I am a single mom and funds are really tight. My divorce was just final on 4/24 and funds have been very limited that I feel like I am drowning.I just starting working but not enough to pay bills it all goes on gas and expenses for baby.
My baby's 1st Birthday is on Sat and have no clue what to get him. He is very active and loves to learn and he starting to walk.
Any advice is appreciated.
Dear S., My first thought would be blocks, big bright blocks with the tub that has the square, round, etc. holes in the top. Good learning tool, entertaining, and most importantly, cheap!
The good thing about this age is that they are young enough to appreciate anything you give them. Get him something small that you can afford and make sure that you spend a lot of time with him that day, making him feel special. At my daughter's first Xmas, I was really broke and upset, and my friend told me that they will enjoy the time with you as much as or more than toys. The time will come soon enough when they will clamor for things you can't afford!! Good luck to you - I am praying for you.
C.
you're at that fortunate stage where they don't know it's their birthday, so you don't have to get them anything! especially if you have family and friends who will give gifts. your one year old won't have a clue. I would spend that money on a cake for him to eat and for pictures of that. mark the occasion in photos moreso than with a toy that won't last forever. congratulations!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004T2WP/...
My kids used this until everything had fallen off. I would say it is definitely worth the money.
You could go to a kids consignment shop and buy your 1 yr old a walker with all the toys on the tray. You might even be able to find one a Walmart. But they should only run you $20 - $30 dollars. When my daughter was little she LOVED it.
Hi S.,
It's easy to feel that you have to throw some big birthday bash every year, but you don't. You can make a simple cake, get a couple of ballons and buy him a puzzle, book or game. Check out Walmart or Target. They usually have age-appropriate toys for less than $10.00. Be sure to take some pictures with cake on his face.
D.
I know, this may sound odd - but why do you need to get him anything at all? It's not like at one year old he'll remember that his mom didn't get him anything for his birthday. A good idea may be to just have a fun day planned out with your boys. Take them to a park, play in a pool, on a walk in a wooded area to look at new things, ect. Experiences are the best gift you can give your children, in my opinion. They won't get lost, you don't have to pick them up, and it creates a deeper relationship with those you're creating the memories with.
Sounds like a book or a ball would be perfect for your little guy! Although I'm sure that you know it is not necessary to buy your one year old a birthday present (he'll never know the difference), I can understand why you would want to or feel that you should. So get him something simple. Half Price books usually has some great deals.
Happy Birthday to you guys!
S.
Hello! I have a little tikes go and grow rider your little one can have. My 14 month old doesnt use it. It up in the closet still in the box. You can have it for free. My number is ###-###-####. What I did for my little ones birthday. we got a card from Tom Thumb for a free birthday cake(20 inches Im not sure) in the mail and thats what we used for her and I just took lots of pictures. I did buy her gift but she didnt get it until easter.
Have a great birthday,
E.
This is the birthday that every mommy stresses out over, and the baby is completely clueless! Trust me, we have all been there and want the best day for our little one, but please do not stress! You have enough on your plate. I would suggest having a little cake- maybe your other child and you can make it together- and maybe some books for the birthday boy. You can get good, inexpensive books and toys at the Dollar General. Actually, I have a walking toy that my son got 2 of, and I would be happy to donate it to your family!! Just email me and let me know if you are interested- I am in Garland, but I go to Lewisville 2-3 times a week. GOod Luck and just look at those Beautiful faces when things get too tough!!! :-)
S.-
Happy Birthday to you guys! I'm with the other mommies: if you feel like you have to get something gift wise, I would make it really inexpensive, maybe a book that you can inscribe the front of for him to have forever, and then focus more on the day, making memories, etc. I love the idea of you and your other son baking a cake for your little guy, or Target has small cakes for under or around $20 that they give you a complimentary little "smash cake" for your 1 yr. old with. You could do that yourself with cupcakes, too. My twins just turned one and it seems like the toys they love the most are my Tupperware, digging in my flower pots outside and just being outside, and pushing chairs around my kitchen. For some reason the toys I have bought have very little appeal to them! It sounds like you have been going through some really tough stuff, and I hope things start turning around for you. Hang in there, and like another mom said, just look at those beautiful little faces when the going gets really tough and remember they love you so much, regardless of the material things you provide for them. You should be proud of the job you are doing with them...!
S., I totally understand what you are talking about, I too am a single mother to Two boys, 5 and 2 and had to endure the same thing. But what I found to be helpful was to check out some of the stores that had "clearance" Target, Wal-Mart, beleive it or not, Ross, and some book stores, have great fun activity books for young kids, my boys love it! If you need anything, please let me know, my divorce is not final yet, God I wish!! But I truely understand what you are talking about!
Have a good day!
A.
Bless you! I know it's difficult when finances are tight. Rest assured, your 1 year old angel does not know or care how much he receives for his birthday. Have you looked at children's resale shops for a toy? You can often find them in great condition. Since he's starting to walk, you might want to look for one of those toys that they can hold onto and walk, that has other activities on it. I can't think of what they are called. . .
The best memories are going to be cake! Make a small cake just for him, put him in his high chair, and let him go for it! He won't eat much, he'll get it all over himself, and you'll get great pictures for his memory book.
Best wishes, and happy birthday to your little one.
T.
