HOLIDAY SHOPPING: MAKING STORES, CROWDS AND LISTS WORK FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE

Holiday shopping can be exciting - twinkling store windows, festive music, and the thrill of finding the perfect gift. But for autistic people, shopping can quickly turn overwhelming. Crowds, bright lights, noises, smells, and unexpected lines all create sensory challenges.

we know that holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. With planning, patience, and flexibility, it can even be a fun family experience.

Why Shopping Can Be Overwhelming

Crowds and noise: Busy stores, rushing shoppers, and loud music can overstimulate.
Bright lights and decorations: Flashing or reflective displays may feel intense.
Unexpected changes: Long lines, missing items, or last-minute store closures can cause anxiety.
Social expectations: Interacting with store staff, asking for help, or waiting patiently can be stressful.
Time pressure: Shopping under tight deadlines increases tension for both people and caregivers.

Even people who normally enjoy outings may feel anxious or frustrated in overstimulating shopping environments.

Tips for Sensory-Friendly Holiday Shopping

Plan ahead: Make a list, schedule trips at quieter times, and preview store layouts if possible.
Start small: Short visits or focusing on one store at a time can prevent overwhelm.
Use familiar tools: Headphones, comfort objects, or sensory toys help manage input.
Offer choice: Let them decide whether to come along, which stores to visit, or which gifts to help pick.
Create a visual schedule: Step-by-step plans can reduce uncertainty and make transitions smoother.
Prepare for breaks: Know where quiet areas, benches, or exits are located.

Making Shopping Fun

Engage with the experience: Let them help choose wrapping paper, tags, or small gifts.
Incorporate play: Turn a shopping trip into a scavenger hunt or counting game.
Celebrate success: Completing a list, finding a gift, or managing a line deserves praise.
Consider online options: Shopping online can reduce sensory stress while still including them in decision-making.

Balancing Expectations and Comfort

The goal isn’t to have a perfect, stress-free outing - it’s to make shopping manageable, enjoyable, and meaningful. Some people may love browsing every aisle, others may prefer a quick trip or watching from a calm corner. Both approaches are valid.

Flexibility, choice, and understanding are key. With these tools, holiday shopping becomes less about frustration and more about connection, accomplishment, and shared joy.

Holiday Shopping Can Be Challenging For Autistic People

But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, respecting sensory needs, and allowing choice, families can navigate stores, crowds, and holiday lists with confidence.

The holidays aren’t about perfect shopping trips - they’re about shared experiences, joy, and inclusion, no matter how big or small the outing may be.

Why Autistic People Struggle with Holiday Shopping