I have already had a few people ask what would make good gifts for Penelope's Birthday, so I thought that it would be nice to put a list of ideas up here for everyone to see. Toys would be awesome - we have been anticipating an eventual overflow of toys. So, up until now, Alan and I have behaved about buying toys. What that means for all of you is that you're free to get her an awesome toy without receiving hateful glares from Alan and I :) Above is a cute Birthday cake toy by Leap Frog. The light on the tip of the candles light up and it has a sensor so that you can "blow" them out!General notes for gifts: we do not particularly care for cartoon characters such as Elmo, Dora, Disney Princesses, Little Einsteins, etc. - we make a point to leave the TV off until Penelope is asleep - not that Penelope will never watch T.V., we would just rather not expose her to those things this young.
Clothing: please keep in mind that Penelope still has some issues with eczema. So, if gifting clothing (or even stuffed animals and blankets), keep it 100% cotton. Currently, Penny is wearing size 6-9 / 6-12 / 12 months. For warmer clothing this fall, she will be fitting into size 12-18 or 18 months and size 2 shoes. For next spring/summer she will most likely be in size 18-24 months or 24 months and in size 3 shoes.Our favorite brands include: Gymboree, Circo, Baby Gap, Tea Collection and Old Navy. These brands are all generally 100% cotton. (Brands like Carters, Garanimals, and Jumping Beans have a tendency to slip in a small percentage of polyester or spandex. So keep a close eye out when shopping.)Now to toooooyyyys! Below is a list of things that are Penelope approved:
Penelope LOVES balls. Especially beach and play balls. Above is a super cute ball that I found at PotteryBarnKids.com that I know she would have a lot of fun with :)
Penelope is getting to the age where she's starting to figure out more complex toys. On the left is a "chunky" puzzle by Melissa and Doug. We have their Dinosaur puzzle and Penny loves it! If anyone can find their wire puzzle rack, that would also make a wonderful gift!
On the right are the Hide'n'Sqeak Eggs by Tomy. SUPER cute and super fun!
On the right are the Hide'n'Sqeak Eggs by Tomy. SUPER cute and super fun!
Penny loves playing with animal figures! So the more the merrier! I know Schleich is a popular brand that is found in many stores, but it really doesn't matter what brand they are as long as they are not small enough to swallow.
Ok... so going clockwise starting in the top, left corner, we have a cute, simple shape sorter by Imaginarium, a simple plastic shape sorter by FisherPrice, Picnic Basket fill and spill by Melissa and Doug, and wooden blocks by Wonderworld. She loves toys that involve taking things in and out of a container.
Also, as a side note, we LOVE Melissa and Doug toys :)
Books! Books! Books! We love books! Here we have Brown Bear Brown Bear, What do you see? and The very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss - 3 classics that Penelope has yet to own. She LOVES Dr. Seuss books and books that rhyme or that have "touch and feel" textures. So far, the only Dr. Seuss book that we own is Cat in the Hat, so more would be amazing!
For those who plan to "go in" on a larger gift or feel like being generous, here we have a foldaway slide by Little Tikes and a riding toy by Prince Lionheart. The slide would be getting tons of use. One of my big projects for this summer is to create a playroom for Penny in our basement. So not only will she be able to play with it outside when the weather is warm, but one this size, we will be able to set up in the playroom during the cold winter months.
...and last but not least, here are some TaDoodles by Crayola! With Alan and I being artists, you know that we want to start Penny young! The ones shown here are called tub crayons - they can draw on the tub and it washes off easily. They also have regular crayons, markers and stamps like these.
Most of these toys can be found at Toys'R'us, Wal-mart or Target. Any other questions or ideas, just let us know!
Also.... I find it absolutely critical that Penelope receive a couple pairs of these ASAP:
...seriously - how freaking cute? Their website is: www.rufflebutts.com
...and last but not least, here are some TaDoodles by Crayola! With Alan and I being artists, you know that we want to start Penny young! The ones shown here are called tub crayons - they can draw on the tub and it washes off easily. They also have regular crayons, markers and stamps like these.Most of these toys can be found at Toys'R'us, Wal-mart or Target. Any other questions or ideas, just let us know!
Also.... I find it absolutely critical that Penelope receive a couple pairs of these ASAP:
...seriously - how freaking cute? Their website is: www.rufflebutts.com
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