My ASD son is nearly 17, he is quite low functioning and Christmas and Birthdays are always difficult as we troll through the same aisles each year. We now get him a lot of ‘experiences’ aquarium passes etc but opening presents is fun! So, we go for active games, puzzles, and things that cater for his specific interests. We print custom little books and cups and mugs with his favourite characters (if we cant buy them), sensory toys and blankets. Oh and never discount the joy of unwrapping blocks of chocolate!

A know a toddler with severe Autism. She loves little toys, not big or bulky things. They also like to feel the different types of surfaces of things. Maybe take the child for a wander through the shops and see what toys or activities attract attention. Maybe painting kid’s canvas designs. If your child is interested in colours etc. you can get books labelled paint with water. You use a cheap small artist’s brush and pain the page. Different colours appear on the “drawings”. A girl might like little cars too. I know one who loves them and “drives” them in a straight line on floors and outside on concrete.

I don’t know where you live bit have you seen that Westfield’s are doing sensory santa? After hours slots, lights and music turned down, booking so no waiting inline.

Just follow his lead, engage when he is engaged and he will slowly improve his ability to stay in task

I think you can buy sensory kits which have lots of different items in them

Cheap and easy craft type things that he can do quickly. Probably things that aren’t messy though.

What about some Dr Seuss books? They work a lot with repetitive rhymes and they are funny and interesting, with lovely pictures too.