Looking for gift ideas for my great-nieces (newborn, 1.5 years and 3 years); my budget is fifteen dollars each.

[Kareni]

The younger generation has been busily procreating, and I now have three great-nieces. They are newborn, one and a half, and three years old. My holiday gift budget is $15 for each child. My plan is to buy from Amazon so links would be appreciated.

Book and toy suggestions are definitely welcome.

Regards,

Kareni

[WildflowerMom]

I got some of these books for my cousin's baby.  

these bouncy balls are perfect for the 3yo!  

 

[Kareni]

I've not seen those books previously, @WildflowerMom; they do sound durable!

I remember playing with a bouncy ball like that as a child. Hmm...ponder, ponder.

Thanks for both suggestion. I'm definitely open for more ideas.

Regards,

Kareni

[prairiewindmomma]

I have given this several times, and it is always a huge hit with toddlers in the 1-2 year range: https://www.amazon.com/Hape-Elephant-Wooden-Push-Toddler/dp/B00COQZMGA/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=wooden+elephant&qid=1638489653&sr=8-4

Muslin or bamboo swaddle blankets are my standard newborn gift. These are in your price point: https://www.amazon.com/Babebay-Swaddle-Blanket-Swaddling-Blankets/dp/B08BY9QFCH/ref=sr_1_23?keywords=bamboo%2Bbaby%2Bblanket&qid=1638489870&sr=8-23&th=1  My kids latched onto theirs as nap time comfort objects well into childhood.

I just gave this shirt to my sassy toddler nephew: https://www.amazon.com/Sesame-Street-Grouch-Talkin-T-Shirt/dp/B07QMN3DP6/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=oscar+the+grouch+shirt&qid=1638490043&sr=8-11  but if I was looking for a sweet toy, this dolly is nice: https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-12-Inch-Included-Wipe-Clean/dp/B0037UP9MY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=doll+for+3+yo&qid=1638490390&sr=8-4 

 

 

[kbutton]

I didn't pick specific price ranges because of sales, places to buy gently used toys, etc. 

TJ Maxx used to have good toys--I haven't been to one in a while, but they tended to have moderate-priced toys in brands that were less common to see in Walmart and Target (Quercetti). My kids really enjoyed the Saxoflute when they were preschoolers. They also had something like the Fanta Color--it's a pegboard you can use to make your own designs, or you can use the patterns that are included. 

If you like to sew or shop Etsy: http://sweaterdoll.blogspot.com/2013/10/freemade-amish-puzzle-ball-tutorial.html   They are time-consuming but not difficult to make. If you buy one, just make sure a purchased one actually comes apart. Some people knit or crochet them instead.

Car toys might be appreciated if they travel very much. We kept some things specifically for long trips. 

My kids also liked the Melissa and Doug puzzles that had magnetic pieces behind doors or that had locks to open. 

The three year old might be just the right age to start enjoying dress up clothes, especially ones that can be used multiple ways.

Montessori-ish list of suggested toys for this range: https://www.thekavanaughreport.com/2015/11/the-ultimate-montessori-toy-list-birth.html

Maybe gather some inexpensive pouring, sorting, sensory, fine motor stuff for the 3 y.o. For instance, this suction cup soap holder is great for transferring skills--placing marbles on each suction cup, and then progressing to doing it with tongs, etc. : https://www.amazon.com/Holder-Suction-Bathtub-Laundry-Kitchen/dp/B015Q5LMAK/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=Suction+Cup+Soap+Dish&qid=1638492430&sr=8-20   Sometimes you can find fun shapes like fish. ***ETA: I never paid prices like this--usually more like dollar store prices!

Edited December 3, 2021 by kbutton

[Kareni]

Thank you for the various suggestions, @prairiewindmomma. Your first link led me to other wooden pull toys, and I found this cute frog that is similar to one my daughter had. I think that one of the children will get it.

Regards,

Kareni

[prairiewindmomma]

I love that frog, @Kareni!

[Kareni]

@kbutton, thank you for your many recommendations; I've now spent quite some time looking at the many Montessori links...lots of good ideas there!

Regards,

Kareni

[footballmom]

That frog is so cute! For the three year old, I would do a first game like Candy Land or pattern blocks or lacing cards. 

[vonfirmath]

57 minutes ago, footballmom said:

That frog is so cute! For the three year old, I would do a first game like Candy Land or pattern blocks or lacing cards. 

At age 3 my son loved games.

I would branch a little out from the typical games though (That the family may have already)

We loved Hiss -- and I didn't even mind playing it. Amazon.com: Gamewright Hisss Card Game : Toys & Games

 

Haba Orchard is a MUCH better version of Hi-Ho Cherry-o. Amazon.com: HABA Orchard Game - A Classic Cooperative Introduction to Board Games for Ages 3 and Up (Made in Germany) : Toys & Games

But its out of your price range 😞

 

I always wanted to get these stacking rainbows -- but never quite did.

Amazon.com: Vanmor Wooden Rainbow Stacker Toy, Wood Stacking Rainbow Puzzle Nesting Blocks, Educational Montessori Color Shape Sorting Game Fine Motor Skills Toys Gift for Kids Baby Toddlers : Toys & Games

 

If they are going to be travelling, a busy board is useful.

Amazon.com: Busy Board Montessori Toys for Toddlers Age 1 2 3 4, Sensory Board Toys for Learning Fine Motor Skills, Travel Toy for Kids 1-4 Years Old Educational Learning Toys for Babies Develop Basic Skills : Toys & Games

 

For books, don't forget Sandra Boynton. I am so thankful for gifts or I'd never have known about her awesome books. Some favorites here:

Amazon.com : moo baa lalala board book

Amazon.com: Doggies (Boynton on Board): 9780671493189: Boynton, Sandra, Boynton, Sandra: Books

Amazon.com: The Going-To-Bed Book: 0038332193527: Sandra Boynton: Books

 

ETA: I loved Babies by Gyo Fujikawa as a little one. And my kids loved it too. Babies (So Tall Board Books): Fujikawa, Gyo: 9780448030845: Amazon.com: Books

Edited December 3, 2021 by vonfirmath

[Wishes]

My kids really like these spinners. They could share them if they are sibs. My kids still love them and they are 3 and 4. Only one has kind of stopped working after two years and my kiddos are rough on toys. The li k isn’t Amazon, but I bought mine there.

https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/whirly_squigz.cfm?country=US&source=google_pla&kwid=FA210-AGE-2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzc7hoNzG9AIVNB-tBh2cCAXKEAQYASABEgJ9cfD_BwE

[Kareni]

Many thanks for all the suggestions; I've made a wishlist for future occasions to save those I've yet to use.

I placed my order:

For the 18 month old ~ the pull frog above with this book Little Green Frog Chunky Lift-a-Flap Board Book

For the newborn and her three year old sister ~ Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert, Hape Toddler Vegetables and basket, and an Indestructibles book.

and for the three year old's birthday ~ Madame Purrnel Cat with this book, They All Saw A Cat

Regards,

Kareni