Shopping for Birthdays

Mommyof2lildivas · 01-24-2003, 07:57 PM

I was just over at ww.notjustbeans.com reading tips for living frugally. One of her articles dealt with buying your child toys and I'm having kind of a dilemma right now. Our son is about to have his 1st birthday and we have to buy his gifts and I have no clue what to get him or what to really spend. I usually have the tendency to go overboard and I really need to stop that. My kids do not want in the toy department and their grandparents and godparents are also very generous.
I have a 2 yr old and an almost 4 yr old as well, and he plays with a lot of the stuff that our 2 yr old got last year when she turned 1. What do you consider a fair amount to spend? What kinds of gifts do you buy your children? I could really use the input, thank you!

**Michelle** · 01-24-2003, 08:02 PM

My dd's are 5 and 3, and when I say they have too many toys, they have too many toys!

I like to buy them craft supplies for their birthdays and other holidays. We can always use some more paper, paint, stickers, etc. I also buy craft kits and other similar activities. Usually these things are used up and then tossed out so no clutter either.

Or how about this idea: give them a small gift like a book, coloring book and crayons, etc and then put some money in a savings account for them or buy a savings bond.

HTH!

Mommyof2lildivas · 01-24-2003, 08:06 PM

We have a ton of craft supplies, so we really don't need anymore. I wouldn't know where to store them. I like the savings bond idea. I think I'll do that. But I really want to buy my son a toy for his birthday, but don't know where to start. Anyone got any really unique ideas?

**Michelle** · 01-24-2003, 08:33 PM

What kinds of things has he shown interest in?

Mommyof2lildivas · 01-25-2003, 12:59 PM

Anything he can bang. Ha Ha. Not anything in particular. I'm thinking of getting things that will be more fun as he gets older. Possibly some summer toys for the warm months ahead.

**baf3girls** · 01-25-2003, 03:50 PM

If you know of someone that cuts wood, you could make him personalized blocks

Make him a batch of colored noodles. He can learn different shapes and colors.

Find a place that has dye cuts/machine and cut out felt pieces and make a felt playboard (or these can be purchased)

If you are good at sewing you could find fabric that has a city printed on it and make a playmat.

At one year something homemade is just as good if not better than something store bought. Especially if your inlaws/parents purchase toys anyways. Still stick with the bond as that is a good investment for down that road.

Good Luck
Beth