A baby’s first birthday is an exciting time for parents and family members. The baby has no idea what’s going on, just that everyone is smiling and happy and handing him new ‘stuff’ to play with. Very often, children receive toys inappropriate for their age, and will find more enjoyment from the wrapping paper and box than the new treasure.
Well meaning Aunts and Uncles feel that they must give little Johnny the best gift and head straight to the big name toy store and spend a fortune on the ‘hottest’ toy of the season only to be let down when the baby shows little interest in the new toy or worse yet, is terrified of the ‘bouncing-flipping-singing’ media frenzied creation. Here’s an idea. How about giving a unique, but time-less toy that the child can learn and grow by? Simple, well-made toys are best for babies and toddlers.
What kinds of toys are best suited for twelve month old babies? Some suggested toys are items like:
Large plastic blocks
Stacking rings
Stuffed toys of different textures
Cloth dolls
Activity centers
Music boxes and toys that make sounds
Toys to ride, push or pull
Remember, babies of this age put everything in their mouths and explore their world through their senses, so make certain that any toy you give as a gift has no small parts or small pieces that will come off. Many of the toys listed above can be used when the child enters toddler and preschool years as well, making quality and durability even more important.
A twelve month old baby is entering into the toddler stage, many are already walking by then, and love to explore with riding toys and other activities such as toy lawn mowers and wagons. A wonderful idea for a first birthday gift is a well-made, classic toy rocking horse. There are beautiful rocking horses to be found, and will become a family heirloom as other children enjoy it throughout the years.
All young toddlers love to snuggle and cuddle soft dolls and animals, and they make great first birthday gifts. Rather than buy the same doll or animal that everyone else will be bringing, look for a unique, well-crafted doll or animal that can withstand lots of love and ‘dragging around’ by the little one.
Everyone loves to give toys to kids as birthday gifts; however, not everyone knows what kind of toy is best suited for a certain age child. Giving a gift that not everyone else will think of is also a great way to make your gift stand out and be remembered. As strange as it may sound, a simple, wooden or classic toy is very often the ‘unique’ toy these days and very rarely given. TV and movie characters will come and go, but the toys that stand the test of time will be enjoyed by children for years to come. Do a little research and purchase a toy that will not only delight little Johnny, but will help him learn and grow at the same time.
About the Author: Sherry Frewerd publishes "Toddler-Birthday-Party-Ideas" at toddler-birthday-party-ideas.com Find toddler birthday party games, theme and gift ideas, toddler birthday party cake tips and other toddler activities.
Saturday, June 20
Wednesday, June 3
Personalized Baby Gift Ideas
If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing to spend. With just a little extra time and effort, you can make a personalized candle out of an otherwise ordinary candle gift that the lucky recipient will love.
1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle can be personalized.
2. Anything smaller than a tea light will be difficult to personalize. For tea light candles, you can normally purchase a big bag for a low price. These candles are great as favors for guests at a wedding or baby shower. The easiest way to personalize is to use either a graphics program on your computer or a word processor. We'll stick with the Word processor since it is easier. First, draw a circle the same dimensions as the lid on the tea light, or better yet use a circular label sheet. Then select a nice font, like cursive script or Corsiva. You can enter then names and date of the event into the circle. Print out a sample on plain paper to make sure the look and size is right. Once you have the desired result, you can print your tea light label stickers. Finally, apply the sticker onto the top of the tea light.
3. For jar candles, you can create a square-shaped personalized label. Since you have more area to work with, you can download free graphics from the Internet. Search the web for "free clip art" and download the images you want. Once again print out a sample on plain paper and then print the label. If you don't have a color printer, you can go to a local copier and they can make a nice label for you. Stick the label on the jar. Now you have created a unique gift personalized just for that special person.
4. For tall pillar candles, you can get those engraved at an engraving shop (look in the phone book under engravers). The artwork and text can come in different colors. If you are artistic, you can even buy candle-engraving kits online and do it yourself.
5. How about those 1oz votive candles? For a professional looking gift, get cellophane bags and colored ribbon. Wrap the candle in the cello bag and tie it up with the ribbon. Then attach a personalized tag to the ribbon. These candles can also be engraved.
6. If you can make candles, then there are limitless possibilities. You can use different fragrances oils to create scented candles. You can use embeds for decoration. Cookie cutters and molds are also useful for designing the right shape.
In summary, you can take an ordinary store candle and make it a very special gift with just a little more effort. Your friends and loved ones will cherish these gifts for years to come.
About the author:
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more personalized gift ideas, go to Personalized Baby Shower Favors.
1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle can be personalized.
2. Anything smaller than a tea light will be difficult to personalize. For tea light candles, you can normally purchase a big bag for a low price. These candles are great as favors for guests at a wedding or baby shower. The easiest way to personalize is to use either a graphics program on your computer or a word processor. We'll stick with the Word processor since it is easier. First, draw a circle the same dimensions as the lid on the tea light, or better yet use a circular label sheet. Then select a nice font, like cursive script or Corsiva. You can enter then names and date of the event into the circle. Print out a sample on plain paper to make sure the look and size is right. Once you have the desired result, you can print your tea light label stickers. Finally, apply the sticker onto the top of the tea light.
3. For jar candles, you can create a square-shaped personalized label. Since you have more area to work with, you can download free graphics from the Internet. Search the web for "free clip art" and download the images you want. Once again print out a sample on plain paper and then print the label. If you don't have a color printer, you can go to a local copier and they can make a nice label for you. Stick the label on the jar. Now you have created a unique gift personalized just for that special person.
4. For tall pillar candles, you can get those engraved at an engraving shop (look in the phone book under engravers). The artwork and text can come in different colors. If you are artistic, you can even buy candle-engraving kits online and do it yourself.
5. How about those 1oz votive candles? For a professional looking gift, get cellophane bags and colored ribbon. Wrap the candle in the cello bag and tie it up with the ribbon. Then attach a personalized tag to the ribbon. These candles can also be engraved.
6. If you can make candles, then there are limitless possibilities. You can use different fragrances oils to create scented candles. You can use embeds for decoration. Cookie cutters and molds are also useful for designing the right shape.
In summary, you can take an ordinary store candle and make it a very special gift with just a little more effort. Your friends and loved ones will cherish these gifts for years to come.
About the author:
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more personalized gift ideas, go to Personalized Baby Shower Favors.
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