Picture this: You’re thumbing through the mail and find an invitation to a 1-year-old’s birthday! It’s little Johnny’s first birthday and you are invited! You check the calendar and everything looks great to be able to attend . . . now, what do you buy for a 1-year-old birthday gift?
We’ve all been there with a birthday invite and then completely blank on unique gift ideas, whether it has been a minute since you’ve had a 1-year-old, you don’t have any children of your own, or you just need some fresh ideas: I am here to help!
Outdoor play is essential for young children’s growth, health, and development. Encouraging kiddos to get outside and get their wiggles out is also vital for mom and dad’s sanity! Here are several unique gifts that will promote more outdoor adventures!
More Unique Gift Ideas
The Gift of Experience
If parents are opting for no gifts or more of an “experience” based gift, passes to the zoo, a local water park or splash pad, Legoland, or local indoor play park would be fun and something the whole family could enjoy later. Ask the parents about any upcoming vacations or classes and help with the fee or equipment needed. For example, if they will be taking a swim class, you could get them a new swimsuit or cute towel and a wet bag to throw their wet clothes in after class. It is helpful to the parents and fun to know you played a part in an activity they love.
Something to make Mom and Dad’s Life Easier
A fun gift option for the parents is offering a couple of nights a year of volunteering for child care. You could wrap up cute coupons or just a calendar marked with “date nights” written in, anytime free child care is an option with people we love, and trust makes for a much more enjoyable date night, and the trade-off of hanging out with a sweet little one isn’t so bad either.
Whether you opt for a traditional toy or a not-so-traditional “experience” gift, or just the gift of your time, I hope some of these ideas sparked something new for you and left you feeling excited to attend this birthday party with confidence in the choice you picked!
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