A niche neurodivergent gift guide
Many gift guides for autistic folks contain the same headphones and weighted blankets. Those things are lovely, but I wanted to collect some less obvious finds that more closely follow my own version of sensory bliss. I especially love highlighting independent neurodivergent-owned businesses.
This is a personal list, not a universal sensory prescription. One personโs bliss can be another personโs sensory ick.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in my ShopMy collection are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you buy something through them, at no extra cost to you. This wasnโt my intention, shopmy automatically makes links affiliate where possible and I canโt opt out. Iโm using ShopMy because it makes the guide easy to browse from social media; Bede is my own jewelry business.
01 ยท Sensory clothing by Alexane Rachelle
Alexane Rachelle is an autistic designer putting sensory needs at the center of her work. The garments have flat-sewn cotton tags on the outside, away from the skin. My favorites are the Cassiopea Tea Skirt and the Mikako Babydoll Dress.
For made-to-order pieces, you can also request accommodations such as different seam finishes or a wider neckline, where possible.
02 ยท Colored beeswax tapers
I love the low, warm light and the gentle beeswax scent. Big Dipper Wax Works makes hand-dipped color tapers from 100% beeswax, including hand-twisted ones. The sky blue pair is so dreamy.
03 ยท Sensory jewelry from Bede
(thats me!)
Eccentric sensory jewelry, handmade by autistic artist Diva Dompรฉ
Pieces are made with recycled sterling silver, stainless steel, gemstones and mother of pearl.
The Frรฆtwenblลstm necklace is satisfying to hold and spin. The Vampireโs Kiss ring is a pain stim ring for a little bite on the go.
See Frรฆtwenblลstm ยท See Vampireโs Kiss
04 ยท Vintage cotton crochet gloves
A fun and elegant barrier to skin picking around your nails. I know this one may divide people. Crochet gloves could be a big sensory ick for some, but I personally enjoy them. There are many beautiful vintage options, or, if you crochet, you can make your own.
Three current pairs I especially like are a beige 1960s cotton floral-mesh pair, listed as new old stock in small/medium; a black cotton Irish-crochet pair listed in perfect vintage condition; and an ivory antique cotton pair, estimated to fit XS through M, with minor discoloration, pulls and an old repair.
Sizing matters, and vintage listings can disappear. If they are gone, search for โvintage cotton crochet gloves.โ
My dream version would be 100% silk !
On November 10, the beige pair was $21.34, the black pair was $57.17 and the ivory pair was $64.17, with one pair left in each listing. Images come from the linked seller listings. Recheck stock, sizing, condition and shipping before publication.
05 ยท Vintage silver-plated spoons
I love old silver-plated spoons for their weight and design. Even an ordinary bowl of oatmeal feels a little more ceremonial with the right spoon. Of course neurodivergent people can be extremely particular about their spoons! So if you are gifting try and be confident you know their style.
I found four options I especially like:
three Williams oval soup spoons, which Etsy categorizes as 1920s, although their exact date is unverified; and
a matched Art Deco Inspiration set with five teaspoons and six tablespoons, listed under the patternโs 1933 date.
The Aldine and Oxford sellers explicitly say there is no plate loss. The Inspiration set has some heel wear, but the seller says there are no breaks in the plate. The Williams listing describes good vintage condition without promising that the plating is intact.
Test for lead first. Before eating with vintage silver plate, have the exact spoon tested for lead by a qualified service. Skip anything with worn, flaking or pitted plating, or exposed base metal. None of these listings provides lead-test results, so a sellerโs condition description is not a food-safety guarantee.
06 ยท Chainmail
Cool metal, a little weight, movement, texture, and tiny sounds.
This chainmail fidget charm is one example. I love the dangling studs at the bottom. It reminds me of a cathedral window. I prefer stainless steel rings because they offer more weight than aluminum ones.
07 ยท The metal Tangle
The actual metal one, not the plastic Tangle with a metallic finish. It is made from heavy die-cast metal, so it has the cool surface and substantial weight I want from a fidget, along with the familiar twisting movement. I know this one is pricier than your average tangle, but I own it and for me the weight, touch and durability are worth it.
Play Therapy Supply currently has the Tangle Kinetic Metal Sculpture. The official Tangle shop was sold out when I checked.
In stock at Play Therapy Supply for $44.99 when checked November 10. Recheck stock and price before publication.
08 ยท Epergnes for flowers, food and candlelight
Since you will need something to hold those beautiful tapers in! I collect candle holders, so this also satisfies a special interest for me. Epergnes are already wonderfully strange: branching table centerpieces traditionally made to hold fruit, sweets or flowers. Some later examples combine those dishes or vases with candle sockets, which is why several here do both. A piece that only holds candles is more accurately a candelabrum. The blue glass one is here just to show the form at its most fabulous; the current listings are below.
a clear glass and acrylic epergne with two taper holders and four hanging ruffled bud vases, listed at $62; I usually donโt go for acrylic but this one has a cool style and a more affordable price point.
a mother-of-pearl bridal epergne with two small candle holders and shell decoration, listed at $132;
a 1950s EPNS epergne with four candle holders and one central flower cup, listed at $55.75;
a post-1940 1847 Rogers Bros. silver-plated centerpiece with a scalloped bowl and three candle holders, listed at $56.99;
a 1940s clear-glass epergne attributed by the seller to Cambridge, arranged with two bud vases and one candle holder, listed at $65;
a 1950s lotus-shaped silver-plated epergne with a flower frog and three taper holders, listed at $34.99; and
a 1959 Fostoria Heirloom pink opalescent glass epergne with a central flower vase and four candle holders, listed at $224.99.
Availability and prices checked November 10. These are one-off listings. The blue opalescent epergne is a reference image, not one of the linked items. Product images come from the linked seller listings. Recheck stock, condition and shipping before publication.
09 ยท A liquid glitter wand that may not exist
I want a liquid glitter wand made completely out of glass, with innovative colorways and rare charms floating inside. I cannot find anyone who makes this. Maybe I will have to make it one day!
Is this the wishlist of an audhd millennial or a Victorian ghost? Whoโs to say.
Reference image for the kind of liquid glitter wand I mean. The imagined all-glass version is not a product listing.
