The holidays are here, and it’s the time of year when parents strive to find the perfect gift for their little one. Finding a gift that a child will treasure and enjoy can be quite a struggle, and it’s even more difficult when a child has special needs. Fortunately, there are many new products out there that are age-appropriate and suitable for different levels of ability. If you’re looking for a gift for a child with special needs, here are some basic guidelines to help you make the right choice.

Choose toys that can increase a child’s self-esteem

For a child with a disability, it is important to have inclusivity and representation in the game to develop their self-esteem, and gender-neutral toys are a great way to achieve this. An example of a toy that encourages inclusive play is a doll. Not only is it a good, gender-neutral toy, but certain dolls allow children to process their own experiences in a positive and healthy way. Children who use a wheelchair may like the Barbie Fashionista Doll # 132 that comes with a wheelchair or the Marvel Education Friends With Diverse Abilities Figure Set. Those who love building things out of blocks will love the Lego City set, which includes figures with wheelchairs as well as an accessible bus. For children with hearing loss, Build A Bear offers accessories like hearing aids for existing dolls and stuffed animals, while the Lottie Doll Wildlife Photographer Doll comes with a cochlear implant.

“The best toys for children with special needs give them a positive and enjoyable gaming experience, whether they are playing alone or with a friend.”

Look for toys that offer sensory stimulation

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often enjoy simple toys that provide sensory stimulation, such as puzzles, blocks, and clay sets. When choosing a gift for a child with autism, avoid anything that can cause over-stimulation, such as: B. Toys with many moving parts or flashing lights. Instead of a remote-controlled car, opt for a simple train set that they can disassemble and slide onto the tracks, or give them hand-painted wooden toy cars. For tactile stimulation there are Play-Doh sets or for a non-sticky alternative there is Educational Insights Playfoam Go, a type of modeling foam that can be shaped into any shape or form. For a fun gift, bubbles are always a hit, as are small stuffed dolls.

The best toys for children with special needs will provide them with a positive and enjoyable gaming experience, whether they are playing alone or with a friend. Keep these tips in mind to help you choose the perfect gift and make playtime even more special for the little ones.

This article was written by guest author Karoline Gore.