We are excited to share that our 2026 Cheerful Giving initiative will kickoff on Friday, November 20, 2026. Cheerful Giving provides sensory toys, tools and supports for autistic persons of all ages during the holiday season. Sensory supports can be helpful for learning, relieving stress, reducing anxiety, and so much more! This initiative is specifically designed for autistic persons who may have challenges with sensory needs during the holiday season.
Who can apply?
- Autistic persons
- Parents or guardians of an autistic person who lives in their home
How do I pick out a sensory item?
We have placed all of the sensory items into categories. This should make it easier to view all of the options. Applicants can choose ONE item that costs less than $50.00. Please take time to review the lists so that you will choose the best item for yourself or your loved one.
- Books, Puzzles, and Games – https://a.co/37Vuw33
- Clocks, Timers, and Lamps – https://a.co/9EdOPLT
- Sensory Items – https://a.co/etQ3JNG
- STEM & Building Toys – https://a.co/8LO08Ur
- Therapy Supplies – https://a.co/aovi4dl
Inclusion of these items on the wishlist is not an endorsement of the product’s effectiveness, quality, or safety. It also does not imply any affiliation, endorsement or association of any kind between the vendor, Amazon, and Autism Faith Network, Inc.
What are some of the items on the list?
- Fidget toys
- Projector Lamps
- Headphones
- Weighted blankets
- Bean Bags
- Puzzles and Mazes
- Calming tools
- Handwriting aids
- Books
- Sound machines
- and more!
How do I apply?
- A link to apply will be shared at a later date to reduce the number of early/ineligible applications.
- Tell us your name, gift recipient’s name, address, email address, and phone number.
- Provide proof of an autism diagnosis. A document from a healthcare provider showing an autism diagnosis can be provided as proof. Parents, if you provide an IEP, the IEP must say that your child has been diagnosed with autism.
- Choose a sensory item, tell us the name, and provide a direct webpage link for your item.
We may ask you to choose another item if:
- The item does not meet the criteria.
- The pricing changes to more than $50.00.
- Your item is no longer available.
When can I apply?
- Registration opens on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 8:00am EST. Autistic persons of any age can participate, but they must live in the continental United States.
- Early applications will be deleted without notice to the applicant.
What else do I need to know?
- You must use our online, HIPAA compliant form to apply. We will not accept applications via email or via the comment section. This is for your protection. A link will be provided soon.
- Several autistic persons from the same household may apply, pending the availability of funds. There must be a separate application for each family member.
- Your information will only be used for verification purposes. We will not sell, rent or share your information with others.
- We accept and approve completed applications on a first come, first served basis.
- We will not hold a spot for early or incomplete applications. Please make sure your application is complete with all necessary documentation when you submit it.
- While we would love for the items to arrive prior to Christmas, we are not responsible for any shipping or delivery delays.
- All purchases are final. We will not do any returns or exchanges. We are not responsible for the quality or safety of the items you have chosen.
- Participants may be added to our email list to stay updated with our upcoming news and events. Participants can opt-out at any time.
- You will be asked to complete a short survey about your experience with Cheerful Giving. This helps us learn how we can improve and better serve you. Your responses also help us as we seek donors and grant funds to continue this initiative for autistic persons in need.
Programs like Cheerful Giving are possible because of our amazing donors! We are so thankful for their generosity!
Please share information about Cheerful Giving with any autistic person who may benefit from these resources.
Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1st. If you would like to make a donation so that we can continue programs like this, you may donate here.
Disclaimer
By participating in Cheerful Giving, you agree to release the Autism Faith Network, Inc. from any liability or claim with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the item you chose for Cheerful Giving. We, the Participant and/or the Guardian, Release and forever discharge and hold harmless Autism Faith Network and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from participating in this initiative with the Autism Faith Network, including claims arising out of negligence.