Gifts for the Mentally Challenged
Selecting a gift for special occasions can be exciting. When the gift is for a person who is mentally challenged, the selection process can be a bit more involved.
First, You need to identify how this person is mentally challenged. You need to take into account his/her actual and behavioral ages, limitations, abilities, likes, and dislikes. Are there dietary restrictions to be concerned about? When you understand these issues of the person for whom you are buying your gift, you must then think of safety. Small and sharp items should not be considered. Once you realize what not to do, it is time to be creative and imaginative.
When looking at toys, you should seek those that are simple, colorful, and have dual capacities, such as a ball. Does the ball contain a glitter gel action object inside or does it light up when bounced? Perhaps it is a tactile ball covered with a nubby texture for someone with sensory needs? Another ball may be an audible ball that is filled with either beads or a beeping signal that creates sound when bounced. Is the ball appropriate for indoor use or can it be used only outside? Another consideration when selecting a ball is to ensure that it fits the person’s hands. Inappropriate fit of a ball can cause frustration on the part of the player.
Other simple interactive toys include: flashlights; magnets; puzzles; playing cards; coloring books, crayons, and washable markers. Musical gifts such as CDs, audio books, and singing stuffed animals are a good choice. Instruments such as the tambourine, a small drum or a bell are also fun. Knowing the person’s interest is necessary in order to choose an appropriate DVD. It is helpful to those around the mentally-challenged person to have toys or games that do not require supervision or interaction by others. Playing with a toy alone can foster independence.
Clothing gifts should be non-restrictive and made from non-itchy fabrics for comfort. Cotton and fleece are recommended. Beware of labels that itch. Look for labels that are printed onto the fabric. Clothing should also be age-appropriate in design. Just because a 14-year old has the mental capacity of a 6-8 year old, does not mean that he or she should wear an accessory that would be worn by a young child. Roomy sweatpants, sweatshirts, tee shirts, robes, and slippers are good generic gifts. Cold- weather hats, scarves, and gloves made with soft yarns make appropriate seasonal gifts.
Gift certificates for easily recognizable restaurants such as the different burger or ice cream chains make fun gifts for the recipient. Gift cards for supermarkets are also thoughtful gifts, as they allow the person to select his/ her favorite treats when shopping with a caregiver.
When wrapping a present for a mentally-challenged person, try to make the package as festive as possible using colorful papers and ribbons. Add fun to the packages with trinkets and mini personalized items, such as license plates, notepads, and toothbrushes. Small stuffed toys, lollypops and other candies can also be added. Be sure to remember to wrap the gift without the use of tape and tie ribbons into bows without knots making the package easy to open.
