I always try to buy better quality toys made from wood versus plastic. And if it is plastic, we check that it's not cheaply made...
When giving a Shower Gift or a Wedding Gift I keep it simple and give something unique. HOw many tea sets are given now a days? Or baby time capsules for mom? Really unique goes a long way. And give it often - so you dont have to rack your brain for a new gift every time an occasion comes up.
As for the books: Giving Books is critical. Kids need to be surrounded by books inorder to become avid readers. Believe me, give enough books and the kids will start to look forward to them. In the early years, giving rhyming books, or early poetry. Its important to help build the basic skills for phonics and word rhymes - a basic foundation skill to learn how to read.
--Handmade gifts are great!!
I have made thos easy to cut and tie fleece blankets and pillows; painted christmas ornaments; cloth covered composition note books with themes the kids would like (and then used felt pieces to highlight some of the designs & write their names), even the youngest kids like these notebooks; "baking kits" printing out easy kid recipies and gifting the ingredients; art projects: same idea, print out the intructions and gift the stuff; give a bird house to paint, bird seed and paint.
* Buy an experience!!!
- tickets to the zoo, or a family pass
- tickets to the museum,
- tickets to the theatre, especially children's plays!!
- tickets for an activity or play land
- a bowling alley certificate
- make a handmade coupon for an outing to your local ice cream shop
- a date with grandma coupon
These experience gifts are unique and always appreciated! I cannot say enough how far an experience gift goes, truly a wonderful idea.
Where to shop?
Shop at discount stores: Big lots, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross dress for less always have below retail prices, and they get lots of overstock. Start early, October is a good time for gifts because there is still ample stock.
Shop at Michaels or hobby lobby for craft kits (many available under $10). They carey wood pieces for painting, like the painted bird house idea.
A little blurb on Baby & toddler shoes: Theres some great kids shoes on the market. Don't but those hard sole shoes for kids. I let my kids be barefoot often when the weathers agreeable. Otherwise, flexibility is great for the kids ability to learn to walk without having to manage bulky shoes. 'Ive discovered Robeez and Flexes shoes. Gifting this to a new mom who hasn't discovered these shoes yet is a neat surprise for her and baby.
Another blurb on BABY SHOWER GIFTS::
I ALWAYS give a book, Touch and feel books, single picture animal books with one word on the page. See my handmade "Starter Library" gift blog post for an amazing unique baby shower gift. Moms get PLENTY of cute baby outfits, but babies want to hear moms voice, give the gift of books.
I ALWAYS give diapers, any size except newborn. Diapers, diapers, diapers!!! Any size.
-- Age 12 months and older outfits are a must (trust me moms get enough newborn cloths). After 9 months the moms shouldn't have to go shopping.
-- Leap Frog - Rex Dog sings with ABC and preschool songs. My 5-year old younger son just rediscovered his and uses the "2-minutes of nighttime music" to fall asleep at night.
-- Solid wood blocks, not painted! High quality wood blocks will see years of fun!
Unique ideas for special Christening or Baptism Gift ideas:
-- buy baby's gown
-- crochet or knit baby's booties and headpiece
-- pay for the luncheon
-- buy babies luncheon outfit
-- make baby's gown from the mothers wedding dress
-- have the same flowers from the wedding on the luncheon tables.
For the Godfather:
--Picture frame engraved "My Godfather and Baby's Name"
--a clock or watch on a chain engraved "Godfather for a lifetime"
-- a silver bookmark, engraved "My Godfathers words will guide me"
For the Godmother:
-- a water globe with an angel inside or a special word, or room for a picture. Engraved with "A Godmothers Love."
-- a mirror compact for her purse, engraved with "Godmothers Guidance" or "My Godmothers reflection"
-- a lipstick case with a mirror inside "A Godmothers kiss and Baby's Name"
-- a silver bookmark, engraved "My Godmothers words will guide me"
Long lasting Wedding gift::
My go to gift is a Crystal vase or Tea set. Young Ladies often dont know theyll need a go to vase for flowers received in their lifetime. And a nice tea set is great when guests pop in for coffee or tea, and to feel a little fancy! (Put that in their note too.)
I love giving unique gifts, and Mothers Day is no different.
For mothers day:
--Quote in the card: "Moms, proof that not all super heros wear capes."
--"your insistence on 2 hours homework every night = Name of College. Thanks mom"
Gifts by Age for Birthdays, Holidays, Christmas, and any occasion.
AGE 10-14::
Fleece blanket n pillow
Gifts ages 14 and up::
Happy shopping
These experience gifts are unique and always appreciated! I cannot say enough how far an experience gift goes, truly a wonderful idea.
Where to shop?
Shop at discount stores: Big lots, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross dress for less always have below retail prices, and they get lots of overstock. Start early, October is a good time for gifts because there is still ample stock.
Shop at Michaels or hobby lobby for craft kits (many available under $10). They carey wood pieces for painting, like the painted bird house idea.
A little blurb on Baby & toddler shoes: Theres some great kids shoes on the market. Don't but those hard sole shoes for kids. I let my kids be barefoot often when the weathers agreeable. Otherwise, flexibility is great for the kids ability to learn to walk without having to manage bulky shoes. 'Ive discovered Robeez and Flexes shoes. Gifting this to a new mom who hasn't discovered these shoes yet is a neat surprise for her and baby.
Another blurb on BABY SHOWER GIFTS::
I ALWAYS give a book, Touch and feel books, single picture animal books with one word on the page. See my handmade "Starter Library" gift blog post for an amazing unique baby shower gift. Moms get PLENTY of cute baby outfits, but babies want to hear moms voice, give the gift of books.
I ALWAYS give diapers, any size except newborn. Diapers, diapers, diapers!!! Any size.
-- Age 12 months and older outfits are a must (trust me moms get enough newborn cloths). After 9 months the moms shouldn't have to go shopping.
-- Baby ear thermometer
-- Baby rattle and small black and white or hanging safety toys for the stroller.
-- Leap frog caterpillar - a nice musical toy for all ages.
-- Early Rolling ball/ baby crawls to follow it.
-- Leap Frog - Rex Dog sings with ABC and preschool songs. My 5-year old younger son just rediscovered his and uses the "2-minutes of nighttime music" to fall asleep at night.
-- Solid wood blocks, not painted! High quality wood blocks will see years of fun!
Unique ideas for special Christening or Baptism Gift ideas:
-- buy baby's gown
-- crochet or knit baby's booties and headpiece
-- pay for the luncheon
-- buy babies luncheon outfit
-- make baby's gown from the mothers wedding dress
-- have the same flowers from the wedding on the luncheon tables.
For the Godfather:
--Picture frame engraved "My Godfather and Baby's Name"
--a clock or watch on a chain engraved "Godfather for a lifetime"
-- a silver bookmark, engraved "My Godfathers words will guide me"
For the Godmother:
-- a water globe with an angel inside or a special word, or room for a picture. Engraved with "A Godmothers Love."
-- a mirror compact for her purse, engraved with "Godmothers Guidance" or "My Godmothers reflection"
-- a lipstick case with a mirror inside "A Godmothers kiss and Baby's Name"
-- a silver bookmark, engraved "My Godmothers words will guide me"
Long lasting Wedding gift::
My go to gift is a Crystal vase or Tea set. Young Ladies often dont know theyll need a go to vase for flowers received in their lifetime. And a nice tea set is great when guests pop in for coffee or tea, and to feel a little fancy! (Put that in their note too.)
I love giving unique gifts, and Mothers Day is no different.
My mother, grandmother, stepmom and aunt all receive a corsage on Mothers Day. So they can feel special wearing it all day, even in casual clothes and sitting around the house.
For mothers day:
--Quote in the card: "Moms, proof that not all super heros wear capes."
--"your insistence on 2 hours homework every night = Name of College. Thanks mom"
In general I try to stick to quality gifts. My criteria is it is made of wood, or and educational toy or the child is really wanting / collecting that item. I'm not a fan of cheap "throw away" toys!
Age 1::
Books, Books, Books
Books, Books, Books
Give an experience, like a trip to the zoo
Leap Frog Rex talking dog
Leap frog caterpillar singing
Rolling ball
Touch n feel books,
Peek a boo book
Kisses book
Little people Noahs ark
Talking like the rain book - children hearing the rhyming of poems is very good for reading skills development
Nursery rhymes encyclopedia
Eric Carle animal rhyme books
Goodnight moon/Gorilla
Square circle hole set
Hammering pegs wood set
1st wood train
1st wood stacking toys / cups
AGE 2::
Books, Books, Books
Leap Frog Rex talking dog
Leap frog caterpillar singing
Rolling ball
Touch n feel books,
Peek a boo book
Kisses book
Little people Noahs ark
Talking like the rain book - children hearing the rhyming of poems is very good for reading skills development
Nursery rhymes encyclopedia
Eric Carle animal rhyme books
Goodnight moon/Gorilla
Square circle hole set
Hammering pegs wood set
1st wood train
1st wood stacking toys / cups
AGE 2::
Books, Books, Books
Give an experience, like a trip to the zoo
Bubbles!!
Talking phone
Fridge magnets: letters or animals
Leap Frog Word Whammer - Refrigerator Magnet Letters, but better!
Pop up tent
Thick crayons and Coloring books
Wooden Puzzles 4-9 pieces
Wooden musical instruments - zoo instruments
Big wooden blocks
Fire engine talking lights sounds (one of the few plastic toys we love thru age 8)
Wooden Train set
Etch a sketch
Richard Scarrys my first word book
My first Spanish word book
Ceiling hanging night light
Cups with lids, preferably BPA free
Small chair
Balls
Pool
Fun plates - reusable, with animal faces. Preferably not movies.
Mother goose numbers on the loose book
Corduroy, the book and stuffed animal
Wall posters animals
Rocking horse/stick horse
Wooden trucks
Wooden letter blocks
Bathtub letters
Bubbles!!
Talking phone
Fridge magnets: letters or animals
Leap Frog Word Whammer - Refrigerator Magnet Letters, but better!
Pop up tent
Thick crayons and Coloring books
Wooden Puzzles 4-9 pieces
Wooden musical instruments - zoo instruments
Big wooden blocks
Fire engine talking lights sounds (one of the few plastic toys we love thru age 8)
Wooden Train set
Etch a sketch
Richard Scarrys my first word book
My first Spanish word book
Ceiling hanging night light
Cups with lids, preferably BPA free
Small chair
Balls
Pool
Fun plates - reusable, with animal faces. Preferably not movies.
Mother goose numbers on the loose book
Corduroy, the book and stuffed animal
Wall posters animals
Rocking horse/stick horse
Wooden trucks
Wooden letter blocks
Bathtub letters
A "real" small durable binocular
AGE 3 (plus same as age 2) ::
National geographic magazine. Age 2-3
Give an experience, like a trip to the zoo
AGE 3 (plus same as age 2) ::
National geographic magazine. Age 2-3
Give an experience, like a trip to the zoo
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
Pop up tent
Lego sets
Pretend play clothes (homemade hero capes and masks are fun).
Finger puppets
Dress up
Bubbles
Ring toss - yard
Wooden Birdhouse kit, buy a birdhouses, acrylic paint, sealer, brush and bag of bird food
Large ball
Pretend play clothes (homemade hero capes and masks are fun).
Finger puppets
Dress up
Bubbles
Ring toss - yard
Wooden Birdhouse kit, buy a birdhouses, acrylic paint, sealer, brush and bag of bird food
Large ball
A "real" small durable binocular
A "real" flashlight, with instructions hand made to "remember to turn me off so I work the next time you want to play."
Chair, small for kids
Hard Animal figures
Beading/stringing/lacing set
Pretend play mask, doctor kit or Tool kit
Ninja headband / bandanas or pirate hat (both are for girls options too)
Playdoh set - with cookie cutter shapes, but not the too plastic "creative taken out of it" for you kit. Kids should create on their own, not in premise molds.
Hard Animal figures
Beading/stringing/lacing set
Pretend play mask, doctor kit or Tool kit
Ninja headband / bandanas or pirate hat (both are for girls options too)
Playdoh set - with cookie cutter shapes, but not the too plastic "creative taken out of it" for you kit. Kids should create on their own, not in premise molds.
Ingredients in a jar for homemade salt dough, "just add water" is on the note.
Wooden Puzzle 10-25 pieces
Wooden Building blocks
Wooden Music instruments
Paint set
Finger puppets
Wall posters of gentle animals
Bed time story book series
Piggy bank with sound
Leap frog (double duty as a reader and magnetic letter) Word whammer fridge alphabet pieces
Paint bird house, paint and seeds
Bug kit - book and jar with holes premade in the lid for kids to collect bugs outdoors.
Kitchen play food kit
Character lunch bag
Wooden Puzzle 10-25 pieces
Wooden Building blocks
Wooden Music instruments
Paint set
Finger puppets
Wall posters of gentle animals
Bed time story book series
Piggy bank with sound
Leap frog (double duty as a reader and magnetic letter) Word whammer fridge alphabet pieces
Paint bird house, paint and seeds
Bug kit - book and jar with holes premade in the lid for kids to collect bugs outdoors.
Kitchen play food kit
Character lunch bag
Seed packet and small kids shovel and gloves for planting. Add a pot for apartment dwellers.
AGE 4 (plus same as age 3) ::
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
AGE 4 (plus same as age 3) ::
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
Books! Theme books on what the child is interested in (Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Construction trucks, etc.)
Lego set
Animal figurines to pretend play
Cooking aprons
Pretend play
Animal figurines to pretend play
Cooking aprons
Pretend play
Seed packet and small kids shovel and gloves for planting. Add a pot for apartment dwellers.Finger puppets
Dress up clothes and masks
Early Microscope kit
Birdhouse, acrylic paint, sealer, brush and bird food
Echo microphone or other musical instruments
Dr Seuss series
Crafts kit
Lacing/beading supplies
nail polish
Word whammer magnetic letters/word builder (for the fridge)
Character lunch bag
Dress up clothes and masks
Early Microscope kit
Birdhouse, acrylic paint, sealer, brush and bird food
Echo microphone or other musical instruments
Dr Seuss series
Crafts kit
Lacing/beading supplies
nail polish
Word whammer magnetic letters/word builder (for the fridge)
Character lunch bag
Play doh
AGE 5 (plus same as age 4) ::
AGE 5 (plus same as age 4) ::
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
Books! Theme books on what the child is interested in (Ninjas, airplanes, a Disney movie, Construction trucks, etc.)
Real Flashlight, binoculars or and explorer set for a real hardware / sports store.
Sight word books
Materials for simple arts and crafts
House play props such as dishes and a table for parties
School play props such as dry-erase board and worksheets
Simple construction toys and science kits
Skate board with helmet
Early science kits for making safe explosions, fizz and bursts
Simple board and card games, puzzles
Materials for simple arts and crafts
House play props such as dishes and a table for parties
School play props such as dry-erase board and worksheets
Simple construction toys and science kits
Skate board with helmet
Early science kits for making safe explosions, fizz and bursts
Simple board and card games, puzzles
A cardboard box cut into a shape of a boat, car or house and a set of markers to color.
A bug kit (have a holes in the top and a net).
Legos
Puzzles with 20-50 pieces
AGE 6 and Age 7::
Legos
Puzzles with 20-50 pieces
AGE 6 and Age 7::
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
Books! Theme books on what the child is interested in (a recent movie, their favorite book/collection, Construction trucks, etc.)
A calendar in their favorite theme ( like cars, horses, trains and airplanes, even about buildings, or traveling around the world).
A book on making paper airplanes
Kids get more responsible at this age. Helping parents with a responsibility chart might be fun. So would a chia pet (remind kids to water as directed).
Books, chapter books are big at this age.
Kids get more responsible at this age. Helping parents with a responsibility chart might be fun. So would a chia pet (remind kids to water as directed).
Books, chapter books are big at this age.
National geographic magazine
Highlights magazine
Zoo - magazine
Materials for simple arts and crafts
House play props such as dishes and a table for parties
School play props such as dry-erase board and worksheets
Simple construction toys and science kits
Skate board with helmet
Early science kits for making safe explosions, fizz and bursts
Simple board and card games, puzzles
Age-appropriate video games
Dolls and doll accessories
Stuffed animals and puppets
Beginning sports equipment such as balls, golf clubs, t-ball sets, and basketball goals/backboards
musical instruments
Bicycle
Play tents
Swing set or outdoor gym set
AGE 8-9:: (see age 7 as well)
Highlights magazine
Zoo - magazine
Materials for simple arts and crafts
House play props such as dishes and a table for parties
School play props such as dry-erase board and worksheets
Simple construction toys and science kits
Skate board with helmet
Early science kits for making safe explosions, fizz and bursts
Simple board and card games, puzzles
Age-appropriate video games
Dolls and doll accessories
Stuffed animals and puppets
Beginning sports equipment such as balls, golf clubs, t-ball sets, and basketball goals/backboards
musical instruments
Bicycle
Play tents
Swing set or outdoor gym set
AGE 8-9:: (see age 7 as well)
(And see experience gifts at the top of this post)
Books! Theme books on what the child is interested in.
Tickets to a musical/play
Kids theatre / tickets to a play or kids concert
Cooking supplies for cupcakes, cookies
Kids cookbook with supplies
Crafts/models from Michael's
Hoodies
Cool Tshirts
Kids theatre / tickets to a play or kids concert
Cooking supplies for cupcakes, cookies
Kids cookbook with supplies
Crafts/models from Michael's
Hoodies
Cool Tshirts
Face for tree (concrete faces)
Bow and arrow set - when taught proper stance and safety first its a great gift
Soccer nets / sports gear / jerseys
AGE 10-14::
Fleece blanket n pillow
T shirt with a favorite character.
Make a t-shirt with their favorite saying
Fleece theme scarf
Most Dangerous Book for Boys/Girls
Lego building sets (yes still)
Fleece theme scarf
Most Dangerous Book for Boys/Girls
Lego building sets (yes still)
Their favorite magazine subscription
Mix cd
Demonata book series
Harry potter book series
Goosebumps book series
Animal encyclopedias
How things work series
Arts n crafts kit
Drawing set
Paint Set
Mix cd
Demonata book series
Harry potter book series
Goosebumps book series
Animal encyclopedias
How things work series
Arts n crafts kit
Drawing set
Paint Set
Face for tree (concrete design)
Bow and arrow set
Soccer nets / sports gear / jerseys
Gifts ages 14 and up::
A word about Young Adults and Teenagers: Encouraging passion for SOMETHING is very important at this age (at any age). Following our passions makes for a happier life. Hopefully forming life long love of doing things. Along these lines, kids do have their passions. This teenage years are no different, its just sometimes harder to get the information outta the kid!
The other thing I have noticed is we often treat teenagers as adults. They are still kids! They still like candy, lollipops, t-shirts, hoodies, and toys! Yes toys! Don't take these last childhood moments and years away from them.
Consider what the child is interested in? Do they love music? Maybe a cool music store gift certificate or itunes gift card?
Do they collect something? Coins, an action figure, model trains / toys? If you don't know which pieces they own already, give a note acknowledging their love of collecting. Include a coupon for a trip with you to go and buy what THEY want to add to the collection.
I've personally gone online at amazon checking out popular gifts. Remote control helicopters and flying dinosaurs ROCK!
Perhaps a years magazine subscription to what they love - yes even gaming. There really is a magazine for everything available nowadays. Google "magazine" and the key words of interest.
Personal Gifts I have given to older kids:
- A handmade sign, felt covered, says: SKI as room decor for my brother who was a ski fanatic!
- painted a wall mural for a Chicago Bears Fan
- A Mommy-Date Coupon: spent a day with my older son one-on-one mommy date after the youngest baby girl was born. It was 3 hours at a burger lunch and a candy shop. Then we went to the park... Yeah, that easy
- I collect coins all year long for my brothers' coin collection. I just look thru pennies for anything pre-1940 and post 2010 pennies (cause he wanted those). I then felt covered a binder in $ symbols. Inside the binder were coin holder pages.
Low cost High Value gift!
- I've made felt pillow covers with the material in the theme of the teenager. Sports teams, snowflakes, Favorite colors, etc.
- I found loads of Pokemon cards at the thrift store for my son.
Happy shopping
Make Mistakes. Breathe, reflect and Laugh.Out.Loud!
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