Kids with ADHD can be very difficult to buy presents for. Like many parents, you are probably at a loss as to what to get for your ADHD child this holiday season. If you buy an expensive toy, there’s a high chance that they’ll accidentally break it or lose interest in it after a few days. But if you get them something too simple, they may not even glance at it, leaving the present to gather dust at the back of a closet.
Before you head out to go Christmas shopping for your ADHD child, take the time to know your child and what hobbies or topics is he or she interested in. Children with ADHD may be fickle and easily bored, but they only behave this way when faced with tasks or subjects that do not interest them. But give them a present related to their real interests, and you’ll find that your child is actually capable of sitting still and staying quiet for hours – and using your present until it naturally falls apart. Here are some gift suggestions that might help you decide what to get your kids this Christmas.
Books
Your child probably has a variety of interests, but he or she might be especially fond of one specific subject. Get your child a book on this subject. Non-fiction books on insects, pirates, magic, and other topics that interests kids can be easily found at any bookstore. Many kids with ADHD are also avid readers and have certain books they enjoy reading, whether it’s comic books, teen romances, or horror stories. Find out what your child enjoys reading about then find a fiction book that follows this theme.
Arts & Crafts
Kids with ADHD are known for their original thinking and creativity. Encourage this part of your child’s personality by giving them art supplies. You can easily find paints, clay, paper, and markers at office supply stores and craft stores. Make sure you check toy stores for toys that promote creativity; for instance, Crayola has a play set that allows kids to make their own crayons. Consider giving the art supplies along with a book that details simple projects they can do with their materials.
Toys with wheels
By this, I mean a bicycle, a pair of Rollerblades, or a skateboard. Movement addresses the hyperactive component, and toys like these will give your child a chance to release some of this extra energy. Did you know that riding a bike or skating counts as exercise too? And that exercise is the cheapest, natural way to manage ADHD?
Musical instrument
If your child shows interest in a particular instrument, why not give the opportunity to learn this instrument? Music lessons are great for kids with ADHD because they address the creative component, attention component, and behavior component all at the same time.
Fidget toys
You can actually reduce hyperactivity by giving your child fidget toys – tiny toys that provide sensory input or engage your child’s attention during “quiet” events. Fidget toys allow kids with ADHD to attend to an interesting activity without excessive movement or talking. Try giving your child a bag with fidget toys and carry this with you to family gatherings to control your child’s behavior. Examples of fidget toys include small manipulative toys, textured toys, a squeezable toy, or a handheld video game that can be muted.