Thoughts may range from "I live far away and will have to ship something" to "that kid already has everything" to "is he too young for a BB gun?"
Yes. He is.
Today is my nephew's 1st birthday party! I had the same difficulty with the present picking, and I am the mama of two!
Over the years, Samara has gotten some really creative, personal gifts from important people in her life. With 1st birthdays on my mind, I've decided to share with you!
1. A NAME STOOL:
Hello, who's stool is this? That's right, it's Morgan's!
We love Samara's wooden stool given to her by Mark's older sister. It's cute and practical. The cute is self-explanatory.
Practical? It's a step up to help her reach the sink so she can brush her teeth and wash her hands unassisted.
We love Samara's wooden stool given to her by Mark's older sister. It's cute and practical. The cute is self-explanatory.
Practical? It's a step up to help her reach the sink so she can brush her teeth and wash her hands unassisted.
2. A PEWTER BABY CUP:
Mark's parents gave Samara an engraved cup like this for her baptism! Beautiful, classy, classic, and ... practical!
She uses it as her bathroom cup.
She uses it as her bathroom cup.
3. COMPLETE BEATRIX POTTER BOOK SET:
Who doesn't love Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck?
My parents give this box set as the 1st Christmas gift for the 1st grandchild to each of their children. That was a mouthful!
My dad fondly remembers reading these stories to us, and they wanted us to have similar memories with our kids.
Another idea is a set of books that you have fond memories of, or really, just books in general. Books are always appreciated!
4. ENGRAVED SILVER FRAME:
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My parents give this box set as the 1st Christmas gift for the 1st grandchild to each of their children. That was a mouthful!
My dad fondly remembers reading these stories to us, and they wanted us to have similar memories with our kids.
Another idea is a set of books that you have fond memories of, or really, just books in general. Books are always appreciated!
4. ENGRAVED SILVER FRAME:
Hudson received one of these sweet frames from Pottery Barn with his name on it when he was born from Mark's cousins! Newborn pictures look amazing in them.
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What a special tradition to have a personalized birthday plate?!?
Samara's, gifted from a friend's mom, is plastic and super usable!
There are all sorts of options for these on etsy and in little boutiques.
6. OVER-SIZED CHAIR:
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They are comfy, perfectly sized and available in a variety of colors and styles.
The first one pictured is from Land of Nod.
The second is from Pottery Barn kids.
Often, you can purchase the chair and a slip-cover for the chair separately. That way, when baby #2 comes around, you simply have to get a new slip-cover!
7. A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION:
Professional pictures of children are so special! My sister-in-law gave me a session with her favorite Charlotte photographer. Donna Kay came to our house just five days after our second baby was born! We love the baby and family shots!
Birthdays are also a special time to capture a moment. Look around your facebook page. I'm sure you have friends who are trying to start photography businesses!
8. STOCKS & BONDS:
The one-year-old does not remember who gave him what at his first party. Making investments for kids is a way to give a gift that they will appreciate later in life.
9 TOYS:
Most people think birthday = toys.
At least my brothers do.
Brandon, Jordan, and Tyler have no desire to give the kids anything personal. It's all toys all the time! Here is a just a sample of gifts received from these guys:
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A FEW PRESENT PICKING SUGGESTIONS:
1. If you want to give the child something that is living, consult the parents first. No one wants to be surprised with a puppy! Seriously, no one!
2. If you want to choose artwork or something for the child's room, find out about specific colors. Some people have stronger opinions about matching than others.
3. If you want to buy a toy that's rather large, ask first! My brother and his wife gave Samara this bear for her 3rd birthday. We love it, but it is huge! They asked, and I already had a space prepared in our very small house for it.
4. Show the kids that you love them! No amount of gift-giving can replace a relationship! If you are a strong, loving influence in these children's lives, they will remember that longer than any of these other options!
Lesson Learned: 1st birthday party shopping can be stressful! But do not fear, if you screw up this year, there's always next year, and the next year, and the next year!
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