Special needs adults have a harder time finding gifts that they’ll enjoy, so we’ve compiled a list of great gifts to make it easier! These are just a few suggestions, but be sure to check out the full article for more ideas.
One thing that most of these have in common is the ability to help people with special needs develop independence. That’s what this gift guide is all about: empowering people with special needs to do things on their own and feel confident in their abilities.
But if you’ve searched for “gifts for special needs children or adults,” you’ve likely found a whole lot of toys and not much else. And while toys can be great gifts, they might not be the most appropriate gifts for a grown-up (although we do offer plenty of toys that are perfect for all ages).
Fortunately, we have some suggestions for gifts that are perfect for special needs adults who need to get from point A to point B on their own. We’ve scoured our site for products that will help the special needs adult in your life be more independent and manage his or her daily life with dignity and grace.
If you have a special needs adult in your life, the challenge of finding them a perfect gift can seem especially daunting. But this guide will show you that there are plenty of options out there! You just need to know where to start. In fact, finding the right gift for someone with special needs can be an opportunity to get creative and try something new.
Shopping for special needs adults can be a challenge. As much as we’d like to think that the way we shop and what we shop for has changed dramatically, the reality is that most stores still cater to the “average” person, with the expectation that they have average capabilities and interests.
This is especially true when you’re shopping for an adult with physical or cognitive challenges. Many of these people have been using the same tools their entire lives. And while it’s great that many adaptive products are now easier to find and less stigmatizing than they used to be, it can still be difficult to find gifts that feel truly suited to a particular adult’s personality.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fantastic gifts for special needs adults. These gifts are designed to help make life more convenient or enjoyable for adults who face physical or cognitive challenges. But they’re also just plain cool—and if you know someone with special needs in your life, we’re sure they’ll love them.
The holidays are often a tough time for families of special needs adults, who may not be able to participate in the same ways that other family members can. That’s why we’ve put together this list of gifts for special needs adults, so if you’re looking for something to get your loved one, we’ve got a few ideas:
- An electric toothbrush
Some special needs adults have trouble managing their personal hygiene and dental care is no exception. An electric toothbrush can make it easier to get those pearly whites clean, especially when you don’t have the manual dexterity to do so effectively.
- Fidgets
Fidget toys are great for anyone with sensory processing disorders, or anyone who just has trouble sitting still! Get your loved one a sensory fidget toy like a slime ball or a stress ball and watch them keep their hands busy while they feel calmer and more focused.
- A watch with an alarm
Special needs adults may need reminders throughout the day about appointments or tasks that need completing—like taking medication or eating lunch—and a simple watch with an alarm can go a long way in helping them stay on top of things.
- A weighted blanket
Weighted blankets can be great for adults with autism or ADHD—the gentle pressure of the blanket can help soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation and calmer behavior. When shopping for a weighted blanket, look for one that is 10% of your loved one’s body weight. They usually come in sizes like twin, queen, or king, though you may need to purchase two for someone who is particularly tall or wide.
- A motion sickness bracelet
Motion sickness is a common problem in those who have difficulty processing stimuli from their environment; it can cause nausea as well as headaches and dizziness.