Birthday present for a 1 year old

[JimNotJon]

Its my God Daughters first birthday on Tuesday and I am totally usless when it comes to presents for anyone at the best of times, but for a 1 year old that seems to have everything im stumped.
I have asked my friend what he recommends me to get her, to avoid duplicate gifts or stuff he would deem useless. He tells me that she quite likes books at the moment and no one has given her any yet.

So, what sort of books would you present to her? Books her Dad can read to her with nice illustraions and larger text for when she gets older too? I seem to remember me seeing photos of myself when I was around 1 - 3 years old with what I can only describe as a rubber book, that I used to take in the bath with me.

James

[dazco]

I would get her something like this. Not a book.

http://www.lennardtrophies.co.uk/products/pewter_f...

[GKP]

Hungry Caterpillar book. Classic reading for parents and kids.

[Banner]

How much do you want to spend? I prefer gifts that could be an appreciating asset, a coin or charm for example or even a premium bond.

[stemll]

Depends on what you want. Things like the first tooth holder presented above is OK but she will completely blank it (it's also pretty useless for a good few years until the first one falls out by which time M&D will have lost it if they're anything like us). If you will be there and would like to see a smile then board books with big bright bold illustrations and a story that dad can read to her.

Yes it is short lived as a present but hey, she's one and nothing lasts long at that age. There's plenty of time for lasting presents as she gets older. Our two love their books and probably have far too many but they both have them out all the time and love having them read to them.

+1 for "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "The Gruffalo" is good too and will last a bit longer.

[80quattro]

I would go for a nice brightly coloured picture book, easy to track one down at most big supermarkets or WH Smiths. Or a big cuddly toy.

[oldbanger]

Some ideas include

good quality stainless steel child size cutlery set (ebay are surprisingly good for this)

clever cogs http://www.hamleys.com/Clever_Cogs_+_Hamleys_Toys/...

classic book: e.g. hungry caterpillar

not so classic book: my daughter absolutely loves "boris" http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1840114479/ref=...

if a girl a nice dress:
e.g. http://www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/babygirldresses&...
http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Girls-Dresses.html#na...

Edited by oldbanger on Sunday 8th November 23:47

[Ben Magoo]

GKP said:

Hungry Caterpillar book. Classic reading for parents and kids.

+1

Having a two year old and an 8 month old I can tell you this will be a big hit - you can even get a copy in a box with a soft, cuddly hungry caterpillar.

Another good range of books are the Usbourne "thats not my......" "bunny, robot, monster, tractor etc etc - fantastic touchy feely books using a great range of discriptive words.

[JimNotJon]

Thanks very much for the suggestions. Sounds like them board books are a good idea, especially the ones she can interact with. I completley forgot about the hungry catapilla, what a classic. I like the idea of the tooth holder but I brought them as part of set for her christening gift. I shall best get a move on and take a trip to toys r us, I know they do this sort of thing too.

James

[Hugo a Gogo]

isn't this PH?

toy cars, dammit

these http://www.automoblox.com/ look cool

amazon sell them

[Stevenj214]

For children that young, I like the idea of something that will begin a collection (and hence make future gifts easier) and be more useful when they're older like Disney DVD's, Baby Einstein DVD's, good quality hardback fairytale books or an adult sized charm bracelet.

[Mrs Fish]

oldbanger said:

Some ideas include

clever cogs http://www.hamleys.com/Clever_Cogs_+_Hamleys_Toys/...

We have this set on our fridge, my boys love it, even from an early age and even my friends daughters always play with it.

[Project 644]

At 1 year old, just give her the wrapping paper. You will have given her the best present of the day. Give the parents something a bit nicer to keep for when she is older.


Otherwise a drum kit

[davidjpowell]

Our daughter had one of these and loved it. I have seen them in quite a few houses - seem to be well liked in general.

http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Babies-R-Us/Toys/Learning...

[Asterix]

Why not open a bank account for her and stick some dosh in.

We did the same for my Nephew and he's been brilliant in saving money - he's 7 now, just about to start Karting properly and is so proud that he can buy his first set of gear on his own

Edited by Asterix on Monday 9th November 09:32

[RichBurley]

A Child's bible, or similar. She is your God-Daughter, after all!

[Simpo Two]

RichBurley said:

A Child's bible, or similar. She is your God-Daughter, after all!

Bit tricky to read though, and 100% rubbish even when you can.

[The Curn]

A case of wine / port that will be ready to sell / drink when she's 21.

[AndyAudi]

Asterix said:

Why not open a bank account for her and stick some dosh in.

Is that not a bit tricky without asking for documentation?

I tend to give young kids a cheque payable in their own name. (Parents will then open an account if they haven't already)

A discussion with some friends left me surprised at how old some of them were before having their own bank accounts.

[Asterix]

AndyAudi said:

Asterix said:

Why not open a bank account for her and stick some dosh in.

Is that not a bit tricky without asking for documentation?

I tend to give young kids a cheque payable in their own name. (Parents will then open an account if they haven't already)

A discussion with some friends left me surprised at how old some of them were before having their own bank accounts.

I think the parents would have to do this on your behalf as I'm assuming they would be in control of the money going in and out.

It is still a good thing to have set up regardless.