Now that May is only a month away (give or take a day)... Wow! Rhymes!

[conuly]

Um. Sorry. Now that the babies are about to turn one, I need to seriously start looking into their presents. I've decided against getting them more than token birthday presents, and focus on accomplishment presents... walking toys when they take their first steps, some more story books when they say their first words, that sort of thing.

However, I still intend to spoil them rotten. Because I have nothing better to do, and therefore assume the same goes for everyone else, I'll ask for advice. What would YOU give to a one-year-old? Why? If it can be found online, can I get a link? If it's something generic, like "dolls", I don't need a link.

I DO have a few restrictions. I will NOT participate in buying any toy that seems overstimulating. That means that if it requires batteries, it's probably out. If it DOES require batteries, and you REALLY love it, I'll consider it ONLY if it doesn't beep AND flash AND move. One of those should be more than enough. Also, I want to get them toys that will last until Christmas, if at all possible. If you think they're fragile, or that they'll get bored soon, please list it under "don't buy, don't buy".

If you don't know anything about babies (not a parent, nor an aunt, nor an uncle, or a big sister, or anything like that), but you still think you can help, at least WARN me so I know you don't have personal experience.

Um. That's about it. Later I'll make one of my huge lists with all the stuff I'm looking at.

Comments

[strangelette.livejournal.com]

This may be a kid by kid thing but my next door (well, in WI) neighbor's little boy Joe got a toy vacuum for Christmas and played with nothing else for months. There was a definite "I get to do what mom's doing!" vibe but I think it was also a hit because it helped him walk (he's a little older than Seth and Anna). I know his was relatively noise free but I know there are some really annoying ones out there.

My mom found an amazing natural/creative toy catalog, I'll call home later tonight and try to get the name.

[catsluvdmb.livejournal.com]

All kids I have ever dealt with in that age group love balls and legos. I don't know why but they do.

Definitely avoid anything with batteries. I HATE toys with batteries. Batteries=lot of annoying noise.

[conuly]

Tycos, not legos. Legos are still a choking risk.

[firingneurons.livejournal.com]

Legos are out, most definitely, you should try Duplos, they're make by lego but they're massive, desgined for little bitty kiddies, I still like Duplos

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

We had duplos! They rocked!!

[firingneurons.livejournal.com]

I know!! I still adore playing with Lego!
(Uly, I got the link for the Lego/Duplo site, I was un-lazy just for you, be proud! Anyway, here it is: http://www.lego.com/eng/explore/productsindex.asp?page=imag:1 Have fun!)

[catsluvdmb.livejournal.com]

Are Tycos what they call those huge legos? I thought all legos were legos, but some were super-sized.

[the-lady-aurora.livejournal.com]

You might want to try here: http://www.hawkin.com/cgi-bin/hawkin.storefront

They have toys for children, early years toys, learning toys plus toys for older children and 'grown ups'. Just pick a category and see what they have.

[strangelette.livejournal.com]

This may be a kid by kid thing but my next door (well, in WI) neighbor's little boy Joe got a toy vacuum for Christmas and played with nothing else for months. There was a definite "I get to do what mom's doing!" vibe but I think it was also a hit because it helped him walk (he's a little older than Seth and Anna). I know his was relatively noise free but I know there are some really annoying ones out there.

My mom found an amazing natural/creative toy catalog, I'll call home later tonight and try to get the name.

[catsluvdmb.livejournal.com]

All kids I have ever dealt with in that age group love balls and legos. I don't know why but they do.

Definitely avoid anything with batteries. I HATE toys with batteries. Batteries=lot of annoying noise.

[conuly]

Tycos, not legos. Legos are still a choking risk.

[firingneurons.livejournal.com]

Legos are out, most definitely, you should try Duplos, they're make by lego but they're massive, desgined for little bitty kiddies, I still like Duplos

[xiggaroo.livejournal.com]

We had duplos! They rocked!!

[firingneurons.livejournal.com]

I know!! I still adore playing with Lego!
(Uly, I got the link for the Lego/Duplo site, I was un-lazy just for you, be proud! Anyway, here it is: http://www.lego.com/eng/explore/productsindex.asp?page=imag:1 Have fun!)

[catsluvdmb.livejournal.com]

Are Tycos what they call those huge legos? I thought all legos were legos, but some were super-sized.

[the-lady-aurora.livejournal.com]

You might want to try here: http://www.hawkin.com/cgi-bin/hawkin.storefront

They have toys for children, early years toys, learning toys plus toys for older children and 'grown ups'. Just pick a category and see what they have.