1St Birthday Gift

My son's birthday is in March, not too terribly close to Christmas, but he has a house full of toys. We asked everyone to bring something that represented the world as it was that year, magazines, pictures with his friends, etc. and we put it into a box and made a time capsule for him to open on his 18th birthday. Another good idea is a college fund that my parents and we started for him on his 1st birthday. If people really want to buy your daughter something, they can contribute to that and have the satisfaction of knowing that their gift is lasting!

1 mom found this helpful

You could ask for the guests to bring a copy of their favorite childhood story. Or maybe ask that they all write her a letter to put in her baby book. I think those are both sweet ideas and something that your daughter would appreciate when she got older.

1 mom found this helpful

Books books books.... if they get ones she can use now.... thats more for her now... if they get ones you have to read to her... then she'll have them around for years....

Books and puzzles were a hit for my son's bday also things that are educational. Coloring books and washable crayons.I hope this helps.
M.

Hi, I have 3 boys, ages 11, 5 & 2, and at this point, we have to visit the donation center several times a year to keep our house from over-flowing with toys they don't play with. I thought for their birthdays this next year, I would decorate their rooms, and ask family members to donate either items or money toward this cause. That way there won't be anymore clutter gathering in their rooms, and they'll have a nice space to enjoy being in. I hope this suggestion is helpful for you!

D.

For our daughter's first birthday we did a "dog" theme. Because she needed NOTHING, we asked for donations to the local animal shelter. She had so much fun visiting the cats and dogs there when we took the items to donate. I also like the idea of the college fund. We have a very simple household and I try as hard as I can to keep excess toys out. If someone really wants to get a gift, ask that it be something she can use for several years, like a wagon, books, or lasting toys (a doll). We did receive a zoo membership from my mom and we have both really enjoyed that gift. Keep it simple, they appreciate everything more that way!

my son's birthday is jan 25th. for his first birthday, we asked for contributions to his college fund. not flashy, but those who really care about your daughter's future will be more than happy to contribute.

this year, i'm asking for contributions to his SoccerTots registration fee. most of my friends play soccer, so I think they will enjoy that too.

We got a lot of books for my daughter's first birthday, and grandparents gave us money for a college savings account. My son got puzzles and books for his first. Maybe go to amazon.com and pick titles you want and make a wish list for her.

I think little gifts like this one
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=243948...

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=229862...

that move and make music really capture the attention of a 1-yr-old. In fact, sometimes when we have friends over they all seem to flock to a toy like this one that we have....we have a Weebles Towncenter. So point people in that direction or give them this link. Also Toysrus.com has a link on the link side of the page to direct you to age appropriate gifts - so all you have to do is click on the 12 mo. section and you can get all sorts of gift ideas.
She also might like some baby dolls at this point. ???

I was going to suggest outdoor toys if you live in a house. If the grandparents buy bigger gifts, you could go for those little tikes slides, sandbox, even a playhouse. There are tons of choices at Toys R Us, and they will be putting out more stuff once the Christmas stuff is gone. We love our easel and picnic table as well. This stuff will grow with her, and even though she can't use it until it warms up - that's okay, she has lots of Christmas toys to play with - and she will really be moving around more by spring where she can have a great time outside this spring/summer.

Hi E.,

My daughter just had her 1st Birthday in December, and YES..She receive so many toys! So for Christmas she asked for bonds, or college fund money...she of course received toys from some also...but we are knee deep in toys around here. The things that my husband and I bought her that were a big hit...her first chair from www.potterybarnkids.com ..she loves it! and also a step two brand wagon type car...we also considered a wagon...she loves the car, and it is small enough to even come in the house on rainy days, and you can strap them in so they don't fall. As the other said...puzzles & Books are a great idea also.

Best of luck! First Birthdays are so much fun!

K.

How about a membership to The Little Gym, My Gym, Gymboree or something like that. Does she have an outdoor playset yet (swing, slide, etc?)