Monday, March 27, 2006

The perfect gift

I usually do a "Simple Pleasures Monday", but today my brain is consumed by one topic - the perfect gifts for Camden's first birthday. Yes, in just a few more short weeks, my little baby will be one! The time has flown by!

I put too much pressure on myself to buy the perfect present. I want it to be the right combination of fun, learning, and enduring. I don't want him to grow bored with a toy in a few short weeks. At Christmas time, we went a bit overboard and Cam received a few too many presents. I don't want to repeat that for his birthday (even though we have several things we bought around Christmas time in anticipation of this significant birthday). I discovered that Cam quickly grew tired of some of the things we bought him for Christmas. I don't want that to happen with his birthday presents.

And so, in search of the perfect gift, I check out millions of websites. I talk to friends. I get advice. And I make a list of possibilities. Living on the edge of hell as I do, there is no real shopping in this town, so I must make some decisions soon if I need to order anything. We've pretty much decided on some sort of ride on, some blocks, and some puzzles, but we are unsure of what else to get. What we buy now will be the last big toy purchase before the next Christmas, so it needs to keep his attention and interest for several months. We're especially looking at wooden toys or toys that don't have a lot of flashing lights, noise, and things like that (because we have PLENTY of those).

So today, I ask you dear internet world, to share with me your children's favorite toys. What are ones your children have loved over the years and keep using again and again? Share with me your favorite places to buy toys (especially online), your favorite brands of toys, and anything else you think a first time perfectionist mommy needs to know about toys.

12 comments:

Patti said...

Well, I don't have any kids of my own, but I still remember one of my favorite toys was my rocking horse. It was durable, it never changed, it was always available to play on, and the sensation of rocking myself was way fun. I think toys that kids can ride on are always popular. Good luck and Happy #1 Camden!

Unknown said...

My one year old loves to play with naked Barbies :-) We bought him a toy hammer at Walmart that he loves. It makes noises and lights up when it hits something...hopefully not someone's head! He also likes to get in the girls' shopping cart and play with the toy food. He was pushing the cart around the other night. Happy shopping!

GiBee said...

Oh, no way, hun... No suggestions from me... I'm gonna LEARN FROM YOU!!! My son got too much from everyone else at Christmas, and he was only 2 months old... HELLO, PEOPLE.... Anyway... I'll keep checking back for what you decide to get, so then I'll know what to get! LOL!!

Bright One said...

Okay, I'm Nutella's mom....I remember different toys that they loved but she's right they do like to "ride" on things (usually their daddy's back). I remember a one year old that LOVED those long tunnel things you can crawl through(especially fun if you also have a dog or cat they can chase) I don't even know if they still have them but it was great because it was like a big covered slinky that could stretch out REALLLY long then fold up really flat to put away. Second best was the laundry basket....go figure! Happy B-Day to Camden!

JD said...

Your bloggy rules!! I love that you teach!! I am addicted to the millions of people writing about. Oh about christmas..... We spent three days opening presents this year. He had to wear down the wheels of one toy before he would even think about another toy. Our son just had turned 2. Didn't catch on that there were MOre than just the three really fun toys he had to open.

Anonymous said...

You utterly must get him the music cube from Embryonics. Amazing, educational, and SUPER-fun for the kids. Perfect for a 1st birthday gift.

Lei said...

Ditto the tunnel and the shopping cart/play food. Two of Drew's favorite toys right now!

Jenn said...

I like to shop at theliteracysite.com I know then my moolah goes to good use!

emlouisa said...

Oohh...the tunnel idea is good. My kid's favorite toys at the moment are the Fisher Price Roll Around Gumball Machine (but this lights up and has music) and anything Little People related, especially the farm. A carries around the horse, a cow and a car. Don't ask me why but he freaks out when you take them away.

I like the tunnel idea though. My boys would love that.

Dawnyel said...

My son LOVES anything that has to do with balls...baseball, basketball, soccer....he loves playing with balls and he even has a mini basketball hoop that he still LOVES to play with! I say balls are a great investment! They're at most a couple of bucks and worth the entertainment for you and your son!

Melzie said...

Nathan's was a woody doll. He got it for his 1st birthday, and carried it EVERYWHERE. His arms & legs came off, and so he would pull them off, and put woody in his overall's pocket. We stioll have him- and he has an honored spot on his dresser. :) Maybe that should be a monday memory.. ;)

Lynanne said...

The favorite around our house: Legos! The Bob the Builder Lego set was a favorite as was Winnie The Pooh.

We skipped the Legos for the youngest ago (I think they are called Quatros now - they had Primos before). Duplos work just fine and aren't outgrown as quickly. You may have to help him build and rebuild but he'll probably catch on before he turns 2.

Ditto on the Embryonics cube and Roll-Around Gumball machine.