These are gifts that highlight representation for disability inclusion for all kids (and grown ups!). Not only is representation vital for kids with disabilities to see themselves in the world around them, but it’s central to building acceptance and inclusion amongst their peers.
I was blown away on our recent trip to FAO Schwartz, and I wanted to make sure everyone knows these things exist!
(I do earn a small commission on any Amazon links, but I’m happy for you to take my recommendations and shop your local toy shop!)
Inclusive Toys
I love that we’ve moved beyond the idea of doctor and patient for any disability representation in toys, to showing really cool disabled people being whatever they want to be.
Barbie
It may have started with wheelchair Barbie, but now you can get wheelchair Ken, or wheelchair Chelsea, and they all come in a variety of skin colors and hair colors. You can even get them with different career outfits. There’s even a Paralympian!
The same is true for Barbie with a prosthetic leg. There’s a variety of Barbies and Kens, but no Chelsea options for this one. You can, however, get a Chelsea with a brace for scoliosis!
There’s blind Barbie with a white cane, Barbie with hearing aids, Barbie with Down Syndrome, and Barbie with orthotics.
You can even get Wicked’s Nessarose!
All of these range from $9 to $15.
LEGO
There’s the LEGO wheelchair racer character, but you can also get several cool characters with disabilities in a variety of sets. Autumn has a limb difference and can be found camping, volunteering at the rescue, or just hanging out.
Luna is a wheelchair user. The skate park includes a more adventurous wheelchair user. The HeartLake City Bus is wheelchair accessible.
Hot Wheelz
Hot Wheelz Wheelie Chairs have been big for a while, but now you can also get Aaron Wheelz as a remote control racing chair option.
Playmobil
Playmobil City has an accessible bus with a little boy in a wheelchair.
Dolls
Several companies make baby dolls with Down Syndrome.
If you’re looking for something for a doll house, you can get a full set of people with varying disabilities across different ages.
Books for Disability Inclusion
I did a round up on our favorite books for disability inclusion here, but here are some of our favorites that would make great gifts.
For Adolescents:
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Ages 8-15): A boy with facial differences and a medically complex past navigates the challenges of starting fifth grade and teaches his peers the true meaning of acceptance. We see the world through his eyes, then through his sister’s, then his friends’ – it’s a beautiful way for absolutely everyone to connect.
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (Ages 10-14): Join Melody, an eleven-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, as she battles stereotypes and discrimination to prove her intelligence and capabilities. Also now a Disney movie!
For Kids:
The Able Fables use fun animated animals to tell real stories of kids with a variety of disabilities. Lotti and the Big Dream is my seven year old’s current favorite. Image Bearer by Ellie Sanazaro is nice because it features real kids with wonderful differences. From communication devices and hearing aids to wheelchairs and feeding tubes, kids are introduced to the beauty in diversity.
For Grown Ups:
My Body is Not a Prayer Request by Amy Kenny is my current favorite because it challenges so much of the standard way of seeing disability. Amy Kenny dives into the history of the church and ableism, and shares how real healing is not what strangers keep praying over her.
Disability Visibility by Alice Wong is a powerful collection of essays and narratives that amplifies the diverse voices and experiences of disabled individuals, offering a profound exploration of disability culture and activism.
Disability Pride Swag
Today is a great day for inclusion is the message on these shirts, mugs, bags, stickers, and more. Kids, baby, and adult sizes available. The best part? 100% of proceeds go to sending families with disabilities on our group trip to the National Ability Center next summer.
I can’t find it online to link it, but Target often has inclusive wrapping paper with elves of mixed abilities.
Cheers to an inclusive Christmas!
Looking for more? Here are my favorite gifts that give back, and the best gifts for traveling families!