Gift Ideas for a Young Child With Down Syndrome

Top Gifts for Kids With Trisomy 21 Ages Birth to Three

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Nov 4, 2009 Honey Denson

Raising a child with Down Syndrome comes with many joys and challenges. If parents are buying a gift for such a child, there are many that are practical, and therapeutic.

Young children with Down Syndrome are very similar to their typical peers. They love toys and books that stimulate their minds and help them explore their world. When it comes to buying a child with Down Syndrome birthday or Christmas gifts, there are several options that will not only bring them joy, but aid them in their development.

Touch and Feel Books

Touch and feel books engage several different senses when they are read to the child. He can see the pictures, feel the textures, and hear the words when the book is read to him. DK Publishing has produced several good touch and feel books. These books can be found at most bookstores or online. This is good gift idea for children of all ages

Lacing Beads

Many children with Down Syndrome have low tone in their hands and therefore have problems with fine motor skills. Lacing beads are a great toy to help them fine tune those skills. Look for lacing beads that are at least one inch in diameter. Try to find beads that are different sizes,shapes, colors, and textures or some that have numbers and letters on them. The goal is to involve as many senses as possible. This is a good gift for a child that is at least one.

Play-Doh

Children with Down Syndrome can have sensory issues and therapists will sometimes use Play-Doh to help them get over it. The children love the bright colors and cutting out shapes with cookie cutters. Parents can encourage their child to squish it in her hands or poke holes in it with her fingers to help with the sensory issues and they can help the child to roll it into balls or snakes to help with fine motor skills. Play-Doh is a great gift for children 18 months to three years.

Push Toys

The average age for a child with Down Syndrome to start walking is two. Some walk before their second birthday, while others may not walk until much later. A push toy could encourage the child to practice walking and offer stability. Find a push toy that makes noise or plays music for extra sensory stimulation. This would be the perfect gift for a child that is 12 months to two years old.

Wooden Puzzles

Find educational wooden puzzles, like those made by Melissa and Doug. Look for ones that teach numbers, letters, animals, cars, shapes, and colors. Buy puzzles that have textures or have sound if you can find them. Wooden puzzles will help them with their fine motor and language skills. This is a great gift for all ages.

Buying a gift for a child with Down Syndrome is just like buying a gift for any other child. Touch and feel books, lacing beads, Play-Doh, push toys and wooden puzzles are great toy choices for such children. With a little extra though, the gift given can not only bring happiness to the child, but it can be therapeutic as well.

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The copyright of the article Gift Ideas for a Young Child With Down Syndrome in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Honey Denson. Permission to republish Gift Ideas for a Young Child With Down Syndrome in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Nov 6, 2009 5:06 AM
Guest :
Very nice post, and great gift ideas!
1 Comment:
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