Here’s the list part of my ADHD Holiday Gift Guide series. These guides are even heavier on the “need” for ADHDers (think hygiene, cleaning, sleep). Most of these items would be great in a basket or kit to create a bigger, more personalized gift.

Hygiene-Focused Gifts

Okay, so hygiene and gifts don’t sound like they should go together, and I admit this the type of gift might be best suited for someone you are very close to, rather than say, your co-worker. But that doesn’t mean these gifts are any less helpful and desired. Plus, when combined with others on the list or with other preferred items (think, spa-focused gifts), the gift could feel that much more personalized.

• Sweatbands: As someone with some sensory issues, I use these daily when I wash my face to prevent the water from trickling down my arm. (my sensory nightmare!) You can get fashionable ones, ones with matching headband, and quirky ones.
• Makeup Eraser: I got one of these free from some subscription box long ago and I have since purchased a few more because I love them that much. These are surprisingly effective. You don’t need product or soap with this cloth to remove your makeup, which is perfect for the ADHDer who avoids the task of washing their face (like me!). You can get a mini one or a cute set of them in fun designs or a favorite character. I recommend getting the brand name version of this since it’s the one I have and can attest to.
• Micellar cleansing water: Again, this one isn’t glamorous on its own, but it would be perfect for a large beauty basket you’re making as a gift. I am partial to micellar water on days I don’t shower at night (where I usually wash my face, due to the aforementioned sensory issues), paired with reusable cotton rounds. It helps me to cleanse my face when I don’t have the mental (or physical) energy to do a whole face washing routine.
• Disposable toothbrushes: Are these sustainable? No. But if you have a loved one who often forgets to brush their teeth, and the alternative is they don’t brush their teeth, then these are good in a pinch.
• Shower phone case: You may not think this is important, but you’d be wrong. Your ADHDer uses their phone in the shower, so you might as well save them from needing a new phone sooner rather than later and get them a case to keep it dry.
• Phone sanitizer: For the ADHDer who rarely (if ever) cleans their devices, get them a UV sanitizer for their phones. You can also go bigger and get them one that has a larger capacity to sanitizing more items (doesn’t have to be “tech” stuff either).

Sleep Focused Gifts

• Quality bedding: As much as I need (and want) good quality bedding, I continue to avoid buying them myself because they are so expensive. Here’s where you come in. If you buy the bedding, it will achieve the objective of giving the ADHDer something they need but won’t buy and allow the ADHDer to live the life of luxury (at least overnight). Some brands I’ve been eyeing are Brooklinen, Quince, and Parachute.
• CarePod: This is a self-cleaning humidifier. ADHDers need things that are easy to clean or they won’t get done. If it cleans itself? Perfection.
• Sleep mask: We can get overstimulated by the slightest thing when we are trying to sleep, even our cell phone light when we get a text. Get them a sleep eye mask, which come in all different styles and materials. There are weighted ones, aromatherapy ones, and silk ones, all of which I want.
• Hatch Alarm: These are not just alarm clocks- they are an alarm clock, sound machine, sunrise clock, and smart light all in one. I love the accompanying app that you can use anywhere to adjust the lighting (perfect if you’re trying to dim the lights before entering your space) and set up soundscapes to your sleep routine. The alarm also allows you to wake up in a more natural rhythm by rousing you “with the sun” (their light acts a slow sunrise to help your body adjust to wakefulness). You can also have multiple Hatch devices on one app so you can control the lights and sounds throughout your home. You can add a Hatch+ subscription for $5/month or $50/year to get premium sounds and meditations for sleep, but this is not necessary to getting access to the basic Hatch sounds and lightings.

Gifts for a Clean House

This one can be a tricky one for an acquaintance so tread lightly. But if you had an ADHD loved one in your life who would benefit from (and has a desire to) keeping things clean, you could add one or two of these items to a basket or another larger gift to give them the gift of clean.

• Cleaning service: This one is on my list every year (and I’ve yet to get this). Providing an ADHDer with a cleaning service will offer them at least one week of peace as their house remains clean and clutter-free. Determine how much you’re able to spend and work with a local cleaning service for either a one-time service or several visits.
• Handheld steamer: These are so great for the ADHDer who forgets to (or refuses to) iron but still wants to look put together. A steamer isn’t for everyone – some people don’t interact with environments where perfectly wrinkle-free clothes are the expectation. But for those who do, these are a lifesaver.
• Robot vacuum: Anything that automates housework is gonna be a hit. Roomba is a popular brand, as is eufy. I personally want the one that is a vacuum/mop combo, as I have carpet and hard surfaces at home. These can be pricey but may be worth the investment for the ADHDer who struggles to keep house.
• Self-cleaning water bottle: Who actually cleans their water bottles as often as they should? Certainly not the ADHDer. This gift will satisfy the urge of a new shiny water bottle while also automating more cleaning for them. Perfect combo.
• DIY cleaning kit for every room: One of the biggest barriers to cleaning (aside from task initiation) is all the cleaning stuff in all different parts of the house. Time to clean the bathroom? Well, you first have to go down stairs to get all the supplies. Then you want to clean the downstairs mudroom? Okay, don’t forget to go to the basement to grab the wet/dry vac. Alleviate all the steps and create a couple cleaning kits for a few rooms. Start with a bucket for the kitchen and a bucket for the bathroom – two rooms they are guaranteed to have in their home. You’re going to have multiples of the same items in these buckets, which is the point. It’s okay if you have multi-purpose cleaners for both the kitchen and bathroom. The idea is that you’re lessening the burden of cleaning by having what they need where they need it. Grab them a plastic bucket (easier to clean when needed) and fill it with rubber gloves, room-specific sprays, Pink Stuff, rags and towels, toilet cleaners, Magic Erasers, cleaning wipes, etc. If they have pets, get this spray – a favorite in our home.

Gift Cards + Apps as Gifts

When all else fails, grab a gift card that they can use and will love. App subscriptions are also a fun option too.

• Flown: This unique program that you can access on your computer or phone that helps keep you focused with body doubling. They offer drop-in sessions, scheduled group sessions, 1:1 peer support sessions, and sessions run by professional facilitators. I LOVE Flown and utilize their free Friday drop-in body doubling focus sessions weekly and see such an improvement in my focus on those days. With the free version you can also access 4 sessions a month, which may be enough for some, but if you are looking for a great, unique and helpful gift for an ADHDer, this is the one! If you are also looking for this for yourself, use my referral link to get yourself 20% off either an annual or monthly membership.
• Calm App: I have Calm through my work, so I get access to the premium membership and I love it. Calm is a meditation app that offers a full library of guided meditations, “Sleep Stories”, calming music, and different challenges. If your loved one would benefit from a good bedtime routine, calming strategies, and somatic exercises, check out Calm gift card.
• Finch App: This is my favorite app for my ADHD. You have a little bird you are taking care of and as you check things off your to do list (that you choose and add), you earn points so the bird can go on little vacations and learn new things. This app works because it leans on the gamification aspect we need as ADHDers (like an adult version of a Tamagotchi, except you keep the critter happy instead of alive). I’ve been using the free version for about a year and recently received a free month of the premium membership. I think this would be such a great gift for the ADHDer with the never-ending To Do List who may struggle to get things done.
• ClassPass: I received this as a gift a few years ago and LOVED it. ClassPass is perfect for the ADHDer because it allows us to try several different types of classes and studios instead of getting sucked into the same monotonous workouts. I still have a ClassPass membership, with the lowest number of credits, as I also utilize my local gym. This allows me to keep things interesting and lean into that novelty I need as an ADHDer while maintaining a regular workout routine.
• Cleaning Service: Yes, I already mentioned this one but it’s worth mentioning twice.
• Professional Organizer: This is definitely something your ADHD loved one has not purchased themself, but something that would be put to good use!
• ADHD Coaching Package: You saw this coming. If the ADHDer in your life has indicated wanting extra help to manage the day-to-day, consider purchasing them a coaching package from a qualified ADHD coach. Check out this page here for my services if you’re interested or contact me to discuss more!