It seems to be birthday season (as if there is a season to having babies). For me, buying birthday gifts – for children other than mine – can easily turn into a stressful outing. I want to balance the wants of the child and respect both my personal philosophy on toys and the parents.
For gift giving, I don’t really have any hard and fast guidelines beyond no batteries and no characters. I like gifts that are open-ended and don’t have to be used in one particular way, however, there are really only so many ways to use a bug catcher or hand drill!
Books are always appropriate and there is a book for every occasion and every child.
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Compass and Sundial – for the budding explorer.
Catapult – because what’s not to love about flinging ping-pong balls around the room.
Beeswax Candle Making Kit – this was a big hit in our house at Christmas
Hand drill – Wrap it in a wooden wine crate, or with a decent sized log, and the recipient will be drilling holes for hours
Bug Catcher – for the future entomologist. Great paired with a Toob
Bonga and Zecar – Here & here – I have not actually seen these, but the write-up sounded so cool that I couldn’t skip them!
Schleich and Toob animals – There is a Toob or Schleich model for almost everything, they can be incorporated into other gifts or given on there own, I like to put families groups together.
Art Caddy – a lovely way to store art supplies for the child that is constantly creating.
My favorite sources for all gifts are the following:
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must. have. sundial and catapult! I can’t BELIEVE I haven’t ever seen those!! Love this post. What ideas do you have about Birthday party favors?? 🙂
I am sure Hayden and Finley would love to fling ping-pongs balls around!
What great ideas! Thank you 🙂
I am glad they were helpful!