The Best Toys for Young Kids with ADHD

When thinking about toys for ADHD kids, it’s helpful to think about items that don’t have to be played with a certain way to be fun, and things that can foster creativity by being used differently over and over again, ie: open-ended toys. Building toys are perfect for this, especially a set like this, which doesn’t have directions or a specific goal about what to build. It will work with other magnetic sets and comes in different sizes if you’re not ready to commit to 100 pieces just yet. For more in this vein, check out Lego and Snap Circuits, as well as any other building toy your kid finds interesting.

This classic toy was a fidget before anyone knew what a fidget was. You may have heard the term, or be surrounded by items that are sold as fidgets for neurodivergent kids. The truth is that nearly anything can be a fidget. For some, that means doodling while listening, for others, it’s an object. What I love about this cube is that while it’s a fidget, it’s also a puzzle, so you can get a sense of satisfaction when you solve it, but also enjoy the tactile pleasure of clicking it around and creating interesting color combinations.

Several of the parents I spoke with mentioned these swings which are so versatile for kids needs. The swing itself feels like a hug, which can help with overstimulation (it’s also built so that kids can safely hide away inside it. If your child is seeking stimulation, it offers so much in the way of open-ended play and movement—they can swing in lots of ways and self-regulate.

It can be so frustrating to want to listen to music or an audiobook, but not like the way headphones feel. These fleece headband headphones are cute, cozy and volume limited to keep your little one’s ears safe. I’m partial to the fox, but there are other animals and characters, and a few come in a wireless version if you or your child are tech savvy.

One of the best things about neurodivergence becoming more present in public awareness is that the tools that used to be very specialized and expensive can now be purchased from major retailers, bringing costs down and making these items more available. This crash pad is one such example. This is the extra large version (they have other smaller sizes) and it comes in two neutral colors made of durable, easy to clean fabric (throw the cover in the washing machine). This generous pad offers a safe, comfy space for your child to play or relax.

If you have an adventurous eater, or a child who embraces crunchy, sweet, or sour snacks, why not try what the world has to offer with this global snack box? Each month you’ll get a surprise pack of treats all from the same country. Choose from two sizes for your family’s needs.

Many kids with ADHD love having a place where they can go to be alone and self regulate, whether that’s a reading nook, a tent, or this adorable fabric playhouse. Be sure to populate their special space with a cozy chair or beanbag, a soft blanket and their favorite books or other quiet activities.

Nothing says novelty like a subscription box. I love KiwiCo for their boxes based on your child’s interests. You can go for the basic Kiwi Crate for this age group which focuses on general STEAM skills, or choose Yummy Crate for recipes and kitchen skills building, or Atlas Crate for discovering other cultures. Subscribe monthly or for a set amount of time. As your child gets older, there is even more to explore.

Our top pick helps kids get the wiggles out, while also adding sensory input through the feet. The padded bar is great for extra stability, and you can remove it to fold the whole thing up and put it away! It has a 350 pound weight limit, so it also works for adults.

Weighted blankets are another wonderful tool for neurodivergent people that has become very mainstream in recent years. When I was looking for one originally, I had to pay someone to custom make it. Now, you can find beautiful, wonderfully soft versions that blend in with your decor and will wrap your sweet child in comfort for naps, nighttime, or just to cuddle up and decompress. I love that this version is made of organic cotton and is safe for the washing machine. Choose from three beautiful colors. Note on weight: this version is 6 pounds, most experts suggest that you should aim for about 10-15% of the weight of the person you’re choosing the blanket for. According to Bearaby, their 6 pound blanket is intended for kids 40-80 pounds, over that, you might want to go up to their 8 pound blanket (you can snag that version at West Elm).

ADHD tip: if you already have a weighted blanket, consider a weighted plush like this one, which can offer some of the same benefits in a portable form.

Is there anything more calming than gently raking sand into patterns? This was the gift I asked for most as a child and I always took the opportunity to play with them when I came across them. I love this one for the separate compartments for the rocks so that you can include them in your design or not. This is a great reset activity that doubles as a pretty decor piece.

Parents mentioned Dave Pilkey’s books over and over again as their ADHD kid’s faves. This new series of graphic novels is all about anti-perfectionism and creativity as the animal characters learn about their unique strengths. It’s perfect for this age group. The author is very open about his early ADHD and dyslexia diagnoses, so this is also a great teaching moment to let kids know that they can use their amazing brains to do wonderful things as adults, whatever that may be.

Other books suggestions:

The Dogman series by Dave Pilkey

All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann

Beautiful Oops (and the companion journal) by Barney Saltzberg

This fun necklace is a fun, chic statement, but it’s also a valuable sensory tool. The whole thing is designed to stand up to being played with and chewed on and the beads are made of soft silicone for safety and interest. Even the clasp is made of food safe material. This necklace will introduce your child to a whole new world of playing with jewelry.

Art of all kinds is another type of open-ended play. Nurture your child’s visual art skills with this set of art and craft basics, and don’t be afraid to branch out into the mediums they find interesting like loom-weaving or science experimentation. Creativity is the name of the game with this type of gift, and more options for types of papers, pens, pencils, markers and paints are often very welcome to an ADHD kid.

Kinetic Sand is one of those sensory experiences you either love or hate. If you’re unsure about which group your child falls into, you might want to start slow with this one before buying a larger kit. But if your little one enjoys the sensation, something like this dinosaur kit can be a ton of fun. Create fossils, bury and dig for bones, or create a cave with three colors of sand. If this set isn’t your thing but the idea intrigues you, check out tons of other colors and sets to find something that will spark your child’s interest. In this same vein, consider Slime, Play-Doh, Playfoam, and Silly Putty for other textures and sensory experiences.