I work with infants and toddlers in their homes, doing home visits. I currently see 10 kids between the ages of 9 months and 2 1/2. Although the holiday season has past us, I would like to give each child/family something as a gift (as many of them gave me something). In the past, I've given a mason jar filled with the ingredients for playdough with a recipe and cookie cutter attached. This year, many of my kids are too young for playdough. Does anyone have any good ideas that are not too expensive and that are still somewhat fun and meaningful and would work for an infant and toddler? Thanks!!
Books! You can never go wrong with books. Make sure they are age appropriate.
I guess large stacking blocks like legos but they are huge in size for the 9-1.5 yr. olds and the doh is fine for the 1.5-2 yr. and maybe coloring books and fat crayons for 2-2.5 yr. olds. Little People are fun for my 15 month old and she also digs this bug called Bright Starts. It's a rattle on one end and when you move the bottom it makes goofy noises and its cheeks light up. I guess toy phones with lights or little hand held toys that make noise are great entertainers for 9 months up to maybe 2 yrs. old.
I agree...books are a GREAT idea.
Or, if you're feeling a little crafy, you could make little no-sew fleece throws (using that tying method). They could be really small, like a lovey, for the younger ones, or a little bigger, like a lap/car blanket for the other ones. Or you could use smaller squares and fiber fill and make little pillows. Joann frequently has sales and coupons, and these could be fairly inexpensive.
I have been a teacher for years and always found holiday ornaments to be a great gift for kids. I am 33 years old and still have an ornament from my sixth grade teacher that I put on my tree every year. Very sentimental.
If you're into homemade gifts, this is something the kids may enjoy...
I made a photo book for my 1-year-old daughter by putting construction paper in ziploc bags and then printed off photos of people in the family and taped them inside each bag. Then, I punched holes and used yarn to bind the book together. Our daughter loves to turn the pages herself and unlike a regular photo album, this is one she can she can chew on, grab, wrinkle.
Since they are kids you work with, instead of a family theme, you could cut fun images (of babies, dogs, trains, etc.) out of magazines or choose a theme each kid likes.
Have fun!
