Finding the perfect and thoughtful gifts for a developmentally delayed adult can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for something that’s both practical and meaningful, whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, gifts that cater to their unique sensory, functional, and leisure needs can make all the difference.
I’ve crowd-sourced a thoughtful list of gifts that provide comfort, enjoyment, and a touch of independence for developmentally delayed adults, ensuring they’ll actually use and love what you give. These ideas came from disabled adults and their parents and caregivers on my message boards and Facebook page.
Thoughtful Gifts For Teens and Adults
Please note this list has now been split into two lists:
- Gift Ideas for Autistic Adults and Teens
- Gift Ideas for Intellectually Disabled Adults (the list you’re reading right now)
While there are similarities, I felt it was important to separate them out.
Splurge Gifts for Cognitively Disabled Adult
If you’re the parent or primary caregiver, you might be looking for one or two splurge gifts. In recent years, we’ve been focusing on one expensive gift rather than a lot of little stuff.
- Season Pass: What does this person enjoy most? A particular amusement park or venue? A favorite waterpark or health club with a swimming pool? Consider a season pass or annual pass to their favorite thing. For us, it’s Sesame Place. We also indulge in the character dining experiences sometimes, which you can see he loves! (I don’t let age restrictions or stigma bother us, he likes what he likes)
Gifts for Developmentally Disabled Adults
Here’s a list of practical gift ideas for developmentally delayed adults, keeping in mind various sensory, functional, and leisure needs:
2. Weighted Blanket – Provides comfort and helps with anxiety or sensory needs.
- 🌙【CHOOSE RIGHT SIZE】: Weighted blanket which owns 10% of your body weight is recommended. 20 lb weighted blanket queen size is perfect for…
- 🌙【JUST ON TOP OF MATTRESS】: Yescool weighted blankets for adults keep you sleep all the night. Due to enough weight, the weighted blanket…
- Premuim Material: The weighted blanket is made of soft breathable microfiber material and filled with 0.8-1 mm non-toxic hypo-allergenic glass…
- Recommended Weight Size: Please choose 7%-12% of your body weight which would help you sleep better. We recommend 48”x72” for twin bed,…
3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Great for reducing overwhelming sounds.
- Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
- Hi-Res Audio: Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound. Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones reproduce music with…
- SONY’S LIGHTEST WIRELESS NOISE CANCELING HEADBAND EVER: Weighing just 192g, our lightest overhead wireless headphones with Noise Canceling yet,…
- DUAL NOISE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY: Take noise canceling to the next level with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, so you can fully immerse yourself in…
4. Adaptive Board Games – Simple, easy-to-follow games for social interaction.
- THREE IN ONE GAME – Enjoy a trio of Tic-Tac-Toe themed games in one box, perfect for groups of 1-4 players. Ideal for family game nights or…
- INFINITE TIC-TAC-TOE – Experience the classic game like never before with Infinite Tic-Tac-Toe mode. Choose between head-to-head mode or playing…
- 【ACTIVITY BOARD FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS】Experience tranquility and joy with this Alzheimer’s-focused product, meticulously crafted for people…
- 【SOLID WOOD BUILD】This 96 pcs vibrant blocks are constructed from solid wood. The wooden grid board size in 8.9×8.9 inches, serving as a…
- Contains hundreds of zany lists to test your memory but first you have to find your lost keys
- It’s the perfect gift for that 40, 50, 60th birthday party
5. Large Print Puzzle Books – For those who enjoy mental challenges at a slower pace.
6. Fidget Tools – Useful for sensory stimulation and focus.
- ✅ NON-DISTRACTING FIDGET – Unlike spinners, the ONO Roller Jr soothes stress without disrupting focus–it’s completely silent. Fidget and…
- ✅ MADE FOR SMALL HANDS – The Roller Jr is a smaller and softer version of our innovative sensory and fidget toy. It’s also more lightweight,…
- Introducing the Fidget Toy! The Most Ergonomic,Easy To Use, Addictive Fidget Toy on the Today. The Fidget Toy is Small,Slight,Easy to Store in…
- With 8 Fidget Functions the Fidget Toy Provides Never-Ending Fidgeting! The 8 Fidget Functions Include – A Clickable Omnidirectional Controller -…
- AWESOME HANDHELD FIDGET TOY CUBE GIFT FOR FIDGETERS – Fidget like a boss. Playable with one hand. Prime fidgeting toy for little children,…
- ANTI-ANXIETY AND STRESS RELIEVER STRESS CUBE – A great way to release stress from school and work. Avoid nail biting, knuckle cracking, leg…
7. Memory Foam Slippers – Comfortable footwear with sensory benefits.
- Sole: The soft rubbery bottom is more than an inch thick.The upgrade rubber soles are softer, lighter, more elastic, The sole has strong grip and…
- Midsole: Selected high-density memory foam pads ensure that the heel will not collapse, provide excellent cushioning and support, reduce pain…
- BREATHABLE UPPER: Memory foam slippers are made of superior cotton blended fabric , which can keep your feet always breathable, comfortable.
- SOFT LINING: Memory foam cotton slippers give you cozy and soft feeling when slip your feet into them.Closed-toe hard sole bedroom slippers help…
8. Sensory Swing – Provides calming movement and sensory input.
- [SOFT SILKY NYLON] This therapy swing is made of high-quality material–soft & silk nylon. It measures 110″L x 59″W. Kids can sit and cocoon…
- [EASY USE] Contains everything you need for installation! And fabric swing is pre-tied up with O-sling already. Super simple to install anywhere…
- Sturdy Hanging Tree Tent: Our hanging tree tent is crafted with 600D Oxford fabric, featuring multi-stitched top seams and thickened core ropes…
- Upgraded Dual-layer Top: Our tree tent swing features innovative double waterproof layers that take your outdoor experience to the next level….
9. Tablet with Protective Case – Loaded with apps for communication, education, or entertainment.
- WHY IPAD — All the essentials in the most affordable iPad, with a beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra…
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write…
- Do what you love, uninterrupted — 25% faster performance than the previous generation and 3 GB RAM are ideal for seamless streaming, reading,…
- High-def entertainment — A 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display brings brilliant color to all your shows and games. Binge watch longer with 13-hour…
10. Coloring Books – Relaxing and creative without being overly complicated.
11. Subscription to a Streaming Service – Access to shows and movies at their own pace.
12. Soft, Textured Throw Blankets – Cozy and soothing for downtime.
13. Adaptive Kitchen Tools – Easy-grip utensils and tools for independence in the kitchen.
- PERFECT FOR ONE-HANDED USE – The Adaptive One-Handed Cutting Board is ideal for those who need a single-handed cutting solution, whether for…
- COMPREHENSIVE ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT – Our Adaptive Wood Cutting Board include a one-handed vegetable peeler, bread stops, and Vegetable Chopper…
- – The Adaptive One-Handed Cutting Board is an ideal solution for disabled individuals or anyone who needs to use only one hand while cutting.
- – Its anti-slip design and food spikes make it easier to cut fruits and vegetables, while the bread stops allow for easy peeling and grating with…
- 1.Equipment Composition:Adaptive cutting board one handed is rafted from bamboo and has non-slip pads at the bottom,includes one hand…
- 2.Non-slip Design:One handed cutting board is non-slip design ensures stability during use,while the spikes help to securely hold food in place,…
14. Personalized Photo Albums – A familiar, comforting way to reminisce with family and friends.
- Record a separate message on each page using the built-in microphone. Re-record as many times as you wish.
- Each of the 20 pages will hold a single photo in a clear pocket, 5×7 inches, (125x175mm). Each page has an individual Play/Pause button.
- Record a separate voice message on each page using the built-in microphone. Over 2 hours total recording time across the 30 pages, example 4…
- Each of the 30 pages will hold a single 5×7 inch photo in a clear pocket, (125x175mm). Each page has an individual Play/Pause button.
15. Body Pillow – Provides comfort and support, especially for those with mobility or sensory issues.
- Ultra premium full body pillow insert by DOWNCOOL is Extra Breathable and soft with 100% polyester cover- Durability and avoids piling
- Large and soft bed pillow insert- keeps its shape and medium firm support. Ideal for daily use, the materials and construction for long-lasting…
- STUFFING: Unique shredded memory foam stuffing makes it possible to adjust the level of pillows in certain space to meet your various need,…
- EXQUISITE & SOFT SUPPORT:Our long body pillow is filled with memory foam can perfectly contours your curves and helps to reduce pressure on…
16. Tactile Sensory Toys – Toys with different textures to provide soothing tactile input.
- Screen-Free Peace – Provide parents with a quiet, clean, screenless alternative to keep kids occupied in public spaces like planes, cars, waiting…
- Occupational Therapist Recommended – Trusted by professionals to enhance dexterity, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination through tactile…
- [Sensory Fidget Toys] Repeatedly rubbing these textured fidget toys through fingers up and down to replace autistic children’s unconscious…
- [Calm Down Toys]: These popular fidget suction toys make fun rattle sounds when pulled up, attracting children’s senses and helping them stop…
- Sensory Fidget Toys for Adults: Harder than our colorful kids fidget worry stone, this hard version is more suitable for teens and adults to get…
- Worry Stone Calming Toys: Perfect tactile fidget sensory set for students to avoid picking fingers, control most nervous habits and calm down….
17. Smart Speaker (like Alexa) – Voice-controlled for music, alarms, and reminders.
- Our best sounding echo dot yet – Enjoy an improved audio experience compared to any previous Echo Dot with Alexa for clearer vocals, deeper…
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth…
- Echo Pop – This compact smart speaker with Alexa features full sound that’s great for bedrooms and small spaces. Small enough to blend in and…
- Control music with your voice – Ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from your favorite providers like Amazon Music, Apple Music,…
18. Simple Craft Kits – Easy-to-follow crafts like knitting or beading that don’t require complex instructions.
- 【Suitable for Embroidery Kit】There is a stamped pattern on the embroidery cloth, it is easy for cross stitch kits beginner to learn the…
- 【Valuable Hand Embroidery Kit Beginner】This cross stitch kits for adults is equipped with instructions, embroidery hoops, thread, needles and…
- What is Inside: 1 x embroidery hoop 7.8 inch (20 cm), 3 x Embroidered cloth with pattern, 6 x embroidery needles, 3 x instructions. 3 x Pack…
- Embroidery Patterns:There are 3 embroidery kit plant pattern on the embroidered cloth, which will provide great help for embroidery kit…
- 【10 Unique Clings & 8 Colors】These specialty arts and crafts kits for adults and teens include 10 Blank Window Cling Vinyls for you to color…
- 【New and Upgraded Markers】Our new fine tip custom markers have been selected to ensure that even complete beginners can relax and enjoy this…
19. Adaptive Clothing – Comfortable clothing designed for ease of dressing, like Velcro shoes or magnetic closures.
- Here in the Gertex family we want to be inclusive to all, and we know that clothing and dressing is hard for some. That’s why we created the…
- Made From 100% Polyester: the fabric is very durable and will just get softer with more washes.
- Unisex jumpsuits for older boys & girls (aged 3 years to Adult) with special needs
- Designed with a non-stretch collar and secret reversed double BUTTON LOCK SYSTEM preventing houdini fingers from accessing the zipper and…
- Unisex for boys & girls aged 3 years to Adult
- Designed with a longer leg / shortie style, reinforced crotch and 5 durable studs all for additional coverage. Single purple popper locator to…
20. Lego Duplo Sets – Larger blocks for easy handling and imaginative play.
- Creative Development – Motivate young minds with this toddler-friendly assortment of LEGO DUPLO bricks and pieces. With endless hands-on creative…
- Learning Through Play – Fuel imaginations with 85 colorful bricks including fun pieces, such as a window, car, and 1-2-3 number bricks. With such…
- Kids’ learning toy for 2+ years and up – The LEGO DUPLO Town Caring for Animals at the Farm toy lets boys and girls role play life as a busy…
- Farm playset with so much to discover – Comes with a farmhouse, stable, chicken coop and hayloft, plus 8 figures, including 2 horses, a sheep,…
- Imaginative Disney 100 building toy for hours of play – Give toddlers limitless creative adventures as they develop motor skills building and…
- 5 Disney figures – Preschoolers explore the castle’s magical features in the company of 5 LEGO DUPLO figures: Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Minnie…
21. Hydro Flask or Adaptive Water Bottle – Easy-to-use, spill-proof hydration options.
22-23. Exercise Ball or Therapy Ball – Useful for balance, core strengthening, and sensory movement.
- NON-SLIP SURFACE- Non-slip stripes and frosted surface increase the friction between the stability ball and the user’s skin and the ground, thus…
- STRONGER WEIGHT CAPACITY- support up to 330 pounds in weight; the birthing ball prevents a sudden blast; gradual air release mechanism ensures…
- IMMEDIATE BENEFITS – Self myofascial release eliminates muscle knots and tension. Trigger point therapy massage lacrosse balls relieve sore and…
- EASY TO USE – Simply lean on the massage ball and use your own body weight and gravity to relieve muscle knots and tension.
- Boosts Joint & Muscle Rehab: This Pilates ball, as ideal pieces of physical therapy equipment, works wonders in joint and muscle rehabilitation…
- Unlimited Variety of Uses: These swiss balls for exercise are an extremely versatile tool to help strengthen your whole body. They add an extra…
24. Lap Desk – For easy use of books, tablets, or hobbies while seated.
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1″ wide and 14.1″ deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6″. Extra room for accessories ensures…
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5×9″ precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or…
- PERFECT SIZE for LAPTOPS: The laptop desk is 16.54 x 11.81 x 3.35 inches in size and can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. There is enough surface…
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: This lap desk features an anti-slip wrist pad, storage pocket, and tablet holder for maximum convenience.
25. Simple Musical Instruments – Like tambourines or maracas, for musical expression without needing complex skills.
26. Visual Schedules or Timers – For organizing daily activities in a structured, visual way.
- Reduce anxiety and bring calm by showing an elderly person, stroke victim, adult with learning difficulties or dementia sufferer what is…
- This is a visual wall planner of 40 adult communication aids plus two foamex boards which attach to one another using VELCRO Brand hook and loop,…
- Create calmer and happier transitions at home and less stress for the whole family by reducing someone’s anxiety.
- This is a visual wall planner, or daily routine chart, of 40 picture cards plus two foamex boards which attach to one another using VELCRO Brand…
27. Interactive Storybooks – Books with simple stories and textures or sound effects for engagement.
- BRING STORYTIME TO LIFE – Watch, listen, and read along to stories like The Poky Little Puppy, as they shine bright on the wall. Colorful lights…
- INCLUDES 3 STORIES & 1 CHARACTER – Enjoy 3 Little Golden Book stories: The Poky Little Puppy, Tawny Scrawny Lion, and The Saggy Baggy Elephant….