Granddaughter's first Birthday gift ideas

[smokeyblue]

I've started giving wagons for baby gifts. It's something that can be used for a long time to come.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney or other consistently well-performing stock.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'm not a grandmother yet, but I am a great-aunt, and that's started me thinking on shower gifts /birthday gifts for when my own grandchildren arrive. Several thoughts:

- I've thought of giving a bookcase at the shower with a card saying that the child is a member of "Grandma's book club" and will receive a book every month until age 18. I'm a big reader, and I would very much like to instill that in my grandchildren from a young age. Books were something I shared with my own grandmother in her last years -- turns out we had exactly the same taste in books, and we so enjoyed discussing our mutual readings. At some point, for a grandchild, it might become a Kindle with an upload every month.

- My own mother frequently gave my kids a "token gift" and a savings bond. I do think an account is a better option now. I totally buy into the idea that kids have too many gifts, especially when they're young, yet that money will be appreciated for college.

- I also like the idea of an experience. Swim lessons sound like a wonderful idea! I had a grandfather who did not shop, yet he always gave us the best gift every Christmas: a family membership to the science museum; we probably went 6-8 times a year, and we fussed over who'd read the monthly magazine first. With my own kids, we alternated buying a zoo membership and a museum membership -- worked out great. If you get memberships, do note that many of them allow "reciprocal visits" to other museums in other cities. Other experiences: ride on a train, historical sites, children's play museums, concerts, cooking classes (which could be held in your own house). We have a wonderful city park near us that offers 1-2 week summer programs, which we enjoyed tremendously as teens: learn to canoe, learn to sail, learn to rappel, learn archery, an adventure program modeled after Outward Bound.

- This is a bit advanced for the one-year old, but in future years you might consider a "homemade kit". An art kit containing paper, paint, brushes ... a science kit containing materials for three science experiments ... a cooking kit containing ingredients to make something simple.

- I don't think people subscribe to magazines like they used to, but I remember the THRILL of receiving magazines in the mail as a child.

- This is kind of off-topic, but my aunt and uncle host "Gramp Camp" for two (non-consecutive) weeks of the summer for their grandkids. They always have a theme, and they plan great activities and field trips for the kids.

I love these ideas!

Disney or other consistently well-performing stock.

And this too!

 

[scrhsa]

I've started giving wagons for baby gifts. It's something that can be used for a long time to come.

When my niece had her first son her Dad re-did her old wagon and gave it to her. Looked brand new and she takes him everywhere in that wagon. I love how that wagon is still bringing joy. I'm hoping that my grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews can share some of the same joy my kids and nieces did with that wagon. Great idea!!

 

[MrsDuck]

My son is 1.5 and the best gift he got was a Pikler triangle built by my dad. My little guy is super active, loves to climb, and is a daredevil. Obviously, this may not apply to your granddaughter but perhaps it gives you an idea for something "big" that she may love and use all the time.

The 529 is great but I also think it's nice to actually give the grandchild something tangible they will use. Maybe a playhouse for the yard? Swing for a good tree branch?

PS. this is what a Pikler is.