Birthday Present for 8 Yr Old Special Needs Girl

Actually nail polishing and applying makeup ARE fine motor activties.

As a special needs parent DO know that a lot of friends/family... even when *asked* to be getting FUN stuff for xmas & bdays, don't. They get educational or occupational therapy stuff. :( Special needs kids are still KIDS, and often lack a lot of *light up and smile!* gifts because their parents have tp spend through the nose for educational/occupational/therapies...and those parents often *count/hope* for the cheap/fun dtuff that they just can't afford. Even though people are well meaning / think thst thst frees up money for the parents to buy things like nail polish...it really doesn't... because the list of really needed gets followed by a 'still needed' & 'really should get" list.

So if she's asked for makeup or nail polish....PLEASE get those :)

I teach Special Needs and I think your neighbors are looking at it the wrong way. Sometimes you have to take your teacher hat off and look at it from another perspective.

That said, applying makeup, doing nails and putting together arts/crafts are fine motor activities and if it is what she enjoys....it is what she should get.

I would go to Michael's or some other craft store and find a craft kit for her to do. Maybe one that has a project to put together or a coloring/painting one (like those fuzzy posters that you color or paint). Another idea is to go to Target or Walmart and find a really cute kid makeup kit that she can use to do her makeup. If she likes doing nails, you could also get her some stuff to do that....like polish, nail stickers, etc.

Kids with Special Needs do need to practice their skills much more than their peers, BUT they are still kids and deserve to have gifts and treats that reflect their personalities and not always their disabilities. When I purchase gifts for my students, I always get something that reflects their likes/hobbies and personalities.

You could do as beauty basket (even a basket from the Target dollar bins) and fill it with fun things. Nail polish, lip gloss, hair barrettes, Etc. The bottom of the basket could be funny socks or maybe a fall scarf.

Could you get her some arts and crafts that she wouldn't need help from her mom? Maybe a puzzle? That way it's something she could do on her own? Instead of make up you could get chap stick and stuff...Bonnie Bell has so many and there are variety packs, etc.

Maybe a light up makeup mirror. You could even use stickers or paint to decorate the frame with her name, stars, hearts etc..

How about a painting apron? Have her name put on it.

I've seen kits at arts and crafts stores or toy stores with everything you need to make your own necklaces and bracelets and such. She might like that.

:)

I agree with Riley. She probably gets enough educational stuff and would just like some fun stuff. They sell make up sets for kids, and there should be plenty of arts and crafty stuff. Try the Alex line. You can find it at Target or Michaels.

What about Moon Sand?
My kids love that.

Just get her what she likes.

My cousin has a Down's son. They do everything with him and he even partakes in acting... in community plays. And he likes playing dress up and pretend play.
They do FUN things with him.

Google fine motor skills and what that means. You'll have so much inspiration!

I get kids PJs for their birthday present. How about something with the Princesses or Hello Kitty, etc. Target has some that are around $10. Parents like that it's not "one more toy" and the kids enjoy them too.