Gift Guide for people with Medical Complexities & Neurodiversity
I have found shopping for our daughter who has cerebral palsy is far more difficult than our typical kiddos. Do you have the same trouble?
Limited mobility + impaired fine motor skills= a lacking gift list.
I’ve compiled a few fun items we’ve bought over the years that have been winners & some things under our tree this year.
For the child needing comfort measures:
I mean everyone loves the highly popular weighted blankets, but kiddos prone to overstimulation find immense comfort while using one. I have found the lighter weight options are best for children & why wouldn’t they want a super soft cuddle? Here is one that is 50% off! WEIGHTED BLANKET
Loud noises & overstimulation can cause much grief for a neurodivergent child. Even a lingering startle reflex requires ear protection. Simple yet practical! I like these that are a great deal.
I’m sure many kids would love a giant comfy chair. We medically complex mommas are always looking for new ways to safely let our kids sit and experience different perspectives. Choosing durable medical equipment is our go to right? Here’s a fun option to add to the positional tools! This type of seat is also perfect for calming and decreasing stimulation.
Another calming seat option is this sensory hammock. Perfect home option and a great price point!
For the child with limited fine motor skills + sensory needs:
These are so simple yet so relaxing! Pulling and pushing to make sounds and feeling the crunch is great for sensory time. Impaired fine motor skills are not a deterrent either. A caregiver can assist with the movements easily. SENSORY TUBES
These need to be under your tree just like ours this year. Water beads are inexpensive and tons of fun for kids of all abilities. Add them to a container with a few scoops to create a sensory bin. Or put them in a ziplock to make a squishy!
These stress balls are the most fought over things in our house. Easy to grip, great sensory stimulation, & soft enough for all ages (not for chewing though lol). Kaylee uses them while sitting in school, church, and relaxing at home! She is getting this whole box this Christmas!
I love love this cool OCTOPUS toy that mimics a big button response. Great for CVI and easy to get a reaction with easy input.
Ok before you think I’m crazy for adding slime to the list— this is not the same stuff!! Lol we are a slime free home for the obvious mess reason but BUTTER SLIME is more like a softer PlayDoh. Yes PlayDoh is a good option but not easily manipulated by children with low fine motor abilities. This option isn’t sticky but is easily molded and squeezed.
These SQUIGZ became some of Kaylee’s favorite things to use in therapy so of course she wanted her own set. Like any kid, she loves to be successful with her attempts so grasping and pulling these are a win for many ages.
Another therapy set— these TOYS offer kids with a range of abilities engaging fun! Shhh don’t tell them it’s improving pincher grasp and crossing midline.
Can we pause for a moment here to acknowledge that this is hard and unfair at times. Seeing that these toys are made for “2 year olds” and I am buying for my 16 year old just doesn’t make sense. It brought tears to my eyes seeing so clearly how far from “normal” this life truly is.
I’m sorry— I see you.
For children with love for the arts:
I know this is more of an AID than a fun item but this product can make it easier to use fun + functional items.
Fork, toys, paintbrush, marker… the reinforcement around the hand helps. Again, our kids love the feeling of success and this tool makes that happen.
Not much mystery here— easy to grip, oversized brushes are good for use with just water on construction paper or paints as usual. I love the way paint transfers easily with minimal force. Wash and reuse! The tactile variety is a win even without painting at all.
This mess free drawing option is good for a kiddo that can use a little more pressure with their hand. It’s perfect for those who tend to put hands to the face/mouth often or have tremors or spastic movements that could quickly derail a paint setting. Also easy to transport.
For children with physical needs:
Physical therapy disguised as FUN! The stepping stones would be good for kids with some gait abilities.
Every wheelchair user needs a good bag to attach to their chair. I like this version and the pretty pattern suits my daughter well!
Just a little flashy accessories for a wheelchair or walker user! Add lights! LED LIGHTS
I know holidays are potentially a sore time of year, especially Christmas. It’s heartbreaking to see so clearly the milestones missed and the differences your family experiences. If I could suggest; if you’re in the healing process enough to hear it— make the season about just your family. Don’t conjure up thoughts and watch the stream of photos on social media that display what a family Christmas “should look like”. Create a plan, method, schedule, party, whatever you know will work for your family.
Because YOU are the one who knows what Christmas “should look like” for your child + loved ones.
Merry Christmas.