OT-approved Christmas Gifts for Kids

Christmas is right around the corner and if you haven’t already started buying you’re probably getting pretty close. We all have people who are a little hard to buy for and buying gifts for a child with special needs can be tricky, whether you’re the parent or just a loved one wanting to give a special gift. As a therapist, I have found finding toys that are not only age-appropriate but also developmentally appropriate and accessible can be hard! You want the child to not only benefit from the gift but also genuinely enjoy it. I personally think it’s very important to keep toys as age-appropriate as possible and this can be difficult when the motor skills are significantly lower than the cognitive level. When buying for someone with special needs try to think of what they are able to do but also what they are working on improving. As a parent, you can find items that will help improve current therapy goals, and as a friend or loved one touch base with the parent and what would be beneficial and meaningful. Sometimes the simplest gifts make the biggest impacts. Here is a Christmas gift guide addressing different areas to help you come up with the perfect gift!