1st Birthday Gift Ideas

[XTinabell]

My close friend is throwing a birthday party for her daughter's first birthday. I don't have children of my own and am having a hard time coming up with a gift idea. I originally thought I'd get her a walker because she's having a bit of trouble walking but then I read somewhere that walker's aren't really a good idea. She has a million toys, including bath toys which was another idea I had. So I could really use the help from you DIS parents, what types of things would you have liked to get for your child's first birthday? Or do you think it really matters and I should just get more toys to add to her pile?

 

[sunshine1178]

It depends a lot on the specific situation. My daughter will be 1 in May, and with her dad and I both working, she isn't wanting for anything material. If things were tighter, though, I would be really appreciative of a pair of walking shoes (soft sole), as they can be a bit $$$. Maybe a zoo pass or a Gymboree membership? Now for us, with two working parents and three kids, I'd love someone I trusted to offer to babysit so that I could get a haircut or see my husband one on one. I feel like I have to save my favors for work functions and illness, so I'm always desperate for a little "me" time!

 

[PrincesCJM]

I think that you can never go wrong with giving a child books. I typically like to give some of my favorites from when I was young - The "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" series

 

[Mkrop]

I think that you can never go wrong with giving a child books. I typically like to give some of my favorites from when I was young - The "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" series

This was going to be my suggestion. I giving books.

 

[luvmy3]

I would go to Kohls and grab one of those Kohl's Cares books and stuffed animal and also give her a Savings Bond.

 

[daisyduck123]

Board books!

These are more durable than regular books (pages won't tear, can wipe them clean if food gets on them) & are made to fit a baby's/toddler's hands (much smaller size than regular books).

 

[mom2d&b]

for younger birthdays we usually give either savings bonds or a share of stock. Most one year olds don't need for much. The stock we buy is chossen based on the child or parents intrests. The savings bonds we have purchased were put away and used towards the childs first car.

 

[golfgal]

Our kids' favorite thing they got a their first birthday was a little push lawn mower. They played with that for a long time. A little red wagon is also nice if you want to give an actual present. The child isn't really going to understand presents so you can give the parents something like diapers if you want. I like the idea of a zoo membership. We had one when the kids were little and it was well used.

 

[Familyof4lovesDW]

Summer Clothes and maybe a personalized sippy cup. I also agree if getting a book get a board book.

 

[XTinabell]

Great ideas! I love the zoo idea but we don't have a zoo around here. So I went and ordered several really cool books from amazon. It was rather cool seeing some of the same books that I read when I was child. I love how they're still relevant.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Maybe something like a Disney plush and stock in Disney.....so maybe it will be worth something a lot more 20 years from now.

 

[Liberty Belle]

What about books? A lot of 12 month olds are not walking, btw.

I'd either do books or a little purse. When she starts walking, she'll probably love carrying around her own little purse.

 

[clh2]

It depends a lot on the specific situation. My daughter will be 1 in May, and with her dad and I both working, she isn't wanting for anything material. If things were tighter, though, I would be really appreciative of a pair of walking shoes (soft sole), as they can be a bit $$$. Maybe a zoo pass or a Gymboree membership? Now for us, with two working parents and three kids, I'd love someone I trusted to offer to babysit so that I could get a haircut or see my husband one on one. I feel like I have to save my favors for work functions and illness, so I'm always desperate for a little "me" time!

I totally agree with a zoo pass. 1-year olds are getting so interested in the world around them...that is a gift that will last 1 year!!!

Another suggestion - what about some books? Who Hops by Katie Davis is a great one for that age group. So is "But Not the Hippopotumus" by Sandra Boynton. And another all time favorite - One Duck Stuck" by Phyllis Root. Then there are the perenial favorites by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see...as well as the Eric Carle Books (the hungry catepillar)

Have fun shopping!

 

[Tinijocaro]

Savings bonds or a coin set from the year she was born.

 

[Rora]

I think Children's Books are the way to go. It's never too early to encourage a love for reading!

 

[mum4jenn]

An empty box!! You know how kids at that age are more interested in the box than the gift!!! LOL!!

Books are a great idea. Bubbles are fun too.

 

[mking624]

Another one here for board books! Those things are expensive so we love them when we get them! Some "interactive" ones too. Maybe those that have the sound buttons on the side to go with the story, or ones with flaps, ones that you can feel things throughout the story...my DS (13mos) loves the more interactive ones.

 

[nmmom95]

For a child still learning to walk, I like the ride-on/push toys, like this:

 

[babylisa4]

I think it is nice to write a note in the front of the book. I have a 25 year old son who was asking the same thing about what to get a friend's 1 year old. As a mom whose kids are now grown I know that I saved all of the books that were "special" because someone had written a note inside. Especially if it was a book you enjoyed as a child-you could write that in the front of the book. It will mean something for years to come.

 

[mtemm]

books!!!!! I'm of the school where you can never have too many books and they were always welcome gifts for my kids.

we also love memberships to places...zoos, children's museums, etc, make wonderful gifts.