Special Needs Holiday Gift Guide
I have found shopping for our special needs daughter 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!
*I don’t make any commission at all from these links- just a momma trying to help other mommas
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 fun design?!
Loud noises & overstimulation can cause much grief for a neurodivergent child. Even a lingering startle reflex requires ear protection. Simple yet practical!
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.
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.
For the child with limited fine motor skills:
You’ll see a trend of me choosing popular toy options that will also work for special needs kiddos. They’re readily available & won’t cost the “special needs price tag” that specialty items will. These Squishies 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!
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.
This cool button may be something you’ve seen in occupational therapy! Connect to light up or sound toys to create an effect that children with low fine motor skills can’t achieve easily with many toys. This is ideal for the littlest ones but can bring smiles to a variety of ages.
These 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 offer kids with a range of abilities engaging fun! Shhh don’t tell them it’s improving pincher grasp and crossing midline.
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 a mini bike! I like that this gets energy out, helps strengthen arms and legs, and is an option for mobile children on rainy days. Perhaps ideal for older kids, Kaylee has been using one for nearly a year now as a teen.
Literally the best purchase we’ve made in years! Read the description on the link because it will explain the mechanics better than me! There’s also accessories for wheelchairs and stationary. When you’ve tried them all— this will be your winner.
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.