Buying presents for a child with a disability can be an overwhelming
experience. For a child like mine, with limited verbal skills, lower
than average cognitive abilities, challenging behaviors, and sensory
aversions, it can feel impossible. This is my train of thought when I'm standing in the toy aisle: OH
IT'S SOOO CUUUTE! Will he know what to do with it? How easy is it to
break? Is this one of those toys where I'll have to buy two? Cause
sometimes he only plays with a toy if it comes in a set. All he wants is
a truck, anyway. And then I walk away with nothing. I thought I
would share some of our favorites, both current and from years past,
that are all under $25. In the end, always buy for your child's
developmental age and not their chronological age -- both of you will be
happier.
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| Playskool Busy Gears. Be sure to also check out Busy Poppin' Pals and Poundin' Bedbugs |
My extended family may remember these beads from two years ago at Christmas. Some of the best toys are the simplest.
The bath crayons and board were so nice when Punkin was in his Tearing Paper stage. It encouraged him to work on prewriting skills without the stress of actual paper and pencil.
Nesting cups make noise, but not too much noise, and help develop critical thinking skills.
Melissa and Doug make colorful, easy to grasp wooden puzzles and
innovative shape sorters as well. These blocks were a favorite because
they are very durable (had them for 4 years now) and won't hurt if they
accidentally hit you from across the room. All of the pieces in the food
set are held together with velcro, which I think provides the right
amount of resistance. I've seen my son transfer the skill of being able
to cut this food over to real food. It's a great way to encourage
sharing and independence, too, when you sit down to a pretend meal. And in case the thought of wooden food brings visions of black eyes, they make a felt pizza party set as well.
I'd love to hear your favorites!
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