11 Gifts Sure to Make ADHD Brains Smile this Year [2023 Edition]

Every ADHD brain deserves a gift as sparkly as they are!

Gifts for ADHD brains should be as dynamic, sparkly and as full of love as they are- and finding just the right one can be like trying to catch an mischievious, espresso-fueled elf playing hide-and-seek. But fear not! The annual ADDept Gift Guide is here to the rescue, brimming with ideas to make the beloved ADHD brains in your life bubble with excitement.

1. Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

Crags Magnetic Putty has taken the crown as my favorite adult fidget toy this year. It's a tactile, fidgety oasis. Inside the cool iridescent tin are over 500 super smooth ferrite magnetic stones – running them through your fingers has an instant calming effect on your system. I've long been a fan of stress balls and putty as a zen-inducing fidget experience. But the mess, staining, and residue that they leave is such a pain. Crags solve that problem- it’s completely mess-free!

And here's the truly magical part – the magnetic rocks defy gravity! They effortlessly glide from your palm back into the tin, providing endless fascination and an invigorating sensory experience. It's like having a mini-mindfulness escape in just a few minutes.

If you're craving a screen break and yearn for a little mindful play, or your hands just need something to fiddle with on your 10th Zoom call of the day, Crags Magnetic Putty is your perfect companion. It's not just a fidget- it packs a serious stress-relieving punch too!

2. iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

A vacuum cleaner may seem like the least romantic gift in the world. Because, really, it's just a tool for yet more work (or guilt). But a robot vacuum?!? That actually has the power to take a chore OFF the list! In fact, robot vacuums are like the ultimate ADHD system-- you set it up, and not only does it always happen, but you don't have to lift a finger! No more struggling to craft a system to get the vacuuming done, no more guilt about the dirty floors- just clean floors and more time and energy for the good stuff (or your TikTok feed)!

3. Fidget Pen with LED Light

Stocking stuffers are big in our house, and this pen is already sitting on our ever-growing pile of gifts, ready to be wrapped this year. I love a multifunctional fidget, and this is that in spades- not only is it a great pen- which it is- it's smooth, study, glides across the page, and comes in black and gold- but this little wonder is also the thing that fidget dreams are made of- You can spin it, click it play with it, and let your fidgeting fingers dance with joy. With this pen in hand, you'll have a perfect tool to keep your mind engaged and entertained, whether you're in a meeting, studying, or just taking a moment to relax.

4. LectroFan EVO Non-Looping Sleep Sound Machine

You know how big I am on sleep. It's one of the 6 regulatory factors and almost always the one that can make the biggest impact on all things- mood, productivity, executive functioning, and the list goes on! But let's face it- sleep is a tricky beast for an ADHD brain- which is why it's so important to protect every z our brains and bodies are capable of grasping.

Enter the perfect sound machine. This little powerhouse envelops your brain with a continual, non-looping sound that has proven to help improve sleep for ADHD brains by making distracting sounds, helping to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, and increasing melatonin levels, all while reducing anxiety and stress! (1). The LectroFan EVO is one of my favorites because it has 22 different sounds (including pink and brown noise), so you can find just the right one for you. It also has a sleep timer, so you can be sure that it goes off in the morning.

And the best part?!? No app! You can leave that phone plugged in in the kitchen or bathroom or wherever you hide your screens away to protect those precious dreams and still get full access to all the slumber-inducing benefits of sound.

5. Mindsight Timed Lock Box

We all know that ADHD brains have a knack for finding escape hatches in any plan. It's because of their ingenious, creative problem-solving abilities. Whether it's turning off focus modes on phones or finding loopholes in diets, they always find a way.

But fear not! The mindsight box is here to lend a helping hand.

This brilliant lockbox is designed to keep the very things we want to avoid safely tucked away. It can hold our phones, snacks, and even video game controllers. The mindsight box offers three useful modes to support better habits. You can use it as a simple lock box or opt for a timed countdown with an unlock code for a gentle nudge in the right direction. For those seeking the ultimate commitment, fortress mode provides a timed countdown with no unlock code.

Think of the mindsight box as your trusty tool for reining in distractions. It can help create quality time during family meals by keeping screens away. It can also assist with cutting off bedtime doomscrolling or resisting those tempting chocolate bars.

6. Loop Engage Earplug

Have you ever longed for a solution to the overstimulation that frequently comes with ADHD? Ever wished you could hone in on just the conversation you are trying to have and not the 5 other ones all around you? Ever wished you could filter out all the extraneous noise to get your work done once and for all?

Of course you have! Well, allow me to introduce you to Loop earplugs—the stuff that ADHD dreams are made of.

Sleek, almost hidden, and low-tech, these little saviors can make a world of difference throughout your day. Not only do they reduce overstimulation, but they can also help you with focus, engagement, and sleep. And the best part? Loop earplugs come in different levels, so you can choose the one that's right for you.

I'm particularly fond of the Loop Engage earplug—it's a clever little invention that can lower the volume of background noise while still allowing you to clearly hear the person you want to engage with. This earplug is specifically designed to help you filter out what you don't need and hone in on what you do, helping you pay attention, get less overstimulated, and feel less anxious.

That’s a pretty powerful little earplug!

7. Revbalance 101 v2 - Balance Board Sports Trainer

Have you heard the balance board hype? Dr. Hallowell speaks at great length about its power to improve regulatory capabilities, and research is starting to back him up, showing that balance board training can improve working memory, attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (2)

By focusing on improving the mind and body's ability to hone in on a single task, balance board training stimulates the cerebellum, which in turn helps improve attention, impulse control, and executive control. Besides all that- it's fun! The Revbalance 101 v2 is my personal favorite because it allows you to adjust to your level, starting slow and working your way up as you get better and better.

The other thing that sets Revbalance apart is its traction surface. It's comfortable for bare feet or shoes alike, giving you the freedom to move in whatever way feels best for you. It's a small detail, but it can make all the difference in your experience with balance board training.

8. Puddles 2 Oceans Insulated Water Bottle

The perfect solution for those of us who need to stay hydrated, regulated, and organized on the go- The Sip and Seek Water Bottle, is a nifty little invention that combines a water bottle with a storage container.

You've got the water bottle top with 3 lids that hold 14 oz of your favorite liquid, but then discreetly tucked away at the bottom is an 8 oz dry goods container so you can keep keys, snacks, or medication right at your fingertips.

But here's why this water bottle is particularly fantastic for our ADHD brains. We know that throughout the day, we need to fill up our regulatory stores. Sometimes, that quick hit of trail mix, protein powder, or mid-day meds can make all the difference. With the Sip and Seek Water Bottle, you have everything you need in one place, ready to give your brain the boost it deserves!

9. Brain.fm

Imagine entering a world where music has the power to shape your brain state, enhancing your productivity and focus. Welcome to Brain. fm, a unique music service that goes beyond traditional tunes. Their music contains intricate patterns that work through the process of entrainment, shifting your brain state and affecting you in ways that differ from any other music you've experienced.

What I love about them is they’re fellow geeks- they not only draw on neuroscience to inform our music-making process, but subject also subject the resulting compositions to scientific testing.

Brain.FM's focus music is specifically designed to help you work better. It seamlessly blends into the background, allowing you to immerse yourself in tasks without distractions. But there's more to it than just that. Their focus music incorporates gentle, rhythmic pulses that stimulate the brain, supporting sustained attention and enhancing your ability to concentrate.

It's like Ritalin delivered through your ears without the pesky come-down!

Want to give it a try? Enter code: ADDEPT at check out and get 20% off your subscription!

10. Fidget Strips

The new revolution in fidgets this year has been these little secret weapons, primed to offer almost instant relief sensory relief. Fidget to your heart's content without distracting others with these discreet little strips.

They're versatile and easy to use, with a durable 4"x1" nylon strip that has a strong adhesive on the bottom. You can stick them on your laptop, cellphone, desk, or anywhere else that's convenient for you. They won't leave stains or marks and are easily reusable- making them the ideal fidget toys at home or work.

One more stocking stuffer, done and dusted!

11. ADDept Manifesto Poster

Looking for a way to connect with a community that understands your struggles and empowers you to embrace your uniqueness? Want to celebrate your favorite ADHD brain and all it brings?

Look no further than the ADDept Manifesto poster. After receiving countless requests for copies, we knew we had to make it available to everyone!

This powerful poster, outlining all that we as a group believe and stand for, serves as a visual reminder that every brain is beautiful and worthy of respect, love, and care. What more could we ask for from a gift for the ADHD brains that we love so much?!?

Got some other great ideas for us to check out for next year’s list or to share with the group? We always love your brilliant suggestions! Let us know in the comments below!

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