Shopping for a child with ADHD or ADD can be a whole lot of fun. For these curious, high-energy kids, the holiday season, a birthday, or any special occasion is always something to look forward to. Whether you’re looking to stock up on gifts that won’t be a distraction, help ADHD and ADD kids to release energy, and are plain, good fun, read on for gift ideas for children with ADHD.
Educational Tools and Presents for Kids with ADHD
Learning can be a challenge for kids with ADHD. Because they are easily distracted, getting them to sit down and concentrate on a book can take some convincing. Whether the child on your list has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ADD (attention deficit disorder), there are ways to give them books or other educational tools that will encourage basic reading skills and hold their focus longer.
Books don’t have to come in the physical form. While the child on your list might love first confirmation gifts, like a personalized bible or spiritual journal, consider adding to that perfect gift with an audio version, video, or something to help hold their attention. For young kids, it can help to have both the book and audio version.
Spending time and reading to them can be a great way to spend time together and encourage learning. If you’re considering buying the child you love a new book, consider adding a complimentary gift, too. For example, if you buy a book about birds, consider adding in a build-your-old bird feeder or binoculars. Kids with ADHD often learn best with hands-on learning, so merging an activity with the reading will help keep their interest.
Holiday Ideas for Any Time of Year
Bath bombs, sensory putties, mood rings, and outdoor games all make great gifts, but you’ll want to consider other options, too. If you’re in the market for excellent stocking stuffers this season think about puzzles and board games as well. The more a child with ADHD practices staying focused for a long time, the easier it will be for them at school and in other social situations where attention is required. By choosing presents that help them practice sitting still, you’ll be helping them with life skills.
Competitive Sports and Other Interest Areas
Dr. Ned Hallowell, well known for his books on ADHD, would recommend encouraging hobbies and interests in your ADHD child that include competition and fast-paced decision-making. If you have a child who plays competitive sports, you can help them prepare for the future by buying them the equipment they need for games and practices. According to Hallowell, because our society is dominated by a fast-paced culture, kids with ADHD have an advantage when properly encouraged. That is, because kids with attention deficit or hyperactivity diagnoses are used to receiving quick snippets of information, they’re already a step ahead of their peers in one way. A child with ADHD will know how to market, move on business, and even hold consumer interest if encouraged early on to work with their diagnosis instead of against it.
Soccer balls, footballs, cleats, and drums for the drumline or a trumpet for the band are all great ways to encourage a child’s natural competitive instincts. If your child has found a hobby that holds their interest, you’ll want to do what you can to support it, so gifts in this area are a great idea.
At the end of the day, you can easily find a great gift, stocking stuffer, or favorite new toy for a child with ADHD. By taking time to do some research on last year’s big hits, toys that encourage the release of extra energy, and educational tools, you’ll be sure to make the ADHD child you love smile on any special occasion or for no reason at all.
