Needs recs- infant boy toys and 1 year old girl

[matrips]

This is from our church giving tree.  
 

No suggestions were given for the infant.  I was thinking cloth books?  Bath toys?  Or what?  What are some good infant toys?  Include the brand too since I know some are really cheaply made.

The requests for the 1 yo girl were barbies, princess dress up, and light up toys.  The first two seem inappropriate.  What would be good for a 1 yo girl?  I saw a leapfrog electronic book that had really good reviews. 
 

stumped here.  Mine are teens.

[vonfirmath]

When my kids were little bitty (Infant age) I loved toys like these Lamaze for them:

Freddie the Firefly was a particular favorite: https://smile.amazon.com/LAMAZE-L27024A-Lamaze-Freddie-Firefly/dp/B000I2Q0F4?ref_=ast_sto_dp

You could also get a Pop Up toy on the assumption he'll get to the point of needing it very quick: https://smile.amazon.com/Playskool-Favorites-Poppin-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B00DSIQS6G/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=infant+toys&qid=1607443747&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-6

Activity tables are really useful too: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B085ZL74YZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B085ZL74YZ&pd_rd_w=nvWUJ&pf_rd_p=f0355a48-7e73-489a-9590-564e12837b93&pd_rd_wg=axXMr&pf_rd_r=3K43Q114R5T0GVMY9ZD7&pd_rd_r=e53a0ccf-7866-43bf-b336-59307dd9816a&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMjZMMjE2OEs2T1VUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjE2ODAzV1JMWlBDMlVRV0FLJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxMzIxMjZRRUw5UEY0WDNZN1Emd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWMmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

At 1 year old we loved Stacking Toys

HEre are the classic cups: https://smile.amazon.com/First-Years-Stack-Up-Cups/dp/B00005C5H4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=NSQKMEB3P8R3&dchild=1&keywords=stacking+toys+for+1+year+old&qid=1607443504&s=baby-products&sprefix=stacking+toy%2Cbaby-products%2C244&sr=1-4

 

Green Toys version: https://smile.amazon.com/Green-Toys-First-Stacker-Colors/dp/B0036WSVQ4/ref=sr_1_28?crid=NSQKMEB3P8R3&dchild=1&keywords=stacking+toys+for+1+year+old&qid=1607443535&s=baby-products&sprefix=stacking+toy%2Cbaby-products%2C244&sr=1-28

 

FOr something a little more fancy. Tobbles https://smile.amazon.com/Fat-Brain-Toys-Tobbles-Neo/dp/B00FZVDUS8/ref=sr_1_49?crid=NSQKMEB3P8R3&dchild=1&keywords=stacking+toys+for+1+year+old&qid=1607443535&s=baby-products&sprefix=stacking+toy%2Cbaby-products%2C244&sr=1-49

 

Spin Again Stacking Toy (My daughter was just a bit old for this but we got it for a niece-once-removed): https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B016F5QJQW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B016F5QJQW&pd_rd_w=ef7UB&pf_rd_p=7d37a48b-2b1a-4373-8c1a-bdcc5da66be9&pd_rd_wg=BwwsL&pf_rd_r=YKTDJXGBH8PYWZ3VERG2&pd_rd_r=46219bfd-ff86-4fae-8834-5b4a93aef067&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNzA5VTdZUFpIREQwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTQ3MzE1M0dGVk9GU01IUE02RyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDg2NTMwQzBQRFlESUVHMFBLJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 

(And if I had extra money in the budget, I'd pop on a Sandra Boynton board book for either or both as well)

Edited December 8, 2020 by vonfirmath

[athena1277]

My favorite for a 1yo is Little People.  If the infant is close to 1, you could get them for both.

[gardenmom5]

I agree - barbies are not appropriate for a 1yo (or even a 2yo) - but perhaps a developmentally appropriate doll.

my dd loves these sippy cups.  they really are pretty much spill proof, but they drink like it's a real cup.  they come with or without handles.

a lot of crossover.  I was giving my grandson board books by the time he was 1yo.

amazon will link to developmentally appropriate toys for a 1yo, you can even specify "girl".  they'll also break it down to 0-6 mos, and 6- 12 mos.  even if you don't want to by off amazon - it will give you a list of ideas.

board books,

stacking toys

push/walker toys

teethers

rattles that go around their wrist/ankle

I bought my 2yo grandson melissa and doug blocks for his birthday.  they're OAK! (or similar hardwood) I was very impressed with the quality- much nicer than the (probably pine) blocks my own kids had.

this proved to be a bigger hit than 2dd ws expecting.

 

[Drama Llama]

1 hour ago, matrips said:

This is from our church giving tree.  
 

No suggestions were given for the infant.  I was thinking cloth books?  Bath toys?  Or what?  What are some good infant toys?  Include the brand too since I know some are really cheaply made.

I don't really think infants need toys, so I'd get something to grow into.

Board books are always a great choice, if you find some of your kids' favorites.  For my boys, things they could do put in take out play with when they were little, and then later use for pretend play were hits.

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-Drop-Truck-Frustration-Packaging/dp/B071CS56CC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dump+truck+balls&qid=1607448953&sr=8-2

Or this if you don't:

https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Shape-Sorting-Craftsmanship-Colorful/dp/B012WE829M/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=dump+truck+balls&qid=1607448999&sr=8-6

Or somewhere in between 

https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Roll-Fire-Truck/dp/B00KZCH4CU/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=dump+truck+balls&qid=1607448999&sr=8-13

Or if you want to spend a little more, my kids loved their shopping cart and play food, although I'm having trouble finding one rated for under 3.
 

1 hour ago, matrips said:

The requests for the 1 yo girl were barbies, princess dress up, and light up toys.  The first two seem inappropriate.  What would be good for a 1 yo girl?  I saw a leapfrog electronic book that had really good reviews. 

 

I don't think the first two are inappropriate.  I would have concerns about Barbies from a choking point of view, but I think that perhaps this mom is telling you that she'd like something her daughter can share with older sisters, or cousins.  I also think that looking forward, a 1 year old doesn't really need toys at all, but by 3 or 4 a kid gets more out of them, so buying something for a child to grow into, such as barbies and dress ups makes sense to me.  

I also think that angel tree gifts are a gift to a mother, as well as to the child.  I think that being a mother and not being able to choose a gift for my child, would be harder than being a one year old who didn't get a toy.  After all, a one year old isn't expecting anything.  So, I would honor the fact that the mother (or father) who filled this out knows her child, and while I wouldn't give choking hazards to a child under 3, I would look for something that is girly, encourages pretend play, and can be used into preschool years.

Maybe a baby doll stroller (my son's favorite toy at that age!) with a princess plushy.  

https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Moana-Plush-Doll-High/dp/B01LZ52JHS/ref=sr_1_30?crid=1GSQTPYH3D7XK&dchild=1&keywords=princess+soft+doll&qid=1607448477&sprefix=troll+ginger%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-30

Or a toddler purse that works for that put out and take in phase around 1, and also for years of pretend play

https://www.amazon.com/Kidoozie-Educational-Toddlers-Preschoolers-Encourages/dp/B00005TQI7/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=toddler+purse&qid=1607448535&sr=8-18

Or, dress ups like this that would be easier to manage, and don't include necklaces or scarves that could be a choking hazard.

https://www.amazon.com/OLYPHAN-Tutu-Costumes-Kids-Halloween/dp/B07TQYWS38/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=toddler+princess+dress+up+crown&qid=1607448655&sr=8-16

A leapfrog electronic book would also be a good choice. 

[matrips]

Thanks for all the ideas!

[MercyA]

It is very possible that the one-year-old is enamored with Barbies because of someone in her life who has one. A Dreamtopia Barbie would be nice. They are princessy and meant for younger girls. Some have built in molded tops and an elastic-waist skirt just pulls on and off for easy dressing. Look for a Barbie with smooth, not bendable, legs, again for ease in dressing. Some of the Fashionistas might be nice--they have smooth legs and come in many different figure types. I think I would aim to get what the mother requested rather than deciding that something else is more appropriate. If you don't think the adult figures on Barbie are appropriate, go for a Skipper.

You can find good quality dress up clothes at Heartsong and Little Adventures.

I think the Leap Frog book looks fine, but I imagine it would have more limited use than something for pretend play, like a doll or dress up clothes. Maybe consider including a first words board book along with a toy? The Roger Priddy ones are great.

For the infant, what @vonfirmath said! 🙂 

Edited December 8, 2020 by MercyA

[Hilltopmom]

This toy is lots of fun and both would get use out of it.

Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Kids Stacking Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016F5QJQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Sqa0FbZ9KD777
 

 

[Tanaqui]

All toys for infants are gender neutral, because infants are infants.

With that said, I'd just get some Boynton board books for both babies and call it a day. Those recommendations are not good for that age range, so I'd ignore them.

[MercyA]

Just wanted to point out that there is a big difference between a 13 month old and a 23 month old. A 23 month old could absolutely be interested in dolls and dress up. If the Barbie the parent suggested is out of the question, here are some other nice dolls made by reputable manufacturers for children age 12 months and up:

Fisher Price Princess Chime Doll

Gund April Doll

Lil' Swaddler Cabbage Patch Doll

Edited December 9, 2020 by MercyA

[barnwife]

I recommend Boon Bath Pipes and Boon Water Gears for either one. We've had them for a few years. They are always in the bathtub and are still in great shape. I wouldn't completely discount the requested items. It must be very hard to want to give your child gifts and not be able too. For me, unless a request is totally inappropriate or out of my budget, I do try to honor what they have asked for.

 

[Momto6inIN]

We usually stay away from electronic toys for giving tree stuff because batteries to keep it going are expensive and we don't want to child to be disappointed a few weeks in when the batteries run out and the toy can no longer be played with if the parents can't afford batteries. 

Melissa and Doug toys are high quality, as are Little People brand.

[Tanaqui]

It's been, admittedly, over a decade, but when my kids were little we were burned a lot on Melissa and Doug toys that were cheaply made. It was like a crapshoot - sometimes you got something high quality, sometimes not so much.

[katilac]

6 hours ago, Tanaqui said:

All toys for infants are gender neutral, because infants are infants.

With that said, I'd just get some Boynton board books for both babies and call it a day. Those recommendations are not good for that age range, so I'd ignore them.

While I agree that they don't sound like the best recommendations, I also think it's not very kind to ignore the parents' requests completely. We all know that we as parents are probably more excited about Christmas morning gifts than the 1-year-old is, and certainly more than the infant, lol. They want their kid to have toys, and it's possible to work around the suggestions a bit rather than completely ignoring them. With those ages, it's definitely a gift for the parents more than the kids! And that's fine - I was crazy excited about my babies getting gifts, even though my brain knew they didn't really care, and that's a wonderful thing to share with someone else. There are lots of venues for donating gifts 'blind,' but OP chose to go a route that includes requests.  

4 hours ago, MercyA said:

Just wanted to point out that there is a big difference between a 13 month old and a 23 month old. A 23 month old could absolutely be interested in dolls and dress up. 

Yes, it would help a lot to know more exact ages, but even if you don't, I would assume the best and figure they probably know what the oldest is interested in, and I'd try to work with that in some way. If you do know, that makes choosing easier. 

I'm pretty sure I have photos of my kids in dress-up clothes before the age of two, so that's not so crazy to me. OP, did they give sizes? Princess pj's could be a very cute way to honor this request, and princess-themed clothing in general. Some of the nightgowns are printed with a fancy 'dress' on the front. If you don't even know sizes, they have princess bath towels. And a toddler who likes princess dress-up is likely to enjoy anything princess-themed. I know Disney sells some princess plushies suitable for under 3, there are Disney Princess board books, and a Little People Disney Princess set. 

Barbie is a bit harder, because even the 'younger' stuff is for 3 and up, but Barbie-themed stuff might work: pj's, shirts, Little Golden books.  

I don't think you need to get something from every category of requests, and things like an actual Barbie aren't appropriate, but I would try to honor the spirit of the requests. Princess and light-up are pretty easy categories. 

Edited December 9, 2020 by katilac

[TechWife]

Bath toys are good for that age and usually easy to find. Also, socks with grippers on the bottom to aid toddler walking. 
These bath toys look good -

boats https://www.target.com/p/munchkin-fleet-of-five-boats-bath-toy/-/A-76675338#lnk=sametab

squirt toys

https://www.target.com/p/b-toys-animal-bath-squirts-squish-and-splash-cat/-/A-76155793#lnk=sametab

Gripper socks

https://www.target.com/p/baby-girls-6pk-ankle-socks-hanes/-/A-53457666?preselect=53428863#lnk=sametab

I agree that Barbie and dress up clothes aren’t yet a good fit age wise. I sure might not known that when my baby was so little, though. 

You can look for princess themed toys as well as socks, shirts and other themed clothing if you want to consider the requested princess element. 

I tend to avoid battery operated toys for gifts. I don’t know why, really. Maybe paranoia about not always having batteries on hand myself. 

 

[TechWife]

Another idea for that age - if you wrap the gifts (I’m not familiar with how angel tree works), use tissue paper and a paper bag instead of wrapping paper. Kids that age love to play with bags and boxes.