11 gifts for people with ADHD, from somebody who can relate
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The best gifts are thoughtful ones that make life easier — but when you’re looking for a gift for somebody with ADHD, it might not be so obvious. To help you surprise the special person in your life with a gift that’s considerate and helpful, we consulted somebody who can relate.
After living with undiagnosed ADHD for 29 years, Margaux Joffe has experienced the effects of stigma and lack of information surrounding this diagnosis firsthand. She’s since made it her life’s work to disband these stigmas and help people living with ADHD and other disabilities, first as the founder of Kaleidoscope Society, an online community empowering and connecting women with ADHD across the world, then at Verizon Media, where she founded the industry’s first Neurodiversity Employee Resource group with a mission to support all minds in the workplace through education, awareness, and a global network of support.
Margaux has learned to treat ADHD like an asset rather than a setback. “ADHD causes challenges in my life but it has also made me the creative and resilient woman I am today,” she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. From a Bluetooth tracking device for keys and wallets to tools for mindfulness, here are Margaux’s picks to help the ADHDer in your life relax, get organized and get motivated.
1. The Five Minute Journal
Why she chose it: “Mindset matters, and the most powerful thing we can do is practice gratitude and make time for reflection each day. This is even more important for ADHDers, as half of all people with ADHD have another mental health condition like depression or anxiety. This year, I started using the Five Minute Journal and it’s made a noticeable difference — I was more positive, present and felt more in control of my life. The Five Minute Journal is created with leading psychology research and features a simple one-page structured format including gratitude, prioritizing your day, daily affirmation and end of day reflection.”
Shop it: The Five Minute Journal ($25) urbanoutfitters.com
2. Gravity Blanket
Why she chose it: “Weighted blankets relax the ADHD nervous system, reduce stress and can even help you sleep better. Look for one that is approximately 10 percent of your body weight. I own and recommend a Gravity Blanket, or you can browse other weighted blanket options on Amazon.”
Shop it: Gravity Blanket ($249) gravityblankets.com
3. Epsom Salt Bath
Why she chose it: “Epsom salt baths can help calm the nervous system, reduce irritability and improve sleep. I love Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Bath in Lavender. Read Laura’s story, a registered nurse with ADHD who uses Epsom salt baths to recharge between her world travels.”
Shop it: Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt ($17) amazon.com
4. Zeel Massage
Why she chose it: “Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping to mitigate the active fight-or-flight response triggered by ADHD. There is also evidence that massage decreases depression and increases mental focus. I love Zeel because they provide in-home massages, which minimizes logistics and travel. Plus, their app allows you to easily book on short notice. Use my promo code ‘133p’ to get $20 off a Zeel Gift Card.”
Shop it: Zeel Gift Card (starts at $25) zeel.com
5. Headspace Subscription
Why she chose it: “Meditation reduces stress and can improve focus and attention. Meditation may seem daunting, but the Headspace app makes it easy with short guided meditations on everything from stress and sleep to focus and anxiety. Here’s one woman’s story of how it helped her ADHD. Gift Headspace here.”
Shop it: Headspace subscription (one month $13, one year $70) headspace.com
6. Tile Bluetooth Tracking Device
Why she chose it: “Always losing your keys, phone or wallet? Check out Tile — the easiest way to find your things. Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker and easy-to-use app that helps you find everyday items in seconds. Want a low-tech option? This Keys Phone Wallet doormat will make you smile — and hopefully do the mental checklist before leaving the house!”
Shop it: Tile Mate ($35) amazon.com
7. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Why she chose it: “Marie Kondo is legit. This book will help your ADHDer declutter and organize their life. Need backup? Find a professional organizer from The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.”
Shop it: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo ($10) amazon.com
8. Productivity Timer
Why she chose it: “Break big tasks into small, manageable blocks of time with five and 30-minute timers. I love this elegant productivity hourglass set that is both useful and beautiful. Get inspired by reading Toya’s story of how she uses the Pomodoro technique to conquer ADHD distractibility.
Shop it: OrgaNice Hourglass Sand Timer ($29) amazon.com
9. Brain Hacks by Dr. Lara Honos-Webb
Why she chose it: “My favorite ADHD expert Dr. Lara Honos-Webb is back with a new book, Brain Hacks. Learn how to be the boss of your brain to work smarter, feel better, and achieve more of your goals. Get your copy of Brain Hacks here.”
Shop it: Brain Hacks by Dr. Lara Honos-Webb ($10) amazon.com
10. Shower Notepad
It’s no coincidence that some of our best ideas come in the shower. Research shows some of our greatest epiphanies come while we are doing mindless tasks which allow our prefrontal cortex to relax and our creative “default mode network” to activate making new, creative connections that our conscious mind would have dismissed. Be ready to jot down all your genius shower ideas with this Aqua Notes Waterproof Notepad!
Shop it: Aqua Notes Waterproof Notepad ($9.50) amazon.com
11. The most important gift of all
“Adult ADHD is real, and ADHD symptoms such as distractibility, impulsivity, disorganization, and emotional sensitivity impact everyday life. Gifts don’t have to cost money, just lending a set of hands can help an ADHDer in your life. If you’re on a budget, offer to help wash and fold our laundry, organize our home office, or make us a DIY coupon redeemable for a task or project we need help with. The gift we want most is to be loved and understood by the people in our lives.”
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
How modern families are celebrating their diversity during the holidays
From Apple AirPods to limited edition Nike sneakers, 8 trendy gifts to snag before they sell out
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