Birthday Present for 8 Yr Old Special Needs Girl

Updated on September 18, 2011
M.G. asks from Overland Park, KS
10 answers

Hi! What would be a great birthday gift for an 8 year old girl with Down's Syndrome who her mom said is into doing her makup, nails and arts & crafts? She's a classmate of my daughter's and she wants to get her just the right gift. My neighbors who are teachers said when special needs kids are young, you should focus on gross and fine motor type toys/activities. But at age 8, I don't know what that would even be. Can anyone help? Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thank you sooooo much, ladies! I didn't really want to get her anything educational - as I figure she gets enough of that from her mom. My daughter is the type that wants books & even a globe for her birthday. And she's also into girly girl things too. And I know it's important for kids with special needs to have the same fun things - I just didn't know if there was something she didn't like on a sensory spectrum (i.e. my daughter hates finger painting and the feel of it in her hands - and hates the feel of sand in between her toes). It was more of a sensitive type issue I wanted to steer clear of since I am not familiar with special needs and skill levels. I didn't want something that was completely over her head as she is behind in school work. So I have a whole list now of things my daughter and I can go out this afternoon and get for her. My daughter wanted to get her some Zoobles or Squinkies and asked her if she would like those and she said all she got was a blank stare so she figured she didn't know what she was talking about. My daughter is all about imaginary play with Barbies - and she loves to collect the Squinkies and Zoobles to play with her friends - so she thinks everyone else is too. So now I will have loads of fun ideas! Thanks again so much ladies!

Featured Answers

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Actually nail polishing and applying makeup ARE fine motor activties.

As a special needs parent DO know that a lot of friends/family... even when *asked* to be getting FUN stuff for xmas & bdays, don't. They get educational or occupational therapy stuff. :( Special needs kids are still KIDS, and often lack a lot of *light up and smile!* gifts because their parents have tp spend through the nose for educational/occupational/therapies...and those parents often *count/hope* for the cheap/fun dtuff that they just can't afford. Even though people are well meaning / think thst thst frees up money for the parents to buy things like nail polish...it really doesn't... because the list of really needed gets followed by a 'still needed' & 'really should get" list.

So if she's asked for makeup or nail polish....PLEASE get those :)

7 moms found this helpful

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K.E.

answers from Jacksonville on

I teach Special Needs and I think your neighbors are looking at it the wrong way. Sometimes you have to take your teacher hat off and look at it from another perspective.

That said, applying makeup, doing nails and putting together arts/crafts are fine motor activities and if it is what she enjoys....it is what she should get.

I would go to Michael's or some other craft store and find a craft kit for her to do. Maybe one that has a project to put together or a coloring/painting one (like those fuzzy posters that you color or paint). Another idea is to go to Target or Walmart and find a really cute kid makeup kit that she can use to do her makeup. If she likes doing nails, you could also get her some stuff to do that....like polish, nail stickers, etc.

Kids with Special Needs do need to practice their skills much more than their peers, BUT they are still kids and deserve to have gifts and treats that reflect their personalities and not always their disabilities. When I purchase gifts for my students, I always get something that reflects their likes/hobbies and personalities.

5 moms found this helpful

H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

You could do as beauty basket (even a basket from the Target dollar bins) and fill it with fun things. Nail polish, lip gloss, hair barrettes, Etc. The bottom of the basket could be funny socks or maybe a fall scarf.

3 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Could you get her some arts and crafts that she wouldn't need help from her mom? Maybe a puzzle? That way it's something she could do on her own? Instead of make up you could get chap stick and stuff...Bonnie Bell has so many and there are variety packs, etc.

2 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Maybe a light up makeup mirror. You could even use stickers or paint to decorate the frame with her name, stars, hearts etc..

How about a painting apron? Have her name put on it.

2 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

I've seen kits at arts and crafts stores or toy stores with everything you need to make your own necklaces and bracelets and such. She might like that.

:)

1 mom found this helpful

S.A.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Riley. She probably gets enough educational stuff and would just like some fun stuff. They sell make up sets for kids, and there should be plenty of arts and crafty stuff. Try the Alex line. You can find it at Target or Michaels.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

What about Moon Sand?
My kids love that.

Just get her what she likes.

My cousin has a Down's son. They do everything with him and he even partakes in acting... in community plays. And he likes playing dress up and pretend play.
They do FUN things with him.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Google fine motor skills and what that means. You'll have so much inspiration!

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I get kids PJs for their birthday present. How about something with the Princesses or Hello Kitty, etc. Target has some that are around $10. Parents like that it's not "one more toy" and the kids enjoy them too.

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