When I tell you I love a deal, I’m not kidding. The endorphins that pulse through my veins when I feel like I’ve saved some money is my equivalent to drugs, thank you ADHD. Some call it retail therapy, some call it impulsive, I call it good fun! As a parent of a child with a disability, online shopping is my jam. I love searching for deals for myself and my friends, and I’ve found a few favorite things along the way.
Keep scrolling for some of my favorite things, and some must haves for families who like to live life on the edge of sanity, like mine.
Things for moms
- Now this isn’t something we own, but it’s been recommended to me time and again by parents who feel like they can’t leave the room without someone coloring on the walls, best part? You’re saving 43% right now! Insert happy dance. https://amzn.to/3NzoETN
- I really hate cooking. Like really really really. However, my motivation for a good meal tends to happen somewhere around lunch time. This crockpot is my favorite. It clips on the side, it’s big enough for large meals so I can save half for another lazy day and I can program it so I don’t forget to turn it on later! https://amzn.to/3OTAERh
- This is legit my most favorite purse. I’m not a purse girl, so when Mason was diagnosed with Epilepsy and I had to start carrying rescue meds with me, I needed something accommodating of his meds, but also that I didn’t mind carrying. This bag has pockets on the side, which is convenient for me when I need to stuff my keys or phone somewhere quickly, 2 front pockets AND it’s big enough inside to carry all the snacks we sneak into the move theatre. (for legal purposes, just kidding.) The best part about this is that I can wear it as a back pack or a shoulder bag. It comes in a million colors so do yourself a favor and buy this now. https://amzn.to/3bJ8
- I have a few picky eaters… specifically my kids hate sandwiches but those fools love $4/piece uncrustables. This summer we are budgeting so no more Nutella uncrustables for us, however I really liked the convenience piece bc I hate cooking remember? So Bam. I found these bad boys. Now it’s not as easy as I expected full disclosure, but what I’ve found works best is to roll out your bread a bit so it’s a little thinner, then add your filling and then use the uncrust thing. I wrap them individually and then put them in a big zip loc for easy grabbing. It’s a little different, but no one has seemed to mind. BONUS TIP: Add Nutella filling, place in the air fryer with cinnamon and sugar on top (don’t ask me how long, I just wing it.) Delish! https://amzn.to/3NC4KaI
Things for kids
- Vibrating Pillow Sensory Pressure Activated Calm for Kids https://amzn.to/3capvO4
- Fine motor is a struggle in our house. After recent seizures, fine motor has become even more difficult. We are working towards independent skills and when I tell you I’m so excited to find this, you have no idea! I didn’t even know this kind of thing existed but shut up and take my money! https://amzn.to/3yYIvIk Speaking of fine motor independent skills, check out this video on a shoe tying hack that works!
- Check out this fake fish tank, sensory bubble tube. I love this one because it fits on a desk so it doesn’t take up a ton of space. https://amzn.to/3asv21M
- My guy loves brain teaser puzzles. These are great for calming, but also fit in a bag easily for doctor appointments or hospital stays. Here are a few of his favorites.
- Have a busy kid? Here are some of our favorite games!
6. Here are a few of our favorite sensory tools too. 
7. I love these weighted stuffed snakes! The weighted stuffed animal for kids is designed to lay perfectly on your lap, shoulder, chest or on your legs to help comfort and is a great alternative to a lap pad or weighted blanket. https://amzn.to/3aAYhPX
8. If your kiddo has a need for BIG movement, try out these tools. 
Books to Read
I’m a huge book nerd. I don’t have much time to sit and read so audible is my friend! Here are some of my favorite reads for parents of neurodivergent kids.
- ALL the dragon books! But here are some of my favorites. https://amzn.to/3OXSS4z
- For parents of kids with challenging behaviors https://amzn.to/3yWzr6z
- For teachers, I cannot say enough times that I wish this was required reading for new teachers. Please read this! https://amzn.to/3yvEwS2
6. This book is about Dyslexia, from the student perspective, but it’s a great read for anyone with a neurodivergent person in their life. Very easy read and is good for kids too. https://amzn.to/3yySDGb 
7. Have a child with an IEP, please read this book! (And then go read your state procedural safeguards!) https://amzn.to/3NTkDtz 
8. Have an Autistic preteen? This book explains Autistic strengths, challenges, differences, and overall, what it feels like to be a young person on the autism spectrum. It has tips for managing tricky situations such as meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety. 
Unique Finds
- I know this isn’t under $50… but it’s worth a mention! If you follow us on social media, you know my son has been struggling with some health things. He has pain, swelling, struggles to regulate his temperature, trouble falling asleep… and we can’t find a cause. All of this seems to be amplified by out old friend ANXIETY. In an effort to try some non-medical approaches to managing symptoms, our Dr recommended Biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that involves using visual or auditory feedback to teach people to recognize the physical signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety, to regulate things like heart rate, body temperature, muscle tension etc. This product isn’t a cheap buy; however, it seems promising so far! https://amzn.to/3yrcBm6 What I like about this product is that it was easy to set up and it’s been gamified a bit, so it appeals to adults and kids. It runs off a computer download and has more than one game to choose from. I will tell you, its not high tech so there is a learning curve, but Biofeedback has been scientifically proven to lower the experience of chronic pain, common to many mental health issues like drug and alcohol addiction, depression and eating disorders. Improve sleep quality by reducing hyperarousal and insomnia. If you’re looking for a non-medical approach, I encourage you to give this a try!
(When searching I also considered this brand, https://amzn.to/3uDv9OS But ultimately chose the one with the game since it was for my son.
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