The family will be moving out of state in August, so it would be nice to get something they can move easily. We would want to spend around $50 or more (not normally what we would spend, but we have reasons to do so). It could be one piece, or a 2-3 different things.
Any suggestions?
I was thinking of a trike but I am not sure if they would/could take it with them...
Thank you all for the great suggestions! We decided to go with a small toy that can be used during the travel, a stuffed animal, plus a gift card to use after they move.
Passes for the zoo or museum was a great suggestion but family passes in the city they are moving were beyond our budgeted amount.
Thanks again! ;-)
What about a subscription (magazine) mailed to their new address? Wild Animal Baby and National Geographic Kids are two my DD likes. Then a small item, maybe something for travel, for the day of the party?
I'm not sure where they are moving, but we recently moved from Connecticut to Philadelphia about a month after my son's birthday. Someone got us a membership to the zoo in Philly and it has been a wonderful thing to have, especially when we first moved and didn't know what to do with our son sometimes. Maybe look into a membership to a zoo or children's museum for where they will be going. I'm sure you can have it activated at the time of their move.
I'd suggest getting her a gift or two then a gift certificate somewhere close to where they will be moving (like a Chucky Cheese or Toys R Us or Monkey Joes). That way she has a toy now and something fun to do (or go spend money at) once they are there. I'd also talk to the mom/dad because she may really be into something at this age. I would not suggest something bulky like a trike for the reasons you mentioned.
My daughter loved bath toys (there is one that runs like a faucet in the tub) that she got when she was 3. She's also very into crafts and has loved crayons, markers, stickers, etc since she was small. But not all kids are like that!
Something for in the car/on the plane and a gift certificate. I would be peeved if I was about to move and someone got my children big bulky gifts.
Magna Doodle is a favorite of my son's.
Although I know you're being thoughtful and want to do something special for her, I would not actually buy her a tangible gift if they are trying to move. I'm sure they are in the middle of packing, purging, throwing out, selling, etc. I would go with a gift certificate for someplace too like Chuck E Cheese or an ice cream shop or whatever. Do someplace that she can go, have fun, and not necessarily bring anything home! I know at 2 that isn't really an exciting gift b/c they don't totally get that this plastic card means anything, but honestly, I think the parents will thank you!
I like books as a gift choice. You could get a set of books and the corresponding characters. Kohls just had another of their Kohls Cares for Kids with the Llama Llama books and plush toys. HTH
If you know where they're moving, maybe check to see if there is a child friendly local attraction that you could purchase a yearly or family pass for. For example, a chilren's museum (that has hands on activities for young children), an art center, maybe some sort of zoo or similar place. I'm sure the'd love not having to move something, and on top of that, they might be able to enjoy the attraction often (and would probably think of you each time they went!). What a thoughtful friend to be thinking of a useful gift!
the trike is an excellent idea!
A nice doll & doll stroller, a doll bed setup, anything girlie would work! But, as you said, size may matter in this gift.
I think I would truly focus on something which will make her happy before, during, & after the move.....& a baby doll she can care for may do the trick!
I think a magazine subscription like National Wildlife's Wild Animal Baby would be nice because 1) they wouldn't have to pack it; 2) I've yet to meet a young child who *doesn't* like receiving mail with his or her name on it! And maybe a nice picture book or DVD that she can watch during the move
I absolutely love the idea of a season pass/membership to the local zoo, Children's Museum, etc!
The magazine subscription idea is great too, my daughter loves Highlights High Five.
My parents gave my son a tricycle (with a push handle) for his 2nd birthday and honestly he wasn't interested in it until now (just turned 3), so I would consider something else!
What about an art easle with a smock and washable paints? At this age, my son (and his classmates) LOVE creating things... include some sponges and other textural "dippers" like pipe cleaners!
I'd give a gift card in the amount you choose. Tell the parents you want them to purchase what their child can best use, and ask what store they prefer.
I took my 2 year old shopping with me with the gift cards and cash he received at his party, and he had a blast picking new toys out, some I'd have had no idea he'd like!
