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!

Today I’m going have (hopefully!) a de-lurking day!  I’m looking for some new blogs to read, so I’m hoping you all will share your faves with me in the comments!

I am also really interested in who is reading my blog.  Do you have a blog?  If so, I’d like to check it out.  Are you American?  Australian?  From somewhere else? Do you travel a lot or just hope to?  What do you like reading on my blog?

I LOVE getting comments on my posts.  It seriously just makes my day.  There is a certain loneliness in being a SAHM with young children who can’t carry on meaningful conversations.  So, when I periodically check my blog during the day and find a comment, I get super excited!

Now, I have recently deleted some from my feed that haven’t really interested me in a while, so I’m looking for some new ones.

So,  I thought I would ask you guys.  Not only will I hopefully find some great new blogs to read (maybe you write one!), but I will also get a chance to know who is reading mine!  Win-win!

Hence, my question is…what is your favorite blog and why do you love it/them?