If you’re wondering, like many relatives who have nephews, nieces, cousins, or grandchildren who have autism, what is the best gift for kids with autism? or, what are the best toys for autism? 

If you have a friend or relative who is on the autism spectrum, finding the right gift might not be easy. It can be hard to understand for many family members and friends just what kinds of toys are best for a child with autism because the autism umbrella is almost all-encompassing. That means that a toy that might be awesome for a nonverbal autistic child, might not be the best for a kid with high-functioning Asperger’s.

How Can I Figure Out The Best Toy For an Autistic Child?

The first rule of thumb is: Ask their parent or guardian.

Nobody knows a child like their own parents. Don’t just assume that a toy that is marketed for autistic kids will automatically be a perfect toy for every child with autism. If you ask their parent, finding autism gift ideas might be easier than you think.

For example, if you give a high-functioning child a chew toy for autism, it might come off as insulting. However, if you’re looking for the best gifts for a nonverbal autistic child, a chew toy might be more appropriate.

The Best Autism Gift Ideas

In this article, we want to bring you our favorite autism toys that can apply to many different levels of disability. Some of these toys are among the best toys for nonverbal autism, while others are better for higher-level children.

Take a look at our favorite gifts for kids with autism:

1. ABC Learning Locks

Link: https://amzn.to/2mdOJS0

Price: $39.99

Each of these locks has an individual key that can be put on a keyring and used to find letters and learn the alphabet. It is a great learning toy for autism and can even be used in team situations that can help children work together as they play.

2. B. Pet Vet Toy

Link: https://amzn.to/2md1R9Y

Price: $26.50

My kids can’t get enough of this toy. It would make an amazing gift for a child with autism and it can be used for speech therapy as well. As you unlock the door, my kids’ therapist will teach them the difference between “inside” and “outside” as they place the stuffed animal inside or outside of the unlocked door. 

This educational toy is also great for hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Wait patiently for the child to find the right key that goes to the door they are trying to open and allow them to insert the key themselves if they are able. When assisting, help as little as possible so that they can get a sense of independence and pride while playing. This is one of our favorite autistic kid gift ideas.

3. Rocket Ship Play Tent

Link: https://amzn.to/2ooLDuZ

Price: $36.99

This tent is big enough to fit up to three small children or two slightly older kids. It can be used to teach children with autism to share smaller spaces and accept other kids into their “purple circle”. This gift idea can be one of the best toys for nonverbal toddlers as well as a great gift for high functioning autism.

As we know, children with autism typically have a hard time sharing or allowing others into their personal space, but with practice, you can help reduce negative behaviors associated with autism through play with this awesome gift.

4. Popup Pirate Toy

Link: https://amzn.to/2m7CwOv

Price: $14.99

The Popup Pirate Toy is perfect for teaching your children to take turns. As each child takes a turn inserting a sword into the barrel, the pirate will eventually POP up and surprise you. 

Think of it as a “hot potato” style game. My kids love playing this game with each other and they have been surprisingly good about taking turns (even though they still try and sneak in an extra turn when they can) 

This is a fast-paced game and has pretty easy cleanup. Your kids can even play this one alone.

5. Spin and Tweet Musical Birdhouse

Link: https://amzn.to/2nGjNdm

Price: $24.99

This is one of the best toys for nonverbal autism because it allows them to hit the buttons and play music and sounds stimulating a sensory response. Sensory toys for autism are great for nonverbal children. 

This toy is intended for children of a mental age of up to 36 months.

You can use it as a learning toy or even a tool for them to use to alert you that they need you. Sometimes, when one of my kids wants to let me know something, he will repeatedly turn on a noise-making toy like this one until I can figure out what it is he needs.

6. Learn-to-Play Piano Musical Toy

Link: https://amzn.to/2ooMkV7

Price: $19.99

This is another noise-making toy for autism. It is a great sensory toy for autism and can be used by nonverbal children with autism with ease. 

Remember to turn it off at night if you are worried about it waking up your other children in the morning! It’s slightly cheaper than our #5 choice, and it’s just as good in terms of a musical sensory toy.

7. The Wiggles Movies

“Wiggle Time”: https://amzn.to/2mWsZtY

Price: $9.48

“Pop Go the Wiggles”: https://amzn.to/2olMRqN

Price: $8.51

The Wiggles DVDs are fun, interactive, and are a great learning experience. My kids love The Wiggles, and I’m sure yours will, too! They teach through songs and are always full of vibrant colors. Your kids can learn about other cultures, places, and activities. They even sometimes tackle topics largely associated with autism such as a song dedicated to one of the characters only drinking the same drink over and over without ever wanting to change!

Good Toys For a Child With Autism

If you are looking for good toys for children with autism, look no further! We love — and have personally tested — all of the toys on this list. We hope that if you decide to purchase one, you do so through one of our links as we receive a modest compensation if you do so. Whether you are looking for gift ideas for an autistic boy or an autistic girl, we hope you found what you are looking for. 

If you liked these gifts, why not take a look at this list of the best autism sensory toys under $50. The list includes sensory stimulation toys, fidget toys, and more toys that all autistic children will love.

We thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you around in our facebook group: #autismarmy