Inside: With the holidays in a month or so, choose from this list of the best Christmas gifts for kids with special needs, and you will be able to finish your shopping soon to prevent the overwhelm when Christmas is close.
On that Christmas morning some years back, my son almost tripped on his dad, who was still sleeping in the bed. He knew that Santa had something in his stockings and he still had lots of gifts to open.
He hurried down the bed, tiptoed the stairs, and went directly to the Christmas tree. His attention was caught by something and without hesitation, grabbed the Christmas stocking dangling in the wall.
At four, he was grinning from ear to ear counting the chocolates and his eyes sparkled looking at the little Thomas train and the matchbox cars amongst the goodies.
He then begged me if he can open his gifts from us and from other relatives. Before hitting the bed the night before, from the party, he unwrapped some of the presents from his grandparents and only stopped when I told him to wait the next morning on Christmas day, for the others.
Just before midnight, one of the dads in a Santa costume, marched into the living room of the host house and called each family ( we are about 12-15 families ) for a photo and gave a big bag of presents for the kid who is 12 and below.
Boy oh boy, the kiddos screamed with delight and compared the sizes of their gifts with each other and how full their bags were. Without asking their parents, some tore the wrappers as fast as they could and seeing clothes, put them aside. They guessed and hoped there are toys beneath those boxes.
You, as parents of children with special needs, hope to get the best gifts for them. They are usually easy to please and appreciate even the simplest things.
Of course, Christmas is a once-a-year special event and you prepare to get the keepsakes that will get your special one delighted.
These presents will bring cheer to your little ones, as well, help them maximize their potential and develop their skills.
Here we go…
Click the images to see their prices.
Educational toys
Your kids will squeak with delight the first time they open a toy that is talking, emitting sounds, or with flickering lights.
Like this baby hammer toy that triggers light and sound when pounded.
Purchase toys that are educational to enhance their creative minds and develop their communication skills.
This farm wooden puzzle teaches your child to identify farm animals and improve his fine motor skills and imagination.
Surprise your child with a monthly subscription that he will enjoy making with you or with older siblings. This will develop his creativity and imagination.
Click here for choices of craft boxes.
Books
I love giving books as gifts to my nephews and nieces. I believe that books are the best gifts if you want them to enjoy reading as they grow up.
Reading to your special child is a very good bonding time as well, next to playing with them.
Before going to sleep, when you lie side by side in bed, reading to them their favorite book enhances their imagination and encourages them to be inquisitive.
Even if they are non-verbal, I’m sure they are able to understand in their own little way what you are reading to them, especially if you make your reading more enjoyable by acting out the story, like voicing out animals’ sounds.
First word books or alphabet books like these are informative and with beautiful images, they will inspire your kids to read them a million times.
For older kids, these storybooks would be a hit.
Love You Forever is my most favorite kids’ book.
It tells the story of a mother’s love for her son from birth to forever. This publication truly touches a mom’s heart, makes her recall with fondness his growing up years, and lets her beam with pride when he became a caring dad.
It’s so beautiful! I treasure this book and I don’t mind reading it every. single. time.
Musical instruments
Your special kid becomes jolly, more focused, and developShops his language skills by playing music.
A single musical instrument that he loves and plays daily will improve everyone’s mood around the house.
For a special girl who loves to sing, this karaoke set is the best gift. You will enjoy hearing the angelic voice of your daughter even though her lyrics have some funny twists.
[amazon fields=”B01ITCNWC8″ value=”thumb”]
Writing and Coloring Materials
Discover the creative imagination of your special kid by giving him materials that he can use to draw and doodle.
Give him lots of crayons and colored pencils with paper. Let your special child practice to grip the writing materials and encourage him to just scribble those lines and circles.
Let him use all the colors so he can explore his writing and artistic skills, likewise identify colors.
Appreciate him and display his works of art – put them in your fridge or in the wall in his room.
For older kids, a coloring book is an awesome present.
Don’t forget these large crayons with 16 colors to cultivate your special child’s clever pursuits.[amazon fields=”B005NF3R7U” value=”thumb”]
Shoes and Clothes
What is Christmas for kids without new shoes and clothes?
They usually want to show off their beautiful outfits when they go to church or go to their godparents and grandparents asking for their presents.
Shop here for new dresses and clothes.
shirt.
These squeaky shoes for your little girl will amuse her as she walks.
Bags and backpacks
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Some beautiful bags or backpacks to bring around at doctor or therapist visits to put your special kids’ toys and other essentials would be a nice gift idea as well.
Think of how the designs will give them joy.
This weighted huggy bear backpack will surely give comfort to your special one, being so huggable and soft. Click the image to see the price.
Huggable toys
Toys that will calm their anxieties are those that they can hug, like this weighted teddy bear. Â They will enjoy carrying this and showing to their playmates, as well.
Our Special Kids Deserve the Best Gifts for Christmas!
When we think of gifts for Christmas, the kids are always the most excited.
They would even trade money for chocolates and toys. They love getting something that gives them enjoyment and lots of perks when they open the boxes.
They even wake up really early on Christmas day to start opening their presents first thing in the morning.
As parents, we are also excited shopping for them, even small items for their Christmas stockings.
Their belief that Santa Claus is there to give them surprises as long as they’re nice gives them more enthusiasm during the holidays.
Even your children with special needs feel the excitement, so start buying those memorable gifts for them.
Happy shopping!
Let the Christmas countdown begin!
Always remember though it’s not those material presents that are important, rather, your PRESENCE in their lives is the most valuable gift you can give your children with special needs, not only during Christmas but every day.
After all, you are the Santa in their lives- constantly giving, forever watchful of their ways, and doing endless cheering of their accomplishments.
Originally published:Â November 25, 2018Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Updated: November 16, 2020
Do you recall the time when your special kid jumped with joy when he opened a Christmas present from you?
When is your most memorable Christmas with your little one? Did you have a gift that until now is still precious to him?
This is so thoughtful of you, putting this together for kids with special needs.
I always have the problem of gifting things to people when it comes to festive seasons most especially Christmas, now to talk of kids with special needs, I always have to consider what they’ll like and as well be of help to them in some areas of their life like education, rapport between peers and so on.
I really prefer educational toys. Thanks for the help.
Yes, educational toys are good and for me, books are the best.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Hello Marita,
I must say this article contains a lot of helpful content for people who plan to see kids with special needs. Also,those gifts are perfectly matched to give as Christmas gifts. I’m pretty sure they will be impressed. Nice collection!
My favorite Christmas gifts are educational toys and writing and coloring materials. They can get good value from educational toys while they are playing with it.
Thank you for sharing valuable content. Keep it up!
Hi Gihan,
I perfectly agree! We grown ups need to really choose what to gift our special kids for them to find value in what we give.
Cheers,
Marita
Wow! This is really thoughtful and lovely of you to share here.
Christmas is a period of love and sharing and what better way than to add up love for people who have special kids and I have one uncle who has a son with special needs.
You have really given me so much ideas as to what to buy for him. Well, he likes music a lot and I figure out if I get him an instrument with his picture in it or his name inscribed on it, it would make it special for him and value it more. Thanks.
Hi Rodarrick,
Your uncle’s special needs son will be so happy seeing his picture and name in the musical instrument, thus, he will be inspired to play it all the time.
Great idea!
Thanks for reading.
Marita
You are doing a worthy and laudable work, not only for the memory of your sister, also for many other people with special needs and their families. In my opinion, the best toys are those that enhance and develop skills, shoes and clothes are for any other occasion. Thank you for this great work, God bless you 😊
Hi Maria,
Thanks for your nice comments. Toys are definitely most loved by kids on Christmas.
God bless too and enjoy your holidays.
Marita
these are a great list of items you can get a kid with special needs during Christmas. My sister is handicapped and two of her favorite things is either picture books or cds. That way she can listen to music or have someone read her a story.
Do you have a special needs child? If so what’s been done of their favorite gifts you have given them during Christmas?
Hi Michael,
I don’t have a special needs child, but I have 2 nephews and a niece. I usually give books or clothes for Christmas, gifts that are usually either appreciated or really useful.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Love You Forever is such a great book! It’s the kind of book to pass on through the generations. There are so many other great suggestions here as well.
I’ve worked with special needs children and, adults that instantly light up with gifts of a musical nature.
I grew up in a small town just as you described. You have to search far and wide for that village in the times we live in now but, they are out there still. I still take up any opportunity to read to the young & the elderly. Like music it really communicates on another level.
You really sent me back in time with the picture you painted. Thank you for the excellent suggestions and, moreover, thank you for the work you do.
My brother is an adult now and, also special needs/functional autistic. He has always been my best friend. I’m glad I instinctively knew how to put a smile on his face (and, still do.) He was an outcast growing up and, there was little information that wasn’t fear based back in my day.
Singing, dancing and reading. This was the formula I used with him and, still, to this day, it’s the best medicine for us both <3
Hi Fyre,
I’m happy that we have so many things in common, including having a sibling with special needs. My sister though passed away already.
Putting up this website in her memory is the best thing that I’ve done and will continue to do to honor her memory.
I’ve always loved books to give as gifts for Christmas.
Thanks for sharing and reading.
Marita
Hi Marita and thank you for a wonderful blog. I have been trawling the internet for gifts for my nieces and nephews and it is so refreshing to come across a site that actually has affordable products. With a large tribe to buy for it can get expensive and stressful this time of year so I really thank you for that.
One of the kids I am buying for is developmentally challenged (I think that’s the correct term) and obviously trying to get him to engage can be difficult. I am thinking to get him the colouring in crayons and a book so he can have his quiet time when he needs but still be creative.
My niece will love the huggy bear backpack, it’s just gorgeous and I can’t wait to see her smile on Christmas Day when she opens her present.
Thanks again for the ideas, most appreciated.
Hi Heidi,
I know how you feel, buying gifts can be overwhelming. Sometimes, I just buy the same gifts for kids of the same age, so I don’t have to stress a lot!
Yes, for developmentally challenged kids, those crayons and books would definitely help them with engagement and focus.
I also love the huggy bear backpack, it would feel relaxing to be hugged in your back.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Hey Pangga,
Christmas is a wonderful time of year!!! I’m so glad you have given us a list of toys to include everyone!! And by buying these it also helps your town!! That’s great!!
You mentioned that these would be good for special needs children but I also think any child would love them!!
You have done a very good job so thank you very much.
Don’t you think these could also be used as birthday parties too?
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
Yes, these gifts would be great for any kid and for birthday presents, too!
We are all excited for Christmas because this is the best time for our families to get together and we feel love all around. But of course, it’s Jesus’ birthday, thus it’s so special.
BTW, I’m not Pangga , lol! That’s my sister whom this website is dedicated.
Thanks,
Marita
Hi,
These sure are some nice gifts for kids with special needs and do you know what? They definitely do deserve them!
I personally think that huggable toys and music instruments are fantastic Christmas gifts for these children but you can never go wrong with a good simple book!
Keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Miguel
Hi Miguel,
Our special kids do deserve the best gifts out there, be they books, toys or musical instruments. They do appreciate anything for that matter.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Marita
Gifts melt the heart and are emotive when given in such manner.
Gifts sare always special for kids.
Thanks for sharing the gift idea in their special needs.
I like educational toys, Photo books and musical instruments. Photo and music with voice tone are very popular for them. They learn easily from these type of educational toys which are funny with voice tone.
Kids in general, including those with special needs love gifts. They get so excited opening their presents. And if they find toys that they love, they jump with joy.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Thank you for such a post, Maria. I have 2 kids so I understand very well how important it is to make the kids feel how much you care and love them. Thank you for putting together a great list for special kids. I wish all kids on the world will enjoy a great Christmas they deserve.
Yes, making our kids feel special and loved through gifts is really important in their development. It’s not about the price of the gift, but your intention and how they feel about it.
Thanks for passing by.
Marita
This is really a big initiative that you have taken here. This is actually the first article I found about this specific topic. So many parents have trouble deciding what to get for their special kids for every Christmas but this article is the key for them. It is really nice of you for writing this article and sharing it.
Come Christmastime, parents feel overwhelmed and stressed about shopping gifts for their family, more so, if they have special kids. My website is dedicated to them so it is but fitting that I help the parents to choose wisely those gifts.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
These are some great gift ideas! I love the Dr Seuss book that you recommend; he’s a great read, especially at Christmas time. In fact, I watched the latest Grinch just recently and it reminded me of how much I love his work! I love how most of the gift ideas you give here have an educational or development theme to them; do you think there’s still a place for regular gifts that don’t have any special educational value? Thanks for sharing!
Hi Danny,
Yes, Dr Seuss books are educational. I also love them ! They sound funny, too!
I just emphasize here that gifts for special children need to be educational to help them improve their inadequacies.
Of course kids love all toys for that matter, be they educational or not.
Thanks for reading!
Marita
Great list of Christmas gifts for children, I fall in love with so many gifts to buy here. I have two kids, a boy (4yrs) and a girl (6yrs). They are curious about everything and I can say, they are very easy to impress. There are three things from your list that I would like to buy for them.
1. The Theraputty- they love playing with motor and this will be a big gift for them especially the girl
2.Story books- they all love reading that they can go to bed as late as 00:00hrs, reading.
3.And new shoes and cloth of course, that’s pretty obvious
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive list, it helped me a lot
Yes, kids are so easy to please, they are so appreciative as well.
Good choices, you have there for your gifts to your kids. You will earn another big, big hug if that happens.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Books are a great gift for any child. I still read to my 10 year old everyday, even though she is a good reader. Kids like to hear their guardians voices tell all kinds of stories.
Is there a certain author that you know of that specializes in stories for children with specail needs? I would be intersted in learning more about what is best.
Hi James,
Your daughter is so lucky to have you as a dad, who loves reading with her. I bet she always looks forward to your time reading together.
I don’t know of any specific author who writes stories for special kids. But, when my son was younger, I used to read to him a lot of books by Robert Munsch, who writes some funny stories of everyday lives of kids; he even uses the names of his children in his characters in the books.
One of his book that’s really my favorite is Love You Forever ( mentioned in my post. ) I bet even grown-ups especially moms would really feel special and loved when reading this book.
Thanks for passing by.
Marita
What a great list of suitable gift ideas – I’ve been looking out for something like this for quite some time now.
I always like, if I can, to lean more toward the educational gifts for my kids when they are still young enough to enjoy them with me and my partner. So, with that in mind, I’ll be taking a closer look at your book section within this article.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Chris,
Books are also my favorite items to give as gifts. I usually find books that give moral lessons, so the recipient learns those values.
Even toys, as much as kids love them, I see to it that it’s educational.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Hi; It was nice reading your article. I do agree that buying Christmas gift for your kid with special needs is of paramount importance. Giving a child the right toy can prove highly benegicial to the development of the child.
Specially how some of the Toys these days are educational Toys. Even it does not show at a glance. Some of the Toys can teach kids a lot of things and in the way that the kids catch onto fast.
do encourage parents who have kids with any form of disability to take the time and search for that special Toy that will make your kid happy through out the season and beyond. Happy shopping mama.
DorcasW
Hi Dorcas,
Educational toys and books are the best gifts that parents can give for their child with special needs. There are a lot of choices out there, for sure and my list would answer their needs.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
I love the Christmas season and it warms my heart that we get to give and put a smile on the faces of our loved ones and others that we choose to give to, despite that , I still get overwhelmed trying to figure out what gifts to buy. I am extremely thankful for your article because i can pick any of the gifts you have listed here and they will be perfect for all the little ones in my life.
Would you please do a list of games that family can play together during the festive season that can involve children with special needs so they do not feel left out? I will be checking in regularly for more of your helpful lessons .
Hi Florence,
Same with me, Christmas is very heartwarming for me because I feel love everywhere. People especially kids are always smiling or laughing, more so, when they open their presents.
Families and friends get together, sometimes family or class reunions are held during this season.
I’m happy that my article helped you in choosing gifts for your little ones.
I will write a post on games that families can play together during the holiday season. It’s a nice idea, thanks!
Cheers,
Marita
Thanks for posting! This is an extremely comprehensive article with plenty of great ideas. I love reading to and with my kids, so I immediately gravitated to the books section. Winnie the Pooh has always been a favorite of mine, and with the 5-minute stories, it’s a great way to introduce the kids to AA Milne’s creations, to then gradually move to the longer stories. The same with Dr. Seuss – start with the alphabet, and then eventually reach The Lorax! Thanks to your post, I’ll be re-thinking my Christmas list for the kids to include some more books.
Thanks agin, and all the best!
Norman
Hi Norman,
I’m happy that I have inspired you to think more of books as gifts for your kids. They are very educational, no doubt about that.
When I’m in the bookstore, even if it’s still not Christmas, or even after the season,I usually buy kid’s books even adults’ when I see those that are on sale, so if I need a present for someone’s birthday and of course for Christmas, I have a book that’s handy to give.
Thanks for reading!
Marita
Hello,
I am surprised by all the diversity of gifts we can give to our children, with special needs.
I like them all I would choose the one of the bear that is hanging on the back.
I also find something that would keep your thoughts very busy are the puzzles.
I remember that they were the ones I liked the most.
Surely anyone that we choose and give heart to give our children, a great joy.
Thanks for sharing and Regards!
Claudio
Hi Claudio,
Children are so easy to please, especially those with special needs, so anything that you offer them will give them so much pleasure.
Yes, the weighted huggy bear back pack is something that is so beneficial for these kids because it will give them comfort and will allay their fears and anxieties .The puzzles are very educational and will also improve their fine motor skills.
Thanks for the visit.
God bless,
Marita
I love the drum set, because it’s going to make a little a boy a happy one. One of my friends has a three year old boy called Steven and he was born with special needs. He is one of the happiest kids that I have ever met. I buy him books all time and he loves it when I read them to him, but for Christmas the drum set is going to be an excellent gift for him.
Great Christmas Article
-Dora
Hi Dora,
For sure, Steven will love the drum set, aside from giving him joy with the beating, it will improve his fine motor skills as well.
With constant playing, his focus will be much improved, too, as well as his engagement. His family will be happy as well following his development of love for music.
Steven is lucky to have a very loving and generous friend in you.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers,
Marita
You have some great ideas for Christmas presents for children with special needs.
As someone who has taught special needs children, I completely agree that they respond really well to toys which will stimulate their senses, particularly sight and sound, and don’t forget that touch is also very important to children who may have one or more of their other senses impaired.
I think that many of your suggestions will definitely appeal to any child if they are given to them at an age-appropriate time, and toys which develop their motor skills are great. And I like your choice of books too, and agree that reading with children is so important.
I wish you and your family the very best for the Christmas season.
Chrissie 🙂
Hi Chrissie,
Sensory toys are so important for our children with special needs, as well as fidgety toys ( not mentioned in this post though ) because they help them focus and become calmer.
And of course parents need to give them books, as well, to improve their communication skills and enhance their bonding moments.
May you enjoy your holidays as well.
Thanks for reading.
God bless,
Marita
Honestly, this is a great eyes opening to most parents especially myself this coming Christmas. I remember when I was young , all my parents would love to buy for me during Christmas is clothes but I use to envy other children with different colourful toys or fire works..This amazing website has just refreshen my memories to what and what should my children expect during Christmas. It really speaks the deepest desires of kids and their hidden expectations from their lovely parents during Christmas.. Kudos.
I agree, children love toys more than clothes or money during Christmas, so I suggest and if parents can afford, give them not only clothes or books, but toys as well. They usually forget about them though after a few days or weeks, but the happiness when they open their present is incomparable. They would even hug you and jump with joy if they really love the toy that you give them.
THanks for visiting.
Marita
Thanks for sharing this. I myself grow up from the Philippines and I can relate with your experience growing up. I still actually miss having Christmas back home as it is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! I miss the family reunion and the fun times spent with relatives and loved ones.
We recently had an addition to our family of a child with special needs. I will definitely be referring to your suggestions here when contemplating on what to give as a gift to him.
I also admire the cause that your driving for in your website. Keep it up and may God bless your generous heart! Cheers!
Hi Mark,
Happy to know a “kababayan” here and like you, I miss spending Christmas back home.
Luckily, this year, I’m going home with my son and I’m getting excited as the days are drawing near of our departure.
What I miss most are the kids doing carolling every night even though they keep on returning and singing the same songs. Funny, but sometimes irritating, lol!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. He is God’s precious gift! Taking care of him will surely be a challenge but nothing can replace the joy that you will feel when the time comes that he will give you hugs and kisses everyday. They are so loving and caring.
Thanks for visiting, for your nice comments, and good wishes.
“Pangga ta ikaw” is a legacy that will continue for years to come.
God bless,
Marita
WOW! So many ideas… I think the weighted huggy bear backpack would be a great gift for any child. Musical instruments are fantastic too, I’m not so sure about the drums though… There would definitely need to be some time limit rules. Books have always a favorite with my kids, maybe not so much the book but the special reading time they get.
Hi Robb,
I hear you, when the kid loves the drums, there will come a time that it will get annoying when he’ll just play with it anytime that he wants, for as long as he pleases. That’s where you have to set time limits.
Yes, books are always appreciated by our kids and they love huddling close to their parents when they read together. It’s a very special bonding moment.
And the weighted huggy bear backpack will definitely be a hit for our child with special needs.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
I have been an uncle/godfather to a special needs girl for 25 years and for a few years it took me a bit to learn how to buy for her.
However after that and right up until now it has been very easy to buy for her. You see these kids arent about money and gifts. They are about love. So for every stuffed animal, bracelet or anything else she always gets hugs and always gives hugs.
This is a great article and everyone should read it.
Dale
Hi Dale,
Children with special needs are very easy to please, such that we need to really choose gifts that would help them improve their inadequacies such as educational toys and books.
Like you said, giving them something is all about love-they always show their appreciation in whatever you give them.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
Gifts are always special for emotional touch specially for kids. Thanks for sharing some nice gift for kids of their special needs. I like educational toys, Photo books and musical instruments here. I already bought some of these toys for my children. Photo and music with voice tone are very popular for them. They learn easily from these type of educational toys which are funny with voice tone.
Glad that you have bought gifts for your kids, Christmas really is all about giving our kids what they want for this festive season.
Thanks for your appreciation.
Cheers,
Marita
hi there! What an informative list for kids with special needs. I find they are the tricky one to buy. I grew up with my older sister who has special needs. I am from Thailand, so back then there was nothing really that we can get her for her special needs. If there were some that i was not aware of, if there were it was probably be very pricy since we had to import toys from other countires, we still do now.
The reviews on each toy is amazing so now I can get the right one for the right child.
Great article and great selection. Thank you for making my shopping way much easier.
I know, we tend to think that it’s hard to choose gifts for kids with special needs. It is the opposite, actually, they are so easy to please. It’s like anything goes, they will appreciate anything that you give them.
Too bad, your toys in Thailand are imported which makes them expensive.
We have online shopping now, so shopping is easier.
Glad that I’m of help to you.
Thanks for reading.
Marita
This is a very eye opening and helpful article that you created. I think I know what I’ll be getting a couple of my nieces and nephews this Christmas. I like how you stated that when you were young everyone around each other knew each other and it was so easy back then, I definitely agree! I remember when it was easy back when I was living with a community and neighborhood of people that all knew each other. Sometimes we’d share gifts with our neighbors that’s how close it was. It’s really important that we make it as educational as it can be so a spark of creativity and imagaination can be connected to as you mentioned. Ive seen a couple of my nephews reading more often as they are getting older, so a book is in the works. Thank you for sharing a load of options in your article!
Hi Michael,
I also prefer giving books to kids because it’s so fulfilling to see them grow up and loving reading all the time.
For our kids with special needs, even though they are non-verbal, if parents read to them, they will improve their communication skills through constant reading.
I truly miss my simple life in our hometown where people know each other, talk with each other even in the streets or in front of their homes.
I’m fortunate because this Christmas, I’m going home with my pre-teen son and we will be hearing again kids singing carols from house to house and see those awesome decors in the neighborhood houses.
Thanks for reading.
Marita