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15 Special-Needs Toys and Tools That Make Great Gifts

Special-needs toys and tools — the kind you've been eyeing and coveting in therapists' office, classrooms, and online catalogs — can be fun and useful at home, too, and holiday or birthday gift-giving time is the perfect opportunity to slip them into your child's toy box or dresser. Check out the selections below and then shop a little further on the company's website or Amazon.com store. There are plenty of fun choices out there that your child will never realize are fulfilling greater goals.

1. Monkey Balance Board

17 x 10.2 x 1.8 inches, 4 pounds From: ALEX Toys Description: "Improve your balance and coordination with the Alex Monkey Balance Board. Perfectly sized for little feet--yet able to accommodate larger ones--this sturdy wooden wobbly board features an adorable monkey graphic. Designed for ages three and up, the board supports balancers up to 200 pounds, making it suitable for the entire family to enjoy. Easy for adults to assemble, this balance board provides durability and fun that can be used indoors as well as outdoors." More from ALEX Toys on Amazon.com

2. Ergonomic Pencil Grips

Set of 3 From: The Pencil Grip Description: "The 3 Step Training Kit contains 3 premium Pencil Grips. 1 Each of The Crossover Grip, The Pinch Grip and The Pencil Grip in assorted colors. For best results, use The Crossover Grip with adult supervision for training purposes. The "super hero cape" over the fingers provides maximum structure and reinforcement of proper positioning. Next, The Pinch Grip is used on all writing instruments for transition. The unique partial "wings" allow for both structure and freedom. Finally, graduation with The Pencil Grip! This grip can be used on all utensils and writing instruments for a lifetime of comfort and control." More from The Pencil Grip on Amazon.com

3. Pencil Finger Fidget Toppers

Set of 12, with pencils From: Abilitations Description: "Have kids who break their pencils? Chew off their erasers? Destroy all their writing tools? Pencil Fidgets are the answer. Each set includes various style pencils with an assortment of 4 fidget styles (Spin Snapper, Nut N Bolt, Wingnut and Bump N Run Maze). So let them fidget and focus. Toppers slide off for re-use. Perfect for the classroom or work and individuals with ADD, ADHD, or Autism." More from Abilitations on Amazon.com

4. Bite Bands Chewy Necklaces

Set of 6 From: Fun and Function Description: "Uniquely designed for children who need to chew or bite for calm and focus and helps with anxiety, biting, self-injury, sensory-seeking and more. Helps exercise oral motor and facial muscles to prepare kids for good eating habits and can assist with trouble at school and travel issues. Made of super-absorbent materials that soak up moisture and keep shirts dry, even after long periods of drooling; Machine-washable." More from Fun and Function on Amazon.com

5. Seamless-Toe Socks with Pull Loops

4 Pairs From: EZ Sox Description: "Teaching kids to put on socks can be particularly challenging. Ez Sox, The I Can Do It sock, are the first training socks for kids. These socks help your kids gain the confidence they need to dress themselves. The patented reinforced loop technology gives tiny fingers a strong grip to help them put their socks on and pull them up with ease. The cute designs lets them know which way is up. They feature seamless toe and non skid grippers, so your tyke's feet will be comfortable and stay rooted to the ground." More from EZ Sox on Amazon.com

6. Body Pod Sensory Sock

7 sizes, 5 colors From: Bip Gear Description: "Bipgear Body Pods are translucent, tubular sleeves, made of high quality Spandex material. Body Pods Therapy Socks provide fun playtime activity for boys and girls. Children with developmental delays or sensory disabilities can use Body Pods Sensory Socks to improve their skills. The Bod Pod pushes back against the child's movement. This helps children with coordination and spatial positioning. Body Pods Therapy Socks allow for both visual and kinesthetic feedback on their movements." More from Bip Gear on Amazon.com

7. Community Safety Signs

Set of 32 From: Flaghouse Description: "Cards depict everyday signs that help teach lfe skills. Each card is 11 inches x 14 inches.” More from Flaghouse on Amazon.com

8. Therapy Swing

Up to 77 pounds From: InYard Description: "Our swing exposes your child to the kinds of inputs that are necessary for the vestibular system to be trained in order to understand the environment. This is a learning experience for your child’s senses, and will make them feel more grounded, and eventually help them walk, run, and perform other actions. The sensory swing stimulates the body and mind, exposing your child to all kinds of sensory inputs that are not only pleasant but also help train the sense of proprioception.” More from InYard on Amazon.com

9. Weighted Sensory Lap Pad

5 pounds From: ReachTherapy Solutions Description: "These plush Weighted Lap Pads are approximately 19" x 21" and weighted to 5 LBS with non-toxic, food grade, High Density Poly Pellets . Each is hand crafted with love here in Phoenix, AZ. Weighted products, including lap pads, have proven useful as a calming tool for individuals with sensory issues, ADD, ADHD, Autism and Hyperactivity." More from ReachTherapy Solutions on Amazon.com

10. Ruff's House Teaching Tactile Set

2 each of 10 textures From: Learning Resources Description: "Explore and learn through your senses. Different colors and textures enhance play. Teach matching, taking turns, and sharing through fine motor sensory play. Expand descriptive vocabulary by matching and identifying smooth, silky, scratchy, bumpy, ridged textured rubber and cloth bones. Includes Ruff the dog, 20 bones, doghouse, and Activity Guide." More from Learning Resources on Amazon.com

11. Plastic Bowling Set

10 colorful pins, 2 bowling balls, and yellow carrying bag w/ handle From: American Educational Products Description: "Excellent for use in school, gym, or at home. Young children love to knock things down and this is the perfect excuse to do so. Help children develop [spatial] awareness, eye hand coordination, and motor skills." More from American Educational Products on Amazon.com

12. Sequence Rummy

56 two-sided cards, 3.125 x 5.25 inches From: Trend Enterprises Description: "Players strengthen reasoning and sequencing skills with a fun rummy game that focuses on correctly ordering the parts of an event or activity. Teachers, parents, and caregivers will scoop these up! Versatile, game-like activities extend learning and add fun to skill practice and review. Activities adapt to a range of skill levels. Ideal in the classroom, at home, and on the go." More from Trend Enterprises on Amazon.com

13. Latches Wooden Activity Board

15.5 x 0.5 x 11.5 inches From: Melissa & Doug Description: "Wooden play board with working latches and locks on doors that open and close. Open the six numbered and colored doors to reveal friendly animal pictures. Helps teach fine motor skills, counting skills, and color recognition." More from Melissa & Doug on Amazon.com

14. Easy One-Handed Velcro Belt

11.3 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches From: Myself Belts Description: "This mom-invented product is the easiest belt on the market to fasten and makes dressing a cinch! •Potty training toddlers, preschoolers, and teens and adults with special needs and/or hand dexterity challenges can all benefit from the Myself Belts one-handed, easy to use belt closure. Myself Belts promote independence and boost self-esteem by allowing children to easily fasten and unfasten their belt on their own." More from Myself Belts on Amazon.com

15. Learn to Dress Doll

15 inches high From: One Step Ahead Description: "Oversized and easy-to-use snaps, zippers, buttons, buckles, laces, and velcro straps help your [child] develop the techniques and dexterity necessary to master these common fasteners. Jumper and shoes are removable for your toddler to practice taking off and putting on clothing." More from One Step Ahead on Amazon.com