Finding the perfect holiday gift for the people in your life can be a challenge, and finding something for a child with special needs is no exception. While all kids love to play with toys, there are many on the market that pose problems for kids with limited motor function, sensory issues, and developmental delays.
When choosing a toy or game for any child, the goal is to enhance development and encourage creativity and exploration. The problem is that while a gift may look great and fun in the store, it may not be such a good fit for the child receiving it. To help pick out a good gift for a child with different abilities, keep these tips in mind.
Choose safety over age recommendations.
When buying for a child with different needs, don’t go by age recommendations. Some toys and games meant for older kids may frustrate a child who has difficulty following complex directions or who has a limited attention span. Kids with special needs also have a higher risk for injury if their behavioral or physical development doesn’t match the age recommendations on the box. Also, steer clear of toys with small parts that can be dangerous for children that are small for their age or have issues swallowing.
Think about the gift’s durability in relation to the child’s size and strength. Some kids will throw things when they become agitated, so for these children, something that could easily break during an outburst may not be a great idea.
Focus on the child’s interests and abilities
Find out what the child’s interests or favorite characters are as a starting point. There are endless possibilities once you know a favorite show, movie or character. Everything from clothing to plates and cups with popular entertainment figures is widely available in stores and online. Books with the children’s favorite characters or specific interests are also a great option.
When in doubt, ask the parents
The most valuable resource is the child’s parents or caregiver. If you have questions or want suggestions about where to start when choosing a gift, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Kids with special needs need the same opportunities as other children to learn through play, but it IS important to consider their disability when choosing a gift. A child with visual impairment may enjoy a toy with music or a variety of textures. Something with bright colors and lights may be a bigger hit with a child with hearing loss than something that makes noise. Some kids with sensory issues have aversions to certain types of clothing, so it’s always best to ask their parents.
Many toys can also be adapted to fit a child’s needs. Possible adaptations include adding textures such as swatches of sandpaper to certain toys or adapted switches to make toys with tiny controls easier to use. Books and puzzles can easily be adapted for kids with special needs. Board books can be made more accessible by adding tactile objects to the pages to make them easier to turn or using a stand to prop the book up if the child has difficulty holding it to read.
Look for gifts that encourage interaction with others
Social interaction can be challenging for kids on the autism spectrum, so a developmentally appropriate game that encourages skills like taking turns or working as a team is always a good option. Matching games and games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders are great for practicing turn-taking. Team building games such as Scattergories, Apples to Apples, and Twister are good for encouraging teamwork skills such as problem-solving and communication.
Consider purchasing tickets or a membership to a museum or event at a venue that you know to be accessible, or that has special events for those with special needs. Turtle Bay Museum in Redding holds a sensory hour every few months. The museum is open exclusively for those with special needs and their families to experience Turtle Bay at their own pace. They have quiet spaces available for breaks and often have sensory toys and activities available. They also dim the lights and turn off or lower the overhead music volume.
Local Resources for Toys
Many local shops and online stores carry toys and other products that would make great gifts for a child with special needs.
Chico
Apple Blossom Baby
977 East Ave, Ste. 90, (530) 345-1617
appleblossombaby.com
Bird in Hand
320 Broadway St, (530) 893-0545
birdinhand.com
Creative Apple
2201 Pillsbury Rd., Ste. 182, (530) 345-0122
creativeapplechico.com
The Lifespan Center Store
2418 Cohasset Rd., Ste. 150, (530) 897-0900
autismlifespan.org
Redding
Turtle Bay Museum and Exploration Park
844 Sundial Bridge Drive
Call 530-243-8850 for more information on Sensory Hour or memberships. turtlebay.org
That Baby Store
2990 Churn Creek Rd, (530) 355-0557
Go Calendars Toys and Games
Mt.Shasta Mall, (530) 999-2592
Goretailgroup.com
Mt. Shasta
Raven Tree
138 Morgan Way, (530) 926-6695
raventreeshop.com
Red Bluff
Dandy Lions Children’s Shop
623 Main Street (530) 527-7755
dandylions.shop
Online
specialneedstoys.com
funandfunction.com
Target stores in Redding and Chico carry sensory toys, as well as adapted clothes and costumes.
Posted in: Uniquely Us
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