Because of Liam's issues we can't just run out and buy presents at the local Walmart. Things for him need to be thought out and planned in order for him to benefit from it, which sucks because I can't just see a cute toy for him and get it. I have to wonder if he can utilize it at all and if he can't can we adapt it so he can. Most things for him won't come from the local store.
So this year for Christmas I decided not to do much tradition at all for Liam. Oh, he will have presents under the tree, but they aren't just presents. They are learning tools/therapy tools that will benefit him better than a random toy from the dollar store.
I did get him an early present which I know is mundane but is vitally important for him and his future. It's a simple RAM mount for his ipad that mounts it to his wheelchair. Now the ipad is right where he needs it; at arm length and eye height. And he loves having it so handy.
The tray on his wheelchair was too low and although he could reach the ipad there it wasn't what was best for him physically.
This mount allows him to have it front and left (since he's a lefty) and is preparing him for using communication with either the ipad or a dynavox. We already use the ipad for communication but eventually he will need to go to a higher level than what he's at now. And consider that your mouth is always ready to talk for you. His "mouth" will be a device of some sort and it always needs to be at the ready if he is going to communicate through it.
I'm hoping this will get him started in the right direction.