Top Ten Gift Ideas for the ADHD Child

Parenting a child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a challenging job. Being a child with ADHD is probably more difficult than most of us can imagine. Their impulsive behavior, hyperactivity and non stop action are hard for most people to handle. Because of the special nature of these kids, Christmas is a great time to provide them with some special gifts that will help them succeed, rather than inhibit their insatiable curiosity, powerful imagination and appetite for excitement.

Educational Software
Many parents are uncomfortable allowing their children to sit in front of a video game for long hours. There is no educational value to a video game, yet this is the preferred activity of many ADHD children. It is typically one of the very few activities that slows them down for any length of time. Rather than providing them with mindless entertainment, consider purchasing some educational computer software. Even electronic games such as chess, checkers, solitaire and other card games have educational value in that they require thinking skills, and strategy to win.

Books
An ADHD child usually has a variety of interests, however they are usually extremely fond of one subject in particular. Buy them books on their favorite subject. Non-fiction books on insects, animals, magic, and a variety of other topics are available at any bookstore. Many ADHD children are also avid readers and typically have books they enjoy reading. Find out what the child enjoys reading about and then find fiction books that follow that same theme. For instance, a child with a natural curiosity for fantasy items, might enjoy a fictional book about a dragon.

Arts & Crafts
The ADHD child is typically extremely creative. Feed on that part of their personality by giving them art supplies. Markers, paper, clay, paints and a variety of other supplies are easily found at discount chains and craft stores. Also, browse the aisle at your local store and check out the various craft kits they sell . You might just provide that creative child with a whole new interest this holiday season!

Camera and Photo Album
It doesn't have to be an expensive camera, but getting a child interested in a healthy hobby like photography is a wonderful gift. When choosing a camera for a child, digital is still best because deleting pictures is easy and you won't wind up with twenty pictures of their bug collection. Allow the child to express themselves through the camera lens and then help them assemble a photo album of all their pictures.

Musical Instrument
Following along with the creative theme, a musical instrument is a wonderful gift for an ADHD child. Start with something simple, for instance a recorder and a how to play the recorder manual might be a great way to start. For an older child, you might purchase a beginner's guitar and a book on how to play.

Puzzles
Puzzles are terrific ideas for any child, but the ADHD child is required to focus and take his time to complete. Consider puzzles with a higher count of pieces and encourage the child to put it together. You might also provide a roll up puzzle mat, puzzle glue and a frame so they can hang their finished masterpiece in their bedroom.

Special Journal and Pen Set
With all the chaos that goes on in an ADHD child's world, encouraging them to take time to slow down and record their thoughts and feelings is difficult. However, it should be encouraged on a regular basis. Children with ADHD are often depressed, have mood swings and are often very misunderstood. This gift provides them with a means to let go of those feelings and record their thoughts or just tell about their day.

Club Membership or Specialty Classes
Consider enrolling the child with ADHD in a class specific to his or her interests. For instance a girl might enjoy gymnastics or dance lessons. A boy might find karate or baseball more fun. Enrolling the ADHD child into something that keeps them active is a good way to manage the hyperactivity, socialize them a little with children who like the same things, and give them the ability to shine at something and help raise that self esteem. Club memberships for things like chess and even fitness, are also good alternatives.

Board Games
Board games are fun for the whole family. Get the special child on your list a couple of exciting board games and offer to play with them immediately. Getting them involved in these types of activities shows them that they can have fun while being in a controlled environment.

Special Time
A child with ADHD usually requires a little more attention than perhaps that of a child without. Give the gift of a special event, vacation or just a couple hours out with mom, dad or someone else important in their life. Every child thrives on attention, imagine the world of good that a little one on one time will do for a child that craves a little extra.

Shopping for an ADHD child isn't like shopping for a child with no disability. Age appropriate toys aren't always the best option since children with this condition are often more advanced or have specialized interests. Knowing that, and using this top ten list, you should be able to find the perfect gift for that very special child.