Gifting in general can be challenging for any age group but more specifically for kids. It is always an unawareness whether the child will like it, outgrow it quickly, or even use it for a long time. This guided article is here to help to make that very challenge easy by sharing a list of items to help you buy the best possible gift, which will entail not just enjoyment but also include added benefits like the development of all skills as well as cater to each child’s unique needs.
Understanding the child’s preferences and abilities
Before making any solid choices when it comes to choosing a gift or toy for your child, it is extremely important to understand a few things about your child. First, it is critical to keep in mind your child’s age as most products are age-based as per development rate and second, their ability. Abilities can be limited or unlimited and basis take a call on how fast or slowly you feel your child will adapt to the products gifted to them.
Keeping these in mind, it is also extremely important to learn and understand your children’s preferences and what kind of interests and talents they will be able to further develop.
Implement the 4 Gift Rule
- Something they WANT – A toy or a game product that they’ve been asking for, for a long time!
- Something they NEED – Tools that will benefit their growth and development, like educational tools such as books, or sensory aids.
- Something they WEAR – Children outgrow clothes pretty quickly and it is always nice to keep their cupboard updated with clothes their size.
- Something they READ – This way you can cultivate and elevate their reading habits while also creating a new healthy educational interest and passion.
This rule is exciting as well as informative for those on a budget, any of these 4 pointers will work through the year and is more than commonly followed by many parents. It instils a sort of discipline of a sort and allows children to learn the value of gifting. This rule also means less chaos and clear expectations which allows for way less disappointment for the family.
Sometimes not all categories may apply to your child, but it is always best to try to understand what they need or want and give the best possible gift.
Listening to your child
It is an unsaid rule but a rule nonetheless, to listen to your child’s needs and wants. Parents, in their own right, believe they understand what is best for their child but sometimes that may not suit the preferences or intuitions of the child. It is extremely important to hear this thought and understand where it is rooted from.
Similarly, a child will also have some requirements that they feel comfortable asking for, this makes a parent’s or a gift-givers life a lot easier cause it is guaranteed way the child will have durable engagement with the gift as it is related towards their interests and abilities. But also be aware these may not just be verbal cues but also non-verbal cues like change in behaviour or unwillingness or irritation towards something as they may have trouble articulating their desires. These behaviours should be tended to and understood by parents on a more understanding level as ignoring them would only make it worse.
Safety Considerations
Many parents go through a lot of research and window shopping before choosing the best products for their kids. It has to most importantly be best in terms of safety. Some common safety tips:
- Buy age-appropriate gifts – Children’s products are often made with their age in mind as this defines the designs depending on the growth rate, and cognitive and motor skills development. This may be common for most neuro-typical children but it is always best to understand the child’s ability as well.
- Size of the toy – If the size of the toy is easily able to pass through a canister of the tissue roll. This would mean that the toy is too big to go through the child’s throat or too big to swallow, making it safe toy.
- Sustainable material – Many toys are produced with non-toxic, recycled products which resonate well with eco-friendly parents. This would be safe even if the child put the toy in their mouth.
- Special safety – if the child may show tendencies of neurodiversity, it is critical to ensure that the toys don’t cause any kind of discomfort or irritation to the child. The toy should elevate and enhance their productivity without causing any kind of physical or mental side effects that could be triggered by too much light, sound or any other sensory factors.
Gifts Tailored for Neurodiverse Children
It is super challenging and some may even say nerve-wracking to get the perfect gift for a neurodiverse child. The perfect would entail entertainment, enjoyment while also providing some sort of education but its not just these basic facts that go into choosing a tailored gift. Factors such as sensory, cognitive, and social development have to be taken into consideration while also remembering the safety factor of ensuring these toys or gifts do not trigger any sort of mental or physical irritation.
Gift Cards
As simple as it may seem, gift cards are usually a great option as gifts, especially for older kids or even teenagers. Teenagers can sometimes be difficult and picky and it’s always best to allow them the freedom of choosing what they like as it guarantees full use of the item. Amazon Gift cards are always a safe option as they sell only Amazon-approved items and these gift cards can only be used on Amazon.
In conclusion, selecting the perfect gift for children, especially neurodiverse ones, can be simplified by understanding their age, abilities, and preferences. The “Something They Want, Need, Wear, Read” rule provides a balanced approach, ensuring a variety of meaningful gifts. Prioritizing safety and choosing age-appropriate, non-toxic toys is crucial. Listening to your child’s cues and considering gift cards for older kids can also enhance their gift-giving experience. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your gifts are both enjoyable and beneficial for their development.
Further reads :
https://www.hugsforkids.com.au/blogs/hugsforkids/the-five-gift-rule
https://sallybernstein.com/food/single-articles/gift-giving-101-for-kids.htm
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