My nephew (aged 4 but non verbal with Downs) is coming for Christmas! Yay!!

[Swifey]

He will be staying, with his dad my db, part of the time with me and my family and part of the time with my dm. He is very active and boisterous, so I need things that will really capture his attention. I have already bought him a special tablet for Christmas and he's had it early, but can you think of anything good that I can get from charity shops or is cheap that may interest him? I have all the usual stuff, as have ds2 and ds5, but some of it will have to be packed away (either because it's too small or too breakable). So any brilliant ideas? Tia

[scrabbler3]

My boys liked the ELC Hoover at that age. Not sure if it still exists. Space hopper was popular too.

[BBQsAreSooooOverrated]

My 4yo dd is non verbal. She loves sensory play, play doh, water, coloured rice and those water beads. Also bubbles are a massive hit. She is also very active and likes bouncing so maybe a small trampoline or bouncy sit on toy?

[KC225]

Flashing glow sticks on Amazon. Cheap as chips and fun as in they go off and try to find a dark room to 'flash' them in.

[Hobbes8]

On the flashing lights theme, those finger light things are always talked about in the Christmas threads and they're dirt cheap and pretty good fun. They're little coloured LEDs with pieces of elastic to attach them to your fingers. My almost 4 year old loves hers.

I'm on the hunt for a cheap disco ball thing for her for Christmas. If I see anything good I'll let you know.

[Catanddogmake6]

These colour in play house/ castle/ igloo etc kept my 3 and 8 year old occupied over days. Half price at Hobbycraft and so much play value for £6. It would depend if he liked colouring and your older children won't get cross if he's not in the lines. But it could be decorated in many ways - with stickers, cutting bits out of wrapping paper or different textures etc. It can also be his den and perhaps imaginative games if he likes/ is able. Perhaps colour changing light for inside, all those soft balls to make sensory inside.

[MrsFionaCharming]

I’d be careful with a trampoline / trampette, I read an article recently about how a significant proportion of people with Downs have a defect in their neck and can suffer serious damage from trampolining.

[RhubarbTree]

The Singing Hands Christmas DVD is a massive hit in our house - fabulous Christmas songs supported by Makaton sign language. It will help with his communication skills as well as being hugely entertaining.

[Catanddogmake6]

There's a trend for making slime with pua glue -- loads of recipes online. Either that or old fashioned play dough with flour, salt etc and food dye so you can choose colours. Making pizza - cheat with pre bough bases if feeling lazy. Decorating cupcakes/ biscuits - those squeezy coloured icing packs are cheap and disposable. The Works and similar shops often have cheap craft activities with all the bits in. I'd also have a plan for what to do when he and your children are tired and over the edge - whether it's some cheap DVDs or something else.

[Catanddogmake6]

Would hiding chocolate coins round the garden (if dry) or house if not (although potential for chaos) and then having a search for them help him run off energy.

He might be a bit young for this or not interest him but making marzipan fruits is really cheap - all you need is a pack of marzipan and some food dye. Tips include sticking a clove in the top of the green or red "Apple" as the stalk and (you) rubbing the "Orange" over a very fine (nutmeg) grater to give it a realistic texture. Bananas are super easy - don't even need food dye.

My mum also has some small, cheap tinsel Christmas trees and some children friendly, naff, cheap decorations (the sort vetoed from the proper tree) all usually found in the pound shop. They love decorating the tree exactly as they want and then using it to decorate their room.

[WeAllHaveWings]

Maybe it’s the use of the word “but”, rather than say a comma. But I had to try very hard to find any potential offence........

[WeAllHaveWings]

Sorry no idea for a pressie, I forget what they are like at that age and have a 3 year old nephew to buy for which is why I am lurking!

[OhHolyFuck]

Those 'spaceman' blankets, like giant tinfoil, they give runners at the end of a race?

No idea what they're actually called but they're shiny and make really good noises when you crinkle them, think they're only a quid or two to buy

[RJnomore1]

I think it's because it's Down Syndrome not Downs but op you sound so happy and inclusive that picking up on that seems petty.

Can he join in fun things like decorating biscuits with you? I'll bet bubble wrap would be great fun!

My friend has a little boy with Down Syndrome who is younger but I hope just as loved by his wider family as your nephew.