Etiquette/presents for 1 year olds.

neverdespairgirl

I'd take a bottle of wine for hte parents instead - they'll definintely need it after a day with lots of 1 year old party guests!

JimmyTheWig

Definitely buy a present for the child whose party you are going to. Is the other child having a party but you're not invited because you are not that close? If so, don't bother with a present for them! But if you're as close to them as you are to the child who you are buying a present for (because you are going to their party) then buy them a present too.

As to what to get, the best thing is to ask the parents. The chances are they've got enough toys, books and clothes (and will be given enough from others) that anything in that department will be wasted
I'd suggest something useful. A packet of nappies, maybe (particularly if you can find some with cool pictures on which makes them a bit more of a present) or baby bath stuff (Halos n Horns is good for children with sensitive skin, if that's relevant, but quite pricey so would be lovely to receive as a gift).

A voucher for a local soft play centre? You could even offer to take them and give the parents a break!

Or just some money to go in the child's savings account, if they have one?

fluffnutter

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

I'd take a bottle of wine for hte parents instead - they'll definintely need it after a day with lots of 1 year old party guests!

I did that for my friend's daughter's first birthday party. Train set for Molly, bottle of chablis for mummy. It was much appreciated

jackyann

A classic book in board form - they will appreciate soon.
Go into your local bookshop, and ask. They will love pointing out wonderful books to you, and you will have an excuse to read something like The Tiger Who came to Tea, Dear Zoo or The Gruffalo.

tea_lover

I'd take something to the party, but it really doesn't have to be expensive. I find they're a lot easier to buy for at that age than a few years later.

A present for the parents is a nice idea too though. I like the idea of a babysitting voucher.

summerspring

I'm in a similar situation, except I'll be buying for a two-year-old girl.

I am wondering about things like summer clothes, sun hats, things like that that they might need (should we get a summer this year :laugh:)

Or bath toys/toys for the paddling pool?

It doesn't need to cost much, but personally I would buy something rather than go empty-handed

SavingPennies_2

Wow thanks for the quick replies.

I guess most people say yes I should buy something.

I had initially thought of a book as it's the kind of thing Id like to buy, but Ive noticed they both already have loads of books so dont want to duplicate anything.

The child whose party im not attending does not live near me which is why I wont be attending.

I think I will just go to a dept store and look for something under the age category.

fluffnutter

As the owner of a nearly one year old, I will say that I've never found clothes that useful a present. They're in stuff for such a short period that you don't get much use out of anything and unless someone's asked me what I need I tend to end up with another pair of trousers (for example) when he doesn't need any more. Plus sometimes people buy you stuff you're not that keen on.

Toys and books would be better (if it were me). Vouchers are always good albeit a little dull. If in doubt, just ask the parents.

Try and go for something fairly gender neutral too. You don't know how the parents feel about pink stuff or toy swords so keep away from stuff that's obviously marketed at boys/girls. I really like the Happyland stuff from ELC. Most of it's from 18m onwards but I doubt it would be a problem buying it for a one year old - the parents can always put it to one side. In fact, it's nice to have stuff that you can get out later on. There's something to suit every budget.

delain

We like the amazing baby books... They feature pictures of babies and high contrast pictures. They are the only books my 1yo is always riveted by and they have a lovely short story. My nearly 3yo still would find it difficult to sit still through the gruffalo or guess how much I love you. The only longer book she will sit through at home (maybe I'm a boring reader ) is room on the Broom.

Also sainsburys do nice little wooden instruments that are really cheap like maracas and tambourines. They are good quality though and babies love them!

Agutka

Although the child is unaware of the celebrations, it will be an important occasion for the parents, so ignore it at your peril

Don't be afraid to buy books if that's what you want. Duplicates don't matter. Books don't have a long life in my house, so a nice shiny new one is lovely.