Does your kiddo wear AFOs, SMOs, or other braces? They could get a lot of good from an inclusive holiday gift that supports them! See if any of the gift ideas below could go on your shopping list—maybe even for Black Friday.

We hope these 10 ideas start you thinking. We include a lot of variety, including dolls, books, playsets, and even toys for kiddos with limb differences and specific conditions.

But all the gifts have one thing in common: They show your kiddos you love them and know they’re special just as they are!

Inclusive Toys That Reflect Your Kiddo

Companies have released inclusive toys that reflect health challenges, such as being in a wheelchair or having Down Syndrome.

Studies show that playing with this type of toy can help them practice socializing, along with learning how to empathize with others’ thoughts and feelings.

And if their friends play with them, they tend to be more open to becoming friends with children who have differences.

All links in this post are non-sponsored, included for convenience. Feel free to copy-paste or type the names of gifts into your search engine if you’d like to avoid clicking links.

1. Barbie in a Wheelchair

This Barbie is a winner, both in her attitude and global sales—within the top 10 most popular dolls in the world (in 2022). Kids in wheelchairs love to see someone like themselves who’s still excited to play and explore.

2. Barbie With Down Syndrome

In the last few years, Barbie has come out with a wide range of inclusive dolls in the Fashionista line. This Down Syndrome doll shows that someone with an extra 21^st chromosome can grow up to be anything!

3. Barbie With Scoliosis

This Barbie with a spine curved from scoliosis wears a brace to help her live a more exciting life. She’s happy to chat with her new friends about it, if they ask, or get back to loving life!

4. Our Generation Doll With Prosthetic Leg

Kacy stands 18 inches tall (compared to Barbie’s 11.5 inches). She’s wearing a trendy outfit, which your kiddo can change; her eyes open and close; and she has a prosthetic leg. She loves participating in fun activities with her friends!

Honorable mentions include Playmobil’s accessible school building, complete with ramps and elevators; Ken with a prosthetic leg; and Lottie, the Loyal Companion boy doll, who has autism, a companion dog, and gear to help reduce sensory overload.

Keep in mind that you can use a search engine to find Barbie and Ken dolls with different hair and skin colors too!

5. SMO Braces for Dolls

Surestep doll SMOs fit American Girl or Our Generation dolls. Some kids have put them on a teddy bear, instead.

This gives your child someone to identify with and play with who wears a brace like they do! Doll braces include your choice of graphic pattern, so you can pick one to match your child’s braces.

We have a limited stock, because they’re not our main product line and we’re discontinuing them.

But you can contact Surestep Customer service at [email protected] or 877-462-0711 to check availability and find out how to order.

Books About Kids Just Like Yours

These books help children meet others like themselves through stories, along with giving them positive, helpful thoughts about their braces.

Plus, they’re great teaching tools. You could volunteer at your kiddo’s school to read in front of their class. Kids are often captivated by a guest reader, and they’ll get to know so much more about your child—and other children who are different than them.

6. Super Special Magic Shoes: A brightly illustrated story showing how SMOs and AFOs help children run, jump, and play. Everyone on our team at Surestep was excited about this book when we got it at our office.

7. Frankie’s New Shoes: Follow Frankie as she gets AFOs, gets over her fear of them, and learns to embrace them as part of herself. We’re happy this book features AFOs!

8. Brace Yourself for Another Day: Peaches discovers how her braces help her with muscular dystrophy. This book also helps kids realize that braces help with a lot of different conditions. Plus, it reminds us all to celebrate what we can do each day.

Also, check out Daniel’s New Friend, based on a popular episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Daniel makes friends with Chrissie, who wears leg braces and loves to play.

Tiny Shoes and Socks Make a Big Difference

9. Surestep Shoes for SMOs and AFOs

We created Surestep shoes because so many parents were struggling find shoes to that fit SMOs or AFOs comfortably and support kiddos’ development. They feature:

• A wider and deeper design that slides easily over braces and hugs them in a way that will help your kiddo walk better
• A unique tread that encourages natural development
• Sizes from 3T up to 3Y

Along with toddler and youth designs, we have heel-entry high-tops, which are easier to put on over braces because the heel opens up!

Hot Tip: Around the holidays, grandparents love to know how they can best contribute. Well, they can order these shoes on the Surestep Shop and put your address in, shipping them straight to you!

10. Surestep Socks

The right socks make a big difference for children who wear braces. Feet get sweaty inside of plastic braces after playing all day. Plus, traditional socks include seams that get uncomfortable.

That’s why Surestep socks feature:

• A seamless design for sensory concerns
• Moisture-wicking material to help control sweat and keep feet cool
• Different lengths for SMOs and AFOs

We also have Premium Socks, which include X-Static® fabric containing silver threads! This fights bacteria, odor, skin irritation, and athlete’s foot.

Make the Holidays Fun

Any gift you get will show your child love above all else. And they don’t have to focus on health challenges and education. Far from it!

But we think it’s awesome to include a gift or two to help them understand their self and their world a little better. What they learn and practice today—even through playing—will serve them for the rest of their life.

Find out How to Find Shoes for SMOs and AFOs