Birthdays and Christmases are always difficult for our family. We love that people want to shower Bridget will gifts but there are a few things that are difficult to explain. For example, Bridget has never “play” with toys. For years she would receive very generous gifts of dolls, coloring books, puzzles, etc… that would become my next year’s donation to Toys for Tots. Not that we did not appreciate the efforts or that we are ungrateful.

Well except for the Play-doh, that was going into the donation bin no matter if Bridget was typical or unique.

There is just something depressing when you look at a play kitchen someone gave your child that they do not have the interest or capacity to play with or the book they cannot read.

Thankfully, our relatives began to listen to us a few years ago and really got inventive with ways to show their love for Bridget in gifts. Just not toys.

This Christmas, if you are struggling on what to get a child you adore something special, I have the following suggestions that have worked for Bridget.

Experiences that their parent cannot afford to take them to or think about purchasing before they are all sold out. One year a friend gifted Bridget with tickets to the Nutcracker. It did not matter that Bridget did not realize it was a present. Nor did it matter that it was not on her birthday. But I did, this friend gave Bridget a wonderful gift that I was able to witness her awe and joy.

Gift cards to their favorite place. In Bridget’s case that is the 99 Restaurant and Dunkin’s. She doesn’t go at that moment, but she is overjoyed when she gets them and so proud of herself when she pays for her donuts.

Therapy equipment. When Bridget was younger and our lives revolved around PT & OT, I was telling a friend how therapy did not just happen in the therapy center but every moment at home. When Bridget jumped for the first time, this friend sent an indoor trampoline. It was something I could not afford at the time; it was something Bridget needed but more it was something she enjoyed.

Clothes, I know you are thinking to yourself but I want to get this child TOYS not clothes how boring. This might only be a girl thing, but from the time she was young Bridget loves nothing more than to receive sparkly shoes and dresses.

Snacks. This sounds like a crazy idea, but one year Bridget’s aunt randomly asked me what she liked to snack on. That Christmas she created a tower of presents of Bridget to unwrap with her favorite snacks. It was a double win: Bridget was so excited each time she opened up another snack, and I did not have to shop for them for quite some time!

The gift of lessons or memberships. Does the child love to swim? Give the gift of swim lessons. Loves mini golf or gymnastics. Ask your friend if they would like the gift of lessons.

Safety equipment. Not a shiny toy but helping your friend afford a safety device or monitoring system is so much more appreciated than the toy they will then regift to a child that will enjoy it.

I understand that these suggestions are not always fun, or immediately rewarding for you the giver of the gift. The child? They may never know it was from you, but the joy they will receive is priceless.

But this Holiday Season, give the gift the child will enjoy and that toy you saw to Toys for Tots.