And its not the usual SEN one of, ‘What to buy my child that will be suitable for his developmental rather than chronological age?’ – it’s the opposite.

You see, this year there is another little person to consider – my niece now has a little step-brother.

And he is *gorgeous*. And 2 years old.

You’d think, wouldn’t you, after years of buying toys for Sam that meet the developmental needs of a child who’s skills are far delayed that buying a present for a developmentally normal toddler would be easy wouldn’t you?!

Ohhh no. I don’t have the first clue what a ‘typical’ 2 year old wants or likes.

Sam doesn’t have any great interests in childrens TV characters, so I’ve never had to negotiate the minefield of In the Night Garden, Tweenies, Teacup Travels, etc., in the toy aisles… I have had to resort to quizzing my Mum over what things the little chap likes, and have finally settled on a sing-along song book with CD.

And the ever essential (according to my niece) selection box of chocolate bars.

And for the first time, ever, I haven’t felt such a strong pang of sadness that my little boy doesn’t have any interest in the toys his age-matched peers will be getting this year.

Sams development is slow but it is HAPPENING.

So for the first year, I haven’t had to lurk in the baby toy aisle looking for a toy he doesn’t already have, because he can now play with *other* toys!

Sam loves being read to, so brightly coloured books are a must.

And to my deep joy I spotted a set of Dr Seuss flash cards in the Works, the ones you use to teach children shapes, words and colours!

Sam adores the Dr Seuss books for the fabulous rhymes and silly words, so that’s a winner right there.

We can also now look at the range of switch adapted toys, or at battery powered toys that can be modified to accept a switch.

This year feels a lot brighter than previous years I think I may also be reaching a point of acceptance too, instead of railing against the reality of things I’m learning to embrace them; easier said than done at times.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some books to wrap…