gift ideas for godchild

[maggieb]

My and DH's godchild will turn two in February. Last year I just got her books since she was turning one. The little girl's parents are our first DD's godparents and for her 2nd birthday they sent a beautiful silver necklace and a butterfly with a cross in it as the charm for the necklace. They also sent her a violin for Christmas. My DD's godmother and my DH are cousins and their family made it to the United States from Mexico working as a mariachi band. Music is very important to the family. I sent their DD an ornament for Christmas. I feel lame in my gift choices for goddaughter, but I don't want to make this a competition and go overboard. I thought about a charm bracelet, but would rather wait on that one until she is older. Any ideas?

[sublime311]

Not something the baby could really put to use now, but how about a savings bond? I think it says something to care for her future.

[sublime311]

You could also start her on a collection. When I was growing up, my grandparents always sent me those porcelain figurines with my age on it (3, 9, etc)... Or if that's too cheesy for you, maybe Precious Moments, Disney, or the like. Something that will retain value, but also be meaningful to her as she grows up.

[thompso2]

I was going to second the idea of a savings bond, but if your goddaughter is in Mexico, that might not be as practical.

How about an add-a-pearl necklace (http://www.orientalpearls.net/cart/view.php?id=28&cat=Pearl-Necklaces)? That way you can add pearls to it for later birthdays and other occasions, and she will end up with a lovely pearl strand.

[maggieb]

Great ideas, ladies. I'm thinking of going the savings bond route. DH even thinks that we should open a college savings plan for her.

She's actually in TX, not Mexico. :D

[thompso2]

Ah, I misread your post. In that case, I would go the savings bond route too.

[Chimichanga]

I like the college fund route. My family came over from Mexico and going to college was not an option - it was a requirement. So, getting her started early is going to be a big help; plus college tuition is going to be insane when she's 18.