toys r us, whoopie goldberg, special needs kids

Have you heard of the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids? Sounds like an awesome idea for families with special needs children. 

Apparently, this guide isn't new, but it's new to me.

And now, with support from Whoopi Goldberg, the 2009 edition of the toy guide, especially for special needs kids has been released. The new guide offers toy suggestions, using recognizable skill-building icons for each toy, as well as safe play tips for children with special needs.

Hopefully, this guide can help make it easier for parents to choose the most beneficial kinds of toys for their special needs kids. It's also helpful for those of us who might want to buy a gift for friends or family members with special needs.

Here are a few toy suggestions from the guide:

For Auditory Skills:

Melissa & Doug Wooden Farm Sound Blocks - $12.99

farm blocks

For Self-Esteem:

Vtech Kidizoom Pre-School Digital Camera - $59.99

digital camera, special needs

For Fine Motor Skills:

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Set - $19.99

mega blocks, special needs toys

The toy guide is available in Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us stores nationwide and online, in English and Spanish. 

So parents of special needs kids — what do you think? Is this toy guide helpful to you?