Easterseals Introduces the 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide
Finding the perfect holiday gifts can often be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring that those gifts are accessible for everyone. Easterseals has recognized this challenge and stepped up to offer a solution by launching its first-ever 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide. As the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those with disabilities and their families, Easterseals aims to support families, educators, therapists, and retailers in discovering toys that are both enjoyable and inclusive.
About the Gift Guide
Set to be publicly released at the start of the holiday shopping season, this guide is designed to highlight toys that prioritize universal design principles and sensory-friendly characteristics. Online shopping will be made easier with the inclusion of accessible purchasing options for families.
This initiative stems from a nationwide Request for Information (RFI) that Easterseals issued earlier in the year. This request invited toy manufacturers to nominate toys exemplifying universal design, which includes features such as large buttons, textured surfaces, and adaptable controls. Additionally, toys that encourage play across various developmental areas—like communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and social interaction—were specifically sought after.
Insights from Kendra Davenport
Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, emphasized the importance of play in child development, stating, "Play is fundamental to every child's growth and learning process. Through this initiative, we are on a mission to assist parents, family members, and friends in selecting toys that cater to the diverse ways children engage with the world around them."
She highlighted the unfortunate reality that numerous toys still present difficulties for children with disabilities, asserting that making informed selections can significantly enhance holiday experiences.
The toys selected for inclusion in the guide were evaluated by a devoted panel of experts including parents, occupational therapists, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the recommendations are based on both real-life usability and professional expertise.
The Top 12 Accessible Toys for 2025
The guide features the Top 12 accessible toys and video games for the holiday season:
- Mattel's Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark Climber RC
- Wild Republic's Poppykins
- Crazy Aaron's Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty
- Moose Toy's Gui Gui
- Crazy Aaron's Super Scarab Thinking Putty
- Wild Republic's Earkins
- Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller
- Crayola's Mess-Free Touch Lights
- Lego's Shape Sorter Puppy House
- MOLUK's Bilibo
- PlayStation's Access Controller
- Alphapals' Backpack Rainbow Plush Letter Set
Each toy underwent rigorous testing by children and received the stamp of approval from families, exemplifying Easterseals' unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible play for all children.
Choosing the Right Accessible Toys
Alongside the list of recommended toys, the gift guide offers practical tips for families and caregivers on selecting the right toys. Among the suggestions are:
- Easy-to-use features: Look for toys with large buttons, textured parts, or simple grips.
- Multiple ways to play: Opt for toys that light up, make sounds, or can be used in varying positions.
- Encouragement of movement: Seek toys that promote gross motor skills (like balance and strength) and fine motor skills (such as grasping and stacking).
- Facilitation of social play: Choose games that promote interaction with peers or adults.
- Adaptability: Select toys that can be customized to meet different access needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a toy accessible?
An accessible toy is one that is designed or can be modified to enable children with various disabilities to engage with it meaningfully. Key characteristics include universal design, sensory inclusivity, easy manipulation, and adaptability.
What is universal design in play?
Universal design entails crafting toys that can be enjoyed in different ways by children with diverse abilities without the need for modifications.
How does the selection process work for the toy guide?
The selection process involves nominations from manufacturers, followed by evaluations from a panel of experts ensuring that the toys meet accessibility and usability standards.
Are the toys kid-tested?
Yes, all toys included in the guide are rigorously tested by kids to ensure enjoyment and engagement.
What is Easterseals’ mission?
Easterseals is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives, providing customized services that effectively address the evolving needs of countless communities.
