Holiday Gift Guide for Children of All Abilities

The first question you might ask yourself when thinking of the perfect gift for a kiddo in your life may be what would they LOVE to receive. Your second thought may be what they need. When considering a child with special needs it is important to consider their developmental needs as well. Any child, whether or not they have special needs, has particular strengths and weaknesses. So, although this guide is geared toward developmental skills most commonly targeted for kids with special needs, I think you'll find that these gifts will be both loved and cherished, and also educational and helpful for kids of all ages and abilities.

By the way, this post has been guest written by BayAreaAutismMom and we're excited for her to share her knowledge about special needs parenting. She's a Bay Area mama as well and we hope you'll enjoy this new perspective!

Age Appropriate Gifts

When considering a child I like to consider his or her specific needs and interests as an individual, rather than age. Every child has different strengths, weaknesses and interests and as we adults like to say, age is only a number. My preschool son loves playing with calming toys like stacking blocks and train sets. Also, his favorite book is a kindergarten-1st grade Bob Books workbook and is reading 2nd grade level Paw Patrol books. Although he loves books and is reading and writing above age-level, it's not his area of greatest need. When considering gifts I often want to find ones that will offer enrichment on many levels and can be played with in different ways, extending the learning and the length of time that your child will enjoy the gift.

Calming Gifts

The world can be really overwhelming sometimes. Giving a gift that calms or offers relief from stress and anxiety is always welcome. Pretty sure all of these items can be enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages and abilities!

• Sand box

• Kinetic sand

• Play foam

• Play-doh

• Therapy swing

• Energy kinetic spring toy

• 3D LED light

• Lava lamp

• Mermaid flip sequin pillow

• Mermaid sequin slap bracelet

• Bean bag chair

• Weighted blanket

Sensory Gifts

Many of the above gifts are also wonderful for sensory needs. Here are a few more, some that you may not be as familiar with.

• Sensory floor mat

• Hammock pod chair

• Pin art

• Aquapod

• Water gel beads

• Sensory table

• Fiber optic light curtain

Cause and Effect Toys

Practicing understanding cause and effect, consequences, and paying attention, are skills all kids need to work on. Here are few favorite toys that help with these skills.

• Stringy stress ball

• Marble run set

• Jacob's ladder

• Slinky

Fidget Toys

We're all familiar with the fidget spinner, but have you seen these? Some very fun alternatives that can be bought in multiples for when these small items get misplaced. ;)

• Tangle

• Fidget snake

• Stretchy strings

• Marble fidget

• Pop toob

Language Building Gifts

This is an interesting category as the items below do also require some support to really help build language. The LeapFrog system will keep a kiddo occupied for hours!

• Echo microphone

• Bob Books

• Sentence flips toy

• Phonics cards

• Sign-language cards

• LeapFrog LeapStart learning program

Toys that Support Fine Motor Skills

The less-known Theraputty is a putty that comes in different colors and strengths according to a person's finger strengthening needs. While not expensive, it's both a fun putty to play with and very useful as an occupational therapy tool. Many of the items below we discovered through OT.

• Theraputty

• Popper toy

• Legos

• Duplos

• Puzzles

• Lite Brite

• Design and drill activity center

• Lacing toys

• Jumbo nuts and bolts

Toys that Support Gross Motor Skills

We hav eto get our kids moving and here are a few ideas of how. The Plasma Car supports adult weights so check it out. I've been enjoying ours for years. Makes you feel like a kid again!

• Teeter toy

• Spin n saucer

• Balance bike

• Plasma car

• Balance beam

• Scooter

• Scooter board

Gifts that Support School Skills

A little extra help can go a long way. Why not give the gift of learning and support what they're doing in school?!

• Write and learn center

• Aqua magic mat

• Magnetic drawing board

• Wipe-clean letter book

• Reading and writing workbook

• Level-appropriate book

• Rainbow counting bears

• Math flash cards

• Time activity set

Gifts that Support Social Skills

Playing games is a great way to practice turn-taking, patience, and following directions. Here are a few faves!

• Jenga

• Domino train toy

• Board game

• Memory match game

• Play tent

Gift an Experience

How about passes or a membership to a nearby museum or play place? If you're in the bay area, a few favorites include:

• SF and Oakland zoo

  • Outdoor fun to get some fresh air, see animals, explore the different sounds and smells, and even take classes

• Peek-a-boo Factory

  • Just the right size for many families, this play place isn't so big it's overwhelming and the structure is large enough for a parent to support their child through relatively easily. There is also only one way in and out, which helps for those kids who have a tendency to elope.

• California Academy of Sciences

  • Best on weekdays when it isn't quite as crowded, the aquarium is so calming and tranquil, the touch pool is great for those sensory-averse to practice getting out of their comfort zone, and the special exhibits are always perfect for learning new things.

• The Exploratorium

  • This museum is so huge you almost can't see the entire place in one visit. A huge indoor space and some outdoor. There is something for kids of every age. My child likes to just sit and watch the waves roll by on the tv monitors.

• Bay Area Discovery Museum

  • Over 7k acres of indoor and outdoor fun that is so creative and always changing. My favorite feature is that they provide helpful pointers on the walls to help parents interact with the exhibits with their kids.

• Children's Discovery Museum

  • What kid doesn't love to sit in a real ambulance. They even have Afternoons for All Abilities the second Tuesday of every month!

• CuriOdyssey

  • A smaller museum that is much more accessible and tolerable to those who can become overwhelmed by crowds and noise. The IlluminOdyssey exhibit is currently up, and comes around every winter, and is such a colorful, bright exhibit.

• Sky High Sports

  • Kids getting out their energy is every parent's dream. This is also a wonderful place for sensory seekers, climbers, and there's an "8 and under" area for those more timid jumpers.

I hope you enjoyed my suggestions. To shop more games, toys, and other great gifts check out my Amazon Idea List. To read more from me check out bayareaautismmom.com.

Happy holiday gift shopping!