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Easterseals Unveils First-Ever 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide

In an effort to make holiday shopping easier and more inclusive for families, Easterseals, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those with disabilities, has launched its pioneering 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide. This resource provides an essential tool to help parents, educators, and caregivers navigate the often-challenging landscape of accessible gifts, ensuring all children can enjoy the wonder of play.

An Essential Guide for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Released on November 6, 2025, this guide is poised to hit the market just as consumers gear up for the bustling holiday shopping season. The gift guide will be available online, highlighting toys that not only bring joy but also embrace principles of universal design and sensory inclusivity.

Earlier this year, Easterseals made a nationwide call to toy manufacturers and industry associations, encouraging them to submit nominations for toys showcasing innovative design features. These inclusive elements range from large buttons, textured surfaces, to adaptable controls, all aimed at supporting diverse play experiences across varying developmental needs.

“Play is fundamental to every child's development,” expressed Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals. “This initiative empowers families and friends to select toys that accommodate the wide array of ways children interact with the world.” With many traditional toys posing barriers for those with disabilities, the hope is that this guide will lead to more joyous holiday experiences.

The Top Picks for 2025
Easterseals' guide presents a curated list of the Top 12 accessible toys and video games set to delight children this holiday season:
1. Mattel's Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark Climber RC
2. Wild Republic's Poppykins
3. Crazy Aaron's Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty
4. Moose Toy's Gui Gui
5. Crazy Aaron's Super Scarab Thinking Putty
6. Wild Republic's Earkins
7. Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller
8. Crayola's Mess-Free Touch Lights
9. Lego's Shape Sorter Puppy House
10. MOLUK's Bilibo
11. PlayStation's Access Controller
12. Alphapals' Backpack Rainbow Plush Letter Set

Each toy is rigorously reviewed by a volunteer panel comprised of parents, occupational therapists, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the selections resonate with expert insights as well as the practical usability of the toys.

Tips for Choosing Accessible Toys
In addition to showcasing the top choices, the guide equips families and caregivers with valuable tips when selecting toys. Recommendations include:

• - Features that are easy to use: Look for toys with big buttons, textured parts, or simple grips that encourage participation.
• - Multiple ways to play: Opt for toys that light up or make sounds, providing versatility in how they can be engaged with.
• - Movement practice: Choose toys that promote gross-motor skills (like balance and strength) as well as fine-motor skills (such as grasping and stacking).
• - Emphasis on social play: Select games designed to foster interaction, collaboration, and bonding among peers or family members.
• - Flexibility in design: Seek toys that can be adapted to accommodate differing access needs, promoting inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions
Easterseals addresses common inquiries about accessible toys:

• - What makes a toy accessible?

A toy is considered accessible when it is specifically designed or easily modified to enable meaningful engagement for children with various disabilities. Essential features include universal design elements, sensory inclusivity, and adaptable controls.

• - What is universal design in play?

Universal design refers to the creation of toys that can be enjoyed by children with a range of access needs and skills without the necessity for special modifications.

About Easterseals
For over a century, Easterseals has been at the forefront of empowering individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives. With a robust network of local affiliates, the organization delivers tailored programs to meet the unique needs of communities across the U.S., impacting the lives of millions each year.

To explore the full gift guide and learn more about Easterseals' mission, visit Easterseals.com or connect with them on social platforms. This holiday season, let’s create a more inclusive and joyful experience for all through thoughtful gifting.