Best Gift Ideas For Moms With ADHD (2024)
Published: April 25, 2024; Updated on December 12, 2024
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Need a thoughtful gift for an ADHD mom fast? Are you trying to avoid giving another gift card this year? Are you having a hard time finding a meaningful present for your mom with ADHD? As a thriving ADHD Mom, I’ll share the best gift ideas for your mom with ADHD. From self-care to books to tech tools, she won’t buy herself. Keep this list handy for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and other special occasions!
In this blog post, I’ll help you find the perfect gift for your mom. As a thriving ADHD mom, I hand-picked the best gifts for your ADHD mom. I included the sale price at the time that I wrote this blog post. The sale price might be different or unavailable depending on when you buy your gift for your ADHD mom. I also included the list price for each item, so you know their full price.
You might be asking why I started my numbering at No. 2. That’s because I put the No. 1 BEST GIFT IDEA at the very bottom of this blog post. Why? It’s not something you can buy (unlike the first 17 gift ideas I listed here). So check it out if you truly want something meaningful to give your Mom this Mother’s Day. 😉
Self-Care Gift Ideas
2) 2-in-1 Pill Organizer and Water Bottle - $10.95
Trying to stay hydrated when I’m finally hyperfocused on my to-do lists is almost impossible. And trying to remember to take my medicines is hard, especially during the worst days of my ADHD symptoms - when I need them most! So when I learned about this pill organizer attached to a water bottle, I thought, “This is a game-changer!” The bottle holds 20 ounces of water, and the lid can be used as a cup. The pill organizer holds up to 3 large pills. You can buy several of these for your mom to keep at home and work!
3) Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders - $39.98
I was constantly stressed with work, family, and managing my ADHD symptoms all day! My stress often manifests as neck, shoulder, and back pain at the end of the day. Heating pads frequently help me feel soothed and relaxed. Since I primarily work on a computer, I wanted a heating pad to keep me less stressed while working. That’s when I bought this heating pad for my neck and shoulders. I can wear it while typing on my computer, watching TV, or reading on the couch. It has an auto-off timer and heat settings, so I don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. This heating pad is the perfect gift for stressed moms!
4) Heating Pad, Natural Jade and Tourmaline Stone Far Infrared - Sale $129.99 (List Price $139.99)
As I mentioned above, my stress from managing my ADHD symptoms every day often manifests into back pain. I went to my chiropractor friend for treatment, and she had me use a heating pad that was so effective I had to buy one for myself to use at home! That’s this UTK Heating Pad. Its natural jade and tourmaline stones heat and penetrate my deep aches and pains. It has a smart controller with auto shut off in case I fall asleep from feeling relaxed and soothed. My mom and sister each have one, too, because it’s that fantastic! If your ADHD mom needs to relax at the end of the day, this heating pad is a great option. If she falls asleep while using it, it's an ADHD dream come true (see what I did there!)
5) Percussion Massager, Deep Tissue - Sale $49.99 (List Price: 65.99
Being a lawyer and an ADHD mom can be stressful. I incorporate a massage at least once a month. But often, I don’t have time for all the work and kids’ activities. That’s why this Deep Tissue Percussion Massager is so handy at home. I can target spots on my body that hurt - like my shoulders and back. It’s a relaxing, quick fix for pain.
6) Eye and Face Massager for Migraines, Heated - Sale $54.74 (List Price: $72.99)
I get headaches that turn into migraines often, especially during that time of the month (TMI?). When a relative gave my family this Eye and Face Massager as a gift, we were all taking turns using it! It has heat for migraines and improves sleep. It looks like a virtual reality headset, but it’s comfortable. You can turn on the speaker and stream your music by wirelessly connecting to a device through Bluetooth. Massager, heat, and soothing music all in one!
7) WHOOP—$215.10 Annual Membership. Join with my link HERE for a free WHOOP 4.0 & a 10% off an annual membership.
I was looking to track my sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen level, and more. Some of my ADHD medications can increase my heart rate, and being able to see it in real time is helpful. Sleep is also hard for people with ADHD, including me. I wanted to track whether I was sleeping and how effective and efficient my REM sleep was during the night.
I found WHOOP 4.0, a small biometric device that’s versatile. I don’t like to wear rings, and WHOOP is excellent because I can wear it on my wrist or with wearable accessories, such as shirts and underwear! It’s waterproof. I wear it in the shower or while washing dishes. I wear my WHOOP 24/7 without even noticing it.
With WHOOP, I can monitor my health and critical vital signs daily to manage my ADHD better. When I use the walking pad or treadmill, which I discuss more below, I monitor the efficiency of that exercise—my heart rate, calories burned, muscle tension, and more. WHOOP has helped me become healthier! If you're okay with spending an extra cost for a subscription gift that's not a gym membership, I highly recommend WHOOP.
Book Gift Ideas
(Every purchase from my affiliate link by Bookshop.org below supports independent bookstores.)
8) Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Dr. Russell Barkley - $17.95 (paperback)
As an ADHD Simplifier for over two decades, this is my favorite book about ADHD. It’s simple and easy to understand, especially since English is my second language. Even though the title says it’s about adult ADHD, the information in this book can also apply to kids with ADHD.
Dr. Barkley is a leading ADHD expert. His twin brother had ADHD and tragically died in a car accident because of his ADHD symptoms. So, researching and speaking about ADHD is personal for Dr. Barkley. In his book, he breaks down executive function into easy-to-understand concepts. He discusses the differences among the various medications now available to treat ADHD symptoms. He also talks about many of the other treatments people with ADHD can use. Whether you're a novice or an expert in ADHD, Dr. Barkley’s book is a must-read for understanding ADHD and becoming a better person with your ADHD.
9) Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff - $21.99 (paperback)
Many days, mothers of ADHD kids are hard on themselves, wondering if they are parenting correctly. Imagine a mother with ADHD of ADHD kids! As a thriving ADHD Mom, I’m a strong advocate for self-compassion. People with ADHD beat themselves up for things that society says they should be able to do. But after reading Dr. Barkley’s book Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, you’ll understand that ADHDers cannot do certain things because our ADHD brains are simply wired differently. We learn differently. We feel differently. We act differently. This book by Dr. Neff can help you or someone you love to stop beating themselves up and practice self-compassion. Every person in this ADHD journey needs to heal the lasting scars of trying to be perfect. You can help your ADHD mom heal emotionally with this book, as it did for me.
10) Rising Strong by Brene Brown - $18.00 (paperback)
I'm continually working on learning to understand my stories of shame and stigma because of my ADHD. Social scientist Brene Brown’s books have helped me recognize my vulnerabilities and live bravely. I like Rising Strong because it describes Dr. Brown’s research on how when we deny our stories, they define us. But when we own our stories, we get to write the ending. Rising Strong is a fantastic book for moms who want to be inspired as they rise strong from ADHD shame and stigma.
11) Dare to Lead by Brene Brown - $30.00 (paperback)
Here’s another one of my favorite books by Brene Brown. Dare to Lead is the first book I read written by her. As I transition from my legal career into a mental health advocate, I strive to be a good leader. In this book, Dr. Brown taught me how to dare to lead, stay curious, and ask questions.As leaders, we don’t pretend to have the right answers. Instead, we choose to develop hearts and minds.
12) The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - $29.00 (paperback)
When I was struggling with my ADHD and depression, I read this book, and it changed my life. It helped me think of my ADHD journey as an infinite game with changeable rules, no winners or losers, and no defined endpoint. This book helped change how I view stigma and shame about my ADHD. This book is instrumental in building my mission-driven company, ADHD Life Simplified, dedicated to supporting moms with ADHDH in this infinite game of life.
Tech Gift Ideas
13) White Noise Machine - $29.99
Trying to fall asleep is hard for moms with ADHD, and trying to stay asleep is even worse. That’s why a white noise machine is a practical gift. This sound machine is a popular choice. I used it for my kiddos when they were babies, and now I use it myself. It has different types of non-looping sleep sounds that you can pick depending on your mood. You can turn the volume levels depending on how many noisy family members you have at home. LOL! It’s durable since we’ve had this noise machine for at least a few years, and it's still going.
14) Under Desk Treadmill - Sale $169.99 (List Price: $239.99)
I was trying to figure out how to manage my ADHD better. My psychiatrist and therapist kept telling me that exercise is critical to managing my ADHD symptoms. I know that. Many people with ADHD know that. But it’s hard for us to find enough time and motivation.
If I change how I think about exercise, I can make it easier to incorporate into my daily routine and successfully do it. I started thinking that exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or doing a full-blown one-hour exercise routine with blasting music.
So then, I bought a treadmill or walking pad under my desk. I stand most of the time while working to satisfy my ADHD wiggles as needed, so placing a walking pad under my standing desk fits my description of incorporating exercise into my daily routine. And it worked!
I picked this low-noise walking pad so I can attend remote meetings while I’m on it. Many are used to seeing attendees on walking pads. Once I turn on my walking pad and start working on my laptop or listening to Zoom meetings, I forget I’m on it. Often, I’ve been on it for over an hour without even realizing it! Try it for your ADHD mom. Not only will she stay fit and healthy, she’ll also better manage her ADHD symptoms. Win-win!
15) Heated Temperature Control Smart Mug - Sale for $99.99 ($109.99 list price)
I would pour myself a cup of coffee, carry my coffee mug somewhere, put it down, and then hyperfocus on an exciting idea that caught my attention. After 30 minutes, I snap out of it, pick up my mug, and drink cold coffee! Yuck! So, I get another cup of coffee, and the cycle continues. LOL! Our ADHD brain is wired differently, I know.
Enter the Ember temperature-control smart mug. It keeps my coffee hot at the exact temperature I prefer, even after 30 minutes of hyperfocus mode. It can be controlled with a smartphone and paired with the Ember app to customize settings.
I like this one because it looks like a cup and saucer. I also recommend a travel mug version, which I often use when driving and going somewhere while towing my coffee.
16) Portable Charger - $29.99
I needed to remember to charge my phone! I use my phone for everything for work. That’s why I can work anywhere, any time. And I’d realize my phone doesn’t have a battery when I have to record a vital video or take pictures of my kiddos. Yikes! That’s why having a portable charger helps tremendously. Make sure to buy a slim charger like this one so it’s easy to insert in any size handbag.
17) 2-in-1 Charger, Phone and AirPods - $34.99
As you get to know me better, you’ll realize that I like efficiency because it helps me manage my ADHD symptoms. Why? Because trying to remember things is taxing on our ADHD brains. So, if I have tools that have multiple functions, then instead of trying to remember to bring 2 things, I only need to remember 1! That means I love 2-in-1 or even 3-in-1 gadgets or tools.
That’s why this 2-in-1 wireless charger for iPhone and AirPods caught my eye! They should have called it 3-in-1 instead because it acts as a charging stand - which makes it easier for me to find where I placed my phone and AirPods! Full disclosure: I haven’t tried this one, but I’m adding it to my Wish List for Mother’s Day! (I hope my family is reading this. Ha!)
18) Noise Cancelling Headphones - Sale $249.99 ($349.99 list price)
An excellent way to eliminate distractions and inattention is to wear noise-cancelling headphones. I use this Wireless Beats Noise-Cancelling Headphone. It's worn over the ear, so it feels more secure on my head and is less likely to fall out in my often unorganized office. Sometimes, I don’t need to listen to anything while wearing it. The “quiet” is enough to help me self-regulate. Plus, people around me know not to bother me since they can see I have it on. Win-win!
No. 1 Gift Idea: Understand ADHD
You might be asking why I'm talking about ADHD in a blog post about gift ideas for your ADHD mom when you simply wanted to find a great gift idea. That's a valid question. The reason is this:
The BEST gift you could give your mom, who has ADHD, is to understand ADHD fully. It's a great way to show her your love.
So, I included this as the #1 gift idea on our list!
ADHD has many myths, misconceptions, and outdated research, as I mentioned in my TEDx Talk about embracing ADHD.
Incorrect information about ADHD keeps shame and stigma alive surrounding it.
You can help your mother validate her pain and heal from a lifetime of shaming by knowing the truth about ADHD. And then share what you know - with her and others. The more people know the truth about ADHD, the more we can eliminate shaming and stigma.
So, here are some essential things to know about your mother's ADHD. There are more, and you can start with these.
ADHD is the acronym for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The medical field has defined ADHD as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
As an ADHD Simplifier for over two decades, I simplified the definition: ADHD is a chronic trait of limited self-regulation of emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Sometimes, ADHD looks like a person is hyperactive. Sometimes, an ADHDer appears impulsive. And sometimes, ADHD people look inattentive. The same person can have any or all of these.
Your ADHD mom can look like one or all of these - hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive. And it’s okay.
In a comprehensive study published in Psychiatry Research in October 2023, researchers found that adults with ADHD are estimated to be 3.1% of the population or approximately 8 MILLION adults have ADHD in the United States.
While it's lower than the previous estimate of 4.4%, a 3.1% estimate is still relatively high.
Putting that number in context, the prevalence rate of ADHD in adults of 3.1% is higher than other mental health issues that receive significant attention from governments across the world, such as schizophrenia (0.4%), bipolar disorder (1%), and some anxiety disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), OCD, GAD, and panic disorders. I am not saying ADHD is like these other mental disorders because ADHD is NOT like any of these.
Instead, I'm emphasizing that ADHD in adults is real.
Adults with ADHD must receive more attention, resources, and support globally because ADHD affects a significant number of our population. ADHD is not simply a diagnosis in the United States. ADHD has no country, gender, race, religion, or age.
ADHD is in our brains and our DNA (hereditary). Dr. Russell Barkley, a leading ADHD expert, noted in his book Taking Charge of Adult ADHD that studies show when a parent has ADHD, up to 40-57% of their children will also have ADHD.
This means if your mom has ADHD, you are eight times more likely to have ADHD than if your mom does not have ADHD. And if you have ADHD, nearly 1 out of 3 of your siblings will also have ADHD.
These proven scientific studies are why I'm a strong advocate for screening or testing the entire family for ADHD. Doing so can help family members become more understanding and compassionate of one another.
Remember these golden nuggets about ADHD as you choose the right gift for your mom!
Closing Reflections
Now that we’ve talked about not just my 18 recommended and best gift ideas for your ADHD Mom, but also WHY I recommend them to help your mom manage her ADHD symptoms, remember No. 1! I invite you to share 1 ADHD fact to your mom on Mother’s Day. She’ll be impressed with your effort and knowledge! I would be if I heard that from my kiddos.
Which gift will you buy your mom this Mother’s Day? I’m thrilled to learn so share in the comments below, please! 🤗
I appreciate you,
~ Katherine
P.S. For sources and in-depth discussion on this and similar topics, click to connect with Katherine here: her ADHD Community.
