For parents of kids with needs, receiving gifts can be emotional.
Why, you ask? Well, sometimes our child receives gifts that they cannot use. Perhaps they have sounds or lights that could cause sensory overload, or, worse, a seizure. Or, sometimes our kids don’t receive toys at all, and instead they receive other items we’re grateful for, but perhaps not what a child wants—such as clothing. Holidays and birthdays are meant to be filled with happiness, but we can’t help but feel disappointed when our child isn’t given thoughtful consideration.
Let’s make gift-giving (and gift-receiving) fun!
If you’re unsure of the child’s needs, ask the parents. A good question might be: Is your kid high-sensory (needs stimulation) or low-sensory (avoids loud noises and bright lights)? If you are unsure of the child’s physical capabilities, ask that too! If you get it wrong, don’t sweat it. The fact that you tried means the world to us.
Best Weighted Sensory Helpers
Best Weighted Stuffed Animals
Hugz offers all sorts of lovable, huggable weighted stuffies for kids and adults alike. We love Rey the Manta Rey and Shelly the Turtle because they act like small weighted blankets. You can also find a classic teddy bear, shark, limited-edition unicorn, koala, highland cow, and many other adorable options!
Best Weighted Blanket Puppies
If you’re looking for a larger animal that is more of a blanket, we love the variety of puppies from Friendly Cuddle, such as this Golden Retriever puppy, Lucy. You can also find a Chocolate Poodle among others.
Best Weighted Blanket for Kids
And if you’re in need a a straight weighted blanket, no animals necessary, this 4-pound blanket from Dreamland Baby takes the cake. One side is minky and the other side is microfleece, all with silky edging.
Most Popular Sensory Toys
Sensory Drum Set
The VTech KidiBeats Drum Set is a fun musical toy kids can use with their hands, or with a parent’s hands guiding them. Children can learn about letters and numbers or follow along to nine different melodies.
Sensory Touch Pad
The Crayola Touch-Lights pad is another wonderful sensory toy kids can use on their own or with a parent’s help. Children can make mess-free designs while having a fun tactile experience. This is a popular toy across abilities!
Chew Toys
Many children with needs love chew toys, even after teething. For kids who struggle to hold toys, these LEGO-style chew toy necklaces are a huge hit! If you’d like to get inventive, try looking for non-toxic chew toys in the doggie aisle—such as seen here with this hamburger toy!
Sensory Lights
If you know a child with a sensory tent at home, curtain fairy lights are in high demand. Some children also hang these in their windows. The ones pictured here have 16 color-changing options, 7 modes for twinkle options, and a remote.
Gross Motor and Support Helpers
Wedges
These foldable, portable pediatric wedges from Tumbl Trak come in three sizes and three colors (bright pastel, as shown, primary rainbow, and black). A wedge can help your child with balance and core strength, and is typically used in occupational and physical therapy, which can be duplicated at home!
Portable Safe Chair
The Out & About Chair from Special Tomato straps on to any chair while on the go! It includes a 4-point harness and 3-point lap belt, as well as a headrest, and it folds up for easy transport. This is a must-have for parents of children who need assistance sitting up or staying upright.
Ankle Braces
If you have a kid in your life who wears hard ankle/foot braces, parents will be amazed at your thoughtfulness. These soft braces give kids a break in the day, which can be particularly helpful for kids with sensory issues. Recommended for children aged 4-12*. The adult version is recommended for ages 12+. *Note, some parents of 11-year-olds prefer the adult version.
Inclusive Books for Story Time
Audible Story Books
For those who prefer listening to reading, the Toniebox is wildly popular! It’s a soft audio player, like a mini boom box, designed for children. Kids place “Tonies” on top of the Toniebox. Each figurine comes equipped with stories, songs, and/or educational material. There’s everything from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar Tonies to a Night Light bedtime stories Tonie. Parents can even upload their own messages or playlists. And, it is easy to control—kids tap the sides or squeeze the “ears” to adjust the volume and skip tracks.
Storybook Projector for Wall/Ceiling
Moonlite brings stories to your home’s ceilings and walls. It’s a mini slide projector that attaches to your cell phone’s flashlight. Each slide includes its own book and includes a soft melody as the story is read aloud. The version shown here features the Moonlite projector and four Eric Carle books, such as the much-loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Books about Disability
There are many children’s books about disabilities or that include characters with disabilities. These books not only make the world more inclusive but also remind affected families that they are not alone. Many are written by parents of children with disabilities. Characters can be found with wheelchairs, feeding tubes, vision difficulties, and using communication devices. See our Rare Parenting book lists to make choosing easy!
Sensory Swings, Rockers & Bouncers
Egg Swing
This Swurfer Coconut Toddler Swing is a great choice for both outdoor and indoor use, offering one of the most comfortable options available (if not the most comfortable!). Recommended for kids ages 6 months to 36 months, this swing works wonders for calming and can be leaned back a bit for a comfortable position for kids who need it.
Inflatables
Another option for calming down that vestibular system is a giant inflatable rocker! Make sure the family you’re buying this for has the space. This model from Hearthsong can be used indoors or outdoors.
Rockers
You may not know that disability-grade equipment can come with long waits and refusals from insurance companies. Parents are always on the lookout for alternatives! This seesaw rocking chair offers a sensory experience for the vestibular system.
Safe Trampoline
This 6ft CalmMax trampoline is not only enclosed for safety, but it also comes with a swing! The swing can be removed, leaving behind a bar for children to hang from. This makes a great gift for children with sensory needs.
Click Here to SEE MORE Sensory Swings and Bouncers!
Fine Motor Skills
Magnetic Toys
The Magnetic Mix or Match Jungle Animals set is also excellent for kids with trouble using their hands. The pieces magnetically link, creating an effortless experience for a child to build animals of all shapes and sizes! These are also easy for parents to place into a child’s hand to play together, for kids without purposeful hand movement. And, bonus, siblings love these too!
Large Personalized Busy Board
For kids who love busy boards, you can personalize the one shown here for your child, or you can shop the vast array of options at Etsy here!
MAGNA-Tiles
Another magnetic favorite is MAGNA-Tiles, like this SAFARI Animals version! MAGNA-Tiles also creates a newer variety called Structures, partnering with CreateOn. And, of course, there are many brands with similar toys, which sometimes can be found at lower price points!
Adaptive Clothes
Adaptive Clothes
As opposed to standard clothing, you could gift adaptive clothing. Many brands are offering options, like Tommy Hilfiger. Adaptive wear represents modified clothes that serve a purpose, such as with snaps or zippers at the shoulders, torso or along the legs, to make removal easier. If you’re shopping for a child with a g-tube, you may be in need of clothing that includes hidden slits for tube entry. Target’s adaptive line and Kohl’s adaptive line both have options. Target’s Cat & Jack t-shirt bodysuit is shown here.
Switches and Switch-Adapted Toys
Switches
If you know a non-speaking (or non-verbal) child, they may use “switches.” Switches are used as a form of communication, such as with the gold-standard AbleNet iTalk (the iTalk2 is shown here), or the more affordable Learning Resources Answer Buzzers. A fun option is the AbleNet All-Turn-It Spinner – this dice spinner hooks up to a switch so the user can push the button to “roll” the dice!
Switch Adapted Toys
Whether a child has mastered switches or is still learning, one fun way to play is with switch-adapted toys. Each of these toys comes set up with a wire that can connect to a switch. Children can press the switch to turn on the toy. There are a variety of small businesses that wire these toys. Click Here to see our full list of Switch-Adapted Toys!
Gifts for Caregivers
Baby Hip Carrier
Some children need to be carried longer than others. A hip seat like this one from Momcozy can help! This one comes in Black, Leopard, and Starry Sky, as shown.
Books for Parents
If you’re buying a book for a child, don’t forget the parents! See our list here of 20+ Books for Parents about Childhood Disabilities. Through practical advice and personal stories, these books help parents heal, laugh, and find joy, even during difficult times.
Click Here to SEE MORE Gifts for Mom!
Experiences and Gift Cards
Classes
Kids with disabilities or complex needs often benefit significantly from various classes, such as music therapy, equine therapy, and swim therapy. See if you can find one locally, and purchase a gift card. Insurance doesn’t cover much beyond traditional therapy, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, so this is a great gift!
Experiences
Likewise, if you know of a children’s museum, zoo, amusement park, bowling alley, or other play centers, they usually offer great gift cards. Check out their websites or give them a call to learn about their opportunities for kids with special needs.
Gift cards
If you’re stumped, get a gift card. Parents know shopping can be tricky—a gift card means they can choose something their kid will love! Amazon’s e-gift card can be purchased for any amount, and many options are delivered with a cool video! Target’s e-gift cards can be sent by email, regular mail, or text!
Free Gifts
Give the Gift of Help
Many parents would be very happy with the gift of lending a helping hand. Offer to do specific things, such as babysitting, so they can take a break or take a nap. Offer to fold the laundry, put the dishes away, etc. Make sure to do these things when you come by – it can be very easy to want to use the time to catch up! Stay focused on your gift.
Give the Gift of Inclusion
This is a reminder to give the gift of inclusion. Many parents feel their child is overlooked at gatherings. Often, it’s because they lack knowledge of how to interact with a child with needs. It’s this simple—just try! Approach our child, say hello, and have a conversation, even if it’s one-sided. In the corner of the room, you may see our eyes well up with tears. This is how much this means to us!
Don’t miss our other Rare Parenting Shopping Lists for more great gift ideas!
