22 Gift Ideas for Kids with Special Needs

Under $15

1. Sammons Preston Therapy Putty

Putty is fun to play with! Stretching, squeezing, twisting, rolling, smashing, pulling, cutting, shaping, molding, and making the possible uses are endless. And while your child plays with therapy putty, like Sammons Preston Therapy Putty, they are also strengthening their hands and improving their fine motor skills. This makes it an excellent gift for children who are visually impaired or blind or any child who needs to work on their fine motor skills.

The colorful putty comes in six different colors and resistance levels. If you’re looking for a new fun game, hide small plastic toys in the putty. Your child will enjoy working to uncover Batman, Thomas the Train, or whoever their favorite character is and will be working their hands at the same time. Putty is a fun tool that also offers the sensory input some children with autism crave.

Under $25

2. Adaptive Art Tools

All children like to be creative, but not all children have the fine motor skills for drawing or painting independently. These Adaptive Art Tools can be used left or right-handed, making them a great choice for all children, including those who haven’t decided on a dominant hand.

The Universal Art Tool Holder has a cuff that goes over your child’s hand and a palmar pocket that holds the tool in place for painting or drawing. The T-Bar Brush Holder can be used for paint brushes or crayons. The large handle is easier to grasp and hold than skinny crayons.

3. TheraBand Resistance Band Beginner Kit 

Less of a toy, but a bit more practical, TheraBand Resistance Bands are great tools for strengthening muscles. This set includes three bands with resistance levels from 3 lbs. to 4.6 lbs.

Perfect for physical therapy, the bands can be used for bicep curls, lateral raises, hip extension and abduction chest presses, and squats, and other upper and lower extremity exercises. Plus, they are easy to store when not in use.

4. Plastic Scooter Board

Scooters have always been a favorite toy in gym class. They are also used in physical and occupational therapy. Fun for kids, the boards help build gross motor skills and core strength. Kids can scoot while lying on their belly or sitting cross-legged on the board. They can be used for at-home therapy, if recommended by your therapist.

Scooter boards can also be used for sensory input. They give vestibular input to children who seek sensory input. The boards can also be used to work on sensory integration skills in children who are sensitive to movement.

Looking for ways to get started? Your child can get started by doing timed races on the scooter board. They can also lay on the board and scoot from one location to pick up a puzzle piece to another location to put it together as part of the puzzle. The puzzle activity works fine and gross motor skills at the same time.

Or have your child sit on the board and scoot around collecting stuffed animals placed throughout the room to deliver them to another location (like a box decorated to be the animals’ home). The boards are a great choice for children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism, or physical disabilities.

5. Rolyan Energizing Exercise Ball

Exercise balls are fun to bounce or roll on while practicing motor and balance skills. The Rolyan Energizing Exercise Ball is perfect for at home play and can also be used during physical therapy. With a variety of sizes, you can choose the one that’s right for your child or teen.

6. Tactile Sensory Ball

If your child needs to improve their hand-eye coordination, consider this toy. The bright yellow tactile sensory ball offers sensory input during play.

Choose the 4″ ball for a size that’s perfect for little hands to hold and roll. The larger 8.5″ ball is easier for children with poor coordination to catch.

7. Pattern Blocks & Boards

Pattern Blocks help children improve their spatial skills, and yes, as the name suggests, also helps them with pattern making. This toy includes ten pattern cards and over 100 blocks for hours of play time. The brightly colored blocks can also be used for color and shape recognition.

Your child can even create their own patterns. All you need is blank paper and a pencil. Your child can trace the shapes to create random new patterns or work on creating a specific image, building their fine motor skills and their imagination at the same time.

8. Easy Grip Pegs/Boards

Designed for developing fine motor and grasping skills, the brightly colored pegs and board captivate children. The large pegs are easier to hold when picking them up and placing them in the flexible board. The pegs can also be stacked to create towers.

For an added challenge, ask your child to place or stack the pegs in a certain color pattern. Or use plastic tweezers to place the pegs and really work their fine motor skills.

Under $40

9. Bead Sequencing Set

The large wooden beads in this bead sequencing set are easy to grasp, making them a great toy for children who struggle with fine motor skills. Your child can start by picking up the beads and sorting them into piles by color or shape. As their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination improve, the beads can be placed on the dowel rods. Your child can use the pattern cards to recreate the pattern.

Or play together by having your child complete a pattern on the dowel rod and then recreating the pattern yourself. Then your child can work to recreate a pattern you make. You can start small saying “one red” and you slide it on the dowel and waiting for your child to copy you before moving on “one orange”.

Add additional colors to increase the challenge, then move onto specific shapes, “one red square”. Eventually, create a pattern first and then hand it to your child and let them figure out how to copy it on their own (with prompting as needed).

10. TheraBand Stability Disc

This inflated disc is a great tool to use for sensory input while sitting. The wobble disc offers vestibular input and allows for seated fidgeting, which help some children focus better while doing schoolwork, eating dinner, or watching TV.

If your child needs additional input, the Senseez Pediatric Vibrating Pillow could give them the sensory input they crave. The vibration helps some children soothe and regulate their body.

Under $100

11. Tumble Forms 2 Weighted Critter

These weighted critters are designed for children with ADHD or SID (sensory integration disorder). The critters can be placed on the child’s lap or around their shoulders to offer proprioceptive input and pressure to help the child stay still and focused.

You can choose between a caterpillar, butterfly, dinosaur or whale. Each colorful critter weighs either 2 or 2.5 pounds. These critters are made from steel shot encased in stain-resistant, flame-retardant material.

12. Tumble Forms 2 Weighted Blankets

If your child prefers weight on their full body, a calming weighted blanket might be a better gift. The proprioceptive weight helps many children with autism, ADHD, SID, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs stay calm as they reduce stress, increase focus, and help your child stay grounded. Choose between a small or large blanket and then pick a weight set (sets of four weights, either ½, 1, or 2 lbs.).

If your child will be using the weighted aid during activities, like homework, a weighted vest might be a better option because it leaves their hands free.

13. Snug Hug

Some children find pressure more soothing than weight. The Snug Hug Sensory Solution combines a pressure wrap with a soft fleece blanket. You can also purchase each piece individually.

These are often a good option for children who love the sensation of being hugged or squished. The pressure may help reduce the child’s response to stimulus that is causing frustration or anxiety. The Snug Hug’s proprioceptive input means that it might be a good choice for children with autism or ADHD.

14. Chair Cube

Give your child the gift of a chair that’s just their size. The Chair Cube can be used with a 6” or 9” seat height. The cubes can also be used as tables or stacked for gross motor fun. Perfect for little ones who need their feet to reach the ground, the chairs can be used for dining, activities, or make believe play.

15. Jelly Bean Twist Adaptive Button Switch

Limited mobility or coordination can make it difficult for your child to play with their favorite toys independently. A large button switch, like the Jelly Bean Twist, lets your child control battery-operated toys or toys that plug in. It activates no matter where the switch is touched.

Your child can choose the button color they like best, thanks to the removable switch tops (red, green, yellow, and blue). Battery-operated toys require a Battery Adaptor/Interrupter while electrical devices require a Powerlink 4 for use.

Under $200

16. Mini Trampoline

If your child has a lot of energy and needs vestibular input, a Mini Trampoline could be the perfect gift. Your eager jumper can enjoy heavy work and use up some energy with this ‘nap maker’. The mini trampoline is a great outlet for energy on rainy nights, before bed, or anytime your little one would like to do some jumping.

The height adjustable handle gives your child a spot to hold onto as they work to strengthen their gross motor skills, strengthen their muscles, and improve their coordination. It has a weight capacity of 75 pounds.

Older larger children may enjoy some of our other trampoline options. This economical trampoline has a 250 pound weight limit, but lacks a handle. This makes it a great choice for children who don’t need the extra support. A pricier option, the Mono Trampoline, has a handle and a padded cushion around the jump area with a high rear edge to offer the utmost in safety. This trampoline has a 130 pound weight capacity.

17. Soft Balance Beam

A Balance Beam is perfect for perfecting balance skills in children with poor coordination. It’s also an excellent “tightrope” for circus performers during pretend play, a fun item to add to an obstacle course, and a great tool for gymnastics practice. This soft beam and wide base make it the perfect learning balance beam for young children.

18. Spin Disc

This Spin Disc is sure to be a favorite toy for children who crave movement or are sensory seeking. Your child can sit, kneel, or lie down on the large disc (26”W x 24”L) for spinning fun. The disc offers 360° rotary movement and can be used indoors or outdoors. Work on balance, coordination, or gross motor skills using this disc with your child.

This toy would make a great gift for a child with SPD (sensory processing disorder) or autism who crave movement. Just a little upper body movement/leaning will rotate the disc giving your child the vestibular input that they need. It’s a great toy that can be shared with siblings or friends, with a weight capacity of 125 pounds.

19. Special High Back Swing Seat

Adaptive swings allow children who need extra support and body positioning enjoy swinging. This high back swing can be attached to an indoor or outdoor swing frame (not included) allowing it to be used inside on rainy days or added to an existing swing set. Snap buckles hold the child in place for safety during use.

When purchasing, you can choose to buy a headrest or leg extension for the seat for extra support. Available in two sizes (children and teens), you can choose a seat with or without a pommel to fit your child’s needs. It can be used for swing therapy for children with sensory integration issues or sensory processing disorders, and those that need vestibular input.

20. Sensory Pressure Vest

This non-weighted deep pressure vest helps calm children with autism, ADD, SID and ADHD. The vest applies constant pressure to the trunk helping children cope with anxiety, prevent sensory overload, decrease restlessness, and improve concentration and focus. It can be worn at school, while doing homework, in stressful situations, or in crowded, over-stimulating environments.

21. Crash Pad

If you have a child who likes jumping on the bed or crashing onto couches, protect your child and your furniture with this Crash Pad. Packed with foam and covered in rip-stop nylon, the pad is designed to withstand jumping, bouncing, tumbling, and crashing while reducing your child’s risk of injury. It’s the perfect tool for trying new walking, motor planning and balance activities by offering a safe place to land.

The comfy pad can also be used as a large bean bag for cuddling up to read, rest, sit, relax, or cuddle. Choose between two different sizes, both of which can be wiped clean and disinfected.

22. Pop-Up Tunnel

Tunnels make working on crawling skills more fun! It builds gross motor skills and strengthens core muscles. A tunnel can also be used as a quiet hideaway for children who are sensory-sensitive. Multiple tunnels can be combined to create a longer tunnel. The collapsible tunnel is easy to store or take for on-the-go use.

Wrapping Your Gift & Opening Presents Tips

• Make sure you have batteries for your child’s toys, if needed.
• Assemble the toy beforehand so your child doesn’t need to wait.
• If your child struggles to unwrap gifts, put them in gift bags with a couple pieces of tissue paper instead.
• If it is too stressful or overwhelming for your child to open all of their gifts in one day, spread out the gift opening time (do some on Christmas Eve, throughout Christmas Day, and even the following days if needed or let your child open one gift on each night of Hanukkah)

Original Source: https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/22-gift-ideas-for-kids-with-special-needs