7 Fun and Engaging Birthday and Holiday Gifts for Kids with CVI

When shopping for toys for children with cortical visual impairment, it is important to keep a few features in mind: color, movement, light, and sound (for some). Many (not all) children with CVI gravitate towards toys that light up, have a movement component, and have bright colors. Some children like toys that also incorporate music. Below I share 7 birthday and holiday gifts for kids with CVI. 

Gifts for Kids with CVI Idea #1: Ocean Rotating Sensory Toy

This is an absolute favorite! This Ocean Rotating Sensory Toy has:

• calming lights
• easy to push buttons
• a movement component (animals rotate inside)
• lights that project out the side
• low background music, as well as additional sounds if the buttons are pushed

#2: DJ Bouncin’ Beats

Compared to the previously mentioned toy, DJ Bouncin’ Beats is a more upbeat toy! This toy:

• has a movement component (the toy bounces up and down)
• has a face that lights up and changes colors
• has large, easy-to-push buttons
• plays upbeat music, as it moves

Gifts for Kids with CVI #3: Light Up Piano

I love this piano, especially for its size! It is compact enough that it fits on trays, but big enough to allow for large, engaging keys. This piano has keys that:

• are easy to push
• light up
• contrast nicely against the white base
• activate music

Cortical Visual Impairment Gift Idea #4: Light Up Mixing Bowl

This Light Up Mixing Bowl is a great toy for kids who are able to or are working to put objects “in.” It also makes a great toy for visual attention and engagement.

This mixing bowl:

• has a face that lights up
• has an opening to put the ingredients in
• has a musical component, and the volume can be controlled 

Gift Idea #5: Magnetic Blocks

These magnetic blocks are perfect for kids working on fine motor skills. The blocks:

• are solid in color; they only have a single sticker on one side
• are large and easy to manipulate
• have colors that are bright and engaging
• have a magnet in each block, making them easier to build 

Gifts for Kids with CVI #6: Baby Einstein Curiosity Kaleidoscope 

This awesome Curiosity Kaleidoscope toy has two settings.

1. One is color themed, so depending on which color button you touch, the toy lights up in that color (red, blue, and yellow).
2. Two is music themed so the toy lights up in all three colors.

This toy is activated by touching any of the large buttons on each handle. Very little pressure is needed to squeeze the handle (button). The toy also includes three language settings: English, French, and Spanish.

Gift Idea #7: Sensory Ball Musical Toy

Another of my absolute favorites! This Sensory Ball Musical Toy:

• has a sound-off option, which is perfect for children that might find simultaneous music and lights too stimulating
• lights up and plays music on its own! No motor requirements for this toy to work.
• plays calming music

Bonus: If a child has the motor skills, the music can be changed by picking up a ball and putting it back!

Looking for other gift ideas? Check out these two blog posts:

10 Engaging Toys for Kids with CVI

7 Handheld Sensory Toys for Kids with Cortical Visual Impairment

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