First bday presents?

[ButterflyJen]

DD will be one in about 5-1/2 weeks (where did the time go...). Her family members are asking me what she would like for her birthday.

What toys went over well with your one-year-old? Anna just started crawling and has two walk-behind toys already. Are shape sorters good now, or more towards Christmas (she'll be 16 mos then)? Dolls with zippers/buttons/snaps? See 'n Say toys? FP Farm/Zoo?

I know we need to get a toy box/chest - any suggestions for that, too?

TIA! :)

[ce_Kathleen]

Jen,
My DS will be 1 Aug 17 so I am wondering the same thing. Hopefully some mommies will be able to help us out!!

Kathleen

[Renrel]

The fisherprice laugh and learn house is great. It really grows with the child.
A set of wooden alphabet blocks -The cubes that have painted letters on two side.
The legos designed for babies or toddlers. There are two sizes.
Little peoples toys
One of those doddle boards that have a pen that only writes on the special board.
A lovey type stuffy or blanket if the chld does not have one.
A toddler chair
Books, books and more books
Balls, balls and more balls.
art supples -Washable paint, marker and crayons.
DVDs (if you use tv at all) - signing times, baby einstein - van gogh, noah, da vinci
CDS - Any Raffi, not for kids only by Jerry Garcia, mommy and me II, Seseme street Platnum.
Bath toys - We love these foam animals with pop out letters - at 21 mths dh is already recognizing some letter when he sees them in signs or on a shirt logo.
Wagon
cars, trucks and other wheeled things for pushing around.

[Renrel]

MOre thoughts

more art supplies - smock, kiddie brushes, big sidewalk chalk, big pads of paper - toddlers are not good at staying on a little piece. easel.
A table and chairs
Kiddie plates, bowls, cups, flatware
gift certificates for clothes
Robex or other soft bottom shoes as she learns to walk.
Low tech Shopping cart and toy food
toy cash register - if she is into hitting buttons
musical instruments - drums, pianos, bells, shakers
Dress up clothes - scarfs and hats are great at this age- the chiffon type scarfs are great for learning about hiding things under and later for learning colors and for throwing and dancing with as well a dress up.
kiddie pool
sunsuit - full body sun protection as they get mobile
Pail and shovel
sandbox
watert table
kiddie pots and pan, with lids
A kiddie kichen - with fridge and stove and oven.
Stacking cups
Wooden puzzles with knobs - 3-7 pieces
Books - lots of board books, a few lift the flap and feelly books, some doctor sues. The short version of longer books are great - like "are you my mother" and "Put me in the Zoo."
-
Keep in mind that your daughter does not have to be ready for everything now. It is good to have toys waiting in the wings as she developes. But you have the good fortune of having Christmas and birthday about a half year apart, so it is not as much an issue for you as it was for me. We have an Oct b-day so Chanuka is only a month or so later- we need to really keeping in mind that we are gathering a years supply of toys not a just immediate toys when making our list.

[Renrel]

OH, and yes shape sorts are great! We loved the Chicco car shape sorter for a long time. Learned about shapes and colors and turning a wheel and openning a trunck and pushing a car. Started with handing a piece to my son and turning the wheel to the right hole, then over time he could pick up the piece for the exposed hole, than he could turn the wheel to expose the hole, now he can do it all by himself. But they are all good toys for developing motor skills and spacial relations as well as learning shapes and colors.

[ce_Kathleen]

Wow Renrel!

Thanks for so many wonderful suggestions!

We got DS the laugh and learn house for easter and he loves it! It seems like everyday he finds something new to do with it.

So I too recommend the FP Laugh and Learn house!

Any recommendations on where to get a nice toddler chair for not too much $$?

[Renrel]

Any idea what kind of chair you might want? Rocking, upulstered (sp), straight back? We have a few in the house now, two wooden straight back that came with his table - those were a gift from a high end boutique store. A plastic one by kolcraft with big bins in the arm rest for storing stuff and one of the arm rest can swing over the seat to be a table - that his he tv chair which I ordered from babycenter early on and gave him on his first b-day. We also have a plush upulstered one that my parents gave him for chanka which I ordered from a mail order site. That was about $100 but it is the deluxe model and has extra legs so that it will grow with him for about 6-8 years. I can just get my own butt into it. I can look up some of the mail order sites if you are looking for that sort of thing. But Target and BRU and kb toy carry some nice less expensive ones that I have hear many kids love. They probably won't last as long but are cheap to replace and light enough to drag around the house.

[ButterflyJen]

Wow, Renrel, thanks! Awesome suggestions! :cool:

[ce_Kathleen]

WOW Renrel, you sure seem like the queen of the chairs at your house! :D

Not too sure what type of chair DS would like, I guess I would like him to use it for sitting in to read his books or for when he wants to watch a DVD. So I guess something softer and more comfortable than like a wooden chair.

We are looking at getting him a small table/chair set but were wondering if it would really get much use?

We don't have a KB toys here (it closed not too long ago) so my options are pretty limited to Wally world, Kmart, Target and BRU. I looked at BRU just this weekend and they have some cute upholstered chairs but I was wondering if he would use them much before outgrowing it.

Do you have a site for the chair you mentioned with the extra legs? That sounds like a good deal considering you can use it much longer.

Thanks again for all your great suggestions, I am going to print out your list and give it to my mom so she can get some ideas and let the rest of the family know too!

[phart]

Aiden loved getting his Radio Flyer Pathfinder wagon for his first birthday.

[maggieb]

Helena also got a Radio Flyer from us for her 1st birthday...it was that push cart wagon thingy and she loved it. Still does. She loads it up and pushes it around like a shopping cart.

[Renrel]

Kathleen - Here is the site for the one we got. I have the premium chair and we got the rocker attatchment. It took months to get the rocker part and it is unfinished wood which does not look great, but Gabe likes it much more now that it rocks. He loves anything that swings or rocks.

http://discountkidschairs.com/

And if you are home alot a set of chairs and table should get alot of use for drawing, painting, play dough and occassionally eatting. Gabe likes to have us all sit and have coffee or water together.


One more suggestion on toys - Something that a ball gets dropped down. toddler love ball drops. We have the Tomy ball bounce - the one without any electonic and Gabe has been playing with it for a year and still loves it. I was suprised how early he started taking it apart and putting pieces of it together.

[ce_Kathleen]

Thanks Renrel for posting that site! I really want to get DS a chair, now if I can convince the grandparents to get it that would be even better!

Does anyone have or know anyone who has the FP baby gymnastics play wall? I got an email about it and it looks interesting but I haven't heard anyone talk about it. We already have the laugh and learn house and this gym wall thing looks like it might be a good companion?

Thanks for any input!

[lady1297]

Okay, I'm a bit depressed about DS's b-day gift. We really wanted to get him an Amish made oak toy chest. We live near the Amish community in NE Pa and thought it would be great. Until I discovered today that it will cost over 200 for the toy chest. That is more than our budget for his gift. And it would be the only gift he got from us. I know he doesn't care or even really know, but I had a few other things in mind. So now I'm mad and depressed that I can't get what i wanted.

[Renrel]

Kathleen - No prob! But I should warn you that if you get the rocker attachtment is makes the chair abit high for the toddlers. Gabe loves the chair now that we finally got the rocker attatchment but he also just started jumping and now he wants to stand on the rocker and jump off and it scares me. Before we had the chair on the ground with no legs, shortest setting so it was very safe.

[kmmommy]

Kaeden will be 1 August 15, but I have a couple ideas.

The Leap Frog Phonics Alphabet Magnet Set:
http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/6e/a2/b7_1_b.JPG
Comes with 26 letters and the base. Put a letter in the base and it says what phonetic sounds that letter says and sings a little song. Kaeden loves it and it allows me to get some cooking done while he plays. Granted, most letters end up on the floor. Cost: $20.

Fisher-Price Musical Fingerpaint:
http://www.fisher-price.com/us/img/product_shots/73437_b_2.jpg

Quote: "Bring out your baby’s creative brilliance while keeping the mess contained! Its special “goop” surface is not only fun to touch, it magically responds by rewarding baby with lively music and colorful designs. Baby can draw with fingers or the drawing tools included. There’s a drawing tool with a special reflective surface and shiny beads, plus three design shapes.

Music starts when the surface is touched; stops when touch is removed. Or press the music note button to hear one of three tunes. When new inspiration strikes, slide the roller bar to erase the screen for a fresh masterpiece. It’s fundamental play that enriches baby’s development—in a brilliant way! Requires 3 “AA” alkaline batteries (not included)."
Cost: $25.

Fisher-Price Gymtastics Play Wall:
http://www.fisher-price.com/us/img/product_shots/H5704_b_3.jpg

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/img/product_shots/H5704_b_4.jpg

http://www.fisher-price.com/us/img/product_shots/H5704_b_5.jpg

Quote: "Create a variety of active and entertaining adventures with the complete system of Baby Gymtastics™ toys. You can change and rearrange them in a way that’s just right for your baby’s stage of physical development, keeping the play fresh and exciting every time!

For sitting, playing, crawling or cruising, this activity-filled wall opens up a world of moving opportunities for baby! It rewards baby’s actions with 10 lively tunes, 5 fun sounds, and dancing lights. Movable toys and lots of activities encourage baby every step of the way. There’s also a peek-a-boo curtain and silly wiggly-jiggly tubes for exciting interaction. Sturdy handles help baby pull up for a whole new view! Requires 3 “AA” batteries (not included)."
Cost: $60.

[ce_Kathleen]

OOooh Kaeden's mommy, that FP musical fingerpaint looks cool! I haven't seen it in any of the stores I have looked at so far.

I also think Alex would like that leapfrog alphabet set!

More toys to go look for when I go shopping today!

QOTD: Where do you buy toys for your kids?
I have looked at our Kmart and Walmart with limited sucess for baby/toddler toys. Most of the stuff I get I have to buy at Target or BRU but there still is not a very good selection. Just wondering if anyone has better suggestions?

[ce_Kathleen]

lady1297, where in NE PA are you? I live just south of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton!

That sucks about the cost to get an amish toy box. I do have to say though, that my parents purchased an entire dining room set (table, buffet, hutch, chairs, etc) and they basically had it custom made and it turned out beautiful. So if you can afford it, the pieces they make are great and really hold up beautifully!

[kmmommy]

QOTD: Where do you buy toys for your kids?
I have looked at our Kmart and Walmart with limited sucess for baby/toddler toys. Most of the stuff I get I have to buy at Target or BRU but there still is not a very good selection. Just wondering if anyone has better suggestions.

We look at Target and Walmart, but usually have the best luck at Toys 'R Us or online. I do a lot of ebay shopping and other online shopping.

[dzmattie]

I agree with all the toys people have posted - G is 17 months and got these for his 1st birthday and plays with them every day -

FP Laugh and Learn House
Little People Farm (favorite toy of all time :)
Radio Flyer wagon (the plastic one with the seat belts)
Bookcase
Toy box
Sesame Street stuffed animals - he arranges them on the couch and plays hide and seek!

[Renrel]

Where do you buy your toys?

Severall places - in person - Target, babies R US and local botique stores that specialize in more hard to find type toys. On line mostly one step ahead, though I did a bit at baby center when I was a member and got discounts and free shipping.

[ButterflyJen]

Renrel - you mentioned art supplies, like markers/crayons, etc. I'd love to get these for Anna, but I'm concerned since she's still mouthing everything she gets her hands on. Is this maybe something I should put off till Christmas?

[Winter Biscuit]

My DD is almost 19 months old, and some of her favorite presents from her 1st birthday were the Fisher Price Rock-n-play piano, a Little Tykes shopping cart, books (she LOVES books), and Little People.

When I turned one (30 years ago :eek: ), my parents bought me a Little Tykes shopping cart. There is a picture of me with it, and I look like the happiest kid on earth. My mom said that I LOVED that shopping cart. So, I told her that she had to buy DD one for her birthday. DD loved it just as much as I loved mine. Like mother, like daughter :)

For Christmas (just one week after her 1st b-day) she got a baby doll and she carries that baby everywhere. She also puts it in her shopping cart and pushes it around the house.

9 months later, she still LOVES her shopping cart, her baby doll, and a little purse that she carries smaller toys in. She puts her purse on her arm, puts her doll in the shopping cart, tells us "Bye bye!" and then she pushes the cart around the house. :)

[Renrel]

I think you can still get them for her. Just make sure they are nontoxic kids brands. Also be aware that washable crayon melt all over the kids mouths when they suck on them. Not hard to clean off but it one kind of mess v.s another. The washable markers come off very easily and the kids love them because they don't have to press down to make a mark. It is easier to accomplish some art. Chalk is also great for minimum mess. The kids in daycare all love, love, love when they get to play with markers on the easel. The wait in line for their turn. And the best way to limit mess with the crayons and chalk is to tape paper all over the surface and then let the kids go to town.

[ce_Kathleen]

Winter Biscuit
That is too cute about your DD pushing around her cart with her baby!
I had not even thought about a shopping cart. I will add it to my list.

Renrel
thanks for the tip on crayons vs markers vs chalk. I will have to remember your tip about covering the easle too. I was looking on line at Ikea and they seem to have some nice easels and table/chair sets that I want to go see in person.

[Renrel]

Just wanted to clarify that I was thinking of a table top when talking about covering the whole area. you can do the same with an easel but you are less likely to be worried about the mess. The kids use the markers on a white board easel at school and they they just erase it after. The hard part with easels if finding something sturdy and low enough for the wee ones. Most are designed for preschool to school age. They have a great one at school where there is only about 3-6 inchs between the floor and where the drawer surface begins. I am sure they got it from a school equiptment provider.

[Audrey&Jackie]

First of all, can I just say how excited I am that I found everyone over here? :D :) :D

Meredith's first birthday will be here in one month and, sad to say, I don't have many ideas for the big presents. We just got her a Kinderzeat, but I'm not so sure that counts.

I'm thinking of a Kettler trike, but we live in a 2 story walkup apartment, so that doesn't seem as practical as it would for someone with a house. I also like the rocking "Stanley Snail," and the Radio Flyer walking wagon (they can push and fill it).

Off to read the rest of this thread and get ideas!

[ButterflyJen]

JOYCE!!! I've missed you! Good to see you around here. :)

[Renrel]

audrey- The kettlers are great but unless you daughter is very tall and strong and corrordinated it problably will not be of much use until she is at least almost 2 and more likely close to 3. From observing DS daycare class - ages 15mth to 2 years 9 months and the preschool kids at the same center I believe that during the 1-2 year the kids mostly learn how to sit on a toy and push along with their feet or stand behind and push. You can of course have her sit on the Kettler with a foot rest thing while you push but I think a wagon would give her a better ride, allow you to pull other things and give her something to push and pull. We actually don't have either and have been looking at both for a few months. (Gabe is 21 months) Gabe's feet do not reach the peddles well enough to rest or push on any of the tricycles we have tried - included a couple of kettlers. He can push backward pretty well on the small one at daycare but forward he catchs his heels. A little girl about the same age is push along forward with her feet quite well now but none of the under 2's are pedeling. Gabe was thrilled with getting a ride in a wagon at a playground a few weeks ago. So we are looking more that now.

[Katy]

I'm putting a copy of this over in the new Gift Ideas (http://www.constantchatter.com/forumdisplay.php?f=95) thread. You might want to pop over from time to time to update it with the sort of things you might want to give or receive as gifts :cool:

Katy