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A Mom's Holiday Gift Guide for a Toddler With Down Syndrome

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Christmas is upon us!

I feel like this season is easily 80 percent of the population’s favorite. And if you’re one of those bah-humbug types, you’re still stuck smack dab in the middle of the “Season of Giving,” so here are some ideas to get you started on that doe-eyed toddler with Down syndrome in your life.

As a mom of a child with Down syndrome, when I’m shopping for my little girl, I automatically think of how she can benefit from what I’m getting her whether it’s toys, clothes, shoes, food, etc. Many of these gift ideas promote fine motor skills, like the pincer grasp or intentional release, imaginative play, recognizing shapes and colors and practicing gross motor skills with bigger movements. Or they’re just plain adorable and I couldn’t pass them up!

TO PLAY

These toys can help toddlers with Down syndrome learn and develop motor skills — while having fun at the same time!

First Shapes Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle by Melissa & Doug

first shapes jumbo knob wooden peg puzzle by melissa and doug

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Object Recognition
  • Matching

Or if you want to get fancy: Customize One With Their Name!

Finger Puppets Set by Yabber

Finger Puppet Set - The Original by Yabber 16 Pack Full Set 10 Animals 6 People Family Members An American Company

Targeted Skills

  • Imaginative Play
  • Fine Motor
  • Communication

Classic Wooden Shape Sorting Cube by Melissa & Doug

classic wooden shape sorting cube by melissa and doug

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Color & Shape Recognition
  • Problem-Solving

Smart Wheels Spinning Tower Playset by VTech

VTech Go Go Smart Wheels Spinning Spiral Tower Playset Frustration Free Packaging

Targeted Skills

  • Imaginative Play
  • Fine Motor
  • Letter and Number Recognition

My Pal Scout (or Violet) by LeapFrog

LeapFrog My Pal Scout

Targeted Skills

  • Communication
  • Word & Color Recognition
  • Imaginative Play

Ball Pit Tent by EocuSun

EocuSun Children Kids Play Tent Tents House Pop Up Outdoor Indoor Ball Pit Baby Beach Tent Playhouse w Zipper Storage Case for Boys Girls Polka Dot

Targeted Skills

  • Gross Motor and Coordination
  • Independence
  • Color Recognition

TO WEAR

These comfortable clothes will soothe the senses of a small child with Down syndrome, and make great gifts.

Muslin Cotton Wearable Blanket by Fawn Hill Co.

Muslin Cotton Slumber Sack by Fawn Hill Co - Unisex Black and White Design for Boys or Girls - Small

Organic Cotton Wearable Blanket by Touched by Nature

organic cotton sleeping sack hedgehog by touched by nature

Girl’s Floral Swim Wear by Beautyin

2017-12-01 15_47_30-Amazoncom_ beautyin Baby Girls Floral Rash Guard Swimsuit Short Sleeve Bathing

  • Year Round Swim Therapy
  • Rashguard
  • Just Plain Adorable

Boy’s Striped Swim Wear by Sansi

Sansi Kids Boy Girl Swimsuit One Piece Surfing Suits Beach Swimwear Rash Guard

  • Year Round Swim Therapy
  • Rashguard
  • Just Plain Adorable

Boy’s Casual Sneaker by Carter’s

carters Kids Goalie Boys Casual Sneaker

  • Stylin’

Girl’s Glitter Flashing Sneaker by Yilan

YILAN YL313 Toddler Glitter Shoes Girls Flashing Sneakers With Cute Bowknot

  • Major Fashion Points

TO EAT

Many young kids with Down syndrome struggle with feeding; these gifts can help them develop oral motor and fine motor skills.

360-Degree Spill Resistant Gyro Bowl by Ztl

Ztl Baby Gyro Bowl 360 Dgree Rotation Spill Resistant Gyroscopic Bowl with Lid Toy Tableware for Kids Toddlers

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Coordination
  • Self-Feeding

Silicone Feeding Placemat by Baby Way

Silicone Baby Plate Safe Mini Feeding Placemat For ToddlerKidsInfant With Strong Suction FDA Approved BPA Free Watermelon Red

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Coordination
  • Self-Feeding

Straw Cup Lids & Straws by Tougs

Tougs Silicone Straw Cup Lids for Toddlers Babies Pack of 5 - 5 Drinking Straws Included - Reusable Spill-proof Durable - Stretches to Cover Tumblers Yeti Rambler Mason Jars Cups

Targeted Skills

  • Oral Motor
  • Independence
  • Coordination

Waterproof Superbib by Bumkins

Bumkins Waterproof SuperBib 3 Pack N16 Feather Quill Arrow 6-24 Months

TO LEARN

Like all toddlers, toddlers with Down syndrome want to learn and understand, and feel represented in books and media. These gifts can help!

 Bluetooth Headphones with Volume Control

GranVela X2 Multifunctional Wireless Headphones Foldable On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Micro SD Card Player FM Radio Built-in Microphone Kids Headphones Blue

Targeted Skills

  • Independence
  • Communication
  • Responsibility

You’re All Kinds of Wonderful Book by Nancy Tillman

Youre All Kinds of Wonderful Hardcover by nancy tillman

Targeted Skills

  • Confidence
  • Communication
  • Inclusion

Soft Activity Book with Easy-to-Turn Pages by Melissa & Doug

Melissa Doug Soft Activity Baby Book - Mix and Match

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Creative Play
  • Problem-Solving

3-Sided Toothbrush

bA1 Health - 3-Sided Surround Specialty Toothbrush Complete Coverage - Autism ASD Special Needs Sensory Perio Brush for All Kids Adults - Best for Sensitive Gums and Teeth Choose

Targeted Skills

  • Fine Motor
  • Independence
  • Hygiene

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Follow this journey at www.babylemonadeblog.com.

Originally published: December 13, 2017
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