There are many gift ideas that can be suitable for adults with Down syndrome. It’s always a good idea to consider the individual’s interests and needs when choosing a gift. You may also want to ask the person’s family or caregiver for input on what would be most appreciated.

Some options to consider include books or magazines, art supplies, games and puzzles, assistive technology, and clothing and accessories.

Books for Down Syndrome Adults

There are many books that can be suitable for adults with Down syndrome. Look for books or magazines that are specifically designed for people with intellectual disabilities or that feature large print or pictures to help with comprehension.

Picture books

Picture books with large, colorful illustrations and simple text can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who have difficulty with reading comprehension. Look for books with themes or subjects that the individual is interested in.

Books with audio

Books with audio recordings, such as audio books or e-books with text-to-speech functionality, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who may have difficulty reading. The universal tale of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is brought to life in audio by its author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy, with a beautiful music score and the real wildlife sounds of rural England.

Books about Down syndrome

There are many books available that provide information about Down syndrome, including memoirs written by people with Down syndrome and books written by family members or caregivers. These can be a good way for people with Down syndrome to learn more about their condition and connect with others who have similar experiences.

Toys for Down Syndrome Adults

Milliard Sensory Pad

This pad contains foam blocks inside of it so that it’s safe for people to land on. It’s also a good place for relaxing and reading. You can wipe off the cover and wash it, ensuring that it’s super easy to keep clean. The air that gets into the pad is released gently due to the vents so that this pad remains soft and comfortable and perfect for rambunctious kids (or adults!).

DreamGYM Sensory Swing

This swing is a combination of cotton and spandex, allowing you to move around and it will stretch with your body. You get all of the hardware that you need to hang it from the ceiling so that it is easily available at all times. The swing can accommodate people up to 220 pounds.

Northern Galaxy Light Aurora Projector

Turn the ceiling into the cosmos with this projector light. It offers a night light experience that provides a glow in the room. Since it’s not too bright, it will not keep you awake when you are sleeping with it. The stars move slowly, helping to provide a relaxing experience. This light can accommodate the ceiling of most standard bedrooms.

Art Supplies for Down Syndrome Adults

Many people with Down syndrome enjoy creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting. Consider getting them art supplies to help them express themselves.

Art set

Many people with Down syndrome enjoy creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting. Consider getting them an art set, such as the Crayola Inspiration Art Case or the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Sketchers’ Pocket Box.

Coloring books

Coloring books can be a great way for people with Down syndrome to express themselves creatively. Look for coloring books with large, simple illustrations and thick lines that are easy to color within.

Watercolor paints

Watercolor paints can be a fun and easy way for people with Down syndrome to create art. Look for a set of watercolors that comes with a brush and a mixing palette.

Clay or modeling dough

Clay or modeling dough can be a great medium for people with Down syndrome who enjoy sculpting. Look for options that are soft and easy to shape, such as Play-Doh or modeling clay.

Stencils

Stencils can be a useful tool for people with Down syndrome who have difficulty drawing freehand. Consider getting them a set of stencils with a variety of shapes and patterns to use as a guide for their art.

Games and Puzzles for Down Syndrome Adults

Games and puzzles can be great gifts for people with Down syndrome. Look for options that are age-appropriate and offer a good challenge without being too frustrating.

Sensory toy or fidget

Sensory toys and fidget tools can be helpful for people with Down syndrome who have sensory processing difficulties. Some options include the fidget spinner, the Fidget Cube, or a stress ball.

Puzzle 

Puzzles and games can be great gifts for people with Down syndrome. Look for options that are age-appropriate and offer a good challenge without being too frustrating. Some options include the ThinkFun Roll and Play board game or the Melissa & Doug Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles.

Board game

Board games can be a great way for people with Down syndrome to have fun and practice social skills. Look for games that are easy to understand and have simple rules, such as the game “Hi Ho! Cherry-O” or “Chutes and Ladders.”

Card games

Card games can be a fun and easy way for people with Down syndrome to pass the time. Consider getting them a deck of playing cards or a game like “Uno” or “Go Fish.”

Word games

Word games, such as Scrabble or Bananagrams, can be a good way for people with Down syndrome to practice their vocabulary and language skills.

Assistive Technology for Down Syndrome Adults

Assistive technology, such as tablets or adaptive computer software, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome. Consider getting them a device or software that can help them communicate or access information.

Adaptive Computer Mouse

An adaptive computer mouse is a specialized device that can be easier to use for people with limited fine motor skills. Using an adaptive computer mouse can help individuals with Down syndrome or other disabilities to use a computer more easily and independently. It can also help to reduce fatigue and frustration when using a computer, which can be especially beneficial for people who use a computer for long periods of time.

Some options include the Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball Mouse or the Jelly Comb Vertical Mouse.

Text-to-speech software

Text-to-speech software, such as NaturalReader or Read&Write, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who have difficulty reading. It can read text out loud, allowing them to access information and communicate more easily.

Additional adaptive computer software, such as Co:Writer or Clicker Sentences, can help people with Down syndrome use a computer more easily and independently. These can provide word prediction, text-to-speech, and other assistive features to help with typing, reading, and writing.

Assistive technology devices

There are many assistive technology devices available that can help people with Down syndrome interact with their environment more easily. Examples include switches, touch pads, and eye-gaze technology.

Smart home devices

Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats or smart lighting systems, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who have difficulty with physical tasks or who may need additional support with daily living activities. Consider the Google Nest Thermostat or the Amazon Echo Dot to help establish and maintain daily routines. In addition, a device such as the Ring Smart Lighting can help a person with Down syndrome adjust and customize their environment to suit their preferences.

Clothing for Down Syndrome Adults

Clothing or accessories that are easy to put on and take off, such as Velcro shoes or clothes with large buttons, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome.

Clothing with easy-to-use closures

Clothing with closures that are easy to use, such as Velcro or snap buttons, can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who may have difficulty with fine motor skills.

Shoes with Velcro closures

Shoes with Velcro closures can be easier to put on and take off than shoes with laces. Look for shoes with a wide toe box and a sturdy, slip-resistant sole.

Large-print watches

Large-print watches can be very helpful for people with Down syndrome who have difficulty reading small numbers. Look for watches with clear, easy-to-read numbers and a simple, straightforward design.

Down syndrome awareness clothing

There is also a lot of Down syndrome awareness swag that you could purchase for yourself or an adult with Down syndrome to show your support.

These are all great gift ideas for Down syndrome adults.

Again, it’s always a good idea to consider the individual’s interests and needs when choosing a gift. You may also want to ask the person’s family or caregiver for input on what would be most appreciated.