Gift Idesa for a Friend with a Special Needs Child

My favorite gift idea for any child is a book. My nephew is severely handicapped, and he can't read the books, but his mom can. He loves the time he gets with her when she reads to him. You could also find one of the indestructible types of books if you want her to be able to use it. Books are always great gifts!

I would try to find toys that not only have meaning, but might help her develop in certain areas (marked in parens beside suggestions). Before making any purchase, though, I would talk to mom to make sure there are no sensory integration dysfunctions, either. Some children with disabilities are hypersensitive to other things, like sound or texture. (If you want to surprise everyone, then get a gift receipt so parents can exchange it.) Here are some suggestions:
1) A stuffed animal (language)
2) An American Girl doll & book (language & literacy, parents can read to her while she holds doll or brushes her hair)
3) Baby Alive (social and language)
4) Finger paints set with canvas pack (Walmart)(fine motor skills)
5) Playdough set (fine motor skills)
6) Large print books or Books on tape (processing)--sometimes you can find large print books at the library. Some might be for sale for literally pennies. Try also Borders or other chains.
7) Finger puppets (fine motor, language & social)
8) A recorder and a classical music CD
9) (found at Hallmark one year) a stuffed animal that moves with batteries. A sleeping puppy in a basket. Not sure if it's still available, because it could have been a holiday special, but I bought one for teenage cousins, once for Christmas. They thought it was cute.
10) a children's CD: like Sue Trainor, Music with Milkshake, or the Wiggles.
11) Crayola magic markers (colorless until it hits the paper) and coloring pad sets.

Hi V.,
I know this is a little late, however, I thought about a music box. One that has a princess or another figure going around as the music plays. She may enjoy hearing the music and watching the figure as it goes around.

All little girls love to be fancy. Give her nail polish and hair bows, and lip gloss - assuming mom is okay with "make-up." Similarly, bubble bath and lotions if they aren't physically a problem. I would think that being in a wheel chair, enouraging physical touch and sensations would be very important to her.

Also, do they decorate her wheel chair? I went to school with a little boy who had bike streamers and a flag on his wheelchair. But I also know some people say to focus on the child not the device, so it really would depend on the parents' perspective.

I also love when people give my daughter music cds, especially unique ones. Maybe audio books?

V.,

I am a mom with three children with special needs ranging from autism to epilepsy. Many of our friends and family are always in the same boat not knowing what to give my children. I'm not a mother that tells people what I need, but sometimes a mom with special needs would love to have their child. Maybe contacting the parents Occupational or Speech Therapist and pay part of a co-payment. Contribute to the MS Society in honor of the child. Or combine with another friend or family member to pay for a piece of equipment the child may need. If I can be of any assistance feel free to contact me.

J. Z.
Shaklee Independent Distributor
www.shaklee.net/Z.
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One question: do you want it to be meaningful for her, or her mom? The most meaningful gift I ever got was that my brother had a star named after my daughter. She doesn't really understand it yet, but I cried my eyes out. Now my daughter will always be a star! Plus you can get stuffed animals, and other gifts that go with it right from the website.

www.starregistry.com

My neighbor's son has MS and is confined to a wheelchair. He just turned 26 and has the mentality of a 7 month old. He has the ability to hold light objects and move his arms slightly and loves to play with things that make noise like a rattle. If she does not have the ability to hold anything, perhaps a CD of nice lullabyes or classical music? Something soft and soothing.

Here are some of the things I have given my handicapped nephew over the years: Sheepskin slippers, beach towels, CD's of nature sounds, hats, things for his room, movies. Another thought, Tickets to see a childrens theater if you have one.

How about books, or a movie DVD? Or music CD Or, movie passes (if you think that is an option).

You could also do a mini scrap book of pictures you have of her.

You're a good friend.

Hi V.,
Here are some things that I thought of. I hope at least one is useful.
-- precious moments Birthday train figurines. Each year you get the next car in the train. It works for like 16 years + when they are born so 17 all together. The engine is a bear for newborn baby, age 1 is a lamb, age 2 is a seal, etc. Here is a link to the precious moments website where all of them are displayed. http://www.preciousmomentsonline.com/index.asp?PageAction...
They are available in most Hallmark stores and online.
-- a gift certificate to Toys R Us.
-- a gift certificate to the little girl's favorite food place. My son loves to get gift cards to Subway and Micky Ds.
-- Ribbons, barrettes, and bracelets are always good.
-- a new comforter or bed sheets? or Pillows?
-- a fleece blanket with her fav. character on it. My kids love fleece blankets.
-- room decorations? Posters, string of lights, mirror stickers...
-- Any of the following DVDs. Thomas the Tank - kids LOVE Thomas; Clifford; Micky Mouse Clubhouse; Little Einstiens.
Good luck.
M.

Hi V.,

I used to teach special education students and although I don't HAVE a child with special needs, I can try to help. I know that the students I worked with loved music and visual stimulation. You could maybe get her some sort of small CD player?? Maybe make a CD of some of her favorite songs. Just ask mom what she likes!

My husband works with special needs children at our church. He gives parents a break while they go enjoy the service...and that's a great service to them. You may want to not only find something to make the child happy, but also the worn out mom:)
I wonder if she could use a spa day, a little goodie bag w/ samples and bath salts, something to make her feel pampered...just a thought.
For the daughter, the children my husband is around love to play with bright colored balls. If she can hold, throw, catch she'll love some balls in varying sizes.
If she can't hold onto it...something to 'see' like her favorite show/movie or a toy that really visually stimulates that can sit on her wheelchair tray.
Or how about her favorite food or candy? And I don't know any 4 yr old that doesn't love a teddy bear.
Hope this helps,
Blessings,
L.

The first thing that came to mind after reading your question was a gift that was something visual. I was thinking like a lava lamp, or something with princesses. I have an almost 4 yr old and she loves princess everything. Something that the little girl could look at that would be visually stimulating may be good since she can't actually play with toys.

Also, maybe you could give her a princess crown, a wand that makes fairy noises and some fairy princess wings? It's dress-up stuff she could use and have fun with!

I hope that helps!