Alternative Gifts for First Birthday
I have been thinking about gift ideas a lot lately as both of our boy’s birthdays are coming up. Our house is overrun with toys. And frankly, toys that don’t always get played with very much. Not all the toys are ignored, but there are some definite favorites and others that I rarely, if ever, see.
But, what do you get a one-year old for his first birthday when you already have a TON of toys (which he doesn’t even really play with yet) and clothes waiting for him?
My Mom thinks my youngest needs his ‘own’ toys. Huh? Whatever. I am trying to gently recommend alternatives to toys for gifts.
I know people just want to get something special for a 1st birthday, but it seems extra hard when we already have so much from our first child. I am a big fan of getting things used and not getting something cutesy, just for the sake of getting something new. I like a modern, uncluttered space, which of course is hard with kids.
So far I have come up with:
- books – though we have a TON of these as well, but I am a book whore, so bring ‘em on.
- wooden teether – my ton still mouths everything and loves wooden things.
- pjs – always needs these
- plates/bowls for eating – something cute and special for his 1st birthday
- a special book with his name in the story
- a new ride on toy – I love these wheely bugs
- shirts with Australian animals on them are always a hit
- personalized items – he has a Scottish name that is impossible to find in the U.S., but it’s more common in Australia so our family can often find things with his name on them
Would LOVE to hear what works for you for first birthday gifts!
Related posts:
07/08/2009 | Ask The Readers, Frugal & Green Living, Life as Mom, WFMW.
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July 8th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I hear you on being over-run with toys! What about a zoo membership (or just a few tickets), tickets to a pool nearby, art supplies (paints, crayons, window markers, anything), putting money together for one nice wooden or natural (more expensive) toy, … just a few ideas.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:50 am
I am in the midst of making a fun birthday gift for my son. I am so with you on cutting back on the clutter (enough already!). I am putting together a ABC Of Me book. Each page has the letter, then a corresponding picture and word that you pick. Shutterfly.com has a easy template, but i am doing mine at Artscow.com (less spendy). Since my son is a little older, each word is something that he loves (i.e. R is for Rollie Pollie with a picture of one in his hand). Fun, cute, and educational
July 9th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Great tips Christy and Cerissa. Thanks!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Funny. I was going to suggest the same as Christy – a trip to the zoo. A set of admission tickets tied with a cute ribbon on a stuffed zoo animal. I like buying experiences for people.
Then with that wonderful trip to the zoo you could take tons of pictures of him being one and put together a book from Shutterfly.com. Then both you and him can always remember it.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
A zoo membership would definitely be a great gift (and I love the idea of attaching a stuff animal to it!). Of course, we already have a zoo membership.
We go all the time. It’s pretty cheap where we live, plus we get a discount through my husband’s work. We are also members of the local botanical gardens and they have kids events (also discounted through hubby’s work).
I can think of TONS of things for my almost 4 year old, whose birthday is in September, but for the little one, it just seems like we already have everything. I need to do something fast though because his birthday is in 3 weeks!! Not that he really knows.
July 14th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I tend to get stuff that are needed and fun. Everyone enjoys cool toothpaste and a new toothbrush. Things for the bath are always good. Bubbles or Tub tints ( which change the color of the bath water). New music is always welcomed after hours of the Wiggles.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Oooh, music…great idea! I’m going to look for some cd’s now!
July 15th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I’m with the others, an “event” type gift like a trip to the zoo or museum or even fun classes would be great. We got music classes for my son’s 1st and it was a big hit.
July 15th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Yes, I agree. I really like the idea of classes. A neighbor told me this one a few days ago and I’m definitely going to use that in future when my boys get into wanting to play sports or take kung fu or guitar or whatever. We have a great science museum too that I am going to ask for a membership to, maybe for Christmas.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 am
I once gave a boyfriend and his kids an annual pass to the science center and it was a big hit. You might want to take a look at the ISeeMe books. I love how they spell out the child’s name in animals (or fairies for girls). I’m also IN LOVE with the Awesome Book. Have you heard of it? http://dallasclayton.com/products/
If you like footie pajamas, I found it hard to find them in my son’s size (at 8 months, he’s easily in a 12 or 18 month size), but did find some online at http://www.kushies.com. I particularly like the organic safari footie. I got it in three colors!
For personalized gifts, you can get lots of stuff personalized on Etsy, like the placemats I blogged about: http://www.randomneuralfirings.net/?p=452 but maybe he needs a new hooded towel? Or a beach towel with his name on it (Pottery Barn Kids).
Hope this helps!
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 am
Those are fantastic ideas. I looked them up and LOVE those name books and the Awesome Book. I did see those placemats on your site and I heart Etsy.
Since we have to pack all their gifts for Christmas this year as we are heading to Australia, I will be looking for more of this type of thing. A pirate placemat, books and passes to the local Science center would pack pretty well too!
Thanks so much for the tips!!
July 25th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I just ordered two of the ISeeMe Animal Name books for my boys, one for a 1st bday gift and one for a Christmas gift. Thanks again for the tip Sherean! I love them!