From my family to yours,
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Keeping Calm on Christmas
It’s almost here – are you ready? I might be. I mean, I think I am.Presents from Santa. Check.
Stocking Stuffers. Check.Waffle Mix (from Williams-Sonoma, holiday tradition). Check.
Lots of Bacon (that’s not a formal tradition; it just tastes good with waffles). Check.
Kids new Christmas Jammas. Check.Camera Battery Charged. Check.
Fresh Coffee for morning. Check.
New Kid-Photo-Clad Coffee Mugs. Check.
Diet Pepsi for morning. Check.
PLENTY of wine for *after* morning. Check.
But you know what I still need? A Plan.
Yep, A Plan.
Not just any plan, The Plan.
You know this plan, right? The part of the overall Plan that includes how to regulate your child during the UTTER chaos that will ensue the moment he wakes (assuming he sleeps) on Christmas morning.
Yeah, that Plan. The Keeping Calm on Christmas Plan.
The one that accounts for free time, and visitors, and family, and anxiety, and strange foods, and general chaos. Do you have one? No?
Interested in hearing my Plan? Even if you aren't, here it is:Christmas Eve: Kids are put to bed as close to on time as possible after being WORN out with Proprioceptive input. Yes, if I could have them move the stove and clean behind it, I would. But, something more kid friendly, like shoveling snow, sledding, carrying groceries, shelving books (or Diet Pepsi cans…just sayin’), rearranging the furniture, moving chairs, pushups/pull ups, heavy blanket work (carrying it on their shoulders up and down the stairs), playing Santa (load a ‘sack’ with stuff to carry around and deliver to each room), animal walks, ‘wheel barrow’, crawling work, tunnels (behind the couch works wonderfully), etc. You get the idea. LOTS of proprioceptive input to help them sleep. Then, obviously, grab a glass of wine and cross your fingers!
Tips for Reducing Christmas Break Anxiety by Chynna Laird
by Chynna Laird, SPD author, blogger and momma
Jaimie checks out the new things I’ve written on our kitchen calendar to coordinate with what’s on the one in her bedroom. She sees the big ‘Yay!’ sticker I put on the 17th indicating the last day of school before Winter Break.
“Does that mean Christmas time starts on 17?” she asks.
“Well, it means that your break from school starts on that day,” I say.
Jaimie pauses, her face goes blank. “What are we going to do?”
I give a few suggestions as she scribbles them all down in her notebook that she titled, “Plans For Christmas Break”. She puts everything under either Plan A, Plan B, or Plan C headings. Then she worries we won’t have enough to do and comes up with a few other back up events. I’m exhausted just talking about everything! But I’ve gotten used to this because, as odd as it sounds, it’s calming for Jaimie to know what’s coming ahead and having a plan helps her get through these changes thrown her way.
Jaimie’s tremendous anxiety was what made me realize something was truly wrong. And I noticed it as early as weeks into her life. Jaimie changes when she’s anxious—not just physically but her overall ability to function. She’s extremely reactive, fearful of most experiences, people and events, her sleeping patterns were poor and she obsessed about things. Not just things going on at the time but things that might happen. Her body gets rigid, her shoulders hunch over, she walks around on her tippie toes (more often than usual), she rocks, her face goes pale…stoic…and she completely introverts. Yes, many of these are signs that her body needs some sensory input too but there are times when she is still anxious even after I’ve filled her up with a good sensory diet and squishy massages. Why? Because although anxiety and SPD are synonymous for many, not every child with SPD will have anxiety and certainly not to the level Jaimie experiences. Each child is different.
Please Don't Put Candles On My Pumpkin Pie
March 25, 2007 was one of the most surprising and exciting days of my life. The amazing news was first reported to my BFF (who had provided the necessary test) with a phone call that went - verbatim - like this:
Me: Dude, there's two lines.
Her: Holy shit, dude.
I remembered I should tell my husband and there was general happiness all around. And then... we did a little math and cringed.
It was going to be a holiday baby.
Not that I cared for my sake - after seven years of failure and infertility, you take what you can get. But I was sorry for my child's sake.
See, my birthday falls between Christmas and New Year's. Two of my cousins' fall a few days before Christmas. My uncle's: Christmas Day. I know a thing or two about how much it completely and totally stinks to be a holiday baby.
Seriously, if I never hear the words "Merry Birthday" again it will be too soon.
Other kids got actual birthday parties and actual birthday cakes and actual birthday gifts in actual birthday paper. If - and that's a big IF- I got separate Christmas and birthday gifts, they were always. Always. AL. WAYS. wrapped in Christmas paper.
And I'm not saying I was a greedy kid who wanted more presents. We didn't have a lot of money and I was always grateful for what I had. But it's hard to grow up with any self esteem when the overwhelming message from every adult in your life that the most important day in your young life is, for them, an afterthought.
Her: Holy shit, dude.
I remembered I should tell my husband and there was general happiness all around. And then... we did a little math and cringed.
It was going to be a holiday baby.
Not that I cared for my sake - after seven years of failure and infertility, you take what you can get. But I was sorry for my child's sake.
See, my birthday falls between Christmas and New Year's. Two of my cousins' fall a few days before Christmas. My uncle's: Christmas Day. I know a thing or two about how much it completely and totally stinks to be a holiday baby.
Seriously, if I never hear the words "Merry Birthday" again it will be too soon.
Other kids got actual birthday parties and actual birthday cakes and actual birthday gifts in actual birthday paper. If - and that's a big IF- I got separate Christmas and birthday gifts, they were always. Always. AL. WAYS. wrapped in Christmas paper.
And I'm not saying I was a greedy kid who wanted more presents. We didn't have a lot of money and I was always grateful for what I had. But it's hard to grow up with any self esteem when the overwhelming message from every adult in your life that the most important day in your young life is, for them, an afterthought.
T'was the Night Before an SPD Christmas
T’was the Night Before an SPD Christmas
By Patty, her husband and Hartley
T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The snack packs, arranged on the counter with care,
In hopes, on our journey we’d be well prepared.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Chex Mix danced in their heads;
Ma in her hoodie, and I in my sweats,
were to put away pillows and therapy nets.
When in the back room there arose such a clatter,
I ran at full sprint to see what was the matter.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a puzzled old man buried up to his ears,
(In scooter boards, swings, and small colored spheres.)
Poor devil had brushed ‘gainst our therapy stash,
When it came down around him it made such a crash!
He recovered with grace, so lively and quick,
That I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
"What is all this stuff that you people collect?
Are you Circus performers?”--the old man interjects—
“I came here with toys, for the boys and your girl
But looking around I think ‘what in the world?’
This room that would normally have children’s stuff
Is packed to the gills with equipment enough
To start your own CIA torturing session!
Tell me I’m wrong and you’re not!” (oh good heavens!)
My wife and I snickered and held out our hands,
And reassured Nick we’d had no evil plans.
“Our kids have a condition; they have a hard time—
They yell when it smells and they climb up the blinds.
WIN FREE TOYS from ASQ and HLW3B
I had the great pleasure of writing two articles for Autism Spectrum Quarterly this fall, one of which was a Holiday Gift Giving Guide that suggests gifts that educate and inspire -- while being 'pocketbook friendly'.
While I was doing the research, and final writing for the piece, I was moved by the generosity of the companies that were included in the Holiday Gift Guide -- they wanted to give away some of their toys! And who am I to say no to that?
We are talking some SERIOUSLY COOL toys -- those that kids actually want!
You can win one of 2 GRAND PRIZE PACKS worth over $150 each. They will include:
3 sets of Citiblocs (52 pieces each)
1 Dressing Vest from Fun and Function
1 Make Your Own Gum Kit from Glee Gum
5 tubs of Aroma Dough
1 science kit from Kits for Kids
Yes, two lucky people will get the opportunity to win ALL of those -- tell Santa he can skip your house, because we've got you covered!
Here is a portion of the article that I wrote for Autism Spectrum Quarterly (so you know just why I think these toys are awesome), the other items I suggested can be found inside their Family/Holiday issue, which is available now!
Putting the Fun in Dysfunctional by Patty Porch
Last month, on the way home from my nephew’s baptism party, my husband said, in a shocked tone, “That was the best family party we have ever been to. The kids were amazing and had so much fun! I wasn’t even stressed out or worried about the kids getting over stimulated. What just happened?”
Throughout the rest of our 3-hour car drive home, we discussed what had made this particular party so much fun. We also compared it to other parties that were not nearly so pleasant. Parties that ended in tears and meltdowns, parties that we had to leave because one of our kids was just too over stimulated to handle. Parties that I swore would be the last I attended because things had gone so poorly for Danny and/or Charlotte.
We realized this particular party in September had been so successful because we have some family members who are 100% committed to making family gatherings pleasant for my two SPD kids.
Though my family has always been supportive, they haven’t always known how to help. So what changed? As I think back over the last few years, I can come up with a lot of little things that helped open up the communication lines between my family members and me which helped my family—who love my kids unconditionally—gain a better understanding of our sensory issues.
So, I have a few pieces of advice, things I have learned the hard way, things you may find helpful during these challenging holiday times.
101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers 2009
If you are parenting a SPD kiddo like mine, or one on the spectrum, then you can relate to my challenge with filling my kids' stockings with things that don't get played with--it is like a big fat waste of money.
Not this year.
This year I began researching things that were worth spending money on, things that would benefit my kid in multiple ways (sensory, social, small motor skill) and that my kids would like. You will see some of these things you have already thought of, but hopefully you will think of it it a new light, and some of these things will be new.
I am using this list to do my shopping and I sincerely hope it will at least provide you with inspiration for your holiday shopping.101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers List 2009
1. Spin toothbrush -- we love these disposable things, and chew through them quick!
2. Animal flossers -- good for your teeth, and great to keep little hands (and mouths!) busy.
3. Flavored toothpaste (vanilla from Tanner's Tasty Paste) -- this stuff tastes like REAL ice cream; if your kid hates to brush, this may be the answer (they have chocolate, creamsicle and fluoride free too!).
4. Peek-a-Boo Bags -- this is a great sensory activity for little ones with tactile defensiveness. A easy way for mom to do some sensory work at home, since these adorable little bags full of soft pellets make "therapy" fun!
5. Webkinz -- it is always nice to ease anxiety by having a "friend" with you.
6. Snacks -- something not candy, so that when they open their stocking, they can eat what they get--even for breakfast. The link goest to my favorite new meals (Gabe takes them every day for lunch) which are prepackaged--but not crap. They even include a dessert in each box. Mmmmm.
7. GFCF Candy -- this is an extra special treat for kids on the diet. The link is a list of options, so you can pick what your kid would love best.
8. Fidget Toy -- we have this great, metal, small (a little bigger than a quarter) fidget toy that is just as fun for me as it is for Gabe. Originally designed for kids with ADHD. Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
9. Chew Stixx -- this is a great, scented, safe to chew, pocket sized object for kids to carry with them. We have 4 of them. :) Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
10. Pencil toppers -- lots of options out there, but toppers you can chew are terrific.
11. Pencil grips -- good for children that are struggling with handwriting (like mine!)--ask your OT for good direction on which grip will work best with your child.
12. Rubix cube -- something to keep your child's mind and hands busy--a requirement at our house.
13. Numbers slide puzzle -- old school but still fun. My boys love ours, and truthfully, so do I.
14. Personalized puzzle (Snapfish) -- take a photo of your kid, and make it into a puzzle you can do on the go. Obviously you can just buy a puzzle too. LOL
15. “Happy Thoughts Book” (Snapfish) -- a small flip book full of the most fun memories your child has--visit from Grandma, birthdays, family vacations--pull it out when you need to "snap" him out of a bad mood (do you think that is where "Snap"fish got its name? hmmmm). The smaller books are also AMAZING to buy in bulk and give out to family and friends for any occassion (especially wiht multiple book discounts!), they can be seen here.
16. Paint Brushes -- give your little artist a new set of brushes; these are specifically good for young kids or kids with lower small motor ability.
17. Smencils--Scented colored pencils -- scented pencils give an incentive to practice coloring and writing.
18. Sensory videos (Bear in the Big Blue House) -- although this only covers 5 of the SEVEN senses, it is a pretty cute show. I tried to get them to make it all seven senses, but they won't take my calls (something about a restraining order? Kidding--LOL).
19. Water Flutes-- noisey, but great fun in the bath.
20. Water bottle with straw -- great for in class, in the car, or just hanging out at home--these are especially cool because you can get it with your child's name on it.
21. Bath Squirters -- keep bathtime fun and add in some pinscher grasp work.
22. Bath paints/Crayons -- have a hard time getting them in the shower? Let them color the walls and practice handwriting--at the same time.
23. Glee Gum -- all natural, gluten free and allergen free. I am ordering some for Gabriel today--they also have "make your own gum" packs as well as "make your own gummy candy" packs. And if you click on the Glee Gum pic on the navigation bar (top left of this page) OR YOU CAN CLICK HERE you will be taken straight to a Buy One Get One Free coupon that Glee Gum created esepcially for HLW3B readers! I LOVE THIS COMPANY!!
24. Slipper socks with grippy feet -- cold feet are no fun, but slipper socks with grippy feet are terrific at any age. These are from Lands End, a fave of mine.
25. Scented lip balm -- 'tis the season for chapped lips. Stop the cracking with some festive holiday scented lip balm. Careful they don't eat it.
26. Gloves/mittens -- keep hands warm with soft cotton gloves or mittens. While you are on Old Navy's site (which has flat shipping), check out the matching hats and scarves!
27. Whistle -- great for proprioceptive input -- and pretending you're a cop.
28. Kazoo -- hum along to all of your favorite songs.
29. Harmonica -- teach them to play for real, or just let them pretend.
30. Wii Sports -- I recently learned how this game was being used to help kids "cross the midline"-- what a smart idea! This is the only thing on my list that is expensive--so don't let it throw you off!
31. Diji games -- kind of like DS, only educational. Great incentive to work on spelling and math.
32. Spy scope -- give them a secret mission -- spy out the windows or search the house.
33. Small note pad -- encourage writing smaller with their very own little note pad to write down clues.
34. Magnifying glass -- got to have something to find the clues!
35. Small car -- great option for traveling; a must for any adventure and a new one only sweetens the pot.
36. Action figures -- just like having a car, a Star Wars guy, Transformer, or whatever girls carry with them (wow, clueless on that), is a good way to increase dramatic play.
37. Key chain for backpack -- my boys love to have things on their back pack -- plus it gives them something to play with on the bus or while waiting in line at school.
38. Sand Blocks -- these are going in our stockings this year! Also check out the water and glass bead versions--great visual!
39. Watch -- great for kids that are learning to tell time, or just those who are concerned about what time it is -- all the time.
40. Bubbles -- blowing bubbles is a great proprioceptive activity--don't let it be just for summer!
41. Pokemon cards -- or whatever other kind of collecting cards your child is into--encourages reading and gives something for them to focus their organzing energy on--mine's a little OCD :).
42. Handy Manny tools -- these have been great for my 4 year old--he can "fix" things all over the house.
43. Music cds -- get your child's favorite music, whether they like classical or "Kidz Bop" like Nick, you are sure to have a hit.
44. Noise Quieting Headphones -- keep ears covered and muffle the sounds of unwanted noise--and look cool doing it.
45. Fruit -- OK, my mom-santa gave me fruit when I was a kid, and I hated it; now I love giving it to my kids (Gabe really loves to find an orange in his stocking) because it takes up so much room. I don't give them Harry and David, but I sure wish Santa would give some to me. LOL
46. Card game (Uno, Go Fish) -- Uno (they have themed decks, like this Christmas Charlie Brown one) is a great game that the whole family can play!
47. Flash cards -- give them the first 100 site words, math facts or other educational cards. Having their "hands on" the lesson makes learning more fun.
48. Legos -- small Lego sets can easily be built and then taken apart to do again. I also found this great Lego Advent Calendar which is a terrific way to show visually how many days until Christmas--great for reducing anxiety.
49. Bionicles -- a small motor skill building activity is vauable any time--and a good play date toy to engage new friends in.
50. Bakugan -- I know nothing about these, but do know that lots of kids are into them which gives our kids an opportunity for social play that NT kids might relate to (and they fit in the stocking nicely!).
51. Peek-a-Blocks -- great for toddlers, and they have a few different sensory sets, including this one which is "sounds".
52. Little People -- great for little hands, especially with the little vehicles for both girls and boys.
53. Ta Doodles -- bring out the artist in your little one without worrying about small motor skills--these fit easily in little hands and are adorable!
54. Playdoh/clay -- great to have any time.
55. Playdoh accessories -- there are so many, including Star Wars stampers, confetti makers and this adorable Hungry Hungry Hippos set.
56. Stamp w/ink set -- this is a great activity, the pressing and transfering is great for our kiddos.
57. Taggie Blanket -- no matter how old you are, a nice soft blanket with a satin edge can be calming, especially on the go.
58. Santa Buddies-- a new movie is always a hit for us on holidays! It gives structure to the day and allows for a "cool down" period (especially under a heavy blanket).
59. Books (Junie B. Jones or Magic Tree House) -- find a good kid's holiday themed book to encourage your child to read, and give them something to hold onto the holiday spirit.
60. Tickets to movies -- with the AMC Sensory-Friendly films showing all over the country every month, tickets to the movies couldn't be a more sensational gift.
61. Microwave popcorn -- makes everything better.
62. Fidget balls -- these are great for sensory input when your child needs to sit for long periods of time or just seems to need something to do with his hands.
63. Flash Light -- we can get enough of these--but don't forget the batteries--in bulk.
64. Ornament -- this one is adorable (I love the song I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas), but any special ornament with their name or year is a special treat.
65. Scarf -- your kid might not like this, but I assure you it will keep them warm (and seriously, how dang cute is this scarf for only $5 at Old Navy?)!
66. Stress ball -- another great thing to squeeze in your hand.
67. Ear plugs -- funny as it may be, having these on hand reduces the sress in our house. Remember to use care when putting these in your child's ears, and PLEASE ask your doctor if you have any concerns about it--shocking to find out, but I am NOT a medical professional, nor do I play one on TV--I just write. : )
68. Hand warmers -- a good thing to have for snow play.
69. Goggles -- keep them for the bath or shower (or we use them in the hot tub).
70. Electronic Bubblewrap -- really, just genius.
71. Tootsie Roll Bank -- a tradition at our house.
72. Temporary Tattoos -- get holiday ones and give your kids something to do after they open presents.
73. Theraputty -- they have a great 2 oz version to fit right in their stocking, and then in your purse! Don't forget to ask your OT which color would work best for your kid.
74. Ceiling Stars -- bedtime struggles are made easier when they have glowing stars to look at each night.
75. Flat Friends -- this product is new and really cool. It is made of 100% pure Australian sheepskin which has been shown to have calming and therapeutic effects. I personally love the wolf. Thanks to Sherri at Sensory Assault Ops for telling me about this!
76. Ice pack (themed or shaped) -- some of my kids hate ice packs, but usually a good character version makes the "owie" get better quicker anyway (even if the "owie" is really just an overreaction).
77. Band Aids in favorite character -- their own box of bandaids--go crazy!
78. Stickers -- in their favorite character are always a hit.
79. Polly Pocket-- a very cool option for a little girl, great at home or on the go. I also found this Polly Pocket Advent Calendar as well as a My Little Pony Advent Calendar which would be a fantastic way for you to count down the days to Christmas.
80. Littlest Pet Shop -- great option to encourage imaginative play.
81. Cookie Monster Building Set -- we have built the Ernie over and over, but Cookie is my favorite.
82. Barrel of Monkeys -- a great game that will help with hand eye coordination, turn taking and encourage social skill building.
83. Bike Bell-- decorating your bike is always cool.
84. Yahtzee -- a great way to have fun with the whole family -- while practicing social rules like taking turns, being a good sport and losing graciously. And this "A Christmas Story" version would only be better if the container was shaped like a lamp...if you know what I mean. : )
85. Wind Chimes -- help the wind make a new sound-- music!
86. Jump rope -- good for inside (maybe...) and outside play; help your kids' engine run.
87. Frisbee or flying disc -- fun to throw, and a great activity for increasing coordination.
88. Foam Glider Plane-- we love these.
89. Paper Dolls -- simple, classic, and still fun.
90. Bean bags -- having a few of these on hand, homemade ones are great, give a fidget toy and an instant game at home or away. The set I have linked to, is the alphabet (and they have numbers too!); a GREAT GREAT way to have a multisensory experience with letters. Love it!
91. Mood ring -- they are coming back! Give your kid the ability to monitor their own mood (sort of...I at least like the idea that they are thinking about monitoring their mood, even if the ring is inacurate).
92. Interlocked metal mind puzzles -- these are more complex than the one we have, but my boys love them and do these forever.
93. Mad Libs (or Mad Libs Jr. or Star Wars or Christmas or Christmas Carols) -- fun for kids with a good sense of humor, and even better for encouraging writing. Do you remember how fun these were? Can't wait for Santa to deliver these to our door.
94. Chewlery Bracelet -- I have said this before, but I stick by it because it WORKED for us. They have new versions, so feel free to look around at other options.
95. Sling shot Monkey -- this is just hysterical. Let them have fun, it is Christmas and you've been stressed for over a month. ; )
96. Straw Glasses -- any kind of straw is a great way to get input for our kiddos--but this just makes it silly.
97. Tape Measure (real or pretend) -- my little builders love these. You can get them at the dollar store and then when they ruin them, o well.
98. Tangle DNA Puzzle -- this is just cool. It is textured and glows--can you say multi-sensory? need I say more?
99. Blob Ball -- this is gross, and my kids usually pop them, but they are fun sensory activity while they last.
100. Super Ball -- this is one of our favorites! Take them to the local public school playground and they can throw them against the building in the covered play area. GREAT outting even in the rain!
101. Slinky -- ending with a classic, not to mention it helps with problem solving and feels cool.
Good luck shopping and Happy Holidays,
H
Now for the disclaimer:
I am sure you know this, but I have to say it any way -- I am not getting paid by any of these companies to suggest their items, just as I cannot personally vouch for any of the suppliers (although wherever possible I tried to go with larger suppliers like Amazon); this is a place to get inspriation and buy whatever strikes your fancy. It's all on you.
12 Days of Christmas -- SPD Version
12 Days of Christmas -- SPD Version
On the first day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
A meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the second day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the third day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the fourth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the fifth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the sixth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the seventh day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the eighth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Eight hours of brushing,
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the ninth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Nine packs of chewing gum,
Eight hours of brushing,
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the tenth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Ten hours of heavy work,
Nine packs of chewing gum,
Eight hours of brushing,
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Eleven relatives left speechless,
Ten hours of heavy work,
Nine packs of chewing gum,
Eight hours of brushing,
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
SPD gave to me
Twelve gluten-free cookies,
Eleven relatives left speechless,
Ten hours of heavy work,
Nine packs of chewing gum,
Eight hours of brushing,
Seven squishy stress balls,
Six ears a-covered,
A five hour migraine,
Four spinning Egg Chairs,
Three screaming boys,
Two heavy blankets,
And a meltdown Oscar worthy!
Can anyone out there sing? Want to record this for me? That would be hysterical!!
Email me if you are interested,
H
My Son's Angel
I met an Angel just a few weeks ago.She is not the kind that lives in heaven, but the other kind, the kind that lives on earth.
She doesn’t have a halo (at least not one you can see). This Angel has blonde hair and a smile that reveals her missing tooth--giving away her age much like the wrinkles around my eyes give away my own.
Like most other Angles that you read about, she came at a time that she was needed, and gave Hope to someone who needed it desperately.
What makes this Angel special to me is that she came to help my son, Gabriel.
You see, this young girl is in my Gabriel’s class, and unlike the other 20-something children that are only able to see how different he is, this young girl sees how alike they are.
This special girl chose to become his friend and share a unique kind of compassion that only the purest of heart can have. The kind of compassion granted to Angels.
But not every child has the strength to follow their heart and do what is right. For that matter, not every adult does either.
Which made me begin to worry. Worry that the burden of being my son’s friend would be too much for this child. Any child. I worried because I know that standing up for someone who can’t stand up for themselves is a test for anyone at any age.
And I knew that she would be tested.
Tested by older children and their mean words on the bus; tested by classmates who ridiculed her for being friends with my son; and tested by her own internal desire for self preservation.
I wondered how she would react and how her parents would feel about her choice.
Then one afternoon Gabriel came home and shared with me that his new found friend was tormented relentlessly on the bus until the young girl broke down and cried.
All for being friends with my son.
Gabriel tried to console her. Not sure why the other kids were being so mean, not concerned for himself, just for his friend. His only friend.
As Gabriel was retelling the day’s events, my heart broke for this young girl.
And as night fell I was consumed with worry about the burden this child had chosen to carry—a burden much heavier than her small shoulders should carry. And one much heavier than I feared she could carry.
Night turned to a new day and Gabriel had been invited to help her celebrate her birthday.
We arrived on the young girl’s doorstep that afternoon, me with butterflies in my stomach and Gabriel clutching a present wrapped in a special bag adorned with pink roses that he had chosen just for his friend.
After the cake was cut and the presents unwrapped, I decided it was time to tell her mother of the sacrifices her daughter was making in order to be friends with my son.
“Your daughter has become my son’s only friend and the other children are teasing her. I am so sorry for your daughter’s tears.”
And with conviction her mother replied,
“She is strong. She is a leader. Her father and I have told her that she can show the other children to have love in their hearts and be friends with everyone. The other children will follow her. We believe she can do it.”
And I cried.
Tears of joy.
Standing in her living room. Taking in the idea that this woman was strong enough and open enough to teach her child to be capable of true acceptance and compassion so rare that they would elevate her to be my son’s Angel. I was grateful. Deeply. Immensely. Grateful.
I don’t have the words to describe the deep unrelenting pain that grows in a mother’s heart every time her son complains of being lonely, of having no play dates, of not being invited to birthday parties, of being bullied or just simply having to eat lunch at a table all alone.
And I struggled to find the right words to thank this woman for raising such a beautiful daughter both inside and out. Thank you for giving her the strength and support to become the kind of woman, the kind of person, that this world needs. That my son needs.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I have always known that one person can change the life of a child. But I left that birthday party knowing that this child, along with her family, had changed the life of MY child.
So with each passing day Gabriel gets on the bus, I know that he isn’t going alone. He has a very special Angel beside him. But don't look towards heaven or try to spot a halo because you might miss your chance to see her. Instead look for the small blonde girl with the missing tooth--she is sitting on the seat next to my son.
Here's to hoping there is an Angel for each of our children,
H
I encourage you to leave a comment for this young Angel and her family. I would like them to know how moms of special kids view people who are able to rise up and see not just our child’s disability, but the beautiful child that is inside each of them.
101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers 2009
If you are parenting a SPD kiddo like mine, or one on the spectrum, then you can relate to my challenge with filling my kids' stockings with things that don't get played with--it is like a big fat waste of money.
1. Spin toothbrush -- we love these disposable things, and chew through them quick!
2. Animal flossers -- good for your teeth, and great to keep little hands (and mouths!) busy.
3. Flavored toothpaste (vanilla from Tanner's Tasty Paste) -- this stuff tastes like REAL ice cream; if your kid hates to brush, this may be the answer (they have chocolate, creamsicle and fluoride free too!).
4. Peek-a-Boo Bags -- this is a great sensory activity for little ones with tactile defensiveness. A easy way for mom to do some sensory work at home, since these adorable little bags full of soft pellets make "therapy" fun!
5. Webkinz -- it is always nice to ease anxiety by having a "friend" with you.
6. Snacks -- something not candy, so that when they open their stocking, they can eat what they get--even for breakfast. The link goest to my favorite new meals (Gabe takes them every day for lunch) which are prepackaged--but not crap. They even include a dessert in each box. Mmmmm.
7. GFCF Candy -- this is an extra special treat for kids on the diet. The link is a list of options, so you can pick what your kid would love best.
8. Fidget Toy -- we have this great, metal, small (a little bigger than a quarter) fidget toy that is just as fun for me as it is for Gabe. Originally designed for kids with ADHD. Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
9. Chew Stixx -- this is a great, scented, safe to chew, pocket sized object for kids to carry with them. We have 4 of them. :) Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
10. Pencil toppers -- lots of options out there, but toppers you can chew are terrific.
11. Pencil grips -- good for children that are struggling with handwriting (like mine!)--ask your OT for good direction on which grip will work best with your child.
12. Rubix cube -- something to keep your child's mind and hands busy--a requirement at our house.
13. Numbers slide puzzle -- old school but still fun. My boys love ours, and truthfully, so do I.
14. Personalized puzzle (Snapfish) -- take a photo of your kid, and make it into a puzzle you can do on the go. Obviously you can just buy a puzzle too. LOL
15. “Happy Thoughts Book” (Snapfish) -- a small flip book full of the most fun memories your child has--visit from Grandma, birthdays, family vacations--pull it out when you need to "snap" him out of a bad mood (do you think that is where "Snap"fish got its name? hmmmm). The smaller books are also AMAZING to buy in bulk and give out to family and friends for any occassion (especially wiht multiple book discounts!), they can be seen here.
16. Paint Brushes -- give your little artist a new set of brushes; these are specifically good for young kids or kids with lower small motor ability.
17. Smencils--Scented colored pencils -- scented pencils give an incentive to practice coloring and writing.
18. Sensory videos (Bear in the Big Blue House) -- although this only covers 5 of the SEVEN senses, it is a pretty cute show. I tried to get them to make it all seven senses, but they won't take my calls (something about a restraining order? Kidding--LOL).
19. Water Flutes-- noisey, but great fun in the bath.
20. Water bottle with straw -- great for in class, in the car, or just hanging out at home--these are especially cool because you can get it with your child's name on it.
21. Bath Squirters -- keep bathtime fun and add in some pinscher grasp work.
22. Bath paints/Crayons -- have a hard time getting them in the shower? Let them color the walls and practice handwriting--at the same time.
23. Glee Gum -- all natural, gluten free and allergen free. I am ordering some for Gabriel today--they also have "make your own gum" packs as well as "make your own gummy candy" packs. And if you click on the Glee Gum pic on the navigation bar (top left of this page) OR YOU CAN CLICK HERE you will be taken straight to a Buy One Get One Free coupon that Glee Gum created esepcially for HLW3B readers! I LOVE THIS COMPANY!!
24. Slipper socks with grippy feet -- cold feet are no fun, but slipper socks with grippy feet are terrific at any age. These are from Lands End, a fave of mine.
25. Scented lip balm -- 'tis the season for chapped lips. Stop the cracking with some festive holiday scented lip balm. Careful they don't eat it.
26. Gloves/mittens -- keep hands warm with soft cotton gloves or mittens. While you are on Old Navy's site (which has flat shipping), check out the matching hats and scarves!
27. Whistle -- great for proprioceptive input -- and pretending you're a cop.
28. Kazoo -- hum along to all of your favorite songs.
29. Harmonica -- teach them to play for real, or just let them pretend.
30. Wii Sports -- I recently learned how this game was being used to help kids "cross the midline"-- what a smart idea! This is the only thing on my list that is expensive--so don't let it throw you off!
31. Diji games -- kind of like DS, only educational. Great incentive to work on spelling and math.
32. Spy scope -- give them a secret mission -- spy out the windows or search the house.
33. Small note pad -- encourage writing smaller with their very own little note pad to write down clues.
34. Magnifying glass -- got to have something to find the clues!
35. Small car -- great option for traveling; a must for any adventure and a new one only sweetens the pot.
36. Action figures -- just like having a car, a Star Wars guy, Transformer, or whatever girls carry with them (wow, clueless on that), is a good way to increase dramatic play.
37. Key chain for backpack -- my boys love to have things on their back pack -- plus it gives them something to play with on the bus or while waiting in line at school.
38. Sand Blocks -- these are going in our stockings this year! Also check out the water and glass bead versions--great visual!
39. Watch -- great for kids that are learning to tell time, or just those who are concerned about what time it is -- all the time.
40. Bubbles -- blowing bubbles is a great proprioceptive activity--don't let it be just for summer!
41. Pokemon cards -- or whatever other kind of collecting cards your child is into--encourages reading and gives something for them to focus their organzing energy on--mine's a little OCD :).
42. Handy Manny tools -- these have been great for my 4 year old--he can "fix" things all over the house.
43. Music cds -- get your child's favorite music, whether they like classical or "Kidz Bop" like Nick, you are sure to have a hit.
44. Noise Quieting Headphones -- keep ears covered and muffle the sounds of unwanted noise--and look cool doing it.
45. Fruit -- OK, my mom-santa gave me fruit when I was a kid, and I hated it; now I love giving it to my kids (Gabe really loves to find an orange in his stocking) because it takes up so much room. I don't give them Harry and David, but I sure wish Santa would give some to me. LOL
46. Card game (Uno, Go Fish) -- Uno (they have themed decks, like this Christmas Charlie Brown one) is a great game that the whole family can play!
47. Flash cards -- give them the first 100 site words, math facts or other educational cards. Having their "hands on" the lesson makes learning more fun.
48. Legos -- small Lego sets can easily be built and then taken apart to do again. I also found this great Lego Advent Calendar which is a terrific way to show visually how many days until Christmas--great for reducing anxiety.
49. Bionicles -- a small motor skill building activity is vauable any time--and a good play date toy to engage new friends in.
50. Bakugan -- I know nothing about these, but do know that lots of kids are into them which gives our kids an opportunity for social play that NT kids might relate to (and they fit in the stocking nicely!).
51. Peek-a-Blocks -- great for toddlers, and they have a few different sensory sets, including this one which is "sounds".
52. Little People -- great for little hands, especially with the little vehicles for both girls and boys.
53. Ta Doodles -- bring out the artist in your little one without worrying about small motor skills--these fit easily in little hands and are adorable!
54. Playdoh/clay -- great to have any time.
55. Playdoh accessories -- there are so many, including Star Wars stampers, confetti makers and this adorable Hungry Hungry Hippos set.
56. Stamp w/ink set -- this is a great activity, the pressing and transfering is great for our kiddos.
57. Taggie Blanket -- no matter how old you are, a nice soft blanket with a satin edge can be calming, especially on the go.
58. Santa Buddies-- a new movie is always a hit for us on holidays! It gives structure to the day and allows for a "cool down" period (especially under a heavy blanket).
59. Books (Junie B. Jones or Magic Tree House) -- find a good kid's holiday themed book to encourage your child to read, and give them something to hold onto the holiday spirit.
60. Tickets to movies -- with the AMC Sensory-Friendly films showing all over the country every month, tickets to the movies couldn't be a more sensational gift.
61. Microwave popcorn -- makes everything better.
62. Fidget balls -- these are great for sensory input when your child needs to sit for long periods of time or just seems to need something to do with his hands.
63. Flash Light -- we can get enough of these--but don't forget the batteries--in bulk.
64. Ornament -- this one is adorable (I love the song I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas), but any special ornament with their name or year is a special treat.
65. Scarf -- your kid might not like this, but I assure you it will keep them warm (and seriously, how dang cute is this scarf for only $5 at Old Navy?)!
66. Stress ball -- another great thing to squeeze in your hand.
67. Ear plugs -- funny as it may be, having these on hand reduces the sress in our house. Remember to use care when putting these in your child's ears, and PLEASE ask your doctor if you have any concerns about it--shocking to find out, but I am NOT a medical professional, nor do I play one on TV--I just write. : )
68. Hand warmers -- a good thing to have for snow play.
69. Goggles -- keep them for the bath or shower (or we use them in the hot tub).
70. Electronic Bubblewrap -- really, just genius.
71. Tootsie Roll Bank -- a tradition at our house.
72. Temporary Tattoos -- get holiday ones and give your kids something to do after they open presents.
73. Theraputty -- they have a great 2 oz version to fit right in their stocking, and then in your purse! Don't forget to ask your OT which color would work best for your kid.
74. Ceiling Stars -- bedtime struggles are made easier when they have glowing stars to look at each night.
75. Flat Friends -- this product is new and really cool. It is made of 100% pure Australian sheepskin which has been shown to have calming and therapeutic effects. I personally love the wolf. Thanks to Sherri at Sensory Assault Ops for telling me about this!
76. Ice pack (themed or shaped) -- some of my kids hate ice packs, but usually a good character version makes the "owie" get better quicker anyway (even if the "owie" is really just an overreaction).
77. Band Aids in favorite character -- their own box of bandaids--go crazy!
78. Stickers -- in their favorite character are always a hit.
79. Polly Pocket-- a very cool option for a little girl, great at home or on the go. I also found this Polly Pocket Advent Calendar as well as a My Little Pony Advent Calendar which would be a fantastic way for you to count down the days to Christmas.
80. Littlest Pet Shop -- great option to encourage imaginative play.
81. Cookie Monster Building Set -- we have built the Ernie over and over, but Cookie is my favorite.
82. Barrel of Monkeys -- a great game that will help with hand eye coordination, turn taking and encourage social skill building.
83. Bike Bell-- decorating your bike is always cool.
84. Yahtzee -- a great way to have fun with the whole family -- while practicing social rules like taking turns, being a good sport and losing graciously. And this "A Christmas Story" version would only be better if the container was shaped like a lamp...if you know what I mean. : )
85. Wind Chimes -- help the wind make a new sound-- music!
86. Jump rope -- good for inside (maybe...) and outside play; help your kids' engine run.
87. Frisbee or flying disc -- fun to throw, and a great activity for increasing coordination.
88. Foam Glider Plane-- we love these.
89. Paper Dolls -- simple, classic, and still fun.
90. Bean bags -- having a few of these on hand, homemade ones are great, give a fidget toy and an instant game at home or away. The set I have linked to, is the alphabet (and they have numbers too!); a GREAT GREAT way to have a multisensory experience with letters. Love it!
91. Mood ring -- they are coming back! Give your kid the ability to monitor their own mood (sort of...I at least like the idea that they are thinking about monitoring their mood, even if the ring is inacurate).
92. Interlocked metal mind puzzles -- these are more complex than the one we have, but my boys love them and do these forever.
93. Mad Libs (or Mad Libs Jr. or Star Wars or Christmas or Christmas Carols) -- fun for kids with a good sense of humor, and even better for encouraging writing. Do you remember how fun these were? Can't wait for Santa to deliver these to our door.
94. Chewlery Bracelet -- I have said this before, but I stick by it because it WORKED for us. They have new versions, so feel free to look around at other options.
95. Sling shot Monkey -- this is just hysterical. Let them have fun, it is Christmas and you've been stressed for over a month. ; )
96. Straw Glasses -- any kind of straw is a great way to get input for our kiddos--but this just makes it silly.
97. Tape Measure (real or pretend) -- my little builders love these. You can get them at the dollar store and then when they ruin them, o well.
98. Tangle DNA Puzzle -- this is just cool. It is textured and glows--can you say multi-sensory? need I say more?
99. Blob Ball -- this is gross, and my kids usually pop them, but they are fun sensory activity while they last.
100. Super Ball -- this is one of our favorites! Take them to the local public school playground and they can throw them against the building in the covered play area. GREAT outting even in the rain!
101. Slinky -- ending with a classic, not to mention it helps with problem solving and feels cool.
Good luck shopping and Happy Holidays,
H
Now for the disclaimer:
I am sure you know this, but I have to say it any way -- I am not getting paid by any of these companies to suggest their items, just as I cannot personally vouch for any of the suppliers (although wherever possible I tried to go with larger suppliers like Amazon); this is a place to get inspriation and buy whatever strikes your fancy. It's all on you.
Not this year.
This year I began researching things that were worth spending money on, things that would benefit my kid in multiple ways (sensory, social, small motor skill) and that my kids would like. You will see some of these things you have already thought of, but hopefully you will think of it it a new light, and some of these things will be new.
I am using this list to do my shopping and I sincerely hope it will at least provide you with inspiration for your holiday shopping.101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers List 2009
1. Spin toothbrush -- we love these disposable things, and chew through them quick!
2. Animal flossers -- good for your teeth, and great to keep little hands (and mouths!) busy.
3. Flavored toothpaste (vanilla from Tanner's Tasty Paste) -- this stuff tastes like REAL ice cream; if your kid hates to brush, this may be the answer (they have chocolate, creamsicle and fluoride free too!).
4. Peek-a-Boo Bags -- this is a great sensory activity for little ones with tactile defensiveness. A easy way for mom to do some sensory work at home, since these adorable little bags full of soft pellets make "therapy" fun!
5. Webkinz -- it is always nice to ease anxiety by having a "friend" with you.
6. Snacks -- something not candy, so that when they open their stocking, they can eat what they get--even for breakfast. The link goest to my favorite new meals (Gabe takes them every day for lunch) which are prepackaged--but not crap. They even include a dessert in each box. Mmmmm.
7. GFCF Candy -- this is an extra special treat for kids on the diet. The link is a list of options, so you can pick what your kid would love best.
8. Fidget Toy -- we have this great, metal, small (a little bigger than a quarter) fidget toy that is just as fun for me as it is for Gabe. Originally designed for kids with ADHD. Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
9. Chew Stixx -- this is a great, scented, safe to chew, pocket sized object for kids to carry with them. We have 4 of them. :) Use discount code save15 when ordering--the company has offered my readers a discount. WOOO HOOO!
10. Pencil toppers -- lots of options out there, but toppers you can chew are terrific.
11. Pencil grips -- good for children that are struggling with handwriting (like mine!)--ask your OT for good direction on which grip will work best with your child.
12. Rubix cube -- something to keep your child's mind and hands busy--a requirement at our house.
13. Numbers slide puzzle -- old school but still fun. My boys love ours, and truthfully, so do I.
14. Personalized puzzle (Snapfish) -- take a photo of your kid, and make it into a puzzle you can do on the go. Obviously you can just buy a puzzle too. LOL
15. “Happy Thoughts Book” (Snapfish) -- a small flip book full of the most fun memories your child has--visit from Grandma, birthdays, family vacations--pull it out when you need to "snap" him out of a bad mood (do you think that is where "Snap"fish got its name? hmmmm). The smaller books are also AMAZING to buy in bulk and give out to family and friends for any occassion (especially wiht multiple book discounts!), they can be seen here.
16. Paint Brushes -- give your little artist a new set of brushes; these are specifically good for young kids or kids with lower small motor ability.
17. Smencils--Scented colored pencils -- scented pencils give an incentive to practice coloring and writing.
18. Sensory videos (Bear in the Big Blue House) -- although this only covers 5 of the SEVEN senses, it is a pretty cute show. I tried to get them to make it all seven senses, but they won't take my calls (something about a restraining order? Kidding--LOL).
19. Water Flutes-- noisey, but great fun in the bath.
20. Water bottle with straw -- great for in class, in the car, or just hanging out at home--these are especially cool because you can get it with your child's name on it.
21. Bath Squirters -- keep bathtime fun and add in some pinscher grasp work.
22. Bath paints/Crayons -- have a hard time getting them in the shower? Let them color the walls and practice handwriting--at the same time.
23. Glee Gum -- all natural, gluten free and allergen free. I am ordering some for Gabriel today--they also have "make your own gum" packs as well as "make your own gummy candy" packs. And if you click on the Glee Gum pic on the navigation bar (top left of this page) OR YOU CAN CLICK HERE you will be taken straight to a Buy One Get One Free coupon that Glee Gum created esepcially for HLW3B readers! I LOVE THIS COMPANY!!
24. Slipper socks with grippy feet -- cold feet are no fun, but slipper socks with grippy feet are terrific at any age. These are from Lands End, a fave of mine.
25. Scented lip balm -- 'tis the season for chapped lips. Stop the cracking with some festive holiday scented lip balm. Careful they don't eat it.
26. Gloves/mittens -- keep hands warm with soft cotton gloves or mittens. While you are on Old Navy's site (which has flat shipping), check out the matching hats and scarves!
27. Whistle -- great for proprioceptive input -- and pretending you're a cop.
28. Kazoo -- hum along to all of your favorite songs.
29. Harmonica -- teach them to play for real, or just let them pretend.
30. Wii Sports -- I recently learned how this game was being used to help kids "cross the midline"-- what a smart idea! This is the only thing on my list that is expensive--so don't let it throw you off!
31. Diji games -- kind of like DS, only educational. Great incentive to work on spelling and math.
32. Spy scope -- give them a secret mission -- spy out the windows or search the house.
33. Small note pad -- encourage writing smaller with their very own little note pad to write down clues.
34. Magnifying glass -- got to have something to find the clues!
35. Small car -- great option for traveling; a must for any adventure and a new one only sweetens the pot.
36. Action figures -- just like having a car, a Star Wars guy, Transformer, or whatever girls carry with them (wow, clueless on that), is a good way to increase dramatic play.
37. Key chain for backpack -- my boys love to have things on their back pack -- plus it gives them something to play with on the bus or while waiting in line at school.
38. Sand Blocks -- these are going in our stockings this year! Also check out the water and glass bead versions--great visual!
39. Watch -- great for kids that are learning to tell time, or just those who are concerned about what time it is -- all the time.
40. Bubbles -- blowing bubbles is a great proprioceptive activity--don't let it be just for summer!
41. Pokemon cards -- or whatever other kind of collecting cards your child is into--encourages reading and gives something for them to focus their organzing energy on--mine's a little OCD :).
42. Handy Manny tools -- these have been great for my 4 year old--he can "fix" things all over the house.
43. Music cds -- get your child's favorite music, whether they like classical or "Kidz Bop" like Nick, you are sure to have a hit.
44. Noise Quieting Headphones -- keep ears covered and muffle the sounds of unwanted noise--and look cool doing it.
45. Fruit -- OK, my mom-santa gave me fruit when I was a kid, and I hated it; now I love giving it to my kids (Gabe really loves to find an orange in his stocking) because it takes up so much room. I don't give them Harry and David, but I sure wish Santa would give some to me. LOL
46. Card game (Uno, Go Fish) -- Uno (they have themed decks, like this Christmas Charlie Brown one) is a great game that the whole family can play!
47. Flash cards -- give them the first 100 site words, math facts or other educational cards. Having their "hands on" the lesson makes learning more fun.
48. Legos -- small Lego sets can easily be built and then taken apart to do again. I also found this great Lego Advent Calendar which is a terrific way to show visually how many days until Christmas--great for reducing anxiety.
49. Bionicles -- a small motor skill building activity is vauable any time--and a good play date toy to engage new friends in.
50. Bakugan -- I know nothing about these, but do know that lots of kids are into them which gives our kids an opportunity for social play that NT kids might relate to (and they fit in the stocking nicely!).
51. Peek-a-Blocks -- great for toddlers, and they have a few different sensory sets, including this one which is "sounds".
52. Little People -- great for little hands, especially with the little vehicles for both girls and boys.
53. Ta Doodles -- bring out the artist in your little one without worrying about small motor skills--these fit easily in little hands and are adorable!
54. Playdoh/clay -- great to have any time.
55. Playdoh accessories -- there are so many, including Star Wars stampers, confetti makers and this adorable Hungry Hungry Hippos set.
56. Stamp w/ink set -- this is a great activity, the pressing and transfering is great for our kiddos.
57. Taggie Blanket -- no matter how old you are, a nice soft blanket with a satin edge can be calming, especially on the go.
58. Santa Buddies-- a new movie is always a hit for us on holidays! It gives structure to the day and allows for a "cool down" period (especially under a heavy blanket).
59. Books (Junie B. Jones or Magic Tree House) -- find a good kid's holiday themed book to encourage your child to read, and give them something to hold onto the holiday spirit.
60. Tickets to movies -- with the AMC Sensory-Friendly films showing all over the country every month, tickets to the movies couldn't be a more sensational gift.
61. Microwave popcorn -- makes everything better.
62. Fidget balls -- these are great for sensory input when your child needs to sit for long periods of time or just seems to need something to do with his hands.
63. Flash Light -- we can get enough of these--but don't forget the batteries--in bulk.
64. Ornament -- this one is adorable (I love the song I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas), but any special ornament with their name or year is a special treat.
65. Scarf -- your kid might not like this, but I assure you it will keep them warm (and seriously, how dang cute is this scarf for only $5 at Old Navy?)!
66. Stress ball -- another great thing to squeeze in your hand.
67. Ear plugs -- funny as it may be, having these on hand reduces the sress in our house. Remember to use care when putting these in your child's ears, and PLEASE ask your doctor if you have any concerns about it--shocking to find out, but I am NOT a medical professional, nor do I play one on TV--I just write. : )
68. Hand warmers -- a good thing to have for snow play.
69. Goggles -- keep them for the bath or shower (or we use them in the hot tub).
70. Electronic Bubblewrap -- really, just genius.
71. Tootsie Roll Bank -- a tradition at our house.
72. Temporary Tattoos -- get holiday ones and give your kids something to do after they open presents.
73. Theraputty -- they have a great 2 oz version to fit right in their stocking, and then in your purse! Don't forget to ask your OT which color would work best for your kid.
74. Ceiling Stars -- bedtime struggles are made easier when they have glowing stars to look at each night.
75. Flat Friends -- this product is new and really cool. It is made of 100% pure Australian sheepskin which has been shown to have calming and therapeutic effects. I personally love the wolf. Thanks to Sherri at Sensory Assault Ops for telling me about this!
76. Ice pack (themed or shaped) -- some of my kids hate ice packs, but usually a good character version makes the "owie" get better quicker anyway (even if the "owie" is really just an overreaction).
77. Band Aids in favorite character -- their own box of bandaids--go crazy!
78. Stickers -- in their favorite character are always a hit.
79. Polly Pocket-- a very cool option for a little girl, great at home or on the go. I also found this Polly Pocket Advent Calendar as well as a My Little Pony Advent Calendar which would be a fantastic way for you to count down the days to Christmas.
80. Littlest Pet Shop -- great option to encourage imaginative play.
81. Cookie Monster Building Set -- we have built the Ernie over and over, but Cookie is my favorite.
82. Barrel of Monkeys -- a great game that will help with hand eye coordination, turn taking and encourage social skill building.
83. Bike Bell-- decorating your bike is always cool.
84. Yahtzee -- a great way to have fun with the whole family -- while practicing social rules like taking turns, being a good sport and losing graciously. And this "A Christmas Story" version would only be better if the container was shaped like a lamp...if you know what I mean. : )
85. Wind Chimes -- help the wind make a new sound-- music!
86. Jump rope -- good for inside (maybe...) and outside play; help your kids' engine run.
87. Frisbee or flying disc -- fun to throw, and a great activity for increasing coordination.
88. Foam Glider Plane-- we love these.
89. Paper Dolls -- simple, classic, and still fun.
90. Bean bags -- having a few of these on hand, homemade ones are great, give a fidget toy and an instant game at home or away. The set I have linked to, is the alphabet (and they have numbers too!); a GREAT GREAT way to have a multisensory experience with letters. Love it!
91. Mood ring -- they are coming back! Give your kid the ability to monitor their own mood (sort of...I at least like the idea that they are thinking about monitoring their mood, even if the ring is inacurate).
92. Interlocked metal mind puzzles -- these are more complex than the one we have, but my boys love them and do these forever.
93. Mad Libs (or Mad Libs Jr. or Star Wars or Christmas or Christmas Carols) -- fun for kids with a good sense of humor, and even better for encouraging writing. Do you remember how fun these were? Can't wait for Santa to deliver these to our door.
94. Chewlery Bracelet -- I have said this before, but I stick by it because it WORKED for us. They have new versions, so feel free to look around at other options.
95. Sling shot Monkey -- this is just hysterical. Let them have fun, it is Christmas and you've been stressed for over a month. ; )
96. Straw Glasses -- any kind of straw is a great way to get input for our kiddos--but this just makes it silly.
97. Tape Measure (real or pretend) -- my little builders love these. You can get them at the dollar store and then when they ruin them, o well.
98. Tangle DNA Puzzle -- this is just cool. It is textured and glows--can you say multi-sensory? need I say more?
99. Blob Ball -- this is gross, and my kids usually pop them, but they are fun sensory activity while they last.
100. Super Ball -- this is one of our favorites! Take them to the local public school playground and they can throw them against the building in the covered play area. GREAT outting even in the rain!
101. Slinky -- ending with a classic, not to mention it helps with problem solving and feels cool.
Good luck shopping and Happy Holidays,
H
Now for the disclaimer:
I am sure you know this, but I have to say it any way -- I am not getting paid by any of these companies to suggest their items, just as I cannot personally vouch for any of the suppliers (although wherever possible I tried to go with larger suppliers like Amazon); this is a place to get inspriation and buy whatever strikes your fancy. It's all on you.
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