Questions?
Buying gifts for children with cerebral palsy do not have to be a guessing game. With a little research and some basic knowledge of the child’s preferences, you can find the perfect holiday gift. Adaptive toys and educational products can be highly beneficial to children with cerebral palsy. Read our holiday gift guide to learn how to pick out a holiday gift for your loved one.
Benefits of Cerebral Palsy Gifts
Children with cerebral palsy may have different needs when it comes to development. The best toys for children with cerebral palsy may need to be specifically designed to help with motor skills and cognitive development.
Fortunately, many adaptive toys make great gifts for children with cerebral palsy. Toys should be challenging without frustrating the child.
Repetitive play helps the brain rewire itself. With consistent stimulation, the pathways to undamaged areas of the brain make skills easier over time.
Adaptive toys also help children with cerebral palsy with their physical, mental, and emotional development. These toys can help children with special needs reach milestones and practice different motor skills.
How to Pick a Gift For a Child With Cerebral Palsy
There are important things to consider when choosing a gift for a child with cerebral palsy. Since many children with cerebral palsy may be delayed developmentally, you want to make sure the gift aligns with the child’s developmental stage.
It is also helpful to base gifts on their particular interests. For example, if a child loves cats, find toys or games that feature kittens or cats.
When buying gifts for children with cerebral palsy, it is important to remember that many of today’s more popular toys require fine motor skills. It is best to avoid this type of toy, as they may prove to be too tricky to be enjoyable.
To follow are some helpful tips that can take some of the guesswork out of buying gifts:
- Avoid toys that could be triggering, i.e., don’t buy loud toys if they’re sensitive to noise
- Choose interactive toys to encourage socialization with others
- Focus on the child’s interests
- Look for gifts that will expand on their existing interests, such as buying kinetic sand for a child who likes PlayDoh
- Look for gifts with extra-large switches and enhanced grips to refine motor skills
- Make sure the gift is both age and development appropriate
It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for children with cerebral palsy, but with some thought, you can find something that is sure to be a hit.
Gift Ideas for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Consider developmental stage, interests, and any safety concerns when buying gifts for children with cerebral palsy. From there, the sky’s the limit. To follow are some gift ideas to get you started.
Fidget Toys Bundle Sensory Set
Fidget toys are beneficial for most children with special needs, especially for children who have cerebral palsy with coexisting conditions such as autism. These toys help keep hands busy while also providing opportunities to strengthen grip. Learn more here.
Feelings In a Flash: Emotional Intelligence Flashcard Game
These flashcards can help children with cerebral palsy identify what emotions they are feeling. This can help develop emotional intelligence, build confidence, and learn coping skills. Learn more here.
Fold & Go Trampoline
This portable trampoline can help improve balance and strengthen leg muscles. The surface area is small to minimize accidents, and there is a safety rail to help with stability. Learn more here.
Indoor Therapy Swing
This swing can help children with cerebral palsy feel soothed and comforted. The swing also helps with balance, muscle building, and fine motor skill development. Learn more here.
Magformers
These blocks are an alternative to Legos and other building blocks. These magnetic blocks make building easier for children who struggle with putting blocks into place. Learn more here.
WePlay Infinite Loop
This educational toy helps children with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills, coordination, and sequencing ability. It also helps with concentration and timing and is a good choice for children who use wheelchairs. Learn more here.
Where Can I Buy Gifts for Disabled Children?
There are a number of companies that strive to make inclusive and adaptive toys for children with developmental delays and disabilities. The best cerebral palsy toy companies enlist the help of specialists and therapists to ensure their products are beneficial.
These stores provide toys and educational products for children with special needs:
- Enabling Devices
- eSpecial Needs
- Fat Brain Toys
- Fun & Function
- Melissa & Doug
- Playability Toys
- TFH Special Needs Toys
Finding adaptive toys for children with cerebral palsy is easy to do with a bit of research and thought. Taking the time to find an appropriate gift for your loved one with cerebral palsy is a great way to enjoy the holidays together.
