Best Toys for Kids with Autism

Finding the Perfect Toy: 30 Gift Ideas That Support Child Development

Shopping for kids can sometimes be a challenge, but when your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it often requires even more thought and care. While many children eagerly anticipate the latest trendy toys, kids with autism may have unique interests that don’t align with the hottest items on store shelves. Instead, they might gravitate toward toys that provide sensory input, encourage repetitive motions or cater to a special interest.

Another challenge? Finding toys that aren’t just fun but also support learning and development. Whether you’re looking to build fine motor skills, promote communication or encourage active play, the right toy can make all the difference.

Though every child is different with their own unique interests, we put together this guide filled with engaging, skill-building and sensory-friendly toys that have Hopebridge’s Stamp of Approval. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, these toys are sure to bring joy while fostering growth and learning for toddlers and early learners with different abilities.

Toys for Active Play and Enhancing Gross Motor Skills

 

Ollyball
Ever wanted to play ball indoors without worrying about breaking a lamp? The Ollyball is a lightweight, nearly indestructible ball designed for safe indoor play. Kids can kick, throw and bop it with full force, making it a perfect way to burn energy while improving hand-eye coordination and motor planning.

Best Choice Products Kids Climb & Crawl Soft Foam Block Playset Structures
This playset turns any room into an adventure zone! Kids can climb, stack, and tumble on these soft foam blocks, building strength, balance, and coordination—all while having a blast.

3-in-1 Tent, Tunnel and Ball Pit
A sensory-seeker’s dream! This all-in-one playset lets kids crawl through tunnels, dive into a ball pit, and create their own mini fort. It’s the ultimate setup for developing gross motor skills, spatial awareness and imaginative play.

The Floor is Lava Game
The classic game comes to life with this fun and interactive set. Kids can learn to jump, balance and strategize their way across the room as they avoid the “lava,” enhancing their coordination and problem-solving skills while staying active.

Pikler Triangle Climbing Set
If you have a little climber at home, this is a must-have. This wooden climbing frame helps children develop balance, strength and confidence while encouraging open-ended, Montessori-inspired play.

Chipmunk Plus Kids’ Kick Scooter
Zipping around the driveway or park has never been more fun. This scooter helps kids improve balance and coordination while providing a thrilling, active way to get moving. This occupational therapist-approved scooter option also features a folding, removable seat to give kids a break or a little extra support while learning to balance.

Toys for Building Fine Motor Skills

Indestructibles Book
This tear-proof, chew-proof and waterproof book is perfect for little hands. With bright pictures and engaging textures, it encourages language-building and early literacy skills without the worry of ripped pages. Like The Wheels on the Bus, many Indestructibles books feature well-known songs and rhymes, giving kids the opportunity to practice their language skills while following along with pictures and turning the pages.

Carrot Harvest Planting Wooden Toy
Gardening fun, no mess required! This adorable set helps kids refine their grasping and pulling skills as they “harvest” wooden carrots, making it a great tool for improving fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. This version is also a memory game, providing opportunities for even more skill development as kids grow.

Green Toys Pretend Play Tool Set
Future builders will love this eco-friendly tool set. Designed for little hands, it helps strengthen grip strength and dexterity while encouraging pretend play and problem-solving.

Buckle Toy Airplane
Fasten your seatbelt for some fine motor fun with this soft airplane. It features buckles, zippers and snaps that help kids practice essential dressing skills while keeping their hands busy.

Lovevery Wooden Stacking Stones
These smooth, colorful wooden stones bring a fun twist to traditional stacking toys. Kids will love balancing them into unique towers, boosting their patience, coordination and creativity in the process. Model some ways to use them while talking about the smooth texture and colors.

Palm-Grasp Egg Crayons
Crayons have evolved and there many stages to help match your child’s developmental level. These palm crayons easily fit in a child’s hand and don’t require a more sophisticated grip, allowing them to explore scribbling in an easy-to-use crayon.

Toys that Spark Creativity

Flower Garden Building Toy
Little florists can design and build their own vibrant garden with this colorful stacking set. As kids mix and match the petals, they develop fine motor skills, color recognition … and maybe an eye for design!

2-in-1 Lemonade Stand
Whether they’re selling pretend lemonade or setting up a mini shop, kids can be whatever they want with this interactive playset. It encourages creative storytelling, social interaction, and as they get older, it can build entrepreneurial thinking.

Melissa & Doug Water Wow Activity Pad
Say goodbye to messy markers! This magical water-reveal pad allows kids to “paint” over and over again, strengthening their grip control while surprising them with hidden images.

Hape Mighty Mini Band Wooden Percussion Instrument
Start the band because music time is here! With a drum, cymbal, xylophone, and more, this compact set introduces kids to rhythm and sound while improving coordination and auditory processing skills.

Infantino Press and Stay Sensory Blocks
These textured, squishy blocks are perfect for little hands! Unlike traditional building blocks, they stick together with gentle pressure, helping kids strengthen their grip while exploring different ways to build.

WikkiStix Basic Shapes
These bendy, wax-covered sticks let kids create shapes, letters, and anything their imagination dreams up. They’re a great sensory tool for fine motor development and early learning, and make a perfect toy to pack for entertainment on the go.

Toys for Communication and Imaginative Play

My First Game: Bears in Pairs
Memory and matching games just got a cuddly upgrade. This adorable game helps kids strengthen early social skills, turn-taking and language development in a fun and engaging way.

Wooden Supermarket Set
Little shoppers can fill their carts and ring up their groceries in this realistic supermarket playset. It’s the perfect way to encourage imaginative storytelling and vocabulary building.

Little People Friends Together Play House
This charming dollhouse brings everyday routines to life, helping kids develop social skills, emotional awareness and creativity through pretend play. You can also use it to model real-life scenarios to help kids prepare for moments like washing hands, going to sleep and playing with friends at the park.

Story Magic Wooden Dress-Up Dolls
Get ready for endless mix-and-match fun. These wooden dolls come with a variety of outfits and accessories, encouraging storytelling, decision-making and conversation skills. This toy has small pieces, so consider your child’s developmental level and steer clear of this one if they enjoy learning about things by putting them in their mouths.

First 100 Words Books
Books are a must-have for little learners, and these books introduce essential vocabulary with bright, engaging pictures, making early language development focused, fun and interactive.

Mr. Potato Head
The classic toy that never gets old! Kids can mix, match and rearrange pieces to create silly expressions while learning about body parts and boosting their fine motor skills. Increase the learning by talking about the body parts, clothing and accessories, plus emotions he might feel as you switch up his look.

Toys for Sensory Fun and Calming

Kinetic Sand Scents Ice Cream Play Set
This is more than just sand—it’s an irresistible sensory experience. With a soft, moldable texture and fun ice cream scents, this set keeps little hands busy while promoting relaxation and fine motor development.

Unicorn-Themed Chew Necklaces
A stylish and functional sensory tool, these chewable necklaces provide a safe way for kids to self-regulate and stay focused. Various shapes and ridges support kids with oral sensory needs. Plus, who wouldn’t love donut, LEGO, and magical unicorn designs?

Weighted Plush Dinosaur
This cuddly dino is more than just a cute companion—it provides deep pressure input to help kids feel calm and secure, making it a great tool for emotional regulation. Though we do not recommend placing weighted items in the crib or bed for sleep for safety reasons, this soft weighted throw pillow is great for sensory breaks for kids ages 3 and older.

Flip Sequin Sensory Mat
Sparkling, flipping and oh-so-soothing. This rainbow tactile mat allows kids to glide their hands over shimmering sequins, creating mesmerizing patterns that provide a calming sensory experience. This is a toy that grows along with kids, too, as you can use it to practice recognizing and writing letters and numbers as they get older.

OUTREE Kids Pod Swing Seat
This cozy pod swing is like a hug in motion. Whether used for gentle swinging or quiet relaxation, it’s a great sensory escape that helps with self-regulation and balance. The sensory swing is soft, warm and breathable, making it comfortable to sit in while reading, watching TV or listening to a kid-friendly podcast.

Star Light Rotating Projector
Kids can drift off to sleep under a twinkling galaxy with this rotating light projector. The tool creates a soothing, starry atmosphere, making it ideal for bedtime routines and calming overstimulated minds.

Final Tips for Finding the Perfect Toy

When shopping for children with autism, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

A toy doesn’t have to be brand new to feel new to your child.
Consider checking Facebook Marketplace, community mom groups, or local swap pages for gently used toys. Many families sell or donate items their kids have outgrown, and you can often find activity cubes, balance bikes, LEGOs, push toys, doll houses, train sets and more in great condition. This is a great way to test out a toy without making a big investment—especially if you’re unsure whether your child will enjoy it.

Focus on your child’s unique needs, not the age on the box.
If your child is drawn to toys designed for younger kids, that’s perfectly okay! Play is about enjoyment and development, not just following age labels. Whether it’s a sensory toy, a cause-and-effect game, or a favorite character playset, what matters most is that your child feels engaged, safe and happy while playing.

Need more support for your child? Hopebridge is here to help.

From autism testing to applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, our team is dedicated to helping children and families thrive. No matter your child’s abilities, we’re here to support their growth and help them reach their full potential. Reach out to Hopebridge today to learn more about our services and how we can help your family.