Coasts first birthday is just around the corner and I couldn’t wait to share my dream gift guide. I know so many people struggle with first birthday presents as they’re so inquisitive , but usually can’t actually use or do much yet… However , I always find the gap between 1 and 2 to be the most fun for children. They suddenly go from babies to toddler, from not moving to walking and they tend to outgrow everything really quick.
So , in light of this , i try to buy for the whole year , not just toys or clothes that will be used straight away , something id recommend for when they’re confidently walking and/ or growing into.
Let’s jump into it , here’s my dream list of first birthday present for my little guy , some we’ve bought , some we’ve been gifted , some sold out so I couldn’t get them & some I can only dream of ( in NO particular order)
I always have a few essentials when it comes to birthday presents, I like to get a ‘ special ‘ gift , something I think will last forever or something they’ll want to hold on too forever. For this gift I knew without doubt it would be the Senger bear. I went for the large size so it wont seem like he’s outgrown it. It’s every bit as beautiful in real life. He also features a removable cushion pad that can be heated or cooled so he will be great for winter too. My only regret is not buying him when Coast was born.
We always tend to do one ‘ big ‘ present or ‘ main present , and if you read my Christmas blog you’ll know we do it then too. At this age it can be hard to pin down and I do think Ride ons and rockers are great for one year olds, especially if like Coast they are cruising and trying to walk as it just gives them a bit more encouragement and adds some fun to it. I love the silver personalised car from My 1st years ( who doesn’t want a car with their name on right?) . I also think when shopping for a big gift , especially at such a fickle age it’s important to buy for the future , so with this in mind i think the banwood first go bikes are just devine. Obviously , I don’t think many 1 years olds are rolling round on one of these but Liberty was confidently using a balance bike before two and we try to not make big toy or extravagant purchases outside of birthdays or Christmas. I just adore this navy colour , Its so classic and simple and will go with any other brands accessories too ( such as helmets and knee pads , eek).
I always buy clothes for birthdays and Christmas too , it’s always the times they’ve outgrown something , or need something new due to changing seasons. So here’s a few pieces that are just totally irresistible. Birthdays means new PJs here too , and I bagged the cutest pair from Bob & blossom in the sale ( and the girls to match ) for just £12 each . We love Bob and blossom and visit every time we’re in London & since we’ve had two trips cancelled due to lock down it made sense to get him a little of London. Oganic Zoo has been my favorite clothes for babes for a long time so I couldn’t resist bagging some of the little beacon collab. We fell in love with her prints before Coast was born and bagged a muslin blanket before she moved back to Australia. The clothes are super soft and wash amazingly well too. If you’re finding us from instagram you’ll know that Coast almost lives in his Claud & Co milking it vest. It’s so thick and soft. the ribs are just wonderful and again , it washes like a complete dream. So for his birthday we naturally have to size up so he never has to be without.
Bob & Blossom Pjs
Alongside cute clothes , I tend to end up buying shoes , weather it’s a nice new pair for special occasions or something they’ve outgrown and needs replacing. At one we’re at an age where we try to encourage our smalls to wear shoes as often as possible so when they’re walking we don’t have a fight on our hands…. Liberty hated having shoes on and would throw them off and remove them at every opportunity. She still does it now , when we’re in the car. As soon as we arrive anywhere , she’s shoeless and sockless. So , i fell in love with Inch blues new collection ( and they can be personalised ) . We’ve worn their shoes since Marlowe was tiny , they’re british made , so reasonably priced and leather.
For toys and play things ( because that’s what kids want right? ) i like to get things that will last being played with , not just by him , but with 5 other kids they have to be robust. I also try to make sure we pick things pretty gender neutral and educational where possible. He may not be old enough to learn yet but it’s never too young to start . So things like the alphabet puzzle I think are great for later life letter recognition. I love the plan toys stacking rocks , as a family that loves the beach doing this with pebbles is something all our kids grow up doing . I love these for a ‘ take along ‘ toy , for if your going out anywhere and need to keep littles entertained . ( by going out , I mean back when we could , and for when we will be able too).
I love a good musical instrument , just not recorders, and this adorable little drum is a must have for any little one or nursery. But if drums aren’t your thing , theres no better wooden toys than Ooh noo . If we didn’t have the letter blocks already I would be buying them now. I love them for stacking , sounding letters and showing , they’re another great toy for learning and growing with your child.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my gift guide and it’s given you some hints and tips. I can’t wait to share Coasts birthday party with you all along with all of the DIY party decor hacks.
