Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Gift Suggestions

Ok so Austin's birthday is right around the corner and I'm at a loss. This supposedly 'joyful' time of the year is stressful for me. What do you get a little boy who doesn't really play with toys?!? He loves to watch Veggie Tales, Elmo, and the Cars movie but I hate having him in front of the tv so much. I want him to play! He used to enjoy books (as most kids with RTS do) but it's hard to keep his attention long enough to listen to one. Ben and I bought him a sandbox this year and I know he'll love that. He loves to run his hands through the sand and make a royal mess. =) Everytime I research a toy related to kids with special needs, I come up empty or find things he'd love but are outrageously expensive. Someday I'd love to get him a hanging chair for his room so he can spin all he wants but it's out of budget at the moment...hmm...maybe Christmas? He's very fearful of being off balance so a bilibo chair wouldn't work...

Well, I'm going to go back to the drawing board and research so more. Would love any and all input I can get!

9 comments:

Our Journey said...

our kids are too hard to buy for!!! its always a struggle at birthdays and holidays !

i saw this thing at a party place, its really cool if he is into spinning!

http://www.sensoryedge.com/gym-spin-sensory-toy.html

you can find them cheaper, just do a search. when frankie gets bigger he is getting one! its a little tilted so he cant hold himself up on it just yet

Terri H-E said...

What about a sit n' spin? Addie loves hers - hard to find one that doesn't light up and make sound these days, though.

She doesn't play with toys either...unless they are toy version of things she sees us use: play kitchen or market with fake food and produce works. She adores the 3 dollar mini broom she got. I hate to say it, but the girl is getting a vacuum for her birthday!

What about gear or "guys" from the shows he likes (forgot what you mentioned)? Addie's imaginative play is sometimes ignited when she's using her shrek toys - she'll rock them, feed them, etc.

Another idea - not sure if Austin likes "two of the same," but Addie is crazy about it. 2 identical figures or one larger than the other gives her a great thrill. Loves to hold one in each hand. Even balls, like soccer balls - if she has one big one (the mama) and one smaller one (the Addie) she is happy as a clam.

I know, it's not easy - we've had quite a few misses and just a couple hits over the years.

If all else fails - big tupperware box of rice to play in for when he cannot be out in the sand. messy, but engaging!

Myssie@PendletonMarket said...

hmmm, it is very hard to know what to get them. I like Terri's idea of a sit n' spin. My MIL found one online that doesn't light up or anything, though I am not sure of the brand. I also like the guy "gear" what about a kid's tool belt?? I don't know....

Christine said...

Does Austin like things that spin?? Nathan seems infatuated with spinning. He takes a bowl and spins it, he takes a bucket and spins it. He loves watching them so we got him some tops that are different colours and you can put them one on top of the other. really cool.
Th Easter bunny brought Nathan a handy manny tool box and he loves it. The tools go up and down and dance. Each tool has a slot ( shape) to go into. Most of the time< Nathan just likes to play with the tool box but every now and then he tries to put the tools in. It's the closest I've seen him play with anything.. Usually if I give him a toy he grabs it and throws it..
It's hard, I'll keep thinking and get back to you..

Christine said...

What about a game like Hungry, hungry hippo? Everyone can be involved and he might like the action?
Just a thought. I'll keep thinking.

Cindy said...

If he likes books, does he like the texture books and pop-up books? I'm sorry I'm not more help!

RollerCoaster said...

Leapster 2.

It is a hand held game with small computer screen (like a TV), but with games that are fun and good for learning.

My son got one when he was 5. He doesn't play either and much prefers tv and movies as well....

DeliaKnits said...

would he enjoy listening to books on cd/tape? They might even have one that has the actually veggie tale voices?

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