Need gift idea for 1 yr. old

[ncbyrne]

I need to buy a gift for a 1 year old. I was invited to the birthday party, but I've never seen the child and only barely know the mother. I'm only considering attending because there are other relatives going that I'd really like to see.
What's a nice gift that's inexpensive? I do not want to buy clothing.

 

[micheleq]

For $25 you can get a $50 savings bond! Otherwise I think books are always a wonderful gift for a little one.

 

[cruella4me64]

What about a ball? Maybe one with Disney princesses or Cars?

If that is not enough, what about a Corn Popper? They make noise and can be used sitting or walking.

 

[kkwis2]

I will second books. For that age, I love board books which are almost indestructible. My favorites are Boynton books. My kids have also used for years boxed sets of board books with numbers, letters and simple word/picture associations.

 

[okeydokey]

Board books. Our favorite for birthday parties is Birthday Monsters by Sandra Boynton.

 

[Colleen27]

Stick to the classics - they're simple, fun, and cheap!

My toddler's favorite gift at her first birthday party is her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ball, the kind you find in the big bins at any grocery store, KMart, Target, etc. I spent all of $3 on it and 6 months later it is still her most-played-with toy.

Board books are great too, because they're practically indestrucible and most toddlers love to be read to. One of our favorite hand-me-downs from kid to kid is a set of Dr Suess board books my grandmother gave my oldest for his first birthday. My youngest (3rd child) loves them just as much as her older siblings did.

 

[patchchild]

Books, balls, and washable markers were the biggest hits here.

 

[maraki527]

My dd is 1 and her favorites are books and mega blocks. The savings bond suggestion is also a good one.

 

[thebeesknees]

My son's favorite birthday presents at that age were: a ball, board books, small Duplo set, chunky Tonka truck (I think it was a set of 5 for aout $10), and bathtub crayons - he loves scribbling, and they wash off beautifully. I'd think any one of those things would be appropriate and not too expensive.

 

[Veals_Family]

The book I give ALWAYS is 100 first pictures and words by Bright baby. You can get it at Target or Barnes and Noble. My girls LOVE it, as well as every other child I have given it to!

 

[Piecey]

Another vote for board books.

 

[tluvstink]

When my DDs were that age they loved nothing more than an empty box.

They also loved books, videos and stuffed animals.

Terri

 

[iluvzacefron]

Yeah i just had my niece's 1st birthday and she got some cool stuff
Her favorites were a talking baby doll, books, elmo's world dvd's, puzzles, and beach toys!! It is alot of fun to shop for that age group

 

[Syrreal]

DS's faves at 1 were a pull toy that was a dog (but kind of looked like a bowling pin-LOL) and any cars or things with wheels.

 

[QVCshopper]

Have you seen the piggy banks with the names written on them? They are really cute and less than $10. Both my kids have them, and I've seen them at ToyRUs. I gave one to my friend as a Christening gift (I found it for $1) at a store that was selling the remaining names.

http://myfavoritetoys-theblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-name-piggy-banks-are-at-my-favorite.html

 

[GraysMom]

Board books are great. DS's favorite toy at that age was a ball popper by Playskool. It's around $25 and it's available at TRU, Target, etc. It actually helped DS learn to walk because he'd pull up on the popper and then walk over to pick up the balls. Here's a picture http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=914499FA-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4&product_id=11457&src=endeca

 

[lougoofy]

Friday before last I gave my 1 Y. O. niece a book made to look like an animal that can hang on her stroller or car seat (with a hangy-thing intended to hold it on). I thought it was nice and her Mom or older sister could read it to her.

 

[Kathi OD]

My kids and grandkids love(d) the board puzzles. Target has some that are 4 pieces and have big knobs on them for little hands.

Board books are also great. Little ones usually love story time.

 

[twinsgg]

I agree with all those who posted: board books, savings bond, Fisher Price popper, etc.

I'd also add a basic shape sorter toy. Fisher Price has a "Brilliant Basics" line that has a great block sorter for $9.00. Perfect for little fingers. Check out their other "Brilliant Basics" toys as well. Most under $20.00.

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2341&e=detail&pid=38691&pcat=bubrilliant

Another idea is a children's music CD. My twins have enjoyed listening to music since they were infants. Wouldn't go with lullabies but maybe Raffi, Laurie Berkner or just a good compilation of "classics" (Itsy Bitsy Spider, B-I-N-G-O, Old McDonald, etc.).

Good luck and have fun at the party!

 

[balletmom97]

I am going to second the suggestion of a savings bond.

If you don't want to spend $25 for the $50, spend $12.50 on the $25!

My kids got a lot of savings bonds as gifts when they were young, and now that the bonds (and kids!) are maturing, they like to track them and see how much "real money" they are currently worth.