Red Ryder BB Gun; Babies; Proposals; Cancer-Free Year: Most Memorable Christmas Gifts

Often times the best gifts are the ones that aren’t the most expensive. It might be something that is just perfect for you. It could even be a handmade gift from a loved one.

This doesn’t only hold true for adults. A small something might be the gift a child remembers for a lifetime.

See what readers from around Tri-Valley say are their most memorable gifts. What they say may surprise you.

• Melissa Lin Martinez: It was probably in 2006, when the Toys for Tots adopted my family. My son was then 9 & my daughter was 3. They asked what do my children like or want. I said that my son really liked legos & my daughter liked anything Dora. I have never seen such generosity! They received so much legos & Dora stuff that I had to donate some of it back! I was a single mom then,struggling,but working 2 jobs! I will never forget their kindness & the firemen that worked @ Livermore/Pleasanton Fire department came personally to my work to deliver it,so it could be a surprise! They are true heros & Santas! I will never forget them!
• Denice Mills: This year… cancer free.
• Barb Walden: My Dad released from the hospital.
• Ashley Harding: A car!
• Taylor McCoy: Can't really think of one- goes to show material things mean nothing. I could tell you of so many great Christmas memories and traditions with family. The best gifts in life are always free.
• Liz Hansen: A play station when it first came out, it was the first game console I didn't have to share with anyone lol
• Katharine Goll: The original Nintendo. My sister and I beat super Mario brothers in a week!Andrew Klino An official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!
• Michelle Lynn: A satin Duran Duran tour jacket in 1983. I remember it cost $50 and I never thought in a million years my parents would get it for me. Wore it everywhere!
• Carol Pool: I had asked for a plain gold chain - about 1980 - and got this elaborate necklace "thing" hanging from a gold chain. Never did wear it much as it was so ostentatious and just plain ugly!!
• Anne Breit Freitas: The game Mouse Trap
• Troy Froeschner: As a kid, a Crazy Car. It had two wheels, larger than a big wheel with a lay down seat between them. Each wheel had a handle that you grabbed on by hand to propel it forward, backward or in circles.
• Chris Williams: That would be the Harley I bought myself for Christmas this year. Best present ever!!!
• Mary Mueller-Lewis: My husband John asked me to marry him!
• John B. Lewis: When Mary Mueller-Lewis said yes!
• Megan Bishop: My miracle twins...had them two years ago....my christmas babies
• Summer Armstrong: A guitar from my parents my freshman year of HS. I still have it. I never play anymore and have often thought of donating it but it has too many memories wrapped up in it.
• Debbie Daugherty-Engle: My 1st guitar; a beautiful small-sized Martin Forget the model number, but my parents found a small Martin for my little fingers... I was 6 years old, and started lessons right after Christmas. 12 years of lessons later, I went professional.
• Melissa Davis: 24 years ago... A ring and proposal.
• Kelly Brown Campos: My engagement ring and a promise of love and happiness. So far so good...11 years and counting!! Merry Christmas AJ!!
• Maggie Tandrow: Tires for my Truck
• Frank Maiorana: Coal in my stocking.
• Dan Bennett: The look on my Mom's face when she learned her van was stolen that morning. It wasn't so funny the second time it was stolen years later.
• Carole Kelley: my daughter got the dreaded diagnosis of breast cancer last January. Having her on the earth where I can hear her voice . . that is my best Christmas gift.

What has been your favorite Christmas gift? Was it something you received when you were a child or have you received a gift as an adult that was just perfect for you? Let us know in the comment section below.