We all enjoy Christmas here at Sensory Direct, but we understand it can be a difficult time. Finding a present for a child, teenager or adult with additional or sensory needs can be a challenge. Well don't worry, it just so happens that we love a good challenge! We've pulled together our experience, expertise (and a sprinkle of Christmas magic!) to develop our top christmas gift ideas for the whole family!

Gifts for children

Let's start with the youngest members of the family. Christmas is very exciting and can lead to hyperactivity, sensory overload and the odd meltdown. These gift ideas are sure to put a smile on their face come christmas morning, but also help manage expectations and reduce stress.

Sensory Dens & Lights

Without doubt, sensory dens are our best-selling Christmas gift and for good reason. Our pop-up sensory dens provide the perfect 'chill-out' space. Children (and adults!) can relax, calm and enjoy sensory stimulation in a controlled, safe space. Available in a range of sizes, the pop-up construction makes it quick and easy to use even in the smallest of rooms. Add hand-held lights, sensory projectors or mood lights for the ultimate sensory space they'll love Christmas day, and every day!

 

 

Body Socks

A must-have product for any child who would benefit from whole body sensory feedback. Simply climb in and stretch your arms and legs out against the soft and smooth fabric.  Great for reducing stress, anxiety and christmas hyperactivity in a safe environment. For tips on what to do in a body sock, or how to choose the right size, check out our guest blog from OT Emma Shedlow.

 

 

 

Scooter Boards

Have fun and burn off some of that christmas energy with our scooter boards. Sure to keep your child entertained and engaged whilst you get those festive sprouts on the hob (yuck!). Available in blue, red and green they are great for strengthening the core and improving balance. For extra fun this christmas, why not set up an indoor obstacle course?

 

 

 

Gift for teenagers

Buying for teenagers can be extremely difficult! We've got some fantastic gift ideas that will provide all the sensory benefits, in a more discreet way, more suited to teenage feelings.

 

Discreet Unisex Sensory Clothing

Our stylish hoodies, jackets and hug vests are the PERFECT gift this Christmas. If you're looking for products to help reduce fidgeting, improve focus and calm then these are a must! What's more, they don't stand out as therapeutic aids, ideal for fashion conscious teens who don't want to draw attention to themselves.

Try a Weighted Jacket, the gentle, deep pressure helps to calm and organise the body. Great for wearing on journeys to relatives houses this Christmas. Or try wearing a sensory hug shirt at the christmas dinner table to reduce fidgeting? With flatter seams they reduce discomfort for those sensitive to certain materials. We have a full unisex clothing range available for children, teenagers and adults.

 

Wobble Stools

We LOVE our new motion wobble stools. Available in fixed and adjustable heights they're great for encouraging active sitting, which can help those who fidget and struggle to concentrate. Use during family game time at the table, or for enjoying christmas dinner together as family. They can even be used at desks to help improve focus during homework or set tasks.

 

 

 

Midi Weighted Blanket

A smaller, portable version of our best-selling weighted blankets, with all the benefits of weighted therapy. Wrap around the shoulders or lay across the lap for calming, deep pressure, or use in the car to reduce anxiety on your holiday travels. You could even team with a bean bag, a great combination for every teenagers bedroom!

Did you know we stock a range of weighted blanket options for children, teenagers and adults on our website.

 

 

 

Gifts for adults

Why should children have all the fun at Christmas? We've lots of great gifts for mums, dads, grandparents and friends - you could even treat yourself (go on!).

Tactile Weighted Cushion

There's nothing quite like a snuggle on the sofa, especially at christmas time. Why not make those sofa days extra special with a tactile weighted cushion. Available in 5 different soft, minky fleece fabrics and weighing 2kg the gentle deep pressure has a calming effect reducing excessive fidgeting and helping to reduce anxiety.

 

 

 

 

Weighted Jackets

Our stylish and easy to wash jackets are great for people who have tactile sensitivity or poor awareness of their body position. All of these symptoms can be heightened during Christmas, and the deep pressure from a weighted jacket can help to calm and organise the body. Available in fleece and soft shell fabrics.

We have a full unisex clothing range available for children, teenagers and adults.

 

 

 

Weighted Lap Pads

Do you know someone who deserves some relaxing, chill-out time this Christmas? Then a weighted lap pad would be a perfect gift for them. Lay across the lap for calming, deep pressure to the legs, helping you relax and feel more grounded. Ideal for sitting at the table with cup of tea and a mince pie. Choose from a variety of different washable fabrics and colours.

 

 

 

Stocking fillers for all ages

Looking for some last minute stocking fillers - we've got it covered. These are our top 5 best stocking fillers this year, and best of all they're suitable for the whole family!

  1. Chewbuddy™ Sensory chews
    Our Chewbuddy™ range of sensory chews combines the best in safety and hygiene with textures, different levels of hardness and shapes. Whether its a Sensory Chew for the wrist, pencil or around the neck on a safety lanyard, our range, handmade in the UK, has it all.
  2. Communication fans
    Small, portable and wipe-clean our communication fans are ideal for non-verbal children and adults. Choose from a range of different topics including feelings, behaviour, social rules or toileting, designed to help communicate thoughts and emotions.
  3. Marble Maze Fidget Toy
    One of our all time favourite fidget toys! Use your fingers to push the marble around the maze inside this quality fidget, handmade in the UK by us. Designed in a tactile fabric with tags for extra stimulation it's ideal for keeping you entertained at the dinner table, in the car or when feeling slightly overwhelmed.
  4. Ear Defenders
    Christmas wouldn't be Christmas at Sensory Direct without our ear defenders. Available in 6 colours, our comfortable, fully adjustable ear defenders fit children from 12 months to adult. For fashion conscious teens and adults, why not try our sensory ear plugs - providing the same benefits as ear defenders, in a more discreet style. Both options are ideal for when the hussle and bussle and noise of christmas becomes a little overwhelming.
  5. Weighted Animals
    Who doesn't love a cuddly toy at christmas - we all do 🙂 Our Weighted Cuddly animals are the perfect gift for friends and family. Weighing 800g they are a fantastic way to introduce weighted therapy to children and adults. Pop them in the microwave to activate the calming lavendar aroma. Choose from a large range of animals including penguin, unicorn, dinosaur and fox.

Still not sure?

Still not sure? Why not try a Sensory Direct eGift Voucher. Available in prices from £10 to £500, delivered via email to the recipient of your choice on the day of your choice, for them to spend at their own leisure.

Extended returns policy

Don't forget - any purchases made between 1st November and 25th December can be returned up until the 31st January 2024. Giving you completely peace of mind with every purchase you make. Please note, this doesn't include reporting damages or any missing items, so do be sure to open your parcels and check the contents. Both damages and missing items must be reported to us within 3 working days.