A baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone that calls for a celebration! Whether the party is an all out bash or a low-key gathering of just family, there is sure to be a present or two. Here’s the top 10 gifts appropriate for boys or girls of that ripe old age of one.
A question to think about as your read through the top 10: Have you ever created a gift registry for your child’s birthday or have seen one? Be sure to leave your comment below, we'd like to know.
Now on with the list
This year brings a host of new toys to the market, ranging from basic and inexpensive to electronic and pricey. Whatever the price range, remember that the toy or gift should be age appropriate for a child who is just beginning to walk and still puts things in their mouth.
Here are the top 10 toys appropriate for any 1st birthday, whether boy or girl:
1. Books
There really is no such thing as having too many books, so why not expand the toddler’s library with some classic titles like Goodnight Moon, Pat the Bunny, Wheels on the Bus and Go, Dog. Go! (a Dr. Seuss original).
2. Stacking blocks
Stacking blocks are available in many retail stores and consist of blocks of different sizes that can be either stacked or nested. They usually have bigger sizes and come in a set of 10 (so that it's possible to form a high tower).
3. Ride on toys
Age ranges for any type of ride on toy are based only on "averages" so it is important to take into consideration a child's abilities especially when choosing a ride on toy. Kids love bright, bold colors especially in the shape of animals and bugs. Wheely Bug is a European company that makes a fun and safe collection of ride-ons in various shapes like ladybugs, tigers, mice and even cows!
4. Jumbo knob puzzles
These puzzles can be found mostly in wooden form (check out Melissa and Doug) with large knobs perfect for small hands to grip. These puzzles usually have no more than six pieces and use classic childhood themes like farm animals, shapes and fish.
5. Shape sorter
Shape sorters are made very simply that include holes of different shapes, along with pieces that fit correctly into these holes. Kids learn the difference between different shapes, their names, and learn about object permanence, i.e. a piece that falls in a hole is not lost but is within the sorter.
6. Push toys
When toddlers are learning to walk independently, having something to hold on to can increase their confidence and make practicing this new skill fun. Look for push toys that do not have any sharp edges since toddlers fall frequently. In general, children like toys that are colorful and make noise (even music).
7. Finger puppets
These little characters can either be store-bought or made at home with some simple craft supplies using templates available online. Little kiddos love watching the colors move and, as they get older, watching the characters come to life in a story created by their imagination.
8. Play phones
Stop giving your baby your phone! Not only is it a choking hazard, think about what would happen if it got wet (like from their baby drool). Instead, let them imitate you with a toy phone perfect for little hands to grip and safe for them to put in their mouth. Check toy recalls frequently since some toy phones were recently recalled due to a choking hazard.
9. Personalization
The baby-of-honor and parents alike will appreciate the kind gesture of something personalized like a plate, tile or growth chart. Some other great personalized gifts include placemats, step stools, a chair all their own and even towels. Remember to plan ahead for personalized toys whether you are buying or making your own as they do take more time than an item found on any shelf in the store.
10. Investment in their future
When it comes right down to it, you just can't go wrong with money. Investing in a savings bond or buying a CD for a child now can mean they'll have a tidy little nest egg when they are getting ready to go off to college. Wrap the certificate or note in a box, like any other present and make a big production out of it – it’s as great a gift as anything else, maybe even greater!
You tell us
What do you think about gift registries for baby and kid birthdays? Comment below.
Will you be serving alcohol at the party? Check out this article about moms who gave up drinking before you make your decision!
Planning your baby’s first birthday? Join our birthday party ideas discussion board.
Find a theme first with this article on SheKnows.
About the author: Suzi Milovanovic is our Phoenix-based, mother of two mommy blogger for RealMomsGuide.com. She is fanatical about researching and getting the word out about issues important to parents. She has also written several articles for SheKnows, in addition to other notable websites and publications, including her own local Phoenix Metro parenting websites: EastValleyParent.com and WestValleyParent.com. She is on Twitter with her alter-ego and favorite nail polish color, aptly named Suzi Says Da!
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
I think this picture is best suited for what this song Nike Air Max
sounds like, and I have to say this is one of the promising tracks from the Rebirth which releases in
February if it isn’t Air Max shoes pushed back (shelved) again
viailly.
