Gifts made for and by those with Down syndrome

Clockwise from upper left: 1)Doll by Little Wonder and Co.; 2)This is Ella book by Krista Ewart; 3)Kids Like Me… Learn ABCs by Laura Ronay; 4)Quilt by Downright Charming; 5) T-shirt by Littlest Warrior; 6) Tote by Dance Happy Designs.

As a parent, it’s often a challenge to choose gifts that are both meaningful and useful for our children. This week, one of my DS Facebook groups was abuzz about an adorable baby doll with Down syndrome features, and it got me thinking about the value of having people with Down syndrome represented in both of our children’s toys and books. This gift guide focuses on items that either feature people with Down syndrome or are made and/or sold by people with DS.

Dolls with Down syndrome features

We are really excited to be adding one of these to our doll family this year.

Little Wonder and Co. sells both a girl and boy doll with Down syndrome features.

An Australian company, The Small Folk also has a much larger variety of dolls with Down syndrome features in a variety of ethnicities and hair colors. (Note prices are in Australian dollars.)

Children’s Books About DS

I was surprised by how many books have been published about children with Down syndrome with a focus on informing and educating peers. These are my favorites. For more ideas, see my post of Picture Books that Celebrate Uniqueness.

Children’s books featuring children with DS

When Grace was younger, I wish I’d known about these books featuring children with DS. Most of these are published by Woodbine House, which offers a number of great educational titles on DS for adults, too.

T-shirts

We like to make sure every member of the family has at least one shirt that displays our DS pride.

• Reeve’s Tees
• Littlest Warrior
• The Lucky Few
• Down2Dream

Products made and sold by self-advocates

Want to use your dollars to directly support businesses that benefit individuals with DS? Check out the National Down Syndrome Society’s Self-Advocate Business Gift Guide and the National Down Syndrome Congress Self-Advocate Marketplace. Meriah Nichols (whose blog I recommend) also has a really comprehensive list here.

A friend of mine also recently introduced me to Dance Happy Designs and their bags, totes, and canvas bins.

What did I miss? Comment below with your favorite products and businesses that support individuals with DS.

Want more gift ideas?

Check out my list of our Favorite Board Games for Preschoolers and Early Elementary, Our Favorite Fine Motor Toys, Our Favorite Gross Motor Toys, and Our Favorite Products that Promote Independence.

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