“Play is fundamental to every child’s development,” writes Kendra Davenport, president and CEO of Easterseals, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities and their families. “Too many toys still present barriers for children with disabilities and choosing toys that meet their needs can lead to brighter holidays and happier experiences.”
The nonprofit organization provides the following practical advice for families and caregivers when they’re selecting accessible toys:
Easy-to-use features: Big buttons, textured parts, simple grips
Multiple ways to play: Toys that light up, make sounds, or can be used in different positions
Movement practice: Toys that build both gross-motor (balance, strength) and fine-motor (grasping, stacking) skills
Social play: Games that encourage interaction with peers or adults
Flexible design: Toys that can be adapted for different access needs
What makes a toy accessible?
An accessible toy is one designed or modifiable so that children with various special needs can engage meaningfully. Key aspects include universal design, sensory inclusivity, multiple input/output options, easy grasp/manipulation, and adaptability.
What is universal design in play?
Universal design means creating toys that can be enjoyed in different ways by children with diverse access needs and skills —
without the need for special adaptation.
This year, Easterseals released a 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide, designed to help families, educators, therapists and retailers identify toys that are not only fun, but also inclusive and accessible.
According to the press release, Easterseals issued a nationwide request for information to toy manufacturers and trade associations, seeking nominations of toys that feature universal design elements such as large buttons, textured surfaces, adaptable controls, or features that support play across developmental areas like communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and social interaction. The submissions were reviewed by a volunteer panel of parents, occupational therapists and individuals with disabilities.
There were 12 toys featured on the list.
Please check various retailers for availability and pricing:
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
— Visit easterseals.com or easterseals.com/toys for more information.