Gift Ideas for Second Child

Hi there! I know how you feel with the subsequent kids especially of the same sex when you have everything needed. I still like to give the second and third new clothes, just a couple of outfits because they are a new person and you just get sick of seeing the same ones over and over (this really makes a bigger difference when they get older and don't want big brother or sisters clothes and they wonder where their own clothes are) Other than that I say savings bonds!! you can never go wrong with that! Happy Holidays

I've actually asked for savings bonds for the kids college funds.
Usually each grandparent gives them a $25 bond for major holidays and birthdays.
The kids see that they did receive money and understand that it goes towards their schooling when they're older. They can't grasp and appreciate it now, yet they will when they'll need it...
personally if you don't want more "stuff" then tell everyone to wrap empty boxes or wrap the toys he already has. at 6 months old it's fun to play with paper and boxes. and at 6 months he won't have any clue about materialism or sibling jealousy.
have fun with the day.

I would either tell the family to save thier money or put it into a bond or Educational IRA. Or to give gift cards so if any needs arise you have them as a back up. As a last resort you can have them give the big bag of wrapping paper that comes after you open all of the other presents. My babies liked playing in that stuff better than playing with the gifts. HAHA

This might sound old fashioned, but why not ask for a savings bond? They mature and are worth more than the face value after maturity. Or how about some diapers???LOL Start a savings account for him and when asked, have them put the money that they would normally buy a toy with into the account! Good luck

how aboput some type of savings plan so that he can get stuff when he is older or for college. its never to late to start saving

I didn't read any of the other's responses so sorry if this is a repeat.
I think you and he both would enjoy some sort of craft that you do together. For example, a do-it-yourself handprint with frame that you can make with him and keep for yourself. He most likely won't care since he is only 6 months, but later on you will be glad you have it and he will think it is silly that those are his hand prints.

A few ideas: membership to the zoo, growth chart, gift certificate for pictures, hand print frame

I agree with Tracy S's response - very good ideas. I'd just like to stress that books made for babies are really great for them to explore with... if you don't already have some from your older son. The kinds that come with laces, squishy stuff, buttons, crinkly noises, etc. I was a preschool teacher for the younger age groups and they always flocked to those books.

My suggestion is to pay really close attention to the things that you are saying no to when you are out shopping. Make a little list of the things that he is asking for. I would also heavily encourage board/learning games that way the things that he is recieving are things that require you all to interact with eachother. That way his gifts give him time with you as well.

Hi K.,
I understand your position as I had two girls and was in the same boat so to say. Savings bonds, gift cards, or cash to put in a savings account are nice options. You can let people know that your son or both sons are not in need of anything right now but you can put that away for college or when they do need a new bike, winter coat or such. You can only have so many toys before it is overwhelming and storage is another issue. You are blessed! Enjoy those boys! :)
J.

Hi, Kay--The way I chose some great toys for my daughter for others this year was to go onto the internet and type in "top toys for toddlers." It came up with some great ideas, bet if you put in "top toys for babies" you'd get some good ones, too. There was some stuff on there I'd never think about, and so many new things since your first kiddo came along. Definitely do some stuff for him too--I am a second child, and while hand me down clothes were just a part of my life, it would have been sad to just get hand me down toys too.

Good luck!

B.

My parents started out right away getting cd's for all of their grand children. It ia a savings for their future that they can't spend, right now but will appreciate at a later time.

A donation to a needy cause in your child's honor. With the economy being what it is, the non profits are getting less donations and their needs are greater.

I'd suggest gift certificates for some upscale toy store (online or not) that sells real educational/ developmental quality toys. The kind of toys you do not find in Toys R Us or Target etc.
Or photography makes a great gift...a gift cert for a studio session is a treat!

What a wonderful opportunity to start building your youngest's personal library! You can suggest copies of books both your children enjoy, so he has his own copy, as well as hard bound classics he will enjoy as he gets older. Some suggestions of books he will enjoy sooner than later would be anything by Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky (very funny poetry), Eric Carle. Books that he will enjoy later could be things like Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island. He will be able to enjoy a gift like this for years and someday maybe even share with his own children!
Have a wonderful holiday season !
Jenny

When my girls were little, we gathered up lots of toys and clothes, books and games and took them to a local orphanage. It was a good lesson for the girls, helped clean out the play room and dresser drawers and the orphanage people said they could always use such donations. I am sure there are many groups and homes where people would benefit from your donations. In this way, you are helping others who are less fortunate and your little one can have his own things. Good luck!

photo coupons or credits?

Savings bonds (but that doesnt get things for your older to play with/wear that your younger can grow into) These savings bonds are appreciated. My husband and I are now cashing some of the ones given us as children. A $100 bond purchased for $50 is now worth $375 at its maximum maturity, if I remember right.

My friend has the same issue. Her girls are 22 months apart (almost 3 and 1 year). The little one doesn't need anything. For her first birthday, I ended up getting a couple of Halloween themed cookbooks. her birthday is very close to Halloween and my friends are anticipating many Halloween themed parties in their future. The books are not much use to the baby right now, but will be something for the family to enjoy together as the girls grow up. I found a nice handmade top for her to play with and she was thrilled with that. For Christmas I found an adorable sun dress. She doesn't "need" clothes, but it was just too sweet. I have some other little "Princess" themed things for her to play with to go with the dress, again so there is a small thing for her to enjoy. Honestly, the little one will probably be most interested in the holiday cookies.

I think books are always a great gift and it is nice when kids can have special books of their own. I have many, many books from my teaching days, but I have made sure that my son has plenty of books that are just his. If I am ever blessed with another child, I would have that priority for him/her as well.

I would check out www.fatbraintoys.com it is a really great website with a lot of toys that aren't the average everyday toys. I was having the same problem until I stumbled upon this website. It gave me a lot of new gift ideas to give other people. It's also great because you can search by age and it actually comes up with age appropriate toys. Other websites seem like the come up with toys that aren't always age appropriate. Good luck!

I got my sister-in-law a gift certificate to am Mommy-and-me class at a kids gym in her area. Her daughter isn't quite old enough to get it, but it's something that they can do together when they are ready. Also, how about a gift certificate to a Gymboree or something?

Hi K.,

I hear you! I have 4 kids and have been able to pass down the good quality toys/clothes, so they don't need much either - yet family always wants to buy stuff for the wee ones don't they? :) Unless my kids really really want something unique or it is something that can be used in conjunction with something they already have - ie...more building blocks or lego sets, or if they really could use some new clothes, I have suggested that in lieu of toys, to contribute financially to an activity they are doing..like gymnastics, soccor, piano lessons, etc. Or to take the kids to the Az Science Center or Museum...anywhere fun and educational! I know your little one is only 6 months, so doesn't really apply to him now - but for future suggestions:) **Acutually, if grandma and granmpa could take the kids for the day to the park or zoo, they get quality time and you get some free time! My in-laws have put money towards their college fund every birthday and Christmas. My kids understand and really don't feel jipped in any way.
So for your baby- does he really need to open gifts? He'd be happy to play with the wrapping paper! But, everyone loves to buy baby stuff..so I suggest books. You can never have too many books. Classic books, sturdy toddler books, cloth books, anykind of book. Build their library. Or a few simple bright colored scarves...babies LOVE to feel them, hide under them, chew on them. There are some really nice child-friendly play scarves on the website Hearth Song other natural play centered websites, like NOVA or Magic Cabin. These websites also have toys that are made in US or Europe and made from either organic or some kind of non-toxic, sustainable material....more expensive but great quality and beautiful. For the last few years I remind my family to not buy cheap plastic toys for my kids for Christmas or birthdays - EVER. We are a culture of consumerism. What are we teaching our children? I applaud you for your responsible and consciencious thinking about what "stuff" our kids really need. I know there are many cool and "educational" toys out there...but think outside the mainstream box, and soon you'll teach your boys and family members what your inner wise mamma already knows - that the stuff - no matter how cool and cute - is just stuff, and what are children desire and require doesn't come in a box.

Good Wishes!

In Peace,
A.
mom of 4
www.birthingfromwithin.com

PS...You might like to check out the documentary film "WHERE DO CHILDREN PLAY" by Elizabeth Goodenough. Just google it and it will lead you to the website. If you want to send me your email, I can also give you the information on when and where you can come to a free viewing and discussion on it in the Scottsdale area.

As many other moms have suggested, I would suggest a savings bond or something along those lines. Another idea is something personalized with the babys name on it. One year my sister in law sent my daughter a set that included a pretty towel, a set of pencils and a pencil holder all with cute pink leapord prints and cats on them and all inscribed with my daughters name. They have tons of websites that do this type of personalization and lots of different items to choose from. One of my other sister in laws knitted (or crocheted) a big blanket with my daughters name on it and that was great because it was an inexpensive gift and it is a very personal gift. My daughter's name is Ella so it is easy to knit. Also, technology is improving every day and the old toys that have been passed down to your baby could be outdated, there are probably newer toys out there that would be great for the baby that you don't even know about. Same with clothes. Fashions change every season/year and there are probably some new clothes out there that are more up to date that would be great. Happy Holidays!

If you have not started up a 529 College Savings Plan than you might consider doing that. Instead of gifts, you could have family donate money to your child's future education.

What our family really enjoys (our kids are 15 months apart, so we also end up with a lot of things they can share), are gift certificates or memberships to places that it's not always easy to spend the money on ourselves. The zoo, museums (children's or otherwise...my kids love the natural history museum), Science Center, movies, Botanical Gardens, the railroad park, and even the state parks around town all charge a fee to get in (merry-go-round tokens from the mall are also a hit). Not having to pay gives you the motivation to go together as a family. It's truly a gift for everyone. We always make sure to take lots of pictures of our adventures so that people know how much we appreciate this gift of "family time."

I'm glad you asked this question! I also have a 3 1/2 year old and a 6 month old (both boys) and I was wondering the same thing. My boys birthdays are only a couple of weeks apart so my youngest even gets to wear everything my oldest had. I bought him some clothes of his own but I'm having the same issues with toys! I'm afraid he'll watch the 1st Christmas videos and compare that the oldest had TONS of presents! With the way money is right now I just can't stand the thought of buying more toys (especially similar toys to what we already have) just to give him something new when he's at an age he won't know the difference. I was thinking I would watch the video of my oldest's 1st Christmas and re-wrap any of the toys that weren't shown on the video! I also agree that you can just tell other people toys, clothes, bonds, gift cetif. After your son outgrows the clothes and toys, you can donate them or sell them and use the money to buy them something they need at that time!

I have 2 girls, so I know what you mean. We had received a gift for our girls which was great. Each girl got a personalized rocking chair from www.hoohobbers.com with their name on it. It was a very useful gift that they still use years later. Any kind of personalized gift is good, books(can't have too many of them - may his own bookcase) or things for their rooms. Our girls got some personalized hooded towels that were homemade. They loved them ! It does get easier as they get older and have different interests and tastes in clothes.

I would just say toys...the good thing about toys for babies is that they can be very stimulating but the baby doesn't usually destroy it like older kids do to their toys. That way you can donate after your child has out grown them. Then your frfiends money hasn't been wasted but gone to a good cause....

My daughter was seven months on her first Christmas, so I know what you are talking about.

'Santa' bought her the Fisher Price crawl through house and mommy and daddy bought her clothes:) We draw names in our family, so I said I wanted clothes for her. A lot of her clothes were hand-me-downs, so it was nice to put something brand new on her for a change.

I am practical so I would go for new feeding bowls, sippy cups that would be his own, a book on making your own baby food, baby spoons, cute bibs, etc.

A toy that he could push or walk with would surely be popular as well. I know he is young, but our daughter LOVED openings gifts on her first Christmas, so don't deprive him of that joy!

We had a similar problem. My daughter is an only child and has always been blessed with too much stuff. When people did ask about gifts we requested savings bonds. We put a note with each bond to identify who it came from and the occasion. Some of her bonds came from grandparents who have since passed away. We enjoy looking at the notes and talk about how much they really cared. When she was given cash we set up a bank account which has turned into a very nice CD. She is now 10, has a stack of bonds and understands the value of saving her money.