O.K. like most kids these days he has so much already. His birthday is March 26. I bought him a small piano that's coloured coded and he can eventually play a few songs by colour, I also got him fridge magnets and a baby doll. One Grandma bought him a shovel and bucket set and a toddler basket ball set.

My mom is coming for his birthday and will want to know what to get him. Does anyone have any suggestions for really good toys or activites that will help him develop over the next 6 months? I thought about an Activity Table as he loves to stand, but I'm afraid he'll out grow it too quickly.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

By Boxzgrl on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 04:48 pm:

He won't outgrow an activity table for a long time. DD just got one and she'll be 2 in May and loves it. DH's sister used hers until she was around 4.

For DD's first birthday, she got a lot of water toys since were by the beach, and a lot of sand toys.

She already had a ton of toys so when someone asked, I said clothes or gift certificates. I have no ideas other that that but have fun. I'm going to a 1st birthday party on April 1st so maybe i'll steal some gift ideas from here as well.

By Breann on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 05:15 pm:

Color Wonder paper and markers. My kids both got those on their first birthdays. That is when they started becoming really interested in watching mommy and daddy write and they wanted to do it too. Plus it won't stain or color on the the carpet or table.

Small table and chair set. We have a fisher price one that is fabulous. My dd got it for her first Christmas and she STILL uses it almost everyday.

I second the clothes idea. If people ask, I would say CLOTHES!!!

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 05:39 pm:

Blocks, my kids love their blocks, and they will be 3 in June. Skip the push toys, most are annoying and loud, you'll regret ever letting him see it. (We've gotten quite a few, including one that my FIL bought when Maddie broke her leg, it's hidden in my closet now.) Tonka trucks are great, but you have to watch him. Both my kids try and stand in them. Chunky crayons, or washable markers. Personally, we do only markers after realizing crayons were too much hassle, and they come off anything. (I don't do color wonder because I'm too cheap LOL) At 1 they like markers because they're easier to use, you don't have to press as hard. Board books... I got great prices on Overstock.com (cheaper than Amazon even), and there is $1 shipping all this month. A surprising thing about fridge magnets, my kids have started grouping them by color, number, and letter... it's really interesting to watch them make groups now. At 1 they really just pushed them around while I cooked. A play kitchen set, and play food. Anything Mommy does looks like fun to toddlers. Music, especially music DVDs. Some of the best times we have are the silly dancing and singing we do. My DD has come to LOVE singing and dancing, does it all the time, and I think that's because we have always had music on. Gift certificates like Melissa said, my family lives far away, so it's easier for them to say "Here's $X so you can buy them whatever they need." and I often save it up for "in between" gift times. HTH!

By Rayanne on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 12:06 pm:

Rylee got a Magna-Doodle and she loves it. She plays with it just about everyday. Another thing that she got and loves A to Z Symphany. It's a DVD that my friend ordered for her. She dances to it and hums some of the music now. I think that it is an excellent DVD.
A to Z Symphany

By Amy~moderator on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 01:59 pm:

Finger paints and an easel with painting paper - my kids love to finger paint!

Anything LeapFrog my kids love.

Bath toys

Play dough with accessories

I like the activity table idea - my 18 month old still uses his.

By Rayanne on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 05:48 pm:

Rylee loves her activity table too, but also uses hers to stand on.

By My2cuties on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 06:13 pm:

I'll second the magna-doodle we have a travel one and a big one. And they are not expensive at all. My girls love leappad too, very fun and educational. Clothes and gift cards are both great ideas.