Josiah has no need for toys. He rarely finds them engaging. He typically ignores them. Actually, often they make him angry.  Over the years I’ve searched for a toy that would be THE toy Josiah would love, the one that would mesmerize him, captivate him and allow us to interact with him. It’s been nearly 10 years and I still have not found that toy.

I’ve searched specialty stores, scoured catalogs, browsed sensory integration sites on-line and have read countless reviews from other parents. Many times I thought for sure I had stumbled upon the quintessential toy.  Many times, I was wrong.

We used to have a toy room for Josiah. When he was very young, he was enthralled with anything that lit up and/or played music. He also enjoyed things that vibrated, like bumble balls. Not anymore. We don’t even keep toys out for him. They frustrate him. We’ve gotten rid of many of them. Friends have children and grandchildren currently enjoying Josiah’s rarely used, discarded toys.

The few we have held on to are now in shoe box sized plastic containers with lids. Each is stacked in the cabinet in my office. He doesn’t see them. If I take something out to ‘play’ with him, his reaction is usually the same. He grabs the toy, pushes it away and fusses at me. Sometime he shoves it back in the bin, closes the lid and signs ‘finished’. On occasion he grabs the toy from me, runs to the front room closet, hurls it in there and slams the door.

He gets his message across. He has no need for toys. Not really a problem I guess, except that it makes gift giving difficult. What are we supposed to do for holidays and on special occasions? Josiah will be 10 next week. I literally have no earthly idea what to get the boy.

For Christmas this year Josiah received a HUGE, soft, comfy bean bag chair. He adores the one in his pediatricians waiting room. When we are there, it’s his favorite place to sit. So I just knew, though it wasn’t a toy, and though it would take up a very large space in our already full family room, a bean bag chair would be just the perfect thing.  It is I suppose. But, not for Josiah. Our dog, Mocha thinks it’s her new dog bed. She’s pretty much taken it over. Josiah rarely goes near it.

So, with just 7 days left til Josiah’s birthday, I am still trying to figure this all out. I keep thinking it will dawn on me. Or, I will dream about it or stumble upon it miraculously. But, maybe I just need to let it go. If Josiah isn’t wild about toys, maybe that is ok.  Maybe I should just pack his suitcase, get him and I on a plane and celebrate his birthday in the Caribbean.

Hmmmm….might be just the thing.  Josiah does love the beach.