Here is my favorite list of toys that promote communication, exploration, movement, and problem solving skills. This gift guide has been put together by items that we love and use within our house and also ones that are in my book, the Active Child Resource Guide! By gifting from this list, you are providing activities that will create memories and also help neurodivergent children find ways to refocus their energy and promote self regulation!

Bubbles and Bubbles Machines

Bubbles are a wonderful gift for children of all ages. It provides them with the opportunity to strengthen sensory input to help the body and brain calm and focus. You can find some awesome non-toxic bubbles with wands that are GREAT for little hands. In the Active Child Resource Book, you can also find multiple activities you can do with your child!

Cleaning Set

When dealing with any child, especially is they have ADHD, cleaning may be a struggle. But I have found that when you make it a game, they are much more likely to participate. By providing them with their own cleaning gear, not only can you turn cleaning into a game but you can also let them lead the way in creative play. Kids love to play and kids love to help. By having these tools on hand (and that are their own) you are providing the key to fun!

You may also want to check out this resource: Cleaning Hacks for the ADHD Brain

Fort Building Kit

One of my favorite childhood memories is of building forts. These fort kits take forts to the next level. This can be a parent-child activity, sibling effort, or even a solo venture. The best part is that they can create over and over with easy pick up! The fort building kit is also great for problem solving and helps your ADHD child refocus their energy.

Baking Set

There are so many options when it comes to kitchen play. Depending on your child’s age, a play kitchen may be in the books! For the older children, giving them their own baking gear can spark that imagination and spur them to try out their baking skills! Add in some yummy recipes and they will be ready to go. If you want to provide some healthy options, check out this post: Healthy Snack Choices Your Kids Will Be Begging For

I also love throwing in an experience such as a surprise dinner. Have your child pick the dinner AND the ingredients that go in it. You be their sous chef and let them compose a dinner that’s sure to leave a lasting memory.

*Pro Tip: Have a backup dinner planned.

Gardening Tools

Gardening is a wonderful addition to creative play! You can consider getting an indoor gardening kit or gifting kid sized gardening equipment. By providing the gardening tools, you are promoting heavy activity that will help your ADHD child to self regulate and have fun outdoors!

The Active Child Sensory Box and Resource Guide

This is a Parenting That Kid original! Created by a mom of twins who have ADHD, you will find a compilation of activities for ADHD, Anxiety, and Sensory Processing Disorder…Neurodiverse kids, GUARANTEED to provide structure, comfort, and fun. - PLUS 1 sensory box filled with products to master 9 of the activities within the PDF guide (Fidget band included).

Experience Gifts

There are also some great ways to gift creative play without items and toys. Adventure is one of them! You can do a DIY scavenger hunt by cutting up paper and creating a scavenger hunt around your home/lot. Give your children challenges that make them work, but are still fun...climb over the big rock, off to the next clue on one foot, swing on the swing for 30 seconds. The older the child the more challenging the hunt can be.

Another great gift of experience is learning a new hobby together. Think about woodworking, knitting, gardening, painting, sign language, music lessons...whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something neither of you currently knows how to do. Your children will gain so much value in watching you learn something new alongside them.

My absolute favorite is playing with my children. All you have to do is tap into your inner child and play along. Write a play with your child and help create the set and costumes. Children love to use their imaginations and they will thrive doing so with an adult.

I hope these items give you fun and out of the box gift ideas for your kiddos! For more tips, tricks, and resources for parenting children with ADHD be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok!

***This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Creative Play Gift Guide for ADHD Kids