So one of my close coworkers (and starting to be a good friend yay!) is throwing a BBQ for her baby girl's first birthday and of course I got an invite. I don't have a lot of friends with babies, and I'm pretty much clueless on what would be an age appropriate gift for her little one. Anyone have suggestions?
I know when my DD turned 1, she had no idea what was going on and didn't really give a hoot about the toys. I say go with clothes a size/season up. Toddlers are messy little things and people kind of get over buying them outfits at this point.
Also, you can get some really cute clothes on Macy's/JC Penny/BRU clearance rack if you were looking for a cheaper option.
Wooden puzzles and cardboard books would be good for that age. Melissa and Doug (and probably other brands) have puzzles with different latches and matching flaps and pieces that kids always love and are good quality. I try to stay away from giving friends noisy toys (those are reserved for my cousins twins!) because you want to keep your friends and not receive the noise back in a couple of years!
At 1, some of the biggest hits (and toys that stayed popular in our house) were the Leapfrog picnic basket, a tea set (green toys makes a nice one), chunky puzzles, and Fisher Price little people sets.
My son got a lot of books and heavy puzzles which he loves. Bath toys are fun! Also, anything they can push and pull. We got our son a bubble mower for his birthday and he loved it!
Re: NBR (Sorta??) Gifts for 1y/o old.
Also the parents little drum that opens so you can put everything in for storage is a big hit
Ball popper toy
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I would suggest chunky wooden puzzles or blocks. They never seem to get old!