Kari Kraakevik

Looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life? These melodic must-haves are made for singers, pianists, teachers, and anyone who hums through their day. From soft, sensory-safe practice gear to music-themed home accents, this list hits every note of comfort and creativity. Great for holiday gifting, recital season, or your favorite duet partner.

Tiny gifts with big comfort energy. These sensory-safe, scent-free, soft-textured, low-noise wonders are perfect for anyone who hates scratchy sweaters, cloying candles, or bath bombs that smell like regret. Think smooth fabrics, gentle gadgets, and cozy comforts that actually feel good to receive. Tested by sensitive noses, picky touch-testers, and my family’s collective sense of humor.

Your shortcut to holiday harmony: top-rated, kid-friendly board and card games that bring the whole crew together. From quick laughs to strategic showdowns, these gift-ready picks promise screen-free fun all season long — tested (and approved) by my large Scandinavian family every holiday!

For my fellow neurospicy friends who love a little glam but hate the heavy, sticky, or scented stuff. These sensory-safe, low-stim picks are smooth, breathable, and kind to both your skin and your senses. Explore gentle, lightweight, fragrance-free makeup that’s perfect for sensitive skin and neurodivergent beauty lovers.

Curated with my own husband in mind — part tech geek, part homebody, part goofball. Every item here is under $100 and guaranteed to make him smile (or at least stop saying “I don’t need anything”).

Because comfort is best served steeped. These are the teas that turn ordinary afternoons into cozy rituals—whether you’re wrapped in a blanket, writing from your favorite chair, or pretending your to-do list doesn’t exist. After working in a tea room for nearly a decade and tasting my way through international tea tours, I’ve learned that the right cup can change everything—your mood, your pace, even your whole day. So go ahead, put the kettle on—homebody season has officially begun.

From steamy lattes to sunshine-soaked parks, these are my favorite D.C. spots to rest, reset, and refuel — mind, body, and senses included. Think cozy cafés, delicious meals, free places to wander, and sensory-safe pockets of calm tucked around the city. Whether it’s a croissant, a cocktail, or a quiet moment under cherry blossoms, every pick here is a little piece of peace.

Because comfort > couture. 🍂 This list is all about sensory-safe fall staples that feel as good as they look — soft cottons, stretch waistbands, no tags, no scratch, and zero “why is this so tight?” moments. Think cozy flannels, cloud-weight hoodies, and pants that move with you, not against you. Perfect for dads, dad-bod enthusiasts, or anyone who just wants to feel comfortable in their own (soft) skin this season

Because sensory needs don’t stop at childhood — they just get better curated. ✈️ This list is for the neurospicy, the easily overstimulated, the texture-picky, and the “please-don’t-touch-me-until-I’ve-landed” crowd. From buttery-soft layers and noise-canceling lifesavers to fidget-friendly gadgets and calming self-care must-haves, these are the items that keep me regulated, cozy, and functional from TSA line to baggage claim. No flashing lights. No itchy seams. No chaos. Just sensory peace — for adults who deserve it too.

For my fellow sensory-sensitive souls: fall can be cozy without the chaos. Here’s my list of textures, scents, and sounds that bring the autumn vibes minus the migraine, rash, or regret.

This is my collection of memoirs by writers who don’t just tell their stories—they reclaim them. I know what I’m talking about—I’m writing one myself. These pages cracked me open, stitched me back together, and reminded me what resilience, wit, and honesty sound like on the page. Perfect for cozy nights, crisp air, and readers who crave raw truth and unforgettable voices that linger like autumn light.