Gift giving is a joyous component of the holiday season however it can be challenging to find the perfect gift for some of our loved ones. Friends and family members often ask parents for suggestions to help them choose a gift for their child, and for parents of children with special needs, there are many creative ways to help others find the perfect presents.
Below are some tips to help friends and family members find the perfect gift for your child this holiday season:
- Describing Preferences: Share your child’s favorite characters and TV shows/movies or favorite activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, or sensory items.
- Think Outside the Box: Does your child have a favorite museum or aquarium? Do they enjoy going to the movies? Season passes to local venues allow a gift to be appreciated throughout the year. The season passes provides families unlimited visits to help their child adjust to new experiences. Other ideas could include gift certificates to a favorite snack shop, toy store, or restaurant.
- Expanding Special Interests: Does your child have a collection of meaningful items that they collect such as baseball cards or special rocks? Adding to the collection or gifting a book that provides information about your child’s special interest item can make a wonderful gift. Every day items can be made fun and exciting when paired with interests (e.g., Mario Brothers bedding, Spiderman toothbrush, etc.).
- Wishlist: Many websites allow consumers to create “wish lists”. This can be a wonderful way to share specific items that your child would enjoy, such as sensory items like a weighted blanket or a new rocking chair.
- Personal Services: Providing a service as a gift can be meaningful. This can include handyman services (e.g. hanging a swing), IT services (e.g., to set up an iPad), or even babysitting.
When speaking with your friends and family members about gift ideas for your child, sharing how meaningful these alternative gifts would be to your child will help friends and family to see the value of their gift from your child’s perspective and ensure their gift quickly becomes a favorite!