Inclusive 2024 Holiday Toy Guide: Best Toys with Disabilities for Kids
As a child, I remember the joy of new toys during the holiday season, but I also remember something missing. There were no dolls or action figures in wheelchairs, no characters with hearing aids or prosthetic limbs. Toys like that simply didn’t exist on the shelves. I never saw my reality mirrored back to me in my toy collection, which left me feeling like I didn’t quite belong in those imaginary worlds.
But times have changed, and now there are so many amazing, inclusive toys available. Parents today have the opportunity to give their kids toys that celebrate all types of differences, from physical abilities to sensory needs. This holiday season, consider choosing toys that represent the diversity of the real world and give your child the gift of seeing themselves — and others — in the toys they play with.
1. LEGO Braille Bricks for Kids with Vision Impairments
These innovative bricks not only foster creativity but also help visually impaired children learn Braille in a fun, engaging way. Each piece includes raised Braille dots corresponding to the alphabet, allowing for both educational and playful engagement. Perfect for kids who want to build, play, and learn Braille at the same time.
3. Barbie Fashionistas Diverse Dolls – Representation in Play
The Barbie Fashionistas line includes dolls of all shapes, sizes, skin tones, and abilities, featuring wheelchairs, prosthetics, and dolls with vitiligo. Imagine how powerful it is for kids to see dolls that reflect the wide range of human experiences — it’s something I never had but would have treasured. Ideal for children who love Barbie and value diversity.
4. Lottie Dolls: Mia the Wildlife Photographer with Cochlear Implant
Lottie’s Mia doll is a wildlife photographer with a cochlear implant, providing much-needed representation for children with hearing differences. These toys encourage kids to dream big and show that everyone belongs, something I wish had been part of my childhood playtime. A wonderful choice for aspiring photographers or nature-loving kids.
5. Toy Like Me Figures – Celebrating Disability Representation
These figures were created by advocates who knew the importance of representation in toys. From hearing aids to wheelchairs, these figures offer representation for kids who, like me, often felt left out of the toy world. Available through specialty retailers, they make a unique and thoughtful gift. Perfect for parents seeking realistic representation in toys.
8. Hot Wheels Flippin Fast™ Die-Cast Vehicle – Sensory-Friendly Play
Designed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, this Hot Wheels car features a fidget-inspired design perfect for sensory-friendly play. Children can flip, spin, and roll it, making it enjoyable for kids who benefit from open-ended, calming activities. Great for children who benefit from sensory-friendly toys.
Why Inclusive Toys Matter
When I was a kid, the lack of toys representing people like me sent a subtle, unspoken message. It took years to learn that being different didn’t mean I didn’t belong. Today, we can give our kids a better experience — toys that show them that everyone deserves to be seen, to belong, and to play in ways that feel natural to them.
Inclusive toys open up worlds where every child can feel seen and understood. This holiday season, let’s encourage our kids to play with toys that reflect the beautiful diversity of the world around them. Representation in the toy aisle is more than a trend — it’s a chance to show kids that there’s no “wrong” way to play or be.
Happy holidays, and happy shopping for the gift of inclusion!
Looking for more inclusive gift ideas? Check out my other blog posts on accessible games and adaptive tech for kids. And don’t forget to share this guide with other parents looking to support diversity in play!