1st Birthday Present Recommendation

elle_gee

Not sure if this is the right place..

I need a present idea for my friend/colleague's little boy who will be a year old in a few weeks times. I don't seem him very often (every few months) and don't have children myself so I'm not sure what he already has or what is completely suitable (and I don't really want to ask my friend beforehand as I would like it to be a "nice little surprise present" which she's not expecting).

I'm thinking something a little bit unusual that not everyone will think of. When he was born, I bought a Taggie blanket which went down a storm, and a lot of people apparently commented that they hadn't seen before but really liked

I'm thinking around £10-15ish.

All ideas gratefully received!

Colin2511

when my eldest was little there was a new wood being planted near me, and someone bought a couple of trees, it came with a lovely little map showing my daughters tree, where they were planted and a little leaflet about the type and why they were doing this, - at the edge of the woods there is a sign with the people who have trees in, - at 1 kids want the cardobard box rather than the toy, they outgrow clothes quicker than they can wear them, so I thought this was a lovely touch

MissKate1986

How about something useful like Baby Burts Bee's bathing gift set or Baby leg warmers?

sooz

I wouldn't mind one money box, but we got 4! Some ceramic, some plated silver, some engraved. I actually don't use any of them, and am considering how rude it would seem if they ever found out I'm thinking of selling the unengraved ones on ebay

We were given one of these which is classic, simple & fun (not too noisy either )

When I'm choosing a gift, it depends on how much I like the parents . One friend is particularly picky with toys in the house, so I make sure to give her child the loudest, most annoying & most colourful lump of plastic I can find (I feel sorry for him - she only buys organic fairtrade unbleached wooden items with no wheels so that they don't scratch her new floor). For people I like more, a classic book for when the child is a little older.

ginvzt

Isn't it best to ask parents if there is anything baby would need? I know when my friends went for the 1st birthday, mum of the baby asked for pyjama for the little one. There might be something baby may need now, rather than a money box, which they have no understanding off. I think present like this would be better left till 3rd or later birthday...

elainew

What about a book voucher. They will get loads of pressies so might be nice being able to choose some lovely books? My wee girl got SO much stuff and half of it she didnt play with.

morganb

What about a music box? I got a wooden one for a friend's little boy with sailing boats that spin round on top in tune to the music, very traditional looking

Dormouse

I would suggest books (or book tokens). You can never have too many books. (and you definitely can have too many toys!)

You could look for some more unusual books for a more unusual pressie.

I'm not really into moneyboxes and stuff - I like useful gifts.

I think it's really nice of you to put so much thought into this. :T (Although I also like it when people ask me what my baby needs, but I also think it's nice to get surprise gifts)

My baby was 1 a couple of weeks ago BTW.

elle_gee

Thanks all

On the subject of books then, what do we all think to this one?
http://www.firebox.com/product/2137/Gallop

I even have a £5 off voucher for there and can get 10% back from Quidco! :money:

Savvy_Sue

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ailuro2

Elle Gee - that looks like a great little book! Expensive, but if you've a £5 off voucher, then it will be reasonable! I would have bought that for my DD when she was little, but maybe not at 1, they might still be chewing things up at that age, but your friend can always put it away for when little one is older if their kid still chews things.

I agree with the other posters too, practical items that you need more than one of are always a good present,, as it means they will be used. Someone got my DD a pushalong toy that was meant to aid walking for my DD's birthday, but she had been walking for the past 2 1/2 months, it felt like a real waste of their money. If you buy them mittens, you could sew the elastic on to them for going through their coats, it would be a nice little touch that your friend would likely appreciate.;)