roonee Christmas can be a magical time, but for some, the traditions surrounding it can be overwhelming. As a parent to autistic twins, I’ve learned that traditional gift-giving methods—such as piling up neatly wrapped surprises under the tree—aren’t always the best fit for our family. Every autistic person is different, but many find surprises and sensory overload stressful. Over the years, we’ve discovered autism-friendly ways to present gifts that reduce stress and make Christmas more enjoyable for everyone.
Why Traditional Gift Giving Can Be Overwhelming
For autistic people, the sensory experience of Christmas—bright lights, loud music, bustling gatherings—can already be overwhelming. Adding a stack of wrapped presents can heighten the pressure and discomfort. The element of surprise, while exciting for some, may cause anxiety for others.
By adapting how we present gifts, we’ve found ways to make Christmas a more inclusive and joyful time. It’s a small consideration, but one that has made a bog difference to our festive season.
Autism-Friendly Ways to Give Gifts
1. Use Gift Bags
Gift bags are a fantastic alternative to wrapping paper. They allow the recipient to peek inside easily, reducing the stress of not knowing what’s coming while still offering the excitement of a beautifully presented gift.
I often reuse Amazon gift bags for this purpose—they’re durable, attractive, and add a special touch to the gift-giving experience. Best of all, they’re reusable, making them an eco-friendly option too!
Shop reusable Amazon gift bags.
2. Opt for Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is another great option. It’s thin enough to see what’s underneath but still provides a sense of mystery. Plus, it’s easy to tear, which can be less daunting than struggling with traditional wrapping paper.
As someone who enjoys making gifts look pretty, I find tissue paper a creative middle ground. You can choose festive colours or patterns to add a decorative touch while keeping it autism-friendly. You can find tissue paper all over the place, but some of the most beautiful designs I’ve found have been from TK Maxx.
3. Skip the Wrapping Altogether
Sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. Presenting gifts without wrapping—either by handing them directly to the recipient or leaving them out for them to discover—can make the experience much calmer. This eliminates the sensory overload of unwrapping and keeps the focus on the joy of receiving a gift.
4. Communicate and Plan Ahead
If you’re giving gifts to an autistic person outside your immediate family, don’t hesitate to ask them—or their caregiver—what would work best. Eliminating surprises by discussing what they’d like or how they’d prefer the gift to be presented can make a world of difference.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is about sharing joy and love, not about adhering to strict traditions. By adapting how we give gifts, we can create a more inclusive and comfortable holiday experience for autistic individuals.
If you’re new to autism-friendly gift giving, remember: it’s okay to ask questions and learn. Small changes can have a big impact, turning what could be a stressful experience into a truly joyful one.
Do you have any tips for autism-friendly gift giving?
