Finding accessible holiday gifts can be a challenge. Easterseals, the nation’s leading nonprofit serving millions of people with disabilities and their families, today announced the launch of its 2025 Holiday Sensory Toys Gift Guide, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to help families, educators, therapists, and retailers identify toys that are not only fun, but also inclusive and accessible.
The guide will be released publicly on November 6, 2025, just as retailers enter the most competitive shopping season of the year. Available for easy online purchasing, the guide highlights toys that reflect universal design principles and sensory-friendly features.
Earlier this year, Easterseals issued a nationwide Request for Information (RFI) 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.
“Play is fundamental to every child’s development. With this initiative, we aim to help parents, family members, and friends choose toys that reflect the full range of how kids and adults move, think, communicate, and engage with the world,” said Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals. “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.”
Submissions were reviewed by a volunteer panel of parents, occupational therapists, and individuals with disabilities. This process ensures that the final list reflects both expert insight and real-world usability.
The Top 12 Picks for 2025
The resulting guide identifies the Top 12 accessible toys and video games for the upcoming holiday season:
- Mattel’s Hot Wheels Monster Truck Tiger Shark Climber RC
- Wild Republic’s Poppykins
- Crazy Aaron's Hide Inside Mixed Emotions Thinking Putty
- Moose Toy’s Gui Gui
- Crazy Aaron's Super Scarab Thinking Putty
- Wild Republic’s Earkins
- Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller
- Crayola’s Mess-Free Touch Lights
- Lego’s Shape Sorter Puppy House
- MOLUK’s Bilibo
- PlayStation’s Access Controller
- Alphapals’ Backpack Rainbow Plush Letter Set
Each toy was kid-tested and family-approved, reflecting Easterseals’ commitment to ensuring that play is accessible to all.
Tips for Choosing Accessible Toys
The guide also includes practical advice for families and caregivers. When selecting toys, look for:
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a toy accessible?
An accessible toy is one designed or modifiable so that children with various disabilities 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.
