Holiday Gift Crafts with Kids with Special Needs

Posted by Lynn Moore Oct 1, 2008

It is hard to believe that it is October 1^st. Even harder to believe is the number of Christmas ads that are already flooding the Internet, TV, and newspapers. Now is a great time to plan some holiday craft afternoons with your child. Every child loves to gives gifts to her family. Why not give her the chance to make something for the people who will be giving her gifts this year?

There are a couple of ways to go with the holiday gift crafts. You can plan ones that are simply fun. For example, if your child has a learning disability she may enjoy drawing more than anything to do with writing. Why not have her create a special self-portrait that can be framed for used to put on a mug or sweatshirt. . . The caption could be a simple as her name and the year.

You can also plan craft times that work in a little extra therapy practice. If your child has a sensory impairment, she could make handprint gifts with paint or by pressing her hands into dough that will later harden.

If your child is more severely impaired, you may wish to simply use a photograph of her with holiday attire or even some kind of holiday costume. If you go with the costume, you can opt for a religious one (angel, Mary or Joseph). If you go with a secular costume, consider an elf, a reindeer, or even a member of the Claus family.

At this point on the calendar, time is on your side with making the holiday crafts. As soon as November 1^st rolls around, the calendar will probably not allow you to enjoy as many holiday craft afternoons.