What to get for our grandson's first birthday

HurdyGurdy

Our granddaughter was one in March and we got her a silver bangle. It cost £60.

We would like to give something which would be as "significant" for our grandson's first birthday in December, for around the same kind of money. Any ideas? Don't really want to get something that feels "christening-y", but no idea what might be appropriate.

Our granddaughter also got a little toy, and our grandson will get the same, so they're not missing out on the fun stuff as well.

mrcow

The problem with buying children jewellery is that it's not practical for them to wear and they will grow out of it before they understand its significance. My daughter was bought a £200 gold bracelet for her christening and she thinks of it as no more special than any of the costume jewellery that she has.

A boy will be similar. The significance will just be lost as they are too young to understand that something is more special just because it's more expensive.

I know you said that you don't want it to be "christening-ey" but a nice money box is good for a child as they often like saving/posting money.

leandygandy

A St. Christopher necklace? Obviously a religiously orientated gift and generally given for Christenings, so may not be appropriate (I don 't know your circumstances?) but it's silver like your granddaughter's firs birthday gift and could be kept for when your grandson gets a little older?

Or what about some sort of silver coin? Not sure if the Royal Mint have anything appropriate on sale at the moment?
http://www.royalmint.com/shop/the_2012_silver_1_pound_baby_gift

http://www.royalmint.com/shop/2012_britannia_one_ounce_silver_bullion

moos_mummy_2

You could go down the line of money box or photo frame but to me those seem connected to christenings.
What about a book collection like Peter rabbit or something similar? Or the wooden trains with the childs name spelt out in letters? Both are something that can be kept for years and treasured.

SkintGypsy

By far the best gift for my kids was books. Not board books, cos they grow out of them soon enough, but stories with a rhythm and rhyme and vibrant pictures. I cannot recommend the Julia Donaldson books/audio books enough. The Gruffalo, Monkey Puzzle and A Squash and a Squeeze are firm favourites here!

I love the thought of a favourite story being passed down from family to a child. Do you have any favourites you could dedicate to them for them to enjoy? They will outlast any toy and be enjoyed over time far more than most gifts.

GlasweJen

I must agree with the books, my sisters kid love gruffalo, stick man etc

POPPYOSCAR

The Royal Mint do a collection set of coins issued for the year


http://www.royalmint.com/shop/2012_great_british_coins

HurdyGurdy

leandygandy wrote: »

A St. Christopher necklace? Obviously a religiously orientated gift and generally given for Christenings, so may not be appropriate (I don 't know your circumstances?) but it's silver like your granddaughter's firs birthday gift and could be kept for when your grandson gets a little older?

Or what about some sort of silver coin? Not sure if the Royal Mint have anything appropriate on sale at the moment?
http://www.royalmint.com/shop/the_2012_silver_1_pound_baby_gift

http://www.royalmint.com/shop/2012_britannia_one_ounce_silver_bullion

Thank you - I would never have thought about a special coin. I love this idea. Will do this for him.

We won't be doing "significant" gifts as a matter of course, but just wanted to mark the first birthday with something more than a toy that will be outgrown and then forgotten.


Thank you for all the suggestions.

cabbage

I still have my knife, fork & spoon set my grandparents gave me (I'm nearly fifty) and my children used them too and now I'm waiting for grandchildren so the can use them

tesuhoha

My daughter got a nice Peter Rabbit cup, plate and bowl set when she was little. Its really pretty and makes a nice ornament.