Buying a gift for a toddler? Follow these four tips!

So you’re a first-time aunty or uncle, godparent or distant cousin once removed. You’ve just received an invitation to the first birthday party of your loved one’s little bundle of joy.

We know your first instinct will be panic – what do you buy for toddlers? Do you buy a stuffed toy which they will drag through the mud? Or a set of blocks they will chew right through?

Before you drag yourself to the over-priced toy stores, we have prepared a list of alternative gift options for toddlers…

Something practical

No parent can have enough nappies: as unglamorous as that sounds, a secret stash can be a life saver. While you’re at it, don’t forget to throw in some aqueous cream. You could even go the whole mile and gift a baby pamper hamper with everything they could possibly need. Taking a trip to Makro to buy wet wipes in bulk is a gift that will keep on giving.

Something for the parents

Let’s be honest, one-year-olds don’t even know that it’s their birthday, so don’t feel guilty about not getting them a present. However you can’t show up completely empty handed.

Get something that could make the parents’ life easier. If you’re brave enough, how about a few babysitting vouchers, to give the moms and dads some time off?

You could spoil them with a pamper hamper of luxurious goodies to make them feel sexy again, perhaps even throw in something naughty? Or you could simply gift them a lovely night in, with a picnic hamper and a great bottle of wine.

Something fun

One of the best parts of having a kid around is that you can dress it up in some really fun things, and it can’t complain! A gorgeous little baby grow make the perfect gift for anyone who has a streak of fun and loves South Africa.

How about creating a toy castle from cardboard boxes and tape? It’ll be sure to entertain the little one long after the cake high has worn off. And will cost you nothing but some imagination.

Something sentimental

If you want to give a special gift that signifies your intention of being in this kid’s life for good, we suggest some more long-term gifting ideas.

Give them a fruit tree and plant it together. You can then develop a tradition of taking a picture next to it every year on their birthday, and make jam together when it produces fruit.

What about setting up a savings bond that they can touch only when they come of age? By the time that happens there will be a healthy little nest-egg awaiting them, especially if you add to it each year thereafter.

Something that the whole family will appreciate is a gorgeous family photo shoot. This is a sure winner and a gift that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

For more gift ideas, visit www.tidyandco.com