Christmas Gift Ideas - Lakewood, CA

We are in the same situation for my daughter's first birthday. On her party invitation, we included the following language: "No gifts please. If you feel that you must, please bring one of the following new, unwrapped toys, which we will donate to Children's Hospital of Los Angeles [then I include a list that I got off the the hospital's website.]" So perhaps you could convey a similar message with regard to Christmas?

How about savings bonds? Every little bit helps and he'll be able to use them at a later age, when you can teach him about the value of money.
K. E

You can't go wrong with suggesting savings bonds! You can never start socking away for college too early!

Hi JL,

You seem very blessed surrounded by loving, giving people! If it's your son's First Christmas then all the gifts will be memorable milestones. Fisher Price has some Little People Christmas themed play sets Nativity, Shepards and the Little Drummer Boy. His own little Christmas tree and ornaments would be a wonderful to start his collection/tradition.

Also there's always donation in your son's name to charities, or sponsoring a less fortunate child, maybe the same age as your son to be sentmental.

Congratulations & God Bless,

R. F.
Mother of three, in love with them all!
____@____.com

I would recommend you directing them to a charity for needy children in honor of your child. Basically-no gifts. Below is a link to an online catolog for helping needy children around the world. I.e, Help reopen a school in Sierra Leone- $35. Educate one child in Madigascar- $80. Buy a goat for a family in Ethiopia -$30.... here's a link to just such a catalog.

https://secure2.convio.net/ccadra/site/SPageNavigator/gif...

I would ask for a membership to Gymboree or something he can do as an activity with you.

I would say maybe start a college tuition account. If you have enough of the basics, try opening an account for him and put the money they were going to spend on your son, into a savings account for him.

Money for college fund. Whne he gets older, money towards a Disneyland annual pass, or something of the like.

You could start a college savings fund and just ask for whatever amount they might have spent on a gift. When you put the account in his name they can even write checks out to him. (it should be fine for you to endorse the check as long as your name is also on the account.)

I understand what you mean! With two boys-we have enough stuff.
How about gift cards/ certificates to mommy and me classes?
Send your family and friends the link to some classes in your area and they can purchase online for your son. (gymboree ect..)
That's my suggestion to our family and friends this year!
Enjoy!

More savings bonds!! My older kids are getting to the age where I am gonna give them to them to keep or cash in...what a gift that keeps giving!! Dad and I couldn't use them no matter how tight money got thru the years!! I guarantee any other form of $ would have been used by us with the intention of paying them back....

How about passes to your local zoo, Sea World or other places like that or swim lessons? These are the things we are asking for.

Hello,

I often have clients buy photo gift certificates. They can purchase any amount they are comfortable with and that can be applied toward prints or the photo session for the child &/or family.
Hope this helps....thanks!
H.
www.hpmphoto.com

I like the idea of them spending time with him and leaving you and your husband free to date sometime. Also, maybe have them videotape themselves reading a story to him or telling him stories of their childhood. This is especially good with older relatives, because they may become ill, but then you could explain who they are by showing him the tapes. Just anything they could do without spending too much money. Maybe you could open a savings account for him or something, if they give you money. Best of luck to you. It is wonderful to have so many generous relatives and friends. It is the thought that counts, as always. Sounds like you and your family are really loved.

They grow quick and go through many stages. If he is 6 months in December, ask for toys or clothes that are for 12 - 18 months. Toys are important for development and coordination. The only problem with the clothes is that it is all seasonal. Just walk the baby's r us store and check out everything you will need in the next 3 - 6 months.

We are so blessed! What a great chance to have your whole family and group of friends begin to teach your son that we are blessed to be a blessing to others!

Encourage your family and friends to purchase gifts through Heifer International or the World Vision gift catalog (all available online if they search the organizations). They can buy your son a bike -- to be ridden by some hard working person in Asia to get to their workplace. Or sports equipment for children in rural America who live far below the poverty line. Or a flock of chicken to empower a family in Africa to have food and an income!

The possibilities are endless -- what a great scrapbook it would make to collect all the cards which detail all the ways your family and friends blessed others in the name of your son!

Donation to charity in his name. There are so many children not as fortunate. Pick a cause you are passionate about and tell your family you want them to make a donation is his name (humane society, save the children, salvation army, red cross, aspca, local animal shelter, etc.)

What generous friends and family you have! I love their hearts to give to you and your child. Giving to charities in the name of your child is a great idea. Here is another that has less to do with accumulation and finances. Why don't you encourage your family to give your child gift certificates for special time with them (and free time for you and your spouse). Wouldn't it be great for your son to have special time with each of them no miney necesarry.

If you've got more than you need, it would be great to make a donation to a charity in your son's name, or start donating what you are already done with. I love listing things for 'free' on Craigs List'. There are so many people out there today struggling that can really use the help. Another idea is to ask for memberships to zoos, aquariums and museums. We've been buying these for years and they provide endless weekends and week days of fun.

Ask for new jackets, underwear and shoes of all sizes that you can donate to your cities foster care children who are often placed in homes or facilities without so much as a change of clothes.

I haven't read the other suggestions, but I would highly suggest establishing a college savings plan and letting people know you'd greatly appreciate any contribution big or small to the account. You'll be so glad you did this when your little guy gets older as it will just sit and accumulate over the years.

Another idea is to suggest that donations be made to a charity in lieu of a gift. That way it is in his honor but contributing to a good cause. Perhaps a charity that is focused on childhood illness, hunger, orphans, etc. would be a good idea.

Just a couple of ideas to throw your way. It is so true that our children are so blessed. It's a shame to just get more stuff that you don't have room or need for when there are other greater needs that may not be packaged in a box with a bow, but have a more lasting impact.

All the Best!
A.

Tell them saving bonds

Just ask for clothes that are bigger for the future. Like size 24months or 2T or bigger. Definitely shoes in all sizes for when he starts walking. Probably starting with size 3 and up. You can't go wrong with socks of all sizes they go through those like crazy. Older toys for learning for 12months plus. Money is always good to put in a saving account for college.Plus there are always those really cool toys you mind see on tv that he would really like later. A push along bike for when he starts walking which will be soon. :) Any push toys are good it promotes walking. Then there is always giving a gift to someone else in his name (for the poor) or a program like toys for tots. etc.
I hope this helped and gave you some more ideas.
K. Sauer, Fontana, CA

The gift of time - babysitting so you can go out.

I would tell them nothing (but you know they will anyways) so I would say savings bonds. You can never have too many of those and later will come in handy with college or buying a house. :)

JL,
I'm happy for you that you have ALL you need for your child!
It is a blessing to have so many caring and concerned people around your son!
While WE do not have the abundance that you are enjoying...my daughter has all she NEEDS, and enjoys, so we have asked for everyone to bring gift cards for books (cause you can never have enough books!
However, for those insistent people that just have to buy your child a toy, let them know that the OVERFLOW will be going to charity.
I have my daughter "clean out" the toys she doesn't need to make room for NEW toys and give them to the battered women's shelter, or to the goodwill.
We also specifically buy at least one toy or book to give to the toys for tots charities.(which is fun and a great memory ...as we get to visit the firemen every year)And the MAJOR book stores ALWAYS have a bin for a new or gently used book to give out to the homeless shelters or to the salvation army.
There is so much you can teach your child by letting them share their abundance...even at such a young age.
Remember that although YOUR SON has enough, not every child does.
Just a thought
Love, W.

Start a savings account or ask for clothes in the 2T/3T range. You'll be surprised. Your little one will get big fast and all the gifts will have stopped coming and you'll have to start buying everything. It adds up.

I would ask for gift cards, if you feel comfortable. When our first baby was his age, he was very well set, also, and I didn't know what sorts of things to get for the "future," so having gift cards for kids' clothing and toy stores is very helpful. That way, when you need something, you will have the means to get it, and not have too much extra stuff around when you don't need it.

money for college! :)

Gift certificates for classes are a great gift--like Gymboree/JW Tumbles/My Gym or swimming lessons. It's not like your baby will be opening his own gifts, so your friends and family don't have to worry about the "wow" factor of him opening a toy or stuffed animal, for example.

P.S. I also love the ideas about the college savings plan--our son has one of those that our grandparents put money into. Also--the World Vision donations are great.

My Grandma has so many grandkids now that she just contributes to their savings/college accounts every year and I know that as a parent I really appreciate this approach. Sometimes people mean well but there is such a thing as too much stuff.

Hi J L,
How about "Service" Certificates: ie: a pledge for two hours of free babysitting, or things like that. It sounds like the the little guy has a lot of the most important gift -- the love of friends and family. Keep up the good work.

maybe just ask for gift cards for him so you can buy what you need when you need it. or you can ask for toys and clothes for when your lil boy is older say like 12 month things. i can understand how it would be hard to try and figure out what you need. shoot you could even wrap up things that you havent opened yet and let him rip the paper he wont know any different. i know this year is going to be hard for my daughter who is 19 months because she is very start and is already getting bored with toys for a 2-3 year old. we are having a hard time finding toys that dont come with too many small peices. good luck!

Musical instruments. There are some beautiful wooden and metal musical instruments out there. My daughter just got a bunch from Europe for her 1st birthday and she absolutely loves them. Also, simple wooden puzzles are something she has just started to enjoy. You could also register at Children's Book World for specific books you want to receive. Best of luck!

Hello New mama,
I always think books are a great idea! You can begin to build his library that he'll enjoy in the months and years to follow! I like to write in the front of books who they are from so that each time we look at a book we can remember the giver. When he outgrows the books, save the special ones for future grandkids and give others to your local library, "friends of the library" or school.

A second idea is to find an "Alternative Christmas Market." In an ACM people buy chickens or goats or education or medical treatment for others in third world countries and give the gift in the name of the recipient. There is a book titled, "Beatrice's Goat" that tells the story of a little girl and family that benefits from a goat which was given to them. This story will also have information on how to find an ACM. (Heifer International is one such program)

You are very blessed, enjoy your son and your wonderful friends!
S.
thefridj.com

Start a college fund and ask people to contribute to it. See if there is some way that people can just contribute to it directly or else they can write you a check. Really, he doesn't need anything!!

With the way the economy is going...savings bonds are always good...BUT you could always think about picking a charity, maybe a children's charity to provide holiday toys to needy children, and ask that donations be made in your child's name. Sounds like you are blessed! Enjoy your holidays and family!!!

I'm going to go against the grain a little here-sounds like you already have enough suggestions for donations and a college fund (get that 529K started). At this age, an exersaucer was invaluable for us. Our son was an explorer and I couldn't turn my back on him for a second. I could put him in there and get little things done like a shower or dishes. Also, even though I'm sure the critics will speak up, my son loved his walker. Just remember to use it cautiously.

The Halo Sleeper. Its suppose to help keep your baby warm and sleep through the night. It's like a zip up blanket

Tell your family
we have more that we need, please the best present for us is a donation to saint jude hospital in my son's name.
It is nice to give a children cancer a fighting chance.
The hospital will send you a 2009 calendar and i hope you will find a special place in your home for the 2009 calendar

Savings bonds for his college.

Or because he is so small just diapers and formula if you use it.

Hope that helps.
EO

I know it sounds crazy, but establish a 529 plan for college, or start a VUL life insurance contract. The funds grow in both tax free, the 529 gains will not be taxed if your child uses them for higher education purposes and the cash value in the life ins contract can be used for college, or other needed items. The point is that they are long term places to keep cash building. I work in Manhattan Beach, if you have questions call me.
D. ###-###-####. I have both for my daughter and I work in the field. many toys are long gone, bonds cost us a bundle in taxes, and they do grow up!! She's 19!!!
We collected minature tea sets, animals, dolls...all put to the side and forgotten. Let me know if you want some info. and congratulations!

We loved having a wagon when our kids were littler. We have the big, huge one with a canvas top, sunshade sides, padding and the extra large wheels. It even has cup holders.
Gift cards to a photo studio are great too.
We also had a back pack carrier for hiking which came in handy many times especially as the kids are too big for the little front carriers.
The charity and college ideas are great too. Honestly, this Christmas he'll just want to eat the paper.

What a blessing your family and friends are! :)
Start building up your little guy's library. Board books are great for now and the near future, but also start getting picture books, simple word books, textile/texture books and longer stories for the future. The library is a wonderful resource, but it's also nice to have a library of your child's books at home. You can put together a "wish list" on amazon.com

Ah, I say if they are going to buy anything make the age for the gift a little older for the child that way he can grow into the gift instead of growing out. My son will be 5mth on dec 23 so i usually buy 6-12mth items for him.

that's wonderful that you have so many generous people wanting to provide for your little boy. The 529 is invaluable. We also have a 6 month old and started a 529 shortly after he was born. All the money we receive for him goes into that fund and we contribute to it monthly.
Things to consider that he will need shortly. A convertible car seat, if you don't already have/use one. Those can be pricey for a good one and if you transport him in more than one car, consider asking for 2 so you don't have to move it car to car.
Like all the other moms mentioned, donating to charity is a good way to avoid too much baby stuff that may not get used by the baby.
Baby class gift certificates, like swim class lessons or Mommy and Me yoga, etc.
Other ideas, a really good camera or video camera to capture all the fun baby moments

I agree with others here...

College savings. You can set up a 529 Plan for your son and have your family and friends make contributions to it. Savings bonds are good too.

Clothes in bigger sizes. My kids are 1 and 3. I already have enough clothes to get them through the next year or so.

Also ask them for diapers in bigger sizes or baby food in jars. Or a case of diaper wipes. I was so grateful that my best friend actually took me serious on my request for a case of diapers and a case of wipes for my son's first birthday. Everyone else thought I was kidding! You will always need diaper wipes and your son will be in diapers for at least another year or two, and since they never go bad or expire...what a great gift!

Feeding items like Take and Toss utensils and bowls and plates, etc. Sippy cups.

You could ask them to save baby item coupons for you for diapers, wipes, food, etc.

Eventually he will like things like the Baby Einstein DVD's or the HBO Series Classical Baby DVD's.

JL,

My family gets together and buys something for the family to enjoy together like a Disneyland Passes, or tickets to Sea World. Since the baby is young, maybe mommy and me classes, or something else you could enjoy as a family

S.