Birthday Presents for Twins?

As a parent of twins, I just wanted to say - I think a joint gift is fine, as long as it's physically big enough that they both can open it together, and has plenty of pieces that will allow them to play together without excessive fighting. A box of Megablocks is perfect, IMO. If you do buy 2 separate gifts, it's better to have things that are very similar but different - like a PP said, 2 similar books. 2 completely different presents are difficult for twins, I think. At this age, anyway! Like, I wouldn't buy a truck for the boy & a doll for the girl. When my kids get 2 completely different presents, there's usually a lot of jealousy & sharing issues... and we sometimes have to go out & buy another of one of the toys later on!

I have twins and I don't think kids that age care how much things cost, and the parents shouldn't either, as long as the gifts are thoughtful.

Twins are so expensive. If they are her first babies I would get her something nice, but practical, rather than toys. Like cute little silverware and dish sets from Ikea and some cute matching bibs. I appreciated anything people gave me.

we usually spend between 10 and 20, depending on what we find that the kiddo would like. My only suggestion is not to get them one toy to share. Twins hate that, according to my twin husband. If you want to get them something like mega blocks, get them each a little package of it. Getting them both the same thing isnt bad, if that's what you want, but they should each have something of their own.

I would get them each a ride on toy for about $20 each at Target . Don't forget a gift receipt in case they have them.My boy/girl twins loved them and they are boy/girl specific designs so no fighting. Well , maybe a little fighting:)

Absolutely not-you spend what you are able/comfortable with. Especially if you think about the fact that the babies will be happy to just open a box! They'll probably be inundated with toys if everyone buys one for each kid. Maybe buy one toy with many pieces they can both play with and an outfit for each. I always check amazon for toys. They often have free shipping on items over $25, no tax and cheaper prices than toy stores.

You should spend what you can afford. I'm sure your friend will understand. When my twins turned one, they received clothes and toys. Some toys were intended to be shared, but most people did bring separate gifts. To be honest, I preferred that. It's not that I wanted them to get a lot of stuff, but I want them to realize they are separate individuals, not just "the twins". I know they're young still, but we're trying our best to not always identify them as one part of a unit.

As the mom, I loved the clothes, because it helped out a great deal (with twins first, there aren't any hand-me-downs, so we have to buy clothes for two for everything and every season). I was also excited for them to get some developmentally appropriate toys (which you would obviously know what those are). They do not need two of the same items, either. Chances are they're still going to want the same toy anyways.

I'm sure you'll pick out something great!

Spend what you can afford and, from experience, I vote for a nicer joint gift they can use together. My kids are two years apart and born in the same month, so we are drowning in gifts in May. Joint gifts are sure appreciated by mom! A sand box, picnic table, play tent or yard toys are great ideas. I would suggest a kids two-sided easel and some paints, or even a bin filled with assorted art supplies-- finger paints, sidewalk chalk, clay, etc.

I agree with others - don't spend what you can't afford. Maybe the $30 gift your daughter received was bought just the way Michelle recommended - on clearance or with a coupon!!

I'm not sure about a joint gift - it depends on the kids (who at this point are too young to tell you) and the parents. If these were identical twins who are always dressed alike, then maybe a joint gift is fine. At this age, they're both going to play with each other's things anyway! But sometimes twins like to express their independence and so individual gifts are better. I don't believe in too much sex-stereotyping about "boy" gifts and "girl" gifts, but I don't know this other family like you do. Also, you seem to not want to appear to be cutting corners, so consider 2 smaller gifts so that each child is individualized. Kids this age are more likely to play with the box the thing came in anyway so don't make yourself crazy. You could do 2 totally different types of gifts if you want - something activity-oriented and something quiet-time oriented, or something for outside and something for bathtime. That makes them really different in appearance and purpose.

Check out Melissa and Doug toys. They are relatively inexpensive and have similar things for the different genders. They are GREAT toys- educational and excellent quality. That way they can each get something and you don't have to spend alot. Good luck

Get one of those collapsible tent/tunnel sets. The kids will love it, and play with it for years to come, and the price tag can be as big as you want...I think they start quite a bit lower than $60, more like $25.

Gosh no, don't spend 60 just get them something they both can share. Mega Bloks. You can buy her a doll and him a figurine of some sort. Go to a discount store like Marshalls or TJ Maxx and buy them some clothes. You can get two great outfits for $30 bucks. They have great toys their for less than half the price. Get a couple of books. Don't put a price tag on it, just buy something they will use and appreciate.

When our twins turned one a friend gave them each a book, the Look and Find books, they were the same type of book, same size, but different pictures. My boys LOVED these books and we spent the next few years with them. Each child had one that was "theirs" but it was almost like they both got two books. It gets trickier as they get older, they definitely each need their own things and yes, it occasionally poses a problem when people just give one gift to share. But I would never seem ungrateful for any gift at all. Another idea is something like one of those turtle sandboxes...my boys got one for their first birthday to share and it was no big deal. They both fit in there, no problem. They started out reading the books mentioned above in the sandbox (in the house with no sand!) then we used it as a swimming pool then later as a ball pit and then we actually put sand in it in the yard. It lasted for years and served many purposes and never once was there an issue that there was only one of them. Good luck!

Yes, I think you should expect to spend in the 60 dollar range or whatever amount you'd spend if you were attending separate birthday parties for each of them.

As for gift ideas, either go with one big gift for them to share- (i.e. a rocking horse or a ball pit) or go with two smaller but similar gifts that are appropriate for a 1 year old (like the little fisher price piggy bank with coins and the fisher price milk jug with cookies- similar but not the same).

no, you should only spend depending on what you can afford and your relationship with the mother/ family. There babies they won't know the difference between the $10 gift or the $100 gift everyone should be there to enjoy this milestone not keep tabs. What's the worst she could do
1) regift 2) take it back 3) not invite you to another party 4) get your daughter a lesser gift I say take your chances and not spend $60

PP was right, NO, don't ever be expected to match what someone spends for your child's present. Everyone's income is different and I'm sure she'd never expect that much from you.

Go to Target, there's so many great clearance toys I find there all the time, not cheapy crappy things, really good toys, just marked down. I just bought my DD a bath time baby doll that's adorable, originally$12.99, marked down to $8.99. It feels great finding bargains. The blocks were a great idea, you can also do balls, animal figures, stuffed animals, toy cars, the possiblities are endless. But if you're on a budget, definitely shop Target and try to keep it under $10 for each child. Personally I hate getting gift cards for my kids b-day present, I know the giver means well, but I don't think they're appropriate for kids, not exciting for them and just kinda says you didn't put much thought into the gift. (that's just my opinion ladies) : ) Stick to some sort of toy. Have fun!

i have twins, girls, and we have a huge problem when they get 1 gift to share, it doesn't matter what it is if it is only 1 thing i end up throwing it away rather than dealing with:
it's mine, or i had it first, or i looked at it first.

I seem to have an abundance of twins (and even a set of triplets) in my life. My twin nieces are the only ones that I occasionally buy joint gifts for, b/c I know them so well - i can judge what will work for them. I have found that a lot of parents of multiples give a little more generously, b/c they know that when their kids time comes - it's really hard to buy 2 gifts for much less than $30.

At age 1 - it should be easy to get 2 gifts between the $20-30 budget. Melissa and Doug products are great and I always shop for them at tj maxx, marshalls, +homegoods. In fact - I watch for clearance stuff all year and buy things when they are a good deal and stash them away. Only once this year did I have to literally go out and buy a birthday gift on demand.
Also, A.C. moore sells all the Melissa and doug stuff - and you can get 40-50% coupons online for their store (Or michael's - b/c they both take competitors coupons) - You could easily walk out with $40 worth of toys for less than $25. - and it's really nice stuff that lasts the test of time...
Target is also carrying a nice collection of good quality toys these days (mimicing the Melissa and doug frenzy!)
and they average $8-15 a piece. I think as long as the product is of nice quality - no one spends a second considering the cost. (And I say that remembering my daughter getting a cheesy plastic horse once that I would have labeled a $6 toy - and my sister pulled me aside to let me know that it was beyond the $30 range!)
(I also remember a woman getting my daughter a $50+ gift for her 3rd birthday - and 2 years later I still feel indebted!)
So - as already said - don't stress!!!
Know what you can spend and don't think twice about what the other family was able to spend.

I'd say spend $30 on a joint gift for them. 1 toy that they could use together, a bunch of books. a basket full of outside/sand toys/bubbles etc.

Hi I wouldn't. Spend the same amount. $15 on both or by a toy they can share for $30. I have boy girl twins and I wouldn't expect the same. Whatever you get them will be fine. They are too young to know what is going on. It isn't until they are about 3 that they will need their own presents. Good luck!!!