Melissa & Doug is one of our favorite toy brands. They offer an assortment of toys – at every price point – to choose from ranging from ages birth to 8+. If you’re looking for gift ideas for kids with autism – Melissa & Doug is a great way to go.
This is NOT a sponsored post – just sharing some of our favorite products and a few that are on our holiday wish list.
I was 8 months pregnant, the Christmas before Norrin was born. As I was shopping for a car seat I spotted a Melissa & Doug wooden stacking train. It was so adorable and I wanted my son to have it.
That was the first toy I bought Norrin. Almost eleven years later, we still have it. It’s been the perfect little keepsake.
I loved the way train looked on the bookshelf in his room. It’s been the perfect little keepsake.
Since then Melissa & Doug has been a part of our lives especially after Norrin’s autism diagnosis – when pretend play and imagination became a skill that needed to be taught.
They were the brand that our first Early Intervention therapists always recommended to us. And there was a toy for everything he needed assistance – pretend play, fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination.
Related: Do’s & Don’ts for Holiday Gift Shopping for Kids with Autism
But the Melissa & Doug craft kits have been our favorite! They are perfect for uncrafty moms like me. They are easy enough for Norrin to do independently and he’s so proud when he’s finished. And they make wonderful keepsakes. I try to keep them on display in his room but he loves playing with and looking at them.
From Pretend Play to Cognitive Skills @MelissaAndDoug make great gifts for kids with special needs. Click To Tweet
They are the toys I always love to buy and recommend. Melissa & Doug even have a shopping category specifically for kids with special needs.
Gift Ideas for Kids with Autism or Special Needs
Cognitive Skills
- Classic Play Money Set [3 – 7 years] $19.99
- Abacus Classic Wooden Toy [3 – 5] $14.99
- See and Spell Learning Toy [4 – 6 ] $19.99
Fine Motor Skills
- Wooden Lacing Shoe [3 – 6] $12.99
- Basic Skills Board [3 – 5] $19.99
- Jumbo Triangular Crayons [3 – 6] $5.99
Gross Motor Skills
- Camo Chameleon Bean Bag Toss [4 – 7] $24.99
- Froggy Toss & Grip Game [3 – 7] $12.99
Life Skills
- Birthday Party Wooden Play Food [3-5] $19.99
- Whittle World Wooden School Bus Set [3+] 24.99
Picky Eaters
- Food Groups Wooden Play Food [3-6] $19.99
Sensory Awareness
- Finger Paint Set [3 – 6] $6.99
- Musical Instruments Sounds Puzzle [2 -4] $12.99
Social & Emotional
- Magnetic Responsibility Chart – Chore Chart [3+] $19.99
- Create a Face Pad [3+] 4.99
Speech & Language
- Wooden Shape Sorting Clock [3 – 6] $14.99
- Smarty Pants – 2nd Grade Card Set [6 -8] $12.99
- Deluxe Magic Set [8+] $34.99
What’s your favorite Melissa & Doug toy?
Play is a crucial part of a child’s overall development. It can provide him with creativity and a great childhood as well. http://www.toyez.net/