Tomorrow is my granddaughter's 3rd birthday! She is my son's daughter from a brief fling, and the mom doesn't allow my son to see her unless he brings $$ with him for child support (a whole other story - and between them) - so, anyway, I rarely get to see her. It is over 2 hours to drive out there, and I work full time and have a child at home, and another adult child that needs help because of medical issues. I know it is a flimsy excuse, but I don't get to see her. The last time I saw her was November. So, anyway - mom invited me to her party provided that son won't be there, and he won't. So since I barely know this little princess, I have no clue what to buy her. I have a 3 year old grandson that I see often, but he likes boy stuff. So can someone give me an idea in the 40 to 50 dollar range?
You all ROCK! Great ideas. I've already asked mom, and she is a terrible communicator, and hasn't answered me. She won't answer her phone, but will reply to texts. UGH! I think I may visit a Disney store and see if I can get a princess dress!
-Princess dress up things including plastic crown & ceptor
-baby stroller for a doll
-baby doll
-mini plastic kitchen set (fridge, stove etc.). They have cheap ones.
-plastic tea set
How about something with horses? This Melissa and Doug set is 49.99..
We don't have that particular one - I have a smaller Melissa and Doug set just with horses (no stable) and my daugther (3.5) loves it.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/fold-and-go-stable-with-horses
Or a new doll with doll clothes? I know my daughter would love something like that..
I have a daycare child of mine who is turning 3 tomorrow as well! Se is not a princess crazed girly girl, so I am not going that typical route. When I asked her what she wanted, she told me (with hands on her hips and a thoughtful 3 year old expression!)...Tootsie rolls, and chocolate bars...and um...SUCKERS! LOL. NOT happening! But thanks for trying!
So I just started mentioning things. Tons of things. Just to see what she reacted to. I said puzzles, toy cars, toy food, dolls, books, balls, sidewalk chalk, on and on. I hit a high note with BACKPACK! And I always get my kids undies on their 2nd and 3rd (if they are not trained and this one is not unfortunately...first time in 3 years I have had one this old not fully trained)..but thats my thing.
So I went to Target and they have super cute smaller kids size backpacks in these animal designs (tons of choices) for $20. Then I got stuff to fill it. A bunch of dollar cost stuff (glow in the dark frogs and bugs, some glow sticks and things for her cabin week next week with her family for the 4th of July). I got her a cute little Kids Lantern for $5 in the toy department she will love (all kids love flashlights and lanterns!), then some other fillers like sidewalk chalk, crayons, washable markers and a few coloring books and kids drawing pads. I figure she can take it all on her little trip this week!
I looked for some t-shirts or shorts for her as well but didn't see anything I liked for her.
I love doing these sorts of gifts for kids as they seem to LOVE getting them. Some sort of basket, bag or something they can use that I fill with other stuff. Some cheapie dollar spot stuff, with maybe one nice thing (like the shirt idea or the lantern or? depending on your budget).
Best wishes and Happy Birthday to your Granddaughter!
Enjoy your visit with her!
Books. Share your heart with words and pictures! Lots of meaningful "Grandma and Me" ones out there that can make an impact.
Dress up stuff. Get a bag and put a pair of shoes, an outfit, wand, boa, and crown in it. My daughter got that for x-mas when she was 2 and loved it. Btw, she's six now and played dress-up yesterday with a friend.
OR you could do cooking stuff to go with a kitchen. If you do that, I'd make sure she has a kitchen 1st. And, don't forget the apron.
If you can ask her mama what she is into or what she needs. If not most 3 year olds are into princesses, dress up, coloring, dolls, puzzles. I think of some of the really cool crayola color wonder stuff that is mess free. There is painting and markers and all kinds of fun stuff. You can always find real nice princess dresses at the Disney Store in that range.
Hi there,
Maybe if you have $$ left over after visiting the Disney store (unlikely, I know!!) you could get one of those books where you record yourself reading the story (Hallmark and Walmart have I believe). A nice way to connect with her and let you know how much you love her and think about her even though you aren't able to see eachother often.
I would ask her mom. At this age there are a lot of choices, dolls, games etc. but you probably do not know what she has. Do you know if she has stopped putting things in her mouth? When my daughter was 3 I was able to buy her toys for older little girls with smaller parts becu\ause she no longer did that. So like I said, the best bet may be to speak with her mom. SHe will beable to give you the best advice...
That said, that is a tough price range... I would get two or three games (teddy bear picnic, lady bug picnic, I can do that to name a few my daughter loved ad still loves). Dolls are nice to, if she has a doll house, see if she needs furniture for it...
Good luck!
Good advice from all the mamas! I'm only chiming in to say take your own camera and get LOTS of pictures. Reading the description of the relationship you have with this granddaughter, any pictures you get of the two of you will be priceless! Enjoy yourself and hug that baby girl!
My daughter just had her 3rd birthday yesterday. She wanted (and got) a bike for her birthday. :)
I think the idea of a bag filled with "stuff" is cute (she's getting one of these too). My daughter adores bags of all kinds (she has a stash of random store bags, gift bags, and goody bags from birthday parties). We're putting in a wind-up flashlight (no batteries needed and it promotes coordination!), stickers, glow sticks, a princess crown, and some glitter glue.
I think I might also get her a cute piggy pank.
Hi R.!
I, personally, hate the princess stuff. However, my DD has princess dress ups she played with at 3. I would go to Lakeshore Learning store (or some place similar) for ideas. The ones that come to mind would need parent approval (sand/water table, drum set...)
My daughter loved her marble tower: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CproductSubCat~~...
And I'm got my niece a butterfly nursery for her 3rd birthday: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CproductSubCat~~...
Have fun!!!
ETA: If you do princess dress up - my DD (4) loves her Brave doll and dress (from grandma). She's not familiar with all the princesses but she was really drawn to this one:
http://www.disneystore.com/plush-toys-soft-merida-plush-d...
(20" tall soft one)
I would go to James Avery and get her the child size necklace with her initial or a small necklace in sterling from WalMart. They have children's jewelry. My daughter will be 3 in August and loves these kinds of things. It's sentimental, especially if you never see her. She will be reminded of you.
I have a 2 yr old she is starting to like barbies and princess stuff. Also, doll houses and furniture for it. Baby dolls and anything to go with a baby doll, stroller, crib, bottles. Or if she doesn't have one a play kitchen. Little girls love those! Or a tricycle!
How about a magna-doodle?
I always give books and games. I love it when my kids grandmas give them books and write messages on the inside cover. I also love it that grandma buys much-needed clothes and staples the receipt to the tags! Sometimes its hard to admit your kids need new clothes and you just can't afford new cute things.
A few books we love are:
10 minutes till bedtime
Knuffle Bunny
Pete the Cat
Some games that a 3 year old can play:
Zingo (best game ever)
Richard Scary's Busy Town
Uno Moo
Here's a generic 3 year old gift list that I keep for birthday parties.
Anything Melissa and Doug, floor puzzles, tiny cars, dolls, stomp rocket, remote control car, kid scissors, Kumon cutting books, Fancy Nancy
