Family and friends are asking me what to get my daughter for a birthday gift who turns one Dec 30th. I am fresh out of ideas since I just suggested things for Christmas. She is our second child so we also have a lot of the basics. We are covered on Laugh & Learn, Little People, Weebles and several Melissa & Doug toys. We also have learning toys like the school bus and Leapfrog radio. She just got the Fisher Price walker and a soft baby doll. We have blocks and stacking rings, etc.
What are the best toys you've found for a 12-24 month old child? What is tried and true that they really play with? It's got to be easy to find (ordering on line is best) and under $30. Extra points for toys without batteries and creativity counts! Thanks, Mamas.
The Mamas never fail! Thanks for awesome ideas from everyone. Please feel free to keep them coming. You took something off one of my many spinning plates today. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
I second the idea for books, you can never have too many! Maybe a little stroller for her doll, or a shopping cart to push around. I asked for a little flip out couch with elmo on it for my son who is one. I'd also like for him to have a kid-size table and chairs that he can color on so he doesn't wreck the kitchen table, or an easel. What about a toybox/organizer?
how about some mommy and me classes for music, gymboree or something like that. in about 4-5 months when she becomes a good walker this would be a great time to share that kind of fun. It is so expenisive, so having the help is great.
I second the Gymboree classes. We like to ask for memberships to Play Away, the Childrens Garden in Sarasota or money toward Busch Gardens year passes (Super Awesome Sesame Street Adventure area). We get to get out and do things with him, it doesn't create clutter and my son loves going to these places.
No joke; but kids are always fascinated with the box, not the toy inside...
Honestly and heartfully, ask your friends and family to send all good wishes and prayers for her health, safety and love of life.
If they want to contribute money, then look into the Pre-Paid College Program. It cost us a fraction of what it would have been today.
Blessings, S.
How about suggesting that a couple of friends or family members pool together and buy a gift voucher for Kindermusik? It is a great program, excellent for their development and the perfect quality time for you to spend with your daughter.
I am in a same position. I am suggesting gift cards to target soi can buy clothes, diapers, etc.
If they have to buy something what about bath toys ( crayons, tablets that turn water colors, bath bubbles in fun containers, walmart has a fishing hook toy and little discs to catch for the bath by my little pony in the packaged gift xmas center), pretend food, ball pit and extra balls cause there is never enough, life jacket for summer time at the pool, finger paint and gaint paper, books, flash cards,
Check out my toy guide for some great ideas!
http://www.ittakesavillagedallas.com/It_takes_a_village/B...
Happy Holidays!
VillageMom
sounds like you got that little baby girl all the presents & toys she needs! :)
i bought my 2 yr old boy a play kitchen set w/a fridge and that's the toy he goes to every night/day. got it a couple months ago when he wasn't quite 2, and it's held his interest for several months! that impressed me - yay!
can't really order that stuff online, but you could get the little accessories that go w/it - pots, pans, food items, etc for about $10-$15. that's all i got!
They can't really play with it, but how about a charm bracelet, starting with two or three charms, to be added to every year on her birthday. She'll appreciate it when she's older. My daughter always loved hers.
BOOKS! They are the greatest gift available. Simple one to two pictures on a page of real things like animals, foods, environment so you can increase her vocabulary and auditory skills needed for school.
At 1 your child isn’t going to know if a gift came from you or friends/family, and by 1 my daughter was already inundated with toys, clothes etc. This is what I did: my daughter’s 1st birthday party theme was Butterflies (she was so fascinated by them). So I bought her a white gold butterfly charm (for a necklace or bracelet) and I’ll give it to her when she’s older and explain the significance of it. There was no shortage of gifts – clothes, toys, books – for her 1st birthday, so she’ll have this special memento when she’s older. She’ll be 6 next year, so she’ll get the charm in the next couple of years. Merry Christmas!
You have some great ideas posted. What about a savings bond or 529 donation for college.
Enjoy the season!
Since it is so close to Christmas and she is so small she is sure to be over come with all the toys she will be getting already. Money is great to put towards things she will need, clothes in larger 2 - 3 years sizes and any season, donations in her name to a charity or for a pre-paid college fund. She really wont be crushed if all her boxes aren't filled with toys and in this economy we can all use any help. Just my ideas.
Books! I tell all our family and friends to buy books because 1. they don't need more toys! and 2. they love to read and the books will be enjoyable longer than toys...
My kids great-grandparents usually get they savings bonds, and I think it is wonderful! They are young enough they don't care about not getting toys and savings bonds will be very beneficial for them later.
Otherwise, my kids loved getting ride-on cars on their 1st birthday... they have provided them with years of enjoyment!
