The Black Friday Buys That Actually Made a Difference (And the Ones That Just Collected Dust)

Three years ago, I went absolutely wild on Black Friday.

Weighted blanket? Added to cart. Sensory swing? Click. Fidget spinner set made with lights and sounds? Sure! Light-up sensory ball that bounces on its own? Why not! By the time I finished, I’d spent over $300 on “autism tools” that promised to help Adrián and Guillermo.

You know how many of those purchases we actually still use regularly?

Ten. Out of maybe twenty items.

The rest? They’re collecting dust in a closet, unused and forgotten. Some never even made it out of the packaging because my boys had zero interest in them.

That was an expensive lesson about the difference between impulse buying during a sale and investing in tools that actually support your family.

So this Black Friday, I want to save you from my mistakes. Let’s talk about what’s actually worth buying, the tools, toys, and resources that have genuinely made our lives easier and our boys more comfortable.

Because yes, Black Friday can be an amazing opportunity to stock up on autism-supportive tools at lower prices. But only if you’re strategic about it.

Why I’m Finally Okay With “Impulse” Black Friday Shopping (Sort Of)

Here’s the thing: I used to feel guilty about Black Friday shopping. It felt consumerist, unnecessary, indulgent.

But then I realized sensory tools, communication aids, and regulation resources add up FAST. When you’re spending $30 on noise-canceling headphones that might get lost or broken, or $45 on a weighted blanket for a kid who’s still growing, those costs multiply quickly.

So if I can get quality tools at 30-40% off during Black Friday? That’s not frivolous, that’s smart budgeting for ongoing needs.

The key is knowing what to buy and what to skip.

What We Actually Use (And Will Stock Up On This Year)

Let me walk you through the categories of items that have genuinely supported our boys, keep in mind all kids are different and their interests and needs vary. I will share our experience and you take what you need. This Black-friday I’ll be watching for deals on:

Sensory Regulation Tools (The Non-Negotiables)

Noise-Canceling Headphones

This is hands-down our most-used tool. Adrián does not wear this so much but Guillermo does, he wears his to school assemblies, plays, crowded-places, family gatherings, anywhere that might be loud.

We’ve gone through three pairs in two years (kids lose things, headphones break). So when I see deals on quality noise-canceling headphones, I buy backups. Amazon link to the one in the image: https://amzn.to/49JFr5D

What to look for:

  • Over-ear design (more comfortable for extended wear)

  • Adjustable headband (they’re growing!)

  • Good padding (cheaper ones can hurt after a while)

  • Wired option for younger kids (batteries die at the worst times)

Our recommendation: Look for brands with good reviews specifically mentioning autism/sensory needs. Check our curated sensory products list for specific recommendations.

Weighted Blankets

Guille, at 4 years old, loves his weighted blanket for bedtime. It helps him settle and sleep better, and helps when going thru a meltdown

But here’s what I learned the hard way: get the right weight. General rule is 10% of body weight. Too heavy is uncomfortable; too light doesn’t provide the deep pressure they need.

Black Friday tip: If you see a good deal on a weighted blanket, consider buying the next size up too. Your child will grow into it, and these things are expensive at full price. Here are some weighted blankets we love.

Fidget Tools

Not all fidget toys are created equal. The cheap multi-packs often break within days.

What actually works for us:

We keep fidget tools in multiple locations: school, backpack, car, quiet room at home. So buying multiples during sales makes sense.

Visual Supports and Communication Tools

Visual Timers

Game. Changer.

Adrián and Guillermo both struggle with time perception. “Five more minutes” means nothing to him. But a visual timer he can actually see counting down? That works.

We use them for:

  • Transitions (“In 10 minutes, we’re leaving for school”)

  • Activity time limits (“You can have 15 minutes of screen time”)

  • Waiting (“The cookies will be done in 12 minutes”)

  • Potty Training – Sand ones where the best for Guillermo

Tip: Look for timers with both visual AND auditory options, so you can adjust based on the situation.

Here are the ones we love the most.

Dry Erase Boards and Markers

We use these constantly for:

  • Quick visual schedules

  • Drawing out social scenarios

  • Letting the boys communicate when words are hard

  • Making lists and plans together

The magnetic ones are great because you can add pictures or written cards.

Black Friday strategy: Stock up on dry erase markers. We go through these like crazy, and they’re often on sale. These Expo ones are very good quality.

Learning and Development Tools

Building Toys (LEGO, Magna-Tiles, etc.)

Both our boys LOVE building. It’s how they play, how they process, how they calm down.

These toys are expensive, but they last forever and grow with your child. Black Friday is when we stock up on sets.

Why they’re worth it:

  • Fine motor development

  • Problem-solving skills

  • Independent play (giving you a break!)

  • Parallel play opportunities with peers

Look for: Sets that align with your child’s interests. Adrián loves historical buildings; Guille is all about construction vehicles.

Sensory Play Materials

  • Kinetic sand (less messy than regular sand, oddly satisfying)

  • Play-Doh (we go through SO much of this) Keep inside bottle after use they dry up with air.

  • Water beads (under supervision, I repeat Under Supervision only, these are amazing)

  • Sensory bins supplies (rice, beans, small toys)

Black Friday tip: These consumables go on sale often. Buy in bulk and store them for future sensory activities.

Books That Actually Get Read

Okay, I’m obviously biased here, but: books are some of the best investments you can make for autistic kids.

Not just any books, books that help them understand themselves, navigate challenges, and feel seen.

Our boys return to certain books over and over:

These aren’t books we read once and shelve. They’re tools we use again and again.

Black Friday book strategy:

  • Buy books your child will reference repeatedly (not just read once)

  • Consider getting multiples of favorites (one for home, one for grandparents, one for school)

  • Look for books written by actually autistic authors or autism families, they’re more authentic

Check our complete Loving Pieces Books series if you’re looking for autism-affirming stories that actually resonate with kids.

What I’m NOT Buying This Year (Lessons Learned)

Let me save you some money by sharing what didn’t work for us:

❌ The “Latest Trend” Sensory Toys

Every year there’s a new “miracle” sensory toy that goes viral. Most of them are gimmicks.

What didn’t work for us:

  • Pop-its (fun for 2 days, then forgotten)

  • Light-up spinning toys (overstimulating, not calming)

  • Complicated sensory bottles (looked pretty, never used them)

  • Slime kits (fun to make once, then… meh)

The lesson: Just because something is trending doesn’t mean YOUR child will use it.

❌ Tools That Don’t Fit Your Child’s Actual Sensory Profile

I bought a sensory swing because I read it was “essential” for autistic kids.

Guillermo hated it. The movement made him anxious, not calm. But we got lucky because Adrián Loves it!

If Adrián wouldnt saved the day it would have been money wasted because I bought based on general advice, not HIS (Guillermo) specific needs.

The lesson: Know whether your child is sensory-seeking or sensory-avoiding in different areas. A sensory-seeking kid might love a swing; a sensory-avoiding kid might hate it.

❌ Cheap Versions of Things That Need to Be Quality

I learned this the hard way with headphones. I bought a $10 pair during Black Friday because “it’s such a good deal!”

They broke in three weeks. I ended up buying better ones at full price anyway.

The lesson: Some things are worth spending more on. Quality noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and sturdy building toys fall into this category.

❌ Things I Think They Should Like vs. What They Actually Use

I bought Adrián a whole set of social skills card games because I thought they’d be helpful.

He never wanted to play them. They felt like work, not fun.

The lesson: If your child doesn’t naturally gravitate toward something, it probably won’t get used, no matter how educational it is.

The Smart Black Friday Shopping Strategy

Okay, so how do you actually approach Black Friday shopping for autism tools without overspending or buying things that’ll collect dust?

1. Start With an Actual Needs Assessment

Before you browse sales, sit down and honestly assess:

What does my child actually use regularly?
(These are the things to stock up on)

What are we running low on or about to outgrow?
(Weighted blankets they’re growing out of, fidgets that are wearing out)

What challenges are we facing that we don’t have tools for yet?
(New sensory needs, upcoming transitions, communication gaps)

Make a list. Be specific.

2. Set a Budget (And Stick to It)

It’s SO easy to go overboard when everything is “on sale.”

Luis and I set a Black Friday autism-tools budget: $200 this year.

That’s it. When we hit that number, we stop.

3. Prioritize Consumables and Backups

Consumables (things you’ll need to replace anyway):

  • Fidget tools that wear out

  • Sensory play materials

  • Art supplies

  • Books (yes, books are consumables, you’ll want more!)

Backups (things that might get lost or broken):

  • Extra noise-canceling headphones

  • Backup fidgets for school/car/home

  • Duplicate comfort items if possible

These are the smartest Black Friday purchases because you’ll need them eventually anyway.

4. Watch for Quality, Not Just Discounts

A 50% discount on something cheap and poorly made is still a waste of money.

Questions to ask:

  • Do other autism families recommend this brand?

  • Are there reviews specifically from parents of autistic kids?

  • Will this last, or is it designed to break?

I’d rather pay $40 for quality headphones on sale than $15 for junk that breaks.

5. Consider Next Year Too

If you see an amazing deal on something your child will need in 6-12 months (like a larger weighted blanket, or books for an upcoming milestone), it might be worth buying now.

We bought Adrián’s school backpack during last year’s Black Friday. We saved 40%.

The Investments That Go Beyond “Stuff”

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of trying to support my boys: the best investments aren’t always physical products.

Invest in Understanding

Books that help YOU understand autism better are just as important as books for your kids.

Resources that explain sensory processing, emotional regulation, and neurodiversity have changed how we parent, and that’s priceless.

Invest in Connection

Tools that facilitate connection, building toys for parallel play, books you can read together, games that work for your child’s needs, these create opportunities for bonding.

That’s worth more than any fidget spinner.

Invest in Self-Advocacy

Books and tools that help your child understand themselves and communicate their needs? Those are investments in their future independence.

When Adrián can explain “I need a sensory break” or “This is too loud for me,” he’s learning to advocate for himself. That’s the real goal.

For more ideas on supportive toys, visit our curated picks

My Actual Black Friday Cart This Year

Want to know what I’m actually planning to buy? Here’s my list:

Definite purchases:

  • Backup noise-canceling headphones (we need spares)

  • More building sets (both boys are obsessed)

  • Kinetic sand (we’re almost out)

  • Therapy putty (goes through this fast)

Considering:

  • Visual timer for Guille’s room (he’s getting old enough)

  • Books about emotions and feelings (he’s working on this in therapy)

  • Sensory-friendly clothing (if I find good deals)

Not buying:

  • Trendy toys I saw on Instagram

  • Complicated systems I won’t actually implement

  • Anything that doesn’t solve a specific, current need

Total estimated cost: about $180 (under our $200 budget!)

Your Action Plan for This Week

If you’re planning to shop Black Friday for autism tools, here’s your game plan:

Before Black Friday:

  1. Make your needs assessment list (15 minutes)

  2. Set your budget

  3. Research quality brands for your must-haves

  4. Sign up for email alerts from stores you trust

During Black Friday:

  1. Shop your list first, THEN browse

  2. Check reviews before adding to cart

  3. Ask yourself: “Will we actually use this in the next 3 months?”

  4. Stop when you hit your budget

After Black Friday:

  1. Put everything away properly (don’t just let it pile up)

  2. Show your kids new tools and how to use them

  3. Return anything that doesn’t work (no shame in that!)

So yes, shop Black Friday. Take advantage of deals. Stock up on tools that genuinely support your family.

But don’t fall into the trap of thinking more stuff equals better support.

The best investment you can make? Understanding your child’s unique needs and choosing tools that actually fit them.

Happy (strategic) shopping!

With love and hard-won wisdom,
Dalisse (& Luis)
Loving Pieces Books

💙 What autism tools have been game-changers for your family? What purchases did you regret? Share your wisdom with our community, we’re all learning together. Find us on Instagram @lovingpiecesbooks or explore more resources at lovingpiecesbooks.com.