We have some incredible plans for 2019. My goal in launching the CedarsStory website back in early 2017 was to reach new families who had just received a diagnosis of Down Syndrome. I didn’t want anyone to feel the way I felt in the beginning and I wanted to connect mothers and fathers so they know they are not alone. I have had the privilege of sharing hundreds of stories from families around the world and it is my sincere belief that reading about other families who have walked the same path, helps us not feel so alone.

It is now that I want to ask a favor. Are you one of those moms who has found our site, facebook page, or Instagram account helpful along your journey? Did you happen to find something encouraging that made the path a little easier for you? 

Would you be willing to write a short testimonial if this is you? It would mean the world to us as we pave the way for the next steps in the Cedar’s Story mission. You can email cedarsstory@gmail.com or even send me a FB message through our page.

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Children with Down Syndrome

You are at a loss, you need some great gifts but are unsure what to get, no worries, we have you covered with some of the best gifts that will double as useful for teaching cause and effect, encouraging exploration, facilitating learning and of course, having fun.  Make sure that your money goes further by checking out these Top 10 Christmas gifts for children with Down Syndrome.

#1- Let’s talk Sensory play with the 5pc Kids Ball Pit Tents and Tunnels,

This is a great toy because it embodies sensory play from feeling the balls, learning about tossing and cause and effect as well as explorative play as your child is encouraged to crawl or scoot through the tunnels to get to the different play areas.  Bonus is that the open areas allow for parents to pop their heads in to encourage your little one to mobilize forward.

#2- How about mobilizing with theRadio Flyer Scoot 2 Scooter Ride On

Often children who have Down Syndrome are not steady on their feet for a few years, if this is the child you want to buy for consider this ride on toy.  The reason that not all ride on toys are the same is because of the seat.  This Radio flyer toy has a very narrow seat allowing the hips to not be splayed out and mimicking the more natural alignment of the pelvis and legs while allowing the child to learn to mobilize by pushing and scooting with their feet.

#3- Teaching proper imaginitive play is helpful with the Fisher-Price Little People Caring for Animals Farm Set

With sounds, animals and lots of practice for fine motor skills, this toy is a classic win. This activity-packed Little People playset is more than a farm—it’s a home for all your toddler’s new friends.

#4-   A great way to work on hand-eye coordination is with the use of sports balls.  None better than theFisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Junior Basketball

I know I am not the only one who has a child with an extra chromosome who just loves to throw his toys, this toy allows for the throwing to be productive and aid in the development of hand eye coordination, something all kids can use!

#5- A throwback to the 1980’s Christmas, how about teaching your child to learn from something besides screen time?  The classic  Teddy Ruxpin – Official Return of the Storytime and Magical Bear  may just be the way to go.

What a great way to encourage a love of reading, and to allow mom a moment to do a quick load of laundry or dishes while a story is told.

#6- Back to the imaginative play skill, what better way than with a take turns style game of making ice cream with the Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter 

I love that this game teaches some patterns as well as the fine motor coordination needed to make an ice cream.  This can also lead to hours of turn taking play as you pretend to set up an ice cream store and request specific tasks such as “make me a strawberry cone, please.”  Really, this simple wooden toy has so many possibilities!

#7- If you really want the wow factor, how about a sensory swing like Indoor Swing by DreamGYM | Trapeze & Rings Combo Blue and Therapy Swing Red

This is very similar to some of the swings that are available at many outpatient therapy locations.  I love that this one fits in a doorway and allows for vestibular stimulation which is essential for learning proper movement patterns for walking, running, and playing.

#8- When the outdoor weather prohibits lots of play to build those gross motor skills, just grab a
Step2 Play and Fold Jr. Kids Slide

With it’s wider base, and lower stance this one is great for those children who are still a little unsteady.  The slope is more slight than most slides and there are only a few stairs which makes it safer for children with Down syndrome who may have some unsteadiness with gross motor skills.

#9- Selfie smile!  How about letting your kiddo play like we adults do, let’s face it we take pictures of them all the time (at least I do) so let’s let them try the AMKOV WiFi Kids Camera Rechargeable 1080P HD Digital Children Camcorders with 1.77 Inch LCD Screen, 7-Color Filter Effect, Flash and Mic for Girls/Boys

With larger buttons for fingers that may have trouble, but yet a fun interactive way to see themselves and other family members, this one could provide hours of fun!

#10- I am a big fan of play kitchens like Teamson Kids – Little Chef Wooden Toy Play Kitchen with Accessories – Burlywood and I love these for boys and girls.  Let’s face it, we should all know our way around a kitchen no gender roles necessary here.

I fully expect my child with Down Syndrome will learn his way around a kitchen and be able to make himself small meals so why not start young?

What do you think of our top 10 Christmas gifts for Children with Down Syndrome?  Do you have any others you would recommend?

Be sure to check out this related post… Best Gifts for Babies and Toddlers with Down Syndrome 

and if you know someone who is expecting a baby with Down Syndrome, don’t miss our post on

The Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts for a child with Down Syndrome

20% off your ENTIRE order with code “5days”

Come check out all the jewelry designs we have (for mom and dad or whoever you want to buy for)

This is hands down the biggest, longest sale we have ever run.  Check out our latest designs and get yourself some goodies (or some for a friend) before Down Syndrome Awareness month is over.  Think teachers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, friends, whoever wants to help you celebrate this month… You could even think ahead to Christmas (gasp) but whatever you are thinking about…don’t miss this sale. Click on the image and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

It is obvious that I have a personal vested interest in seeing this fact changed.  I would love for there to be more research into intervention strategies, mineral and vitamin deficiency absorption issues, and anything else that would help our loved ones with T21 reach their fullest potential as well as enhance any of their natural born abilities.