XP: Presents for 2nd child's birthday

jf198400 · January 2013

Posted on 2u2:

DS's first birthday is next month. We already have so much stuff from DD and Christmas. People are asking me what to get him, and honestly the only thing I can think of is clothes for spring/summer. Any suggestions on gifts for 2nd child? I know this will be less of an issue as they get older and have more boy/girl interests, but right now its tough.

PunkyBooster · January 2013

We had a slew of 2nd bday parties this fall and I gave nearly every single child puzzles!

DS got the book "A Ball for Daisy" and loves it. It is my standard go to gift for the birthday parties this spring, actually.

ETA- I misread. I still vote for jumbo knob puzzles!

mylittlesunshine · January 2013

Love the puzzle idea.

What about a dump truck or a car of some sort that he can push along the floor? DD1 loved push cars when she was that age.

2chatter · January 2013

My go tos are kids music CDs (They Might be Giants - Here Comes Science, Elizabeth Mitchell, Barenaked Ladies Snacktime, etc.)

And even for DS' first we are telling some people clothes - he needs them, and has more than enough toys with a February birthday so close to Christmas.

cchill01 · January 2013

I wish everyone would always give small children clothing or money. There's really no need for so many toys...but that's what people want to give...ugh.

If you can tactfully suggest a monetary gift for their college fund - that's always my preferred gift.

If it must be a toy/gift:

I like to suggest Disney movies - the ones we don't have, to fill in the gaps of my collection. They may not be appropriate for him right now, but they're good to have.

I always love new books. Right now, I'm trying to keep myself from ordering all the Llama Llama books.

1026pumpkin · January 2013

I think clothes are a very practical idea. For someone that wants to buy something "fun", maybe books, Duplo blocks, or art supplies (crayons, play doh, etc.). Even if you already have some of those items, they're the type of thing you could always use more of and both kids will be able to play with them together.

Also ditto PPs suggestion about the knob puzzles, melissa and doug boards- DS still loves those!

ShoeFanatic614 · January 2013

Someone got DD one of the LeapFrog fridge toys for her 2nd birthday and she still plays with it. We have the alphabet and the farm animal ones. Books and puzzles are my fall back gift when I don't know what to tell someone. She loves both.

boogerbearoriginal · January 2013

If people ask, I'd be honest and say you have a ton of toys but he could use clothes for spring in x size, or money/savings bond for college fund.

If they insist on toys, I'd suggest books or crayons or blocks - imo you can't have too many of those. Or toy cars/trucks. My LO loves those too and he'll be able to play with them for a long time.

We only have one LO and we struggle with too many toys, so I can imagine having 2u2 makes it a lot worse.

AZ123 · January 2013

I'm in the camp of I love buying clothes. A lot of people, especially people with older children, love to buy baby/toddler clothes. I personally would say, "he relaly need spring/summer clothes but if you don't want to bring anything, that's fine too." and then leave it up to the guest.

thedash · January 2013

I think it's fine to say you have tons of toys and then suggest you would be happy with clothes, books, CD's, or of course a contribution to his college fund is always welcome.

PunkyBooster · January 2013

I also love to buy clothes, but feel awkward doing it for bday presents because babies don't find this fun. However, if mom suggested clothes, I would be more than delighted to buy clothes and/or pajamas for gifts!

I think I also find it awkward for second kids because of all the hand me downs.

ThreeGirls726 · January 2013

Does he like train stuff? I have 2 DDs and my 2nd one loves trains (and her birthday is in Feb. also) so we asked for more train tracks and trains. Duplo blocks are always good as well. We also asked for clothes (bathing suits included). Other ideas are a water table or aquadoodle. If you are near a beach you can ask for beach toys.

cchill01 · January 2013

PunkyBooster:
I also love to buy clothes, but feel awkward doing it for bday presents because babies don't find this fun.

See - here's the difference. I'm giving the gift to the Mom & Dad. I don't need my friends kids to like me. I have no interest in being the 'fun' one.

azuremama · January 2013

We really tried to say that DD didn't need much and encouraged either no gifts or gifts to her college fund for our parents/siblings. It's tough for sure. Books are always good, too.