What was the best Christmas or birthday gift you received as a child?

I was strolling through the toy section of Target today, with my nine year old son’s Christmas list in hand. I was appalled at the sheer volume and inanity of the toys. Now, I’m sure the toys that I yearned for in my day were no better. I remember longing for the toys I saw on the Saturday morning cartoon commercials, but I also remember never getting them come Christmas morning.

The problem is, I don’t remember anything I got for Christmas when I was that age. Perhaps one or two gifts stick in my mind, but they weren’t from the toy section. I want to give him something that will be meaningful to him now, but has more value than Star Wars Legos.

I’m at a loss here. What does a nine year old value besides toys?