So I know it may seem a little early to be worrying about Christmas, but I like to get a head start. My son just had his 2nd birthday and he got SOOO many toys. I even got rid of a bunch of older toys to make room and we have been taken over. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas of gifts that he would like (not clothes or other things a 2 year old would think is boring) other than toys. I plan on getting him lots of books to add to his mini library and probably some new DVD's, but I need more ideas. I would appreciate any input!! Thanks.
Have you started transitioning him to a big boy bed? If not, you could buy some bedding of things that he is really excited about and make a big deal about becoming a big boy. We are doing that with my son for his birthday next week. He is really into planes, trains, and trucks and we found bedding that has all of those things on it. I am excited to see his face when he opens the bedding. Hope this idea helped!
Hello S.,
An idea of something to give him other than toys is a little backpack. My 2yr old son loves his Stephen Joseph sports backpack. He loves to put his toys or books in it to take with him places. The other thing I would say is the Crayola Color Wonder paper & markers. They have Cars coloring books in the Color Wonder paper. Plus if he is anything like my 2yr old he won't be able to color on other things other than the paper. I would say if he does like craft projects then you should go to Hobby Lobby or Micheals and look for a craft you could do with him. I hope these ideas will help you.
Wow! These are great ideas for things to do other than toys!
I was going to mention arts and crafts too... go to Lakeshorelearning.com. They have lots of arts and crafts items that you can't find elsewhere (or you can for smaller quantities that cost more). Big stamp pads, finger paints, etc.
Love the backpack idea or big boy bed.
J
It might be a neat idea to provide an experience instead of a thing... taking them to the zoo, baking something with them, taking them to the butterfly garden, etc. Give them "coupons" that can be redeemed throughout the year. Take pictures of each thing and make a photo album for them at the end. Then the fun can last throughout the year!
Things that mount on the wall. A chalk board. A mirror.
My son loves them. We took a mirror that goes behind a door and mounted it on the wall and he loves to look at himself.
I am a grandma of twelve little ones, the oldest being 14. You mentioned too many toys being a problem. How about something besides toys like arts and crafts. Little ones love to paint, finget paint or water colors, and they love to make stuff, simple things. Go to Michaels and look around. You may find things you and he can do together, build a birdhouse or some other project or other things he can do on his own. There are little foam projects he can make for Grandparents or Daddy or for his room. It helps with imagination and hand eye coordination. It gives them a sense of acomplishment and self discovery.
One other idea, things with nature such as a bird feeder that hangs by his window, or a goldfish of his very own.
You might consider sports related things such a a little T- ball set, plastic golf clubs, basketball hoop etc.
Don't forget the old tried and true favorites from your childhood. Tops and pull toys and rubber balls. I have to laugh, all the expensive and high teck things my grandkids have at home and they come to my house and play with the old Fisher Price toys left from when their parents were little.
I hope these ideas help. MeeMaw
S.,
I know you would like items that you do not have to feed or dust. Four kids of my own!!
Try a day trip or special one on one trip. We set up "dates"with each of our children: example a private trip to the zoo, science center, Magic House or favoite park. Take only what is needed for the trip and bring back memories and pictures. We also tried cooking different meals that the kids helped to make. A messy kitchen but great memories for years to come.
