What to give for a first birthday?

[Deleted]

One of my closest friends is having a birthday party (at a restaurant, if that's relevant) for her one year old in a few weeks.

Do you have any gift suggestions? (Also, I am sure it varies, but what is an appropriate amount to spend on a close friend's baby?)

Thanks!

[Deleted]

This is now my new gift for 1st birthdays for close friends: PBK anywhere chair. I get the gift card and tell them it's for that, so they can pick and choose the color and how to personalize.

www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/kids/furniture/anywhere-chairs/?bnrid=3560101&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Brand+GenericKids_NewFurnitureBroad.2&cm_ite=pottery+barn+kids+anywhere+chairs

ETA: I do this since my BFF bought one for my kid. I only do this for very few people. So far, it's only been one. lol.

[imimahoney]

At 1 my niece was starting to really like the big chunky puzzles from Melissa and Doug. Also, big, thick crayons and finger paint.

[arch01]

Melissa and Doug puzzles
MegaBloks
Books
Gift cards. I know GCs are "boring", but with Christmas now behind us, a lot of parents are looking at their houses and saying no.more.shit. We got a couple gift cards for DS (his birthday was 12/22) that we will use later on in the year for different toys as he outgrows some.

[marclovesme]

Dec 27, 2012 10:43:16 GMT -5 arch01 said:

Melissa and Doug puzzles
MegaBloks
Books
Gift cards. I know GCs are "boring", but with Christmas now behind us, a lot of parents are looking at their houses and saying no.more.shit. We got a couple gift cards for DS (his birthday was 12/22) that we will use later on in the year for different toys as he outgrows some.

Any of these is a great option for a 1 year old (and/or a 2 year old).

[spk926]

For a CLOSE friend I might buy a family membership to the zoo or children's museum. Around here those are about $100 and maybe I'm cheap but again, it would have to be my BFF's kid or something.

You could also do:
books
clothes in the next size up
blocks (wooden or foam)
puzzles
GC to stride rite since baby is or almost is walking to nice shoes would be good to have

[Deleted]

Dec 27, 2012 10:39:25 GMT -5 @choco said:

This is now my new gift for 1st birthdays for close friends: PBK anywhere chair. I get the gift card and tell them it's for that, so they can pick and choose the color and how to personalize.

www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/kids/furniture/anywhere-chairs/?bnrid=3560101&cm_ven=BrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Brand+GenericKids_NewFurnitureBroad.2&cm_ite=pottery+barn+kids+anywhere+chairs

ETA: I do this since my BFF bought one for my kid. I only do this for very few people. So far, it's only been one. lol.

They're actually moving from a townhouse to a house in January, so this may be a great idea because she'll have a new bedroom...

[Mushe]

The anywhere chair was the big hit of Christmas for my 1 year old.

[hannamaren]

Give cash. Especially if there are lots of guests. No little child needs so many toys.
$50 is my usual for close friend kids.

[mollybrown]

I like books because by 1 the kid and parents are usually ready for new ones.

Most people seem to spend about $15-$30 on gifts. I think $50 is pretty generous, especially for a child so young.

[Deleted]

Dec 27, 2012 11:31:07 GMT -5 hannamaren said:

Give cash. Especially if there are lots of guests. No little child needs so many toys.
$50 is my usual for close friend kids.

We got some cash for DS for Christmas and I LOVE those people. We have put it into his savings acct for college. We have enough toys, clothes, books, etc.

[rootbeerfloat]

Ditto hannamaren.

[Here]

Most gifts my kid got was around 10 to 20 for her first birthday party. Some ideas...my kid likes most of these things.

Duplos
Ball
Wooden puzzles
Bath toys
Shopping cart
Chair
Clothing
Books
Baby doll
Tea set

[Here]

My daughter has a chair from ozark mountain kids. It is really comfy.