Elizabeth had a great question for us: "I'm hoping you can help me with a problem. Friends of mine are having a baby soon, and I already have a great present for the new one. However, I'm having a problem finding a "big sibling" present to give their 18 month old. I really want to get him something special and fun, but also don't want to spend more than $40 maximum. I think it's so hard to find something because he's at such an in between age - not really a baby anymore but not quite a toddler/little boy. Suggestions?
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: nursery(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
You're right Elizabeth- 18 months is a tricky age, but we came up with a few things in your price range that might work for you. We think anything personalized will go over great. We highlighted a store a few weeks ago called GoToBaby. A stool personalized with his name is currently on sale for $49.95.
Taking the idea of personalization a step further- how about a personalized book? There's a whole bunch of places online that will personalize a book with a child's name. Some even put the child's photo on every page, but the child's head looked a little odd to us so we aren't recommending those. If you want to play it safe, how about this one from Pottery barn?
You can never go wrong with cars and boys- this one from Sparkability is made of real wood but has a sleek sheen to it.
We also thought a first camera for toddlers might let them play the roll of "Official photographer" when baby is born. Of course, he'll grow into this one, but babies love playing with mom and dad's electronic gadgets! Check out this one at Amazon.
Or maybe he could just use a special friend?
Anyone else have any great sibling gift ideas? Please share them, especially if you know they've worked well in the past.
I really like the idea of the personalized stool. I did something similar for my daughters birthday. I bought a wooden bench at the local craft store for $25 dollars and then painted (with paint i already had) and decoupaged it with an adorable stencil that is found on Martha Stewart's website under something like 'decoupage for the nursery'. It turned out so cute, and it didn't cost much at all.
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The personalized book is a fun idea! I was going to say a good book and then record yourself reading it (I once heard that idea somewhere and am planning to use it for my nieces and nephews). But I think an 18 month old would really like a story about them!
The camera idea might be a little old for this child, but it is sooo true that they love older people electronic gadgets!
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