If you’re buying for a child with special needs, it’s important to be thoughtful about what gifts you give. Not only do you want to take into account any medical conditions or other challenges that your child has, but you’ll want to consider their age, interests, and developmental stage as well. You’ll also want to make sure that the item is safe and appropriate for the child.
It’s not easy to shop for a child with special needs. Some families are on strict diets; others have special requirements around noise, light, and movement. You want to give them something they’ll enjoy and get excited about, but you don’t want to make a mistake that’ll be uncomfortable or even dangerous for the child. Here’s a list of some gifts that are great for kids with special needs:
- Inflatable trampoline
The trampoline is quiet and soft, but also gets kids moving in a fun way. It won’t set off any senses that might be sensitive, and it can’t cause injuries the way a normal trampoline could.
- Sensory toys
Sensory toys are designed to stimulate one or more of your senses in a fun way. They’re all safe and comfortable, so children can play with them without fear of getting hurt or overwhelmed. Some examples: Scented slime (smell), Fidget cubes (touch), Flashlight tag game (sight), Sand art (sight + touch), Light-up wand (sight + touch).
- Gift cards to their favorite restaurant
Everybody loves food! But as we mentioned above, sometimes families have dietary restrictions due to allergies or other health concerns.
This list of gifts for children with special needs are designed to meet the needs of kids who are often overlooked by mass-market products. Whether it’s a toy that helps develop fine motor skills or a sensory bed that allows your child to sleep soundly and safely, you’ll find something here that will help your child live their best life.
This is the age at which children begin learning about their immediate environment and how they can interact with it. Look for things that they can safely grab, explore, and mouth—such as the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker . A walker like this one is excellent because it’s durable and entertaining, but also encourages gross motor skills development.
When it comes to buying gifts for children with special needs, the most important thing to remember is that each child is different. You want to avoid toys that might cause frustration or confusion, so that the child can play without getting upset or overwhelmed. You also want to make sure that you’re getting the child something special—something that he or she will love and enjoy.
It’s important to learn about the child with special needs and their interests when buying a gift. Talk to the parents about what the child enjoys most and their favourite activities, then choose a gift related to one of their interests.
For infants, sensory development is very important. Not only will toys that have various textures help to keep their attention longer, but they will also help in developing motor skills. For children with cerebral palsy or other developmental delays, making sure that there are plenty of activities available to help them learn and grow is essential.
For toddlers and older children, consider their interests and needs when choosing a gift. For example, certain toys may be too difficult for them to use by themselves without assistance depending on their limitations. If you plan on giving a toy such as this as a gift, make sure to include parents or caregivers in your search so they can make sure that the child you’re shopping for will be able to use it safely by themselves.