My youngest turns two in May and I had this same problem at Christmas...I don't know what to get her. I just want to be able to get her 1 or 2 things, but because of an older sister, we HAVE it all. Pet Shop, dolls, Barbies, games, crafts, coloring books, etc...you get the idea.
I found her a Linus throw pillow where he's holding his blanket and I know she'll think this is adorable, so that's one gift down. But I'd like to get her one toy...any ideas? She loves to pretend, etc...(but there again, we've got the play kitchen, the play vacuum, etc.) I would love some unique ideas!
Also, for my soon to be seven year old...my parents are getting her a Nintendo Dsi XL and it's up to me to buy games. What games do you suggest that she can play on her own?
Thanks!
Let me further state...no matter WHAT, my children only get 1 or 2 things for their birthday. We are pretty poor...you probably don't even understand. What I want is to make sure what I get her IS a special thing. I don't want to get a duplicate of something that's already in the house. :)
How about a special outing? Like a day at the zoo or dinner at Red Robin? This way, you don't have to worry about more toy clutter, and you'll all have a new happy birthday memory.
Like others have said, i think something of her own would feel pretty special for her as she probably is used to hand me downs and stuff she HAS to share. or maybe even some alone time with mommy? with a little small "gift" in the end like a sundae shared together just you two?
How about something that will be fun for outdoors and that is kinda big , special ? ride on toy or sand box or maybe something along that.
A toy tent to put up in the house? My 2yr old loves this and goes in to pretend all the time. I see amazon has one that looks like a woodland fairy house!
Know where you are coming from!!! Have a 4 year old daughter and a soon to be 2 year old.
What I learned at Christmas is that she likes things to call her own, too. So even if older sis has Barbies and Little Ponies, I've gotten her one or two as well. Yes, they all get thrown in together, but now each kid can say that 'this' one is her own. It helps with sharing. I will say, "remember, these belong to both of you." Before it felt like I was making older sis just give up her things to little sis.
We also fill in the gaps of what we didn't get big sis and really watch what little sis likes on her own. Like extra food for the kitchen, supplies for the easel, etc.
Can't help with the 7 year old. We're just not there yet. :) But, I do know little girls like stationary, stamps, and stickers. Maybe even a scrapbook kit?
Have fun!
HOw about a special ride on toy for spring? My kids all loved riding things at age 2. And, they are pretty h*** o* them, so a new one is nice every once and a while.
I'd write her a letter about her childhood, that while she won't appreciate it now, she certainly will later. You might find something on Craig's List that isn't too expensive, but whatever she wants. I used to not think this way, but realized that our younger son did deserve his own stuff, even though he has an older brother. Books are good too -- something she can keep in her own room.
Get her a big bottle of bubbles. Inexpensive, fun, and it's something that runs out so you won't have it in the house all the time.
My absolute FAVORITE 2yo gift is this:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_so_1?rh=n%3A165793011%2Ck%...
They've been used by 2yo's all the up to our now 10 & 11 yos. In my mum's neighborhood there are literally dozens of these all over the place ridden by toddlers to middle school kids. Neighborhood FAVORITE. At about age 3, when they discovered hills, we started mandating helmets. They're great for either inside or outside. HINT: If you have tile, replace the wheels with rollerblade wheels. The wheels they come with are great, but loud.
They're also sturdy and stable as all get out. We've had less than 5 spills (in the entire neighborhood) in 8 years, and 3 of those were intentional. It's ALMOST impossible to dump, flip, or fall off of them (unlike trikes, bikes, and razors). We adults ride them as well, but with our greater weights (up to about 250) they're just not as agile as they are for the kids. The kids can get SUPER tricky / agile with them.
The nickname for this toy is "the scoocher" because while one CAN use the butterfly handle bars to make it go, the kids scooch with their feet and then glide.
LOVE this toy. I'm just holding my breath until my goddaughter turns two and I can get her one!!!
I just want to caution you about saying you don't want to get the younger one anything but one or two things because your older one already has so much and they both can play with them. Your younger still needs to feel like she is special on her bday and is getting her "own" things. Just my opinion. Good luck.
Have you ever looked into Discovery Toys? They are amazing products that grow with your children, so they can keep using them in different ways for many years to come. My son and daughter both love them and I hear great things from my customers.
You can check out all the toys at http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao
My favorites for a two year old are Castle Marbleworks, Block It, Measure Up Cups, and Giant Pegboard.
Happy Birthday to your little girl!
K.
