Accessible Gifting Guide
Most toys are designed to be looked at first. With a little thought, almost any gift can work for a child who doesn't, or who plays differently. Here's what to look for.
This guide comes from the same work behind this site's Large Print and High Contrast modes: making things that blind and low-vision people can use without asking for help. It focuses on vision, with notes for other disabilities. Every child is different, so the best first step is always to ask the child, or the people who know them best, what they enjoy.
What to look for
For blind children
- Something to discover by touch. Strong, different textures; parts that click, snap or slot together; shapes that are easy to tell apart by hand. Building sets, wooden toys and squishies are often good choices.
- Sound that means something. A toy that makes a different sound for each action is more fun than one that plays the same tune whatever you do.
- Games that don't depend on looking. Card and board games can often be adapted with braille or tactile labels.
- Books they can read. Braille, print-and-braille, touch-and-feel and audio books.
For low-vision children
- High contrast. Bright colors against plain backgrounds, bold outlines, and solid shapes rather than busy patterns.
- Big and bold print. Instructions, game cards and books in large print.
- Light that helps, not dazzles. Light-up toys can be great, but avoid fast flashing and harsh glare.
For children with other disabilities
- Physical disabilities: big buttons, easy grips, and toys that work from a single press. Switch-adapted toys let a child play using an accessibility switch.
- Sensory differences: fidget and squishy toys, weighted plush, and toys with volume control or a quiet mode.
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing children: toys that respond with light or vibration as well as sound.
Simple adaptations you can make at home
| Problem | Try this |
|---|---|
| Buttons all feel the same | Add raised tactile dots or textured stickers so each button can be found by touch. |
| Game cards or pieces are only told apart by color | Add braille labels, tactile stickers, or cut a corner differently on each set. |
| Instructions are tiny print | Photograph them and enlarge on a tablet, or read them aloud together. |
| Pieces get lost | Play on a tray with a raised edge, or a baking sheet for magnetic pieces. |
| Packaging is hard to open | Open it ahead of time and re-wrap the toy in easy-to-tear paper. |
| The child can't see what's in the box | Describe the gift as they open it: size, shape, color, what it does. |
Wrapping and unwrapping
- Use paper that tears easily, and skip lots of tape.
- Ribbon or a gift bag with tissue paper is easier than a tightly wrapped box for many children.
- Add a braille or large-print gift tag so the child knows which present is theirs.
Where to find more
These organizations offer accessible books, games and advice for families:
- American Printing House for the Blind (APH): educational products, tactile and braille materials.
- Perkins School for the Blind: guidance for families, including play and literacy.
- Paths to Literacy: ideas for literacy with blind and low-vision children.
- Seedlings Braille Books for Children: braille and print-braille books.
- National Braille Press: braille books, including holiday titles.
Got a tip from your own family? We'd love to hear it: hello@northpolelogistics.net.
Last updated November 7, 2026.