Toy ideas for Christmas

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Posted by
Leanne

on 28th September 2009

at 18:27

Hi,

I know its a liitle early to be thinking about Christmas but I thought I could start a thread for any toys people have discovered that have been useful.

Whether its sensory toys or educational toys or something that isnt a typical idea for a toy that has worked.

I know that I am always struggling to think of things to buy and unlike my other children Alistair doesnt pester for toys.

Posted by
Elena Goodrum

on 29th September 2009

at 13:39

Great idea, Leanne!

This will be a useful resource for everyone. I look forward to hearing what people suggest!

Elena Goodrum

Community Manager
talk about autism

elena@talkaboutautism.org.uk

Posted by
Snowdrop

on 30th September 2009

at 13:18

Hi Leanne

I know we spoke of it the other day but I think a playhouse seems something our children like, Dylan definately likes that he can slam the door but maybe it also provides them with a bit of security going in a little house.

Another idea I have is a spiral painter, they sell them in toys r us & the kids put paints in the middle of it, turn it on, it then spins for a while & when finished its created a lovely painting. I think this is good to encourage creativity & also Dylan will be interested in it as he likes watching things spin.

Tracy

Tracy - Community Champion

Posted by
bumblebee

on 30th September 2009

at 23:37

Hawkins Bazar is a fab high street shop for sensory toys.....my girls fav pressie from there last christmas was a giant stress ball from there £9:99 and is still going strong!! (believe me they have been used LOADS!)

Claire - Community Champion

Posted by
Leanne

on 2nd October 2009

at 16:36

Hi Claire,

That is definately going on my list for Alistair... its a fab shop I was in there only the other day taking a trip down memory lane !!

Posted by
Leanne

on 2nd October 2009

at 16:42

I bought Alistair a fisher price portable dvd player last year.. very pricey .. it was his only pressie but was so worth it.

Its a kiddy proof one which allows him to choose what he wants to watch and to do it himself .. they seem to have withdrawn it from general sale but I think you can still get them on ebay.. the one we got Alistair lasted him about 7 months but he used it everyday and was abused.We picked another brand new one off ebay for half the price we originally paid.

Posted by
bumblebee

on 2nd October 2009

at 17:07

I know this isn't a toy, but I thought I'd share it with you all.....We picked up an old office chair for Jack - the ones that have an oval back piece and spin? Anyway, the back had come off and one of the 4 wheels was missing, so it now looks like a stool, but because of this, when Jack lies/sits on it, the seat spins on it's own! He loves it and it was free!!

The other thing they love are their weghted blankets. I found the instructions online how to make them and as they are made with a duvet cover and are filled with rice, they are really cheap too....I think the full body size weighted blankets are hundreds to buy....although you can get the weighted lap pads on ebay for about £25 and you can choose what material you want.....

There sell large tubed bubble lamps that change colour in Argos. They are a little bit noisy, but a good copy of the type you can find in the proper sensory rooms and they are about £30 ..... Staying on the sensory theme, you can get UV bulbs in Maplins and there are loads of UV things around in the shops at the moment..... I got one for Josie's room and she loves it...... It changes their bedrooms into an instant sensory room.....

Claire - Community Champion

Posted by
Leanne

on 2nd October 2009

at 17:20

You can also buy swivel stools on Amazon for about £20..

Now that its starting to get colder thought I would mention an alternative to a hot water bottle I got for Alistair .. its a fluffy dinosaur that is filled with dried lavendar (I think) you put it in the microwave to heat up and it provides heat as well as sleepy vapors.. got it off ebay.

I didnt like the idea of giving him a conventional hot water bottle as he would def have undone the stopper !!!

Posted by
Leanne

on 2nd October 2009

at 17:46

I have recently bought a set of magnetix,(off ebay so less than half price), its fab great fun for all of the kids esp Alistair. ( in case you are wondering its been Alistairs birthday recently!!!)

He can build shapes etc with out any fiddly screws etc.. It also creates things quickly so cool for children who have waiting issues!!Alistairs current thing....

Its also lovely because it is something that the kids and adults can do together.

For the smaller children they also do really big version.. that is cool too

Posted by
Leanne

on 17th October 2009

at 13:41

Just sorted another Christmas pressie for Alistair as he is driving me to distraction by climbing into his duvet cover and playing wih the duvet.. pain to straighten up.

Just ordered a sleeping bag !! Complete with hood thing..

Leanne - Community Champion

Posted by
SarniaCherie

on 19th October 2009

at 16:59

Two quite simple 'toys' that my son really likes, an old fashioned Slinky and a Space Blanket, I think you can get slinkys from Hawkins Bazaar and we bought the Space Blanket from Ebay, it is just a big square of silver coloured crinkly material (I think they are used after marathons etc) they make a lovely rustle when you scrunch them up. My son spent ages under his, wrapped in it, sitting on it. The only down side to both of these toys is that they are not very hard wearing, however they are not expensive either.