Christmas gift giving guide with a sensory twist

Sometimes, we need to think outside the box when gift giving for kids with different needs. We’ve put together some ideas to help you find the perfect special present for your child.

LIGHT STAX – VISUAL AND FINE MOTOR

LIGHT STAX brings LED light into the world of bricks! Light Stax are beautifully illuminated construction blocks that use LED technology, but are still 100% compatible with existing traditional building blocks. Each Stax will magically light up as it is connected to a power base or any lit Stax. No special connectors or wires are needed. These funky building blocks are sure to be a hit with the additional quality of magical lights – just stack ‘em and they light up!

Starting from approx. AU$26.00 (plus freight costs to Aust) www.lightstax.eu

VIBRATION PILLOW AND HAND MASSAGER

This great sensory combo from My Diffability is ideal for children needing extra sensory input to help with calming and regulation. Senseez Pillows can be used anywhere – school, during group time, or sitting for mealtimes at home. They’re activated simply by applying pressure – through squeezing, hugging or sitting on them. The Senseez Soothables Handheld Vibrating Massager is a great little gadget to provide the calming and regulating effects of vibration.

RRP $60.00 & RRP $30.00 www.mydiffability.com.au

BUILD A BEAR – BEAR WITH WHEELS

We love this little dude from Build A Bear – a perfect little bear friend for your child. Matching outfits and matching wheels!

RRP $40.00 www.buildabear.com.au

LIGHTS – VISUAL

We love the festive lights at Christmas time, and if your child responds well and
loves lights too, why not find something to make the magic of Christmas last and last? There are many different lights to choose from; we love this Remote Control Ocean Wave Projector Night Light from Amazon. It has 7 colour modes, timer options and an adjustable angle – a beautiful sensory experience all year round!

RRP $28.99 www.amazon.com.au

REMO OCEAN DRUM

Now that summer has arrived, we think this is the perfect addition to your child’s music kit! The Remo Ocean Drum recreates the soothing sounds of both rolling and crashing waves. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument that can be played with hands or mallets; and can also be used as a shaker. Now you can bring the ocean to you!

www.remo.com/products/product/ocean-drum/

NEST SWING

What better way to enjoy the outdoors than with the relaxing motion of a Nest Swing! These swings are great for sensory regulation for young children through to teenagers/adults. These swings also allow parents and therapists to work with children on vestibular orientation, linear acceleration, balance and motor planning. Special Needs Play Equipment have a wonderful selection for you to choose from on their website.

RRP from $145.00 www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

WATER PLAY MAT

This water play mat is the perfect size for your child’s wheelchair table and it’s a wonderful way for your child to explore the wonders of the sea with bright colors, sharp contrasts and engaging floating toys. We have found a great selection on Amazon – check them out here, search for water play mat!

RRP from $12.00 www.amazon.com

CUBBY HOUSE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

Special Needs Play Equipment have a fabulous cubby house for our kids in wheelchairs! Who doesn’t love the fun and imagination that comes from playing in a cubby house in the backyard? To check it out how this could become a permanent fixture in your backyard, just go to:

www.specialneedsplayequipment.com.au

LED SPEAKERS – SOUND AND VISUAL

For our music lovers, this is a great visual and sound combo! Play your child’s favourite music and watch the magical speakers come alive as it dances to the musical sounds!

RRP $69.95 www.sensoryconnect.com.au

MAGIC SMILES PROJECT

Vicki Watson is a professional photographer who was inspired by Karen Alsop’s photography work to create her very own Magic Smiles Project. Vicki understands that it is not easy to book a photo session whilst your little warrior is going through treatment or work it around appointments so she’s created a beautiful way to create amazing images using digital wizardry. To find out more about the The Magic Smiles Project, please head to Vicki’s facebook page:

No cost www.facebook.com/MagicSmilesProject/

NINJA BABIES – ORAL SENSORY PRODUCTS

We love Ninja Babies products! They fill our kids’ sensory tanks and help them to self-regulate, concentrate and participate. There are so many different designs and colours to match your child’s personality!

RRP from $10.00 www.ninjababies.com.au