To distract myself from facing the reality that my baby is going to soon be a toddler (in 11 weeks, 2 days) I have been thinking about what to get Caroline for her birthday. She already has more than enough small toys to play with so we’re trying to decide on one big practical gift to splurge on.
Moms, I need your help! Out of all the ideas below, which gift do you think would be the best pick for Caroline’s first birthday?
Water Activity Play Table: Originally I thought Caroline would be too young for a water table but the past few weeks her teachers have been bringing one in to the infant class and filling it with soapy water for the babies to play in. Caroline is obsessed and her teachers have sent us tons of pictures of her happily splashing around in the table.
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike: This ultimate grow-with-me trike offers 4 ways to ride to accommodate ages 9 months to 5 years by easily converting from a stroller to a steering trike, learning-to-ride-trike, and finally a classic trike. This seems like a practical gift that Caroline would not grow out of too fast.
KidKraft Vintage Kitchen: The play kitchen in Caroline’s classroom is where I find her playing every afternoon at pick up. This is my favorite gift on the list for her and I think she would use it for a long, long time. However, the only place in our house we could squeeze a kitchen would be between two chairs in our living room…which is also where Baby M2’s swing will soon be. Sooo, there’s that minor drawback…
Radio Flyer Wagon:A wagon!! Every little one needs a wagon, right?! And this one just so happens to be fit for two! Also, I am kind of obsessed with the fact that you can custom build your own wagon (fabrics, storage, comfort, sun protection and nameplate options) through Radio Flyer here.
Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Swing: This is the item that Matt is most excited about. He’s literally been talking about pushing Caroline in a swing in our backyard since before she was born. We also happen to have the perfect tree for a swing.
Little Tikes Cozy Coup: A classic toy that I remember having as a kid too.
Those are the fun finalists in the running for Caroline’s first birthday gift. However, one more option…
Britax Marathon Car Seat: The last option would be to go super practical and save our pennies for car seats…ergh. Car seat recommendations also welcome…
Would love to know your thoughts, mamas! Best gift for a one year old? What would you recommend?
nancy john
Wednesday 15th of April 2015
I love the idea of giving books instead of cards at baby showers. I also give books to kids as gifts other times of the year like Christmas and birthdays. My daughter loves getting new books.wedding gifts
Karli | September F A R M
Wednesday 11th of March 2015
if your gal is sturdy on her feet i say the water play table...hands down. anything that encourages independent play! (i'll be getting one this summer for my gals! (kaye will be almost three and sawyer almost one.) fun for all ages = won't outgrow it quickly. the bike / wagon / baby swing will all be outgrown...then again, you'll have them for your second muffin. kaye also loved her little tikes slide at that age...now we put the slide portion into her pool for extra excitement. girlfriend is wild.
Lindsay
Monday 23rd of February 2015
Car Seat: I highly recommend the Maxi Cosi pria 85. Our 14 month old had been comfortably riding in one since 10 months. Super plush seat that can be removed and washed without having to remove the seat from your car. Great feature!!!1st Birthday: I recommend the Step 2 Whisper Ride Buggy. Fun fun fun!!!http://www.amazon.com/Step2-Pink-Whisper-Ride-Buggy/dp/B008CO812U/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424655454&sr=8-7&keywords=little+tikes+push+car
Lindsay
Monday 23rd of February 2015
Car Seat: I highly recommend the Maxi Cosi pria 85. Our 14 month old had been comfortably riding in one since 10 months. Super plush seat that can be removed and washed without having to remove the seat from your car. Great feature!!!1st Birthday: I recommend the Step 2 Whisper Ride Buggy. Fun fun fun!!!http://www.amazon.com/Step2-Pink-Whisper-Ride-Buggy/dp/B008CO812U/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1424655454&sr=8-7&keywords=little+tikes+push+car
Liz | Ellie and Addie
Saturday 21st of February 2015
We are looking for first birthday gifts too! I'm thinking a water table, the cozy coupe, or a ball pit/tent are going on our list. And we just bought the Britax Boulevard! We haven't installed it yet because he still fits safely in his baby seat.