usually am. I even had a good time at my office holiday party, which as you all know are often a recipe for disaster. My gifts are wrapped, my tree is up, and I am so organized I hardly recognize myself. I had a cold that lasted forever and was feeling more or less better, until last night I felt a little “off”…
This morning, I tested positive for COVID. FML.
I don’t feel too bad this time. Just a hacky cough and aches. No fever. But….really???? REALLY?!?! I had it last year for the holidays too. Lucky me! We are supposed to go to my best friend’s in Chicago for Christmas, so fingers crossed the viral gods smile upon me and give me a negative test by then. Hey, at least I’ll have immunity on the plane! Optimism?!?
Anyway. Presents! Please excuse the probable typos or terrible sentence structure, as I am not taking my meds because you shouldn’t take stimulants with Advil Cold and Sinus.
If you find yourself last minute shopping for the ADHD pals in your life, here are some suggestions. These may appear not to be incredible gifts at first glance, but I’m gonna tell you why they are awesome, and why they will most likely be appreciated. Some of these make great stocking stuffers as well!
And hey, if you’re done shopping, GREAT JOB! Treat yourself to something listed below!
WARNING: In certain cases, these gifts may be read as offensive if you don’t know this person very well. Also if this is your romantic partner, make sure you’re balancing these practical gifts with non practical ones. Even if you know they will lose them.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
These are a great stocking stuffer! ADHD folks have issues with hygiene routines sometimes, and on a Nope Day, washing your face can seem like climbing Mount Everest in a pair of sandals with nothing but a Dasani and a Kind Bar. These bad boys can live on a nightstand, in your purse, wherever. They work very well at getting the makeup off, and while it doesn’t replace daily face cleaning, it is better than doing nothing. I like the scent and find them very cooling, but there are also unscented ones! Even if you don’t wear makeup, cleansing the skin is always a good idea.
Fullstar Vegetable Chopper
I bought one of these bad boys because I saw it on TikTok. It is AMAZING. Ever just plain old not cooked anything because you didn’t feel like chopping? I know I have! This is very simple to use, dishwasher safe, and cuts up veggies into satisfyingly consistent cubes! My onions don’t look like a three year old diced them! There is a spiralizer attachment as well!
When I had to chop a ton of stuff for Thanksgiving, this saved me at least an hour of time. I also find myself pre-chopping veg and stashing it in containers in the fridge so I can throw a meal together faster. I know the novelty will wear off, but right now its satisfying and fun to dice an onion in like two seconds.
It’s also quite small, so if you have limited space (looking at you, New York City apartments), this won’t take up a ton of room.
WARNING: the blades are SO sharp. So so so sharp. I immediately cut the fuck out of myself. I do this whenever I get a new knife, too. I’d suggest gloves if you wash it or take it out of the container. Not like you’ll remember. I sure didn’t!
Get Your Shit Together Notepad
I find that I work better when there is humor involved, and this handy notepad is a perfect desk companion while also being irreverent and silly. If your gift recipient is not a potty mouth like yours truly, I also enjoy the Morning Brain Dump Notepad. I have one of these, too (more office appropriate)! The open format means you can make lists, do time blocking, or just write down some thoughts. Also a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift!
AirTag with Keychain Holder/Passport Holder/all the holders
Last summer, it finally happened: I lost my passport (mercifully, I was already through US Customs). I know that I must have dropped it on the plane, because I had it in my hand when I was seated. I argued with the airline and put in multiple claims, but they insisted it was not found. Welp, screw you WestJet, I now have an AirTag passport holder, so I can accurately locate my passport should an airline ever straight up lie again.
I also have an AirTag for my keys, which helpfully informs me if I left my keys at home or lost them. ADHDers tend to forget/lose things, and this just gives me peace of mind and ensures that I won’t lock myself out of my apartment (again). The AirTags themselves are a little spendy, but I think they are well worth the investment! It’s also super helpful when you are tearing your house apart looking for something and you can have it beep!
Pro tip: Amazon has the cheapest options for both the AirTags and the assorted holders, should you be on a tight budget.
Adult Coloring Books (there are a billion of these online)
Remember when you were a little kid and you could grab a coloring book and a box of Crayolas and fuck off away from the adults for hours on holidays? You can still do that. Pair one of these with some crayons, colored pencils, or markers, and it will give your neurodivergent pal a way to hyperfocus when they’re feeling stressy. This is a great gift for just about anyone who likes creativity and colors. I find it very soothing.
ADHD Sweatshirt
This is only if you know them well and you know for absolute sure they would find this as hilarious as I do. I laughed for like two full minutes when I saw this, and I am going to order one for myself. Comes in T-shirt format as well!
Weighted Blanket
This is one of those gifts where I’d suggest doing research and knowing your giftee fairly well, as there are a ton of varieties and price points. When I asked for one of these from my husband, he got me one that has cooling technology because I am a very hot sleeper. The blanket provides tactile stimulation and calms the nervous system. I got one of these before I knew I had ADHD and it helped my sleep enormously. Bonus: You get a workout when you inevitably Hulk the thing off yourself in the middle of the night and have to drag it back on the bed!
Any great ADHD gift ideas? Let me know!