How to Buy Gifts for a Child with Special Needs
Ideas for Choosing Age and Developmentally Appropriate Presents
Nov 8, 2008
As the holidays approach, finding the perfect gift for everyone on the list can be a challenge, especially if one of the children on the list has special needs. This list can assist shoppers in how to buy the perfect gift for a child with a disability.
Think about the Child’s Age
Begin by considering gifts that fit the age of the child. Watching TV ads, visiting a toy store, reading reviews on the internet, and talking with parents of children in the child’s age range will help. People whose children are grown or those who do not yet have children may be surprised to see the gifts that are popular for a given age group. It is easy to forget or falsely assume what a child of a particular age may be hoping to receive.
Think about the Child’s Interests
Beyond the child’s age, the child’s interests will also influence what is appropriate. A child who is active and loves sports will want something different that the child who loves to draw or who is obsessed with animals. The child’s parents will be able to offer suggestions about the child’s interests.
Think about the Child’s Developmental Level
This is the step that truly addresses the child’s special needs. A child may be approaching her teen years and may be very interested in horses, yet as a child with Down syndrome she may have the developmental level of a preschooler. A chapter book that takes place on a horse ranch would obviously not be the best gift choice. However, she might love horse figurines that could be displayed in her room or a videotape about horses.
Another consideration of the child’s developmental level is her physical development. Again, think about a tweenage child who loves horses. Perhaps her mental development is close to her age, but she is confined to a wheelchair due to a physical handicap. She might love an article of clothing with a horse design or a horse calendar.
Consult Those Who Know the Child Best
Knowing the child’s developmental levels can be difficult. Consulting the child’s parents can be helpful. Parents who are searching for those perfect gifts might talk to the child’s teacher or therapists for gift sources and ideas to meet the unique needs of the child.
Give with a Gift Receipt
Including a gift receipt is a good practice. Assure the child’s parents that it is okay to return or exchange a gift if it does not fit the child’s interests and needs.
Finding the right gift for a child with a disability is not impossible. Taking a few extra steps of pre-shopping planning can bring a smile to that child’s face as she unwraps the perfect present.
 |
