1. Books!

For infants and toddlers, there are chew-proof, waterproof, rip-proof brands of books available. Just do a quick Goolgle search. Classics like Dr. Seuss, Little Critter, and Curious George still are favorites too.

For elementary age and teens, start them on a series based on their interests. American Girl, Magic Treehouse, The Land of Stories, Eerie Elementary, The Babysitters Club, Survivors, Warriors, Dork Diaries, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, Humphrey, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Captain Underpants, Dog Man, Wings of Fire, and The Hardy Boys are all excellent options.

2. An Activity Center

Great for keeping infants busy while you’re able to get other things done. Do NOT use a walker, this puts the baby’s hips in the wrong position and delays walking.

3. Blocks

All sorts of blocks are available online and in stores these days. Just make sure they are appropriate to prevent choking risk.

4. Board Games

Games are a great option to create family time away from screens. If you played a board or card game as a kid, chances are your child will enjoy it.

5. Bike

Tricycle, Bicycle, Scooter. Make sure it is age and size appropriate for your child, and they MUST WEAR A HELMET!

6. Arts & Crafts

Paints, sand art, beads, diamond painting, suncatchers, rainbow scratch paper, molding clay, candle making, origami, felt sewing craft kit. Low-cost dollar stores often sell wooden figures to paint, so that’s a great place to stock up on cheap and easy crafting projects.

7. Fort Building Kit

Buy one or several kits for the kiddos to make an awesome fort, tear it down, and then make again in a different way!

8. Sports equipment

Basketball goal, soccer ball and goal, baseball tee, ballet barre. Let your children pursue their current sport of interest and invest in increasing their skills and confidence.

Notice the above listed toys do not suggest any electronics. The only game system game I would recommend is one where they are up and active the entire time. Remember, aside from school work, your child should have less than two hours per day on any screen including: phone, TV, gaming system, and computer. Your child would rather spend the time with you, playing a board game or being active outside, than sitting by themselves playing on a game system.

Have a very Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and enjoy any and all other celebrations your family takes part in!

Blaine learned that lesson earlier this month when she celebrated her birthday. She invited her friends to a party with a bounce house and even a magician. But, on the invitation she asked her guests to bring gifts for the patients at Cook Children's instead of herself.

As you might imagine, this wasn't Blaine's original idea for her birthday. Like many important life experiences, it was first a mere suggestion from her mother.

"We started talking about what it would mean to the children," said Blaine Smith. "It didn't take long for her to embrace it. The idea of bringing joy to patients took her desire to help people to a whole new level."

From stuffed animals to games, even toys for the tiniest patients, Blaine's friends delivered on her request.

"Some kids brought toys for me, but most brought presents for the patients," Blaine said.

Blaine's party was on a Sunday afternoon. By Monday, she was ready to go.

"We were driving to the hospital and she said ‘I want to do this again next year!’" said Blaine's mother.

Right after school, the 8-year-old delivered a basket full of gifts to Cook Children's, along with this note:

"Please give these presents to the children in the most unfortunate places, like kids with: canser, hurt heads and numonua."

Other Ways to Give

Birthdays are a special time to celebrate and by joining the Peter Pan Birthday Club, your child has the opportunity to impact the life of a sick child. Club members ask birthday party guests to bring a monetary gift for Cook Children's instead of a present. All of the gifts made through the Peter Pan Birthday Club help meet specific needs of children in the medical center and in the community. Contact Geraldine Williams at 682-885-4444 or email birthdayclubs@cookchildrens.org for more information.