Yesterday, Baby Joe turned the big ONE. And, let me tell you…it’s been a long year. This kid is by far the most opinionated, overly-sensitive, hard-to-please, baby that I’ve ever had. (And, I’ve had a few.) It doesn’t change the fact that I love him to death and could suck on his cheeks all day (and, I do.) Cute little Joey…but, he’s tricky. Tricky #5. But, I’ll get him figured out, if it’s the last thing I do. Look at those soggy cheeks…yummy.
By the fifth child, it seems like we already own every toy in the universe. Not really. But, when I’m picking them up all the time, you would think. So, I really struggled trying to think of what I could give Joey for his birthday. Hmmmm…what would last a long time? What would make him smile?? Oh, that’s right…Elmo. I cannot tell you how lost I would be without Elmo. I can make all the craziest faces, silliest noises, and play the funniest games…Joey’s hardly amused. I guess I’m just NOT funny. But, I turn on Elmo and Joey is mesmerized with a perma-grin. PERMA-grin. Until, that is, you block his view…he’s not cool with that. Elmo is his thing. So, I just pretend that Elmo is MY thing too, and he thinks I’m pretty awesome. I probably sing the Elmo song to him 10 times a day. We watch Elmo together, eat off of Elmo spoons, read Elmo books, dream about Elmo, etc.. I’ve got Joey wrapped around my finger.
So, I did some serious Elmo research and found two great products that both moms and babies love…
Gift Ideas for One Year Old Boy or Girl:
Elmo Flap Book Library– One thing Joey loves to play, for about 30 seconds, is peek-a-boo. He loves to pick at things with his cute little fingers, and…he loves Elmo. So, I knew these lift-the-flap (peek-a-boo) books would be perfect. Plus, each book focuses on babies favorite things…dogs, babies, food, and balls!
Elmo Ball Pit – Babies love balls. Even more, they love LOTS of balls. This particular Elmo Ball Pit got great reviews because, for one, it’s NOT inflatable (no popping or blowing up), and for two, it has random holes in the wall to fit the balls through. You know, so they can make a mess all over the floor. OR, have fun fitting the balls in the holes to clean them up. It’s all in how you look at it. 🙂 The package comes with 50 balls, but reviewers recommend buying an extra 50 to make things extra fun. And, now that I own it, I totally agree.
Alright, that’s enough of Elmo. The first birthday is a perfect excuse to splurge on the most adorable Robeez shoes. I love these soooo much. They are perfect for new walkers and aren’t pulled off as easily. Most of them are around $20 bucks, but they go up to about $36. I especially love the slipper type Robeez. They can be worn all winter long, with or without socks. Okay, let’s just get this out there…I don’t have time to find matches for socks that are 2 inches long. They have been completely swallowed up in my overflowing laundry basket of un-matched socks. THAT is why I like the slippers. I have no intention of matching those socks up (hundreds of them) any time soon.
Every day, Joey needs to have his magnet-time. I know, it sounds like some big important necessity, touted by doctors and trendy mothers, but it’s not. It goes like this…magnets are on the fridge, Joey sits at the bottom of the fridge, pulls the magnets off, and throws them onto the floor. Mom picks them up, and he does it again. It’s awesome, and it makes him happy. So, if I wanted to add to his magnet collection, which I don’t, I would get him this: LeapFrog’s Fridge Farm. It’s a great product, as is the one he already has, the Alphabet Set.
I seriously considered getting him this Play Tunnel. I know he would love it and I love how it collapses to store away. I think my little girls would love it too. But, the little dude doesn’t need everything. So, I’ll save this idea for later…maybe Christmas. ($24 bucks)
Whenever I’m in need of ideas, I always ask the ladies on “Or so she says…” Facebook page. I can’t even tell you how many great ideas I’ve gotten from everyone there. I love it. Anyway, so I asked them to share some gift ideas for a one year old baby. Here are a few of their great suggestions (thanks, gals!):
Fisher Price Seahorse – I immediately looked this up, and hello. This is like the upgraded gloworm, from our childhood (which still has a place in my heart.) You squeeze it and it lights up and plays lullabies and ocean sounds for 5 minutes, before gradually fading away. It has 8 different lullabies and 2 ocean tracks. Great idea.
Aurora World Barn Yard Animals – When I first noticed the great reviews on this product, I was like, “why?” Ya know? But, then it started to sink in…soft and cute animals that make their own individual noise, an adorable case to put them in. I totally get it. I’m adding this to Joey’s Christmas wish list. Extra cool: they have more than just the barn yard collection. There is also the safari, pet, garden friends, and sea life collection.
IKEA Ekorre Toddler Wagon/Walker – With the cool, signature IKEA look, this walker is perfect for older babies. The wheels can be tightened/loosened, depending on the skills of the babe, and the little bucket on front is perfect for collecting things around the house (pretzels under the couch, mom’s decorations, toys, tv controllers, magnets, etc.) Oh, and it’s only $20 bucks…but, you have to find it at a store, it’s not available online.
There you go! Here’s a previous post with more gift ideas for a one year old boy or girl. Also, for gift ideas for everyone on your list, visit the Gift Ideas tab at the top of the blog and be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, to keep the whole collection in one place!
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