A Krysalis guide to gift-giving: Presents recommended by neuro occupational therapists
This Christmas, become a festivity inclusivity pro by giving the perfect gifts to your loved ones.
From a sensory-friendly Secret Santa, to ensuring your presents go beyond chocolates and socks, we know the importance of getting your gift-giving right this Christmas.
It’s a time to show our loved ones we care for them, but if your loved one is living with a brain injury, neurological or neurodiverse condition, it can be hard to know what to buy.
Of course, it is important to recognise nobody is defined by their disability or condition, but how much nicer would it be to buy a gift tailored to your loved one’s needs?
We list the gifts and stocking fillers, recommended by our occupational therapists, that could help your loved ones with their rehabilitation journey.
Board games
Board games are a social affair that challenge cognitive and executive skills. They create positive social communication which helps to work on expressive and receptive language skills.
Here are some example games…
- Chess: For memory, reasoning, and attention skills
- Scrabble: For problem-solving, memory, strategy, and cognitive flexibility
- Dobble: For visual scanning and processing skills
- Chinese Checkers: For cognitive skills
- Draughts (Checkers): For strategic thinking and fine motor skills
- Othello: For fine motor and planning skills
- Risk: For decision-making skills
- Scattergories: For word-finding, organisation, and language difficulty
Aromatherapy diffuser or scented candles
Our occupational therapists suggest that calming scents like lavender or chamomile can be soothing for relaxation and focus. These gifts are great for promoting mindfulness when times may feel tough.
Regardless of a disability, everyone has a right to live a full, active and fulfilled life not only on one day, but throughout the rest of the year. 
Krysalis Clinical Director, Jo Throp
Social Battery pin
Those living with a brain injury, or other neurological and neurodiverse conditions, can suffer from physical and mental fatigue that can impact daily tasks and activities, causing an individual’s social battery to drain quickly.
A social battery pin/badge can be used to communicate an individual’s energy levels, without repeating how they’re feeling verbally, which can add to the fatigue.
Access Card UK
This card is a new solution to helping those with disability get their accessibility requirements recognised at events and venues.
An Access Card is £15 for 3 years, and is reportedly accepted across many attractions and locations, including theme parks.
Find out more here: https://www.accesscard.online/
Meditation or relaxation apps
Our occupational therapists recommend gift cards for mindfulness or meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
Apps such as these can be beneficial for those in their recovery journey – we recommended twenty other apps for rehabilitation in our updated list earlier in the year.
Gifts that consider sensory needs promote engagement, self-regulation, and participation in holiday activities.
Krysalis Occupational Therapist, Emilie
Calendars and diaries
These two organisational tools are often recommended by our occupational therapists for those that have memory issues and trouble with concentration.
A family calendar and diaries can also be useful for those with neurodivergent conditions to help with structure in their lives.
Fidget toys
Fidget toys can be useful for individuals with neurodivergence such as ASD and ADHD. The toys provide a sensory comfort that calms nerves and engages multiple senses with visual, and physical stimulation.
Stress-relieving balls or putty are also great gifts as they reduce tension and can help those with anxiety or sensory needs.
For individuals with cognitive and executive limitations, or families juggling the additional responsibility of supporting a loved one, festive tasks can feel overwhelming.
Krysalis Clinical Director, Jo Throp
Sensory-friendly cinema/theatre tickets
Many cinemas and theatres hold specially adapted sensory-friendly screenings and performances, which creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment for those with sensory needs.
This can be a thoughtful gift for a showtune/blockbuster-loving loved one.
Puzzles
Puzzles test visual perceptual skills including figure-ground, visual memory, and visual sequential memory. They also support fine motor skills and sustained attention.
Other puzzle-like gifts could also include:
- Sudoku books
- Tetris
- Crossword books
- Rubik’s Cube
The gift of a puzzle, one that the whole family could work on, offers the opportunity for a shared sense of achievement and teamwork this Christmas.
Loop earplugs
These earplugs are useful for those with noise sensitivity. They work by filtering sound waves, rather than blocking them, to reduce sound volume, meaning the wearer can still talk and hear their environment, but at a more controlled level. (1)
Other headphones can also help with this issue, and for those who want to block out all sound, ear defenders can also be a practical gift.
Tech gadgets
For those who love technology, our occupational therapists recommend smart speakers such as an Amazon Echo or Google Nest, as they can help with setting reminders, or providing entertainment.
They are a great option for those who are visually impaired or have motor issues as they are voice controlled.
Alternatively, for those who struggle with smart devices and screen time, blue light glasses are a useful gift to help block blue light and reduce eye strain.
By recognising sensitivities, we create environments where people can enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed, supporting their well-being and sense of belonging.
Krysalis Occupational Therapist, Emilie
In years gone by, our Clinical Director, Jo Throp, has highlighted the importance of gift-giving from an occupational therapy perspective.
In our previous ‘12 days of an OT Christmas’ article, Jo said, “The gift of giving, to show someone we love and care for them, is integral to feelings of connection and belonging. Occupational therapists recognise the importance of valued activities and use meaningful occupations to engage individuals with their environment.”
It is, therefore, appropriate that the act of gift-giving is considered therapeutic by occupational therapists.
Krysalis Clinical Director, Jo Throp
A very Merry Christmas from all the team at Krysalis, and happy gift-giving!
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References
(1) Loop Earplugs for Autism https://www.loopearplugs.com/pages/earplugs-for-autism