Few things are better than the perfect gift — except, perhaps, the gift that gives love to the recipient and to a whole community as well. This season, surprise your family with gifts that give to MDA families — and MDA research — too.

Good Reads

Stack your family bookshelf with must-reads that help explain muscle-debilitating diseases to kids and champion kids and adults who have those diseases.

After asking American Girl to feature a character with a disability, 13-year-old Melissa Shang, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, decided to create her own heroine. Mia Lee is Wheeling Through Middle School follows Mia on her campaign for president of her school’s video production club. She happens to be in a wheelchair, but there’s no mistake she’s on her way.

Navigating school halls is something all kids, fictional and otherwise, learn as they go. “Shout: A Loud and Lively Book Showcasing the Talents, Thoughts, Ideas and Voices of Kids Who are Differently ‘Able'” melds kids’ artwork and words of wisdom with disease education and social encouragement in a single volume to inspire students, parents and teachers alike. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from the book go to select nonprofits, including MDA.

Proceeds from the sale of Walk Like Penguins also go to MDA, specifically for ALS research. Based on her dad’s journey with ALS, Brandy Lay’s children’s book addresses questions kids might have about ALS while reminding them no diagnosis prevents families from making lifelong memories together.

All of these books are available on Amazon.com.

And While You’re on Amazon…

Whether you’re picking up books or other gift items, Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of eligible purchases to any charitable organization you choose, including MDA, through its Amazon Smile program. Visit http://smile.amazon.com, select “Muscular Dystrophy Association” from the list of organizations and start shopping — and supporting!

Music for a Cause

Musician Eric Hutchinson has toured with Kelly Clarkson and performed on the Today Show. Now he’s using the stage to help spread awareness about myotonic muscular dystrophy, a disease that took his father’s mobility but not his spirit. Eric was part of our Live Unlimited campaign this summer, thanks to Upworthy, and he’s also donating a portion of his album sales to MDA. Get his new album Easy Street and learn more about his connection to our cause.

More Spots to Shop

We’re proud to partner with national and local businesses that regularly promote and provide for our fight for progress against muscular dystrophy. Shopping with our partners — including CITGO Petroleum Corp. and its marketers, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, Casey’s General Stores, Albertsons Companies, Kroger, and Price Chopper — fuels both your friends and future research.

One for the Stockings

Another small gift that has a big impact? Endorphin Warrior’s exclusive Live Unlimited bracelet. Perfect for Team Momentum runners, Muscle Walkers or anyone who moves you, it’s a reminder of our collective determination to defy daily challenges. And $6 from each bracelet purchase go directly toward MDA care, research and family programs.

Hope for What’s Next

And finally a gift to MDA in a friend’s or family member’s honor is a seasonless way to celebrate both the lives of those you love and the lives that can be saved as we work together to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harmful effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases.