1st birthday gifts

A friend is headed off to a 1st birthday party this weekend, and asked me about my favorite gifts for a one-year-old, since it is fresh in my mind. 

Personally, I don't like electronic gifts- things that make 'annoying' noises (my husband was actually the worst culprit this time around), or anything too big, since we're short on storage around here. Touch-and-feel books are favorites, as are anything that 'shakes' (maracas, particularly), things that stack (blocks), anything that can safely be put in the mouth (stuffed animals or lovies), and puzzles with big knobs.

Above: maracas by schylling, charlie monkey book series (they have a robot, dinosaur, etc. as well), haba's first blocks (lots of fun things in the blocks: jingle bells, etc); melissa and doug puzzles (love those big knobs for little hands); jelly catz plush animals (they are SO soft and cuddly); and another great touch and feel book series, by Usborne. 

There are many great independent vendors out there as well, so if you are looking for something more unique, head to Etsy. 

Also- I promise to give a photo garland how-to very soon (hopefully tomorrow), since I know a lot of you have asked for one! 

pressies out the door

Some gifts on their way out the door...from top: my son's teacher's gifts (inspired by our holiday card), girl baby shower present, baptism gift (I love that I can still use my 6-year old wedding table cards as gift cards!), and a first birthday present. 

always judge a book by its cover

To me, there is no better gift than a book (other then wine or food, perhaps). So I was delighted when my book club threw a 'baby book' shower for me last year. I have always been drawn to the clean, crisp illustrations of many children's books, and even purchased quite a few way before the thought of having a child entered my mind. 

While a mom-to-be will always appreciate a classic (Goodnight Moon, The Giving Tree, The Hungry Caterpillar), a more unusual selection can be a great gift as well. A book with a charming cover doesn't even need gift wrap...just a ribbon and a sweet note. A couple of my recent favorites are shown above. Whatever and Tikki, Tikki, Tembo have slightly 'dark' endings for children's books, but nonetheless, are beautifully illustrated. All of Maira Kalman's (What Pete Ate from A-Z) books are amazing, not just because of the quirky illustrations and bright colors, but because they entertain the adult just as much (or more then!) the child. I just found Leonardo the Terrible Monster during my last trip to the book store, and thought it was delightful. You can't go wrong these days, with so many great books to choose from.