Holiday Gift Guide 2011

Big is Great Small is Special

The holidays are an exciting time for children and gift giving is a big part of them. Often parents take this opportunity to give a “WOW” big present, something their children will enjoy for many months and often for years afterwards.

It’s also a time to teach kids that small can be very special, too. Whether parents put smaller presents in their kid’s stockings, or just make a big deal out of presenting them – make sure your children treat these little treasures with the respect they deserve.

Here are some AblePlay Big and Special Picks for this holiday season:

YBike

does your child want a two-wheeler, but is not quite ready yet?  YBike by national Sporting goods makes a bike with built in-balance. The cool design looks like a two-wheeler, but the bumper actually houses two back wheels for increased stability. YBike also offers a pedal-free model that allows a child to learn with feet up or down.

Price at tiem of review $79.99

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Swing-N-Slide

Want to get your kids fit and active? Holidays are a great excuse to get children a play set that they will enjoy for years to come. PlayCore has had several of their models rated for children with special needs. The Glenwood Model Swing-N-Slide is a great choice for kids with special needs. Two swings allow kids to share the fun and socialize, and the glider swing, raised tower and run ladder encourages active play.

Price at time of review: $499.99

Special Small Presents

V.Reader

Can a product read to my child and teach them how to read? You bet! It’s called the V.Reader Interactive E-Reading System by Vtech. The kid-friendly design is especially helpful for children with special needs. They can even listen to an entire book or read along at their own pace. Easy to navigate and slow, clear audio makes this a winner for kids of all abilities.

Price at time of review $59.99

The Elemenosqueeze

How can you build a better block? B.Toys reinvents a set perfect for children with special needs. The Elemenosqueeze set contains 26 easy-to-grasp blocks that are perfect for stacking and tumbling around, and the rubber-like material doesn’t cause startling crashes when knocked down. They are brightly colored, embossed with letters and a corresponding animal image that encourages many ways to learn, play and enjoy.

Price at time of review $27.95

Magic Bubble Art

Now your child can paint with bubbles! Magic Bubble Art is easy – just mix, then blow bubbles to paint. Kid concoctions Magic Bubble Art from Alex Toys, lets kids make cool art. This art craft kit includes specially-formulated colored bubbles, art paper, stickers and embellishments to create over 16 projects of bubble-blowing fun.

Price at time of review  $15.99

Sizzle & Serve

Kitchen play set looking for a toy that delivers a big bang and lots of little ones? Little tikes makes a perfect combination present. Their Sizzle & Serve Kitchen play set allows children with special needs to sit, stabilize themselves, and “work” in their own amply supplied space. Each accessory can also become a separately wrapped stocking stuffer, adding to the impact. Set includes pots, pans, plates, play food and more.

Price at time of review  $169.99

Combo BIG & SMALL

Whether you make it BIG, or keep it SMALL and special, bring play opportunities into your home this holiday season. For more gift ideas along with toys appropriate for children with special needs go to www.ableplay.org.