Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us. Each year parents ask their evaluators for suggestions on what to get their child or what to have others get their child. There are, of course, many answers to this question, but we can share a few of our ideas.

Educational gifts that are helpful and appropriate are always welcome. The Eyewitness books, which are carried in our bookstore, are fun to read, neat to look at and discuss, and make great foundations for those fun unit studies. For children just learning to process information as well as children able to process at a two or three, look at our video items which offer good visual input and which many children love. Visual Link Spanish, which is a fun and remarkably easy course for parents and kids, is another item in our bookstore which will provide hours of educational fun for the family.

If grandparents are asking what to give, you may consider asking them to sponsor a few months' membership for you or fund a sibling evaluation. They can also offer to help with some program days as a special treat to you as well as your child. A gift of a mother's helper for a few days a week is also great. It will allow you to get more program done, and your helper can do many of your other daily tasks. Help is always a great gift.

Museum memberships, zoo memberships, or discount coupons for interesting places in your area make field trips easier. Whether you are doing field trips to boost language, stop stimming, or as part of a unit study, having free admission certainly makes that easier and more fun to do. If field trips are on your child's program, they are an important piece of what you are doing.

Glitzy and goofy glasses to make occluding more "fun" also make a great gift. Unusual sunglasses, clear plastic "fashion" glasses, and party supply costume glasses may all make your child more interested in occluding. How about a stocking full of different glasses from a friend or relative?

Gifts that encourage physical activity are good for almost all kids, whether it is just for moving their arms more by throwing and catching or games that require running, jumping or moving at a steady pace. Getting the kids up and going is always good.

Books on audio are on many programs as a part of our overall reading program. Good books on audio are a gift that the whole family can enjoy. You'll be surprised how incredibly entertaining this can be. They are easily found online through a variety of sources, even ebay.

Last but not least, individuals and companies, churches and other organizations to which you may belong are encouraged to consider giving donations so that families unable to pay for their NACD services can continue to receive them. NACD is currently providing many, many families with reduced fees in order to allow them to continue despite unemployment. In order for us to continue to do this, we need donations to help us cover these enormous costs. We are dedicated to the children and families who are a part of NACD and want to continue to help them in every way we can.