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The Best Inclusive Holiday Gifts of 2024

December 6, 2024

If you’re anything like us at Life Services Alternatives (LSA), you put a lot of thought into what you gift your loved ones during the holidays. We serve adults with developmental disabilities and we also have close friends and family who have a developmental disability. We understand these individuals have their unique interests and abilities, so it’s important to us that we be intentional with their holiday gifts.

During the search for the best inclusive holiday gift, we like to keep in mind their needs, any sensory issues, and potential modifications of the item. Most importantly, the perfect inclusive holiday gift is one they will truly enjoy. Inclusivity is one of the major cornerstones of who we are and extending that to gift-giving is no exception.

Each one of our homes has a very warm family-like environment and with that, they are incredibly festive and celebratory during major holidays. We love joining our residents during these events and due to that, we’ve seen the types of products that have brought them the most joy and excitement. We also have a list of gift items others say they’ve given their loved ones with a developmental disability. These items have really helped with daily living activities. We can’t keep these items a secret any longer so we’re sharing them with you!

Let this list serve as your ultimate 2023 inclusive holiday gift guide for children and adults with developmental disabilities. We’re also including gift ideas from businesses owned or operated and committed to employing adults with developmental disabilities.

1. No Limbits Adaptive Women’s Khaki Wheelchair Pant

“These pants are for the rock and rollers of the world! Every detail has been specifically designed for the seated body with comfort and functionality rivaled only by how amazing they look. Perfect for wheelchair users or anyone who spends extended periods of time in a seated position, these pants were designed by occupational therapists with independence in mind.”

$75 at No Limbits

. 2. Voyage Shiitake Unisex Shoe

“Our goal is to create comfortable, functional, and stylish shoes allowing anyone to put on and take off easily. Friendly Shoes® increase mobility and independence by discretely accommodating more adaptive needs than any other shoe technology — without sacrificing fashion, comfort, or support.”

-Friendly Shoes

Experience hassle-free on-and-off with patent pending front Easy Shoe Access. ESA creates larger entry portals and is easier to pull than straight, lateral, or wrap-around zippers
Removable memory foam insoles provide arch and metatarsal cushioning while absorbing shock, helping reduce pain and impact
Padded heel collar and tongue helps stabilize your feet and feels fantastic
Anti-slip outsoles for increased stability on slick surfaces
Wide width expanding mesh upper accommodates braces and wide feet

$79.96 at Friendly Shoes

3. Pinch Me Therapy Dough

“Say hello to Pinch Me, a holistic, drug-free, portable stress-reduction tool. This pliable putty was expertly developed to be the ideal texture for perfect pinchability. When you feel a hint of stress, pull out your container. Gently knead away nuisances, or use it while you’re relaxing to decompress and get back to center.

We infuse each container with placating, spa-quality oils and soft, subtle hues to act as subliminary calming agents. The elements come together to pack a powerful punch against common, everyday stressors.”

-Pinch Me Therapy Dough

$14 at Pinch Me Therapy Dough

4. Tile by Life 360

Tile helps you keep track of your things.

Find misplaced things nearby and far away with Tile trackers and the free Tile app that works on both iOS® and Android™.

$17.99 at Tile

5. Microsoft – Xbox Adaptive Controller

Game your way. Create a custom controller experience that is uniquely yours. Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller features large programmable buttons and connects to external switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to help make gaming more accessible.

$99.99 at Best Buy

6. Sensory Tent for Kids with Autism, ADHD, SPD – Calm Corner

Calming & Relaxing Space – A safe and quiet sensory space where your children can escape from overwhelming world, specially designed for kids with special needs to reduce anxiety and stay clam.
Fully Blackout Sensory Room
Improve Focus
Big Enough for Two
Easy to Set Up – Only takes 20 seconds to set up the pop-up tent and 2 minutes to fold and store. No poles and pegs, or any assembly needed. It fits in a small portable carry bag.

-Bildurem

$79.95 at Amazon

7. EazyHold Silicone Universal Cuff Aid

For Limited Hand Grip, Cerebral Palsy, Therapy, Adaptive Assistive Equipment (Youth to Adult-5 Pack)

-EazyHolds

$40.99 at Etsy

8. Autism Tumbler Personalized

Neurodiversity Awareness, Autism Awareness Tumbler With Straw, Gift For Her, Disability Rights Cup, Autism Gift

$19.99 Tumblr at Etsy

Business owned or operated and committed to employing adults with developmental disabilities.

1. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop, where people with intellectual & developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It’s a place where diversity isn’t just appreciated, it’s celebrated. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide.

Gift Box Includes:

(1) 2023 Holiday Roast (whole bean)
(1) Diner Mug
(1) Human Rights Movement Tote

$48 at Bitty and Beau’s

2. Common Roots Farm

Our farm is a place where people of all abilities can learn new skills, strengthen their social networks, and contribute valued products to our local economy.

We offer horticulture and farm skills training, internships to people with developmental disabilities, environmental and gardening education, and micro-enterprise opportunities on a roughly four-acre urban organic farm in Santa Cruz, CA.

$10 Strawberry Vanilla Jam

4. SouthsSculptures

“South is 20 years old and was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and he is an extraordinary artist. He started creating small clay figures at the age of 2…

South began to sculpt and create figures of characters like the Veggie tales, cartoons he watched at record speed with amazing accuracy. No one can quite understand his accuracy when he is able to mix the colors, his detail, and the fact that he does not look at his hands at all, only at a photo. He is precise down to the teeth and eyes.

-South’s Mom, @southssculptures

$30 Custom order of your pet on Etsy Screenshot 2023 12 05 at 3.22.59 PM

$25 Any literary or book character on Etsy

5. Blissful Seeds

“At Blissful Seeds, we believe that everyone deserves to live their lives to the fullest, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As a mother of a child with autism, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this condition. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to creating an inclusive environment, a supportive autism community, where young adults with autism can thrive.

Our mission is to provide meaningful employment opportunities for these individuals, helping them to become active participants in their community. We believe that with the right support, they can transform their lives and reach their full potential.”

– Rita Saliba Nasrallah

$25 Specialty Candle

View other products from Blissful Seeds

7. Wags in a Bag

Bringing you all natural dog treats while providing training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

$8 Variety Bag at Wags in a Bag

8. Special Sparkle

Kelly is a young lady with Down syndrome and this company was created to assist Kelly in leading a fulfilled and productive life after school came to an end for her. She loves fashion, style and bling, so what better way to express that than to create fashionable jewelry! Special Sparkle is a mother/daughter team where we work together to design and Kelly makes all the jewelry!

-Special Sparkle