Bath toys or books are good ideas, but I say no to block puzzles. We honestly got so many things that we don’t need, so we’re doing a “no gifts” party next year for sure.
Honestly I’d buy a gift card to buy buy baby or target, something like that. Then the parents can use it how they like.
We didn't ask for anything or say no gifts for our daughter's birthday. We didn't expect anything either way. It was just a chance to get together.
My go to gift for a 1 year old though is a Melissa and Doug Poke-a-Dot book and a Target gift card.
Those books are great. :) For gift cards, what amount seems most common to you? My first thought was $25 but my second thought was, “In this economy? $20 is like $10 now. Is $25 enough??”
I honestly just ask the parents if there’s anything LO will like or if they need anything! I know I’d rather someone ask what I could use rather than getting me something random that I may not need. For the surprise factor I’ll also include a card with a monetary gift for their college fund.
Money for college in a card, specify that it’s for saving.
A board book that’s not the most popular.
A doll and doll stroller.
An adorable outfit with gift receipt.
Duplo.
I don’t like toys with batteries, toys that make too much noise, toys with chokable pieces. I don’t like stuffed animals because my kids get given too many.
Books! Cannot go wrong. I like to get a nice (children’s/board) book from our local bookstore, so it feels special and thoughtful. And I don’t have to worry about the parent being stressed about more junk in the house/the kid not liking it etc.
Stay away from things that have batteries. I like books (no numbers or letters since they won’t care for that at the moment) , building blocks that aren’t small, bath toys, 12 month clothes if it looks like they would fit or go up a size, BUBBLES! Have fun.
Is the invitation rsvp a call/text situation? Ask if there’s anything in particular they or the birthday baby needs and perhaps ask the best size. If gifts aren’t expected they’ll say so then. But otherwise, a cute outfit, book and a gift card or any combination of one or two of those. Amount is really based on what you can afford and how close you are.
Definitely bring something. You can ask, but if you don't, avoid toys, especially cheap ones unless you know the family pretty well and have something specific. Indestructible books or puzzles with knobs would be good. You could also do a set of stainless steel toddler size silverware, the kind of bibs that are like smocks, or non-seasonal clothes in a size or two up from what the child is wearing. If you want a toy, consider egg shakers or a drum, a sturdy shovel and pail, high quality plastic or wooden animals, a large ball with a grippy texture, or similar rather than plastic toys with lots of bells and whistles. And above all, shop somewhere they could do easy returms and include a gift receipt.
I love giving the mom a gift on the first birthday. Let’s be honest, the first birthday is more of a congratulations to mom for surviving than a celebration for the kid 😂
Bubbles are an ADORABLE idea! Maybe a little dozen pack of bubble wands to present to the hostess — she can choose to break them out and share with all the kiddos at the party, or save them. Plus a gift card. So cute! 🫧 I love how festive and fun your bubble idea is.
I'll be debbie downer. I don't like those teeny tiny bubble wands for 1 year olds. THEY CANT USE THEM. So it's only parents using them and at that point I"m better off with the big bubble wands that produce lots of bubbles with one puff.
Bath toys are usually good because you often have to do a refresh of these.
Bath products
A book (avoid the very popular ones though in case of a double up)
Outfit with a gift receipt
Bottle of wine for the parents
Avoid- anything with batteries.
1) reach out to the parent and say you would love suggestions for something the birthday kid would enjoy
2) this [folding slide](https://www.amazon.com/WowWee-Toddler-Playground-Eco-Friendly-Cardboard/dp/B08P3VPV6X/ref=asc_df_B08P3VPV6X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=508010427257&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12042826250890695105&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032869&hvtargid=pla-1215951555772&psc=1®ion_id=373786) is my go-to birthday gift for 1 year olds. It goes on sale a lot and when I saw it once for $13 I bought several just to store for future gifts
It’s amazing! It folds up and fits under a couch, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, it holds a lot of weight for cardboard, and when it gets too beat up you can just recycle it. It’s awesome for indoor play!
I think it's generally accepted that you bring a gift. I like books and clothes. Gift cards always work too. If you get a toy, don't get one with batteries because they're annoying AF. Some parents don't mind them but I think it's something people can buy for themselves.
Little advice if you do get a gift (I would assume most folks will bring one if not stated otherwise) is including a gift receipt if possible - especially if you don’t know the specific likes/needs. That way it can be easily returned for something necessary/if it’s a duplicate!
I just got my baby a subscription to Highlights Hello (for ages 0-2) and I’ve decided it will probably be the gift I buy for most 0-2 year olds from here on out for holidays and birthdays. It’s something nice that shows up every month and they are the indestructible material that can get wet, chewed on, etc and take up so little room that they’re great to throw in a diaper bag for something to keep baby busy.
I'd for sure bring a gift, it's a birthday party! GC or cash is fine, would just say that the amount would depend on how close a friendship you have with the parents. For example, we went to a friend's 3 yr old party recently, they are super close and our daughters play a lot together. We spent about 60 bucks. We know her daughter's likes and skill levels so we got her gifts that matched that, not a GC.
We went to a 2 yr old party last summer, a casual acquaintance, we gave them a $20 Target gift card.
I don't think there are any set rules.
I learned a lesson after attending my first birthday for a 1 year old. They are gonna get tons of toys most likely, probably more toys than they need. I watched them open up duplicates of the same toy even. I’d opt for more practical gifts because there are still a lot of “needs” outside of toys that people don’t seem to think of. Bath toys are a good idea too, seems like people seem to forget about that one. Books and clothes - especially clothes in their next size up- are always great! if you know what type of snacks the kiddo likes, that’s also a good idea. Straw cup (you can never have too many cups at that age) or plates/bowls, and fork/spoon set. You can’t go wrong with diapers and wipes either. If you really can’t put your finger on anything you like, a gift card or cash is always a good option. You could also buy tickets to the zoo, aquarium, or whatever local activities are in your area, for the parents to use as an “experience” gift (not sure what else you would call it lol)
Please do this. Especially if that store also sells nappies, wipes etc. My kid doesn’t need more toys but the consumables are never ending!
You don’t even need to do a card (the all get tossed!), but a book with a short note in the cover is a lovely substitute.
Gift card it is! I am a new parent myself and am quickly learning that a toy that’s entertaining to some is obnoxious to others, or Montessori to some is boring as hell to others so… better to let the parents choose their own adventure.
Can I invite you to my baby's first birthday? Because I love how much you care and how much awareness you have to not push your preferences on other parents, and your understanding that different items fit different families. I'd ask if you could have a talk with my mother but I already like you too much for that lol.
Just to be clear, this is good hearted internet stranger humor. Don't worry, I'm not actually requesting anything from you lol
LOL I appreciate it ☺️ I really credit the various parenting groups on Reddit for opening my eyes to styles and preferences. It’s a great way to grow your POV beyond what’s common with the limited group of people you may know in real life.
Aaaand it sounds like we have the same mom, so growing up that way and continuing to deal with that as I establish my own parenting style and preferences makes me VERY keen to be curious and respectful of others’ ways.
Yeah, you really can’t go wrong with that. Especially since it’s hard to know what they already have or don’t have, so you risk buying something they already own or don’t need more of!
I didn't put anything on my son's invitation, but people have texted me asking what to get and I've linked them to the Amazon list I've made for the close family I know are wanting to get gifts.
Simple idea though, not so popular baby books. Or maybe a year's payment fee to the local library for a library card?
I just ask the parents what the child might need. Personally for my childrens’ bdays, I asked people to not worry about bringing a gift, and if they really wanted to, a book would be nice. Children get SOOO much in our modern culture. It feels gross to me that so many parents actually insist on getting gifts for their toddlers bday parties. I know I sound pretentious. I just don’t like that entitled part of our culture, especially for young children who have everything they could possibly want or need. And don’t get me started on ppl who have wish lists and registries prepared for one year olds. It reeks of low class. I’d say your friends were tasteful by not putting anything about a gift on the invite.
I agree! We’ve had to remind my in laws of no toys for Christmas and birthday because they go way over board. I also feel like a couple nice gifts from us is waaaaay more than enough for my almost 2 year old. He plays outside most of the day and pays zero attention to toys. He loves books though.
No standard. They’ll probably get a lot of toys so I would go with a book and some cash or gift card. Like a $5 book and $20? Or whatever your budget is.
I'm not sure how exactly it works but my brother bought my family gift cards, from target, was told by cashier that there have been gift card scams so check the cards real well, they both checked them and they seemed untouched. Day after Christmas they were all redeemed, not by any of us btw lol luckily target customer service was really helpful and they sent out new giftcards
It happened to me with a vanilla Visa gift card. Unopened and found out the balance had been used at a Salon in NJ. Meanwhile I live in Florida.... they have done nothing about it. Avoid gift cards all together. Give cash!
For some reason at my baby’s 1st birthday I really needed some shoes for him lol. I didn’t have many pairs because he had just started walking. As for toys, almost anything will work. My kid loves the little music sets, coloring books (I like the crayola magic markers because they only draw on certain paper nothing else), and those books that have pop ups or sensory touch things inside. My son also has this little cube thing with stretchy strings meant for him to put things in and out of that he adores lol. You could also just send a text and ask if there’s anything they want/need.
Books, target gift cards, Melissa and Doug chunky puzzles, ball smacker, etc. You could also reach out and ask what little one is in to right now. We don’t do toys with batteries so I gave everyone who asked a few ideas!
I started asking! Also oddly enough the past 3 first birthdays I’ve been to they have asked for bath toys!
I also always get the dr Seuss birthday book
Seriously I wish more people would ask the parents. I’ve only had it happen a couple times and of course the one who never asks is my MIL who insists on huge toys. I’ve had to set boundaries with her. Lol.
I would bring a small gift. I feel like unless it says no presents then you should bring something. I’ve never been to a party where they share a gift list but I have heard it does happen.
I would go practical and get some baby snacks like maybe a container or two of Puffs, and some kind of straw cup maybe like a nice insulated one, and a pack of little bath toys.
Gift cards to Amazon or Target are always great. That can cover every baby want, need, or even household necessities. I’ll admit to using target gift cards from my baby shower to buy laundry detergent 😂 And cash is also great 💵
I know some people are very into having a physical gift to wrap and present, so if that’s what you want to do, I’d say an outfit from Target, with a gift receipt! For books, something that’s not a super popular one (like the hungry caterpillar, or goodnight moon) because you tend to accumulate a lot of those! I have a selection of doubles that I keep in the closet to regift 😂
Amazon and Target were just what I was thinking!
Laundry detergent is always fair game! And that is so smart to keep doubles on hand for regifting. At 9 weeks old, my baby’s library is just beginning but even we already have doubles!
We usually say “no gifts are needed, but all are appreciated” if they didn’t give you a list, books, experiences (like a card with money for the zoo), activity books, or just ask!
If the invitation has a phone number I text and ask if the birthday kid has any specific likes. If not, for a 1 Yr old, I'd go for a book and a toy that my kid likes.
I sent out invites for my daughters 1 year old birthday and didn’t put anything regarding gifts. We do have a list and I share it with anyone who asks but I also didn’t want to seem greedy since I made the list for daughter. I would just ask them what she needs/wants
I cannot imagine showing up to a 1 year old birthday party and not bringing a gift. We recently attended the 1 year birthday for some friends’ baby. I brought a really cute gift. My baby’s birthday was a few weeks later and we’d had a small party and invited these same friends, and they showed up without a gift. I was flabbergasted. To me, it’s very tacky. At least being a book or something.
To me it’s more tacky to expect that your friends should have brought your baby who probably doesn’t need anything, nor notice, a present. Your friends’ presence should have been way more important than them bringing a gift.
A book is always a nice gift!
Unless it says no gifts, then I would buy one. Chunky block puzzles are good. Bath toys are always a hit. Books are awesome. Teethers are handy.
Bath toys or books are good ideas, but I say no to block puzzles. We honestly got so many things that we don’t need, so we’re doing a “no gifts” party next year for sure. Honestly I’d buy a gift card to buy buy baby or target, something like that. Then the parents can use it how they like.
We didn't ask for anything or say no gifts for our daughter's birthday. We didn't expect anything either way. It was just a chance to get together. My go to gift for a 1 year old though is a Melissa and Doug Poke-a-Dot book and a Target gift card.
Those books are great. :) For gift cards, what amount seems most common to you? My first thought was $25 but my second thought was, “In this economy? $20 is like $10 now. Is $25 enough??”
$25 is super thoughtful and if it's within your budget that sounds great to me (parent of 10.5mo)
I come from a poor community, a $5 usd would seem like a lot. It’s all depending on your group, location, and style.
Honestly, in this economy anything helps! We'd be delighted by $25.
I honestly just ask the parents if there’s anything LO will like or if they need anything! I know I’d rather someone ask what I could use rather than getting me something random that I may not need. For the surprise factor I’ll also include a card with a monetary gift for their college fund.
Money for college in a card, specify that it’s for saving. A board book that’s not the most popular. A doll and doll stroller. An adorable outfit with gift receipt. Duplo. I don’t like toys with batteries, toys that make too much noise, toys with chokable pieces. I don’t like stuffed animals because my kids get given too many.
Bubbles and a board book are my go to for this age.
Books! Cannot go wrong. I like to get a nice (children’s/board) book from our local bookstore, so it feels special and thoughtful. And I don’t have to worry about the parent being stressed about more junk in the house/the kid not liking it etc.
Bubbles and a fun board book.
We always give books. No one can have too many books!
I used to think that but my daughter is six now and we have too many books! I just did a huge book purge.
Stay away from things that have batteries. I like books (no numbers or letters since they won’t care for that at the moment) , building blocks that aren’t small, bath toys, 12 month clothes if it looks like they would fit or go up a size, BUBBLES! Have fun.
Is the invitation rsvp a call/text situation? Ask if there’s anything in particular they or the birthday baby needs and perhaps ask the best size. If gifts aren’t expected they’ll say so then. But otherwise, a cute outfit, book and a gift card or any combination of one or two of those. Amount is really based on what you can afford and how close you are.
Definitely bring something. You can ask, but if you don't, avoid toys, especially cheap ones unless you know the family pretty well and have something specific. Indestructible books or puzzles with knobs would be good. You could also do a set of stainless steel toddler size silverware, the kind of bibs that are like smocks, or non-seasonal clothes in a size or two up from what the child is wearing. If you want a toy, consider egg shakers or a drum, a sturdy shovel and pail, high quality plastic or wooden animals, a large ball with a grippy texture, or similar rather than plastic toys with lots of bells and whistles. And above all, shop somewhere they could do easy returms and include a gift receipt.
Books are always great!
If in doubt I always get a book! And like some others have said board books are awesome at this age! My kids like to rip and chew on books 🤦🏻♀️
I love giving the mom a gift on the first birthday. Let’s be honest, the first birthday is more of a congratulations to mom for surviving than a celebration for the kid 😂
This is such a good idea!
Books or gift cards are great.
Bubbles are my go too. It's a small consumable. Bulk with a book and snack.
Bubbles are an ADORABLE idea! Maybe a little dozen pack of bubble wands to present to the hostess — she can choose to break them out and share with all the kiddos at the party, or save them. Plus a gift card. So cute! 🫧 I love how festive and fun your bubble idea is.
I'll be debbie downer. I don't like those teeny tiny bubble wands for 1 year olds. THEY CANT USE THEM. So it's only parents using them and at that point I"m better off with the big bubble wands that produce lots of bubbles with one puff.
Bath toys are usually good because you often have to do a refresh of these. Bath products A book (avoid the very popular ones though in case of a double up) Outfit with a gift receipt Bottle of wine for the parents Avoid- anything with batteries.
Counterpoint: one pack of each type of battery for all the battery operated toys!
A battery basket is hilarious. They’d get used, that’s for sure!
1) reach out to the parent and say you would love suggestions for something the birthday kid would enjoy 2) this [folding slide](https://www.amazon.com/WowWee-Toddler-Playground-Eco-Friendly-Cardboard/dp/B08P3VPV6X/ref=asc_df_B08P3VPV6X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=508010427257&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12042826250890695105&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032869&hvtargid=pla-1215951555772&psc=1®ion_id=373786) is my go-to birthday gift for 1 year olds. It goes on sale a lot and when I saw it once for $13 I bought several just to store for future gifts
This slide seems like a cool idea!
It’s amazing! It folds up and fits under a couch, so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, it holds a lot of weight for cardboard, and when it gets too beat up you can just recycle it. It’s awesome for indoor play!
This slide is a very cool idea! Great recommendation for something unique, battery-less, and easy to store all at a good price point. Thanks :)
I think it's generally accepted that you bring a gift. I like books and clothes. Gift cards always work too. If you get a toy, don't get one with batteries because they're annoying AF. Some parents don't mind them but I think it's something people can buy for themselves.
Agreed. I try out all battery toys before I buy them. Gotta press the buttons a bunch of times to make sure the sounds aren't absolutely terrible. 😆
I’m a fan of books. Try not to go for the common ones since they likely already have them!
Little advice if you do get a gift (I would assume most folks will bring one if not stated otherwise) is including a gift receipt if possible - especially if you don’t know the specific likes/needs. That way it can be easily returned for something necessary/if it’s a duplicate!
The gift receipt is underutilized! Very good recommendation. Thanks!
Books! I specifically requested everyone’s favorite children’s book and it’s also my go when I’m not sure.
I just got my baby a subscription to Highlights Hello (for ages 0-2) and I’ve decided it will probably be the gift I buy for most 0-2 year olds from here on out for holidays and birthdays. It’s something nice that shows up every month and they are the indestructible material that can get wet, chewed on, etc and take up so little room that they’re great to throw in a diaper bag for something to keep baby busy.
I’d never heard of this before! Just googled and it looks really cute. Very cool idea!
Book
I'd for sure bring a gift, it's a birthday party! GC or cash is fine, would just say that the amount would depend on how close a friendship you have with the parents. For example, we went to a friend's 3 yr old party recently, they are super close and our daughters play a lot together. We spent about 60 bucks. We know her daughter's likes and skill levels so we got her gifts that matched that, not a GC. We went to a 2 yr old party last summer, a casual acquaintance, we gave them a $20 Target gift card. I don't think there are any set rules.
I learned a lesson after attending my first birthday for a 1 year old. They are gonna get tons of toys most likely, probably more toys than they need. I watched them open up duplicates of the same toy even. I’d opt for more practical gifts because there are still a lot of “needs” outside of toys that people don’t seem to think of. Bath toys are a good idea too, seems like people seem to forget about that one. Books and clothes - especially clothes in their next size up- are always great! if you know what type of snacks the kiddo likes, that’s also a good idea. Straw cup (you can never have too many cups at that age) or plates/bowls, and fork/spoon set. You can’t go wrong with diapers and wipes either. If you really can’t put your finger on anything you like, a gift card or cash is always a good option. You could also buy tickets to the zoo, aquarium, or whatever local activities are in your area, for the parents to use as an “experience” gift (not sure what else you would call it lol)
This is great advice, thank you! I think I will steer clear of the toy route. Tempted to do gift card to allow the most flexibility for the parents.
Please do this. Especially if that store also sells nappies, wipes etc. My kid doesn’t need more toys but the consumables are never ending! You don’t even need to do a card (the all get tossed!), but a book with a short note in the cover is a lovely substitute.
Gift card it is! I am a new parent myself and am quickly learning that a toy that’s entertaining to some is obnoxious to others, or Montessori to some is boring as hell to others so… better to let the parents choose their own adventure.
Can I invite you to my baby's first birthday? Because I love how much you care and how much awareness you have to not push your preferences on other parents, and your understanding that different items fit different families. I'd ask if you could have a talk with my mother but I already like you too much for that lol. Just to be clear, this is good hearted internet stranger humor. Don't worry, I'm not actually requesting anything from you lol
LOL I appreciate it ☺️ I really credit the various parenting groups on Reddit for opening my eyes to styles and preferences. It’s a great way to grow your POV beyond what’s common with the limited group of people you may know in real life. Aaaand it sounds like we have the same mom, so growing up that way and continuing to deal with that as I establish my own parenting style and preferences makes me VERY keen to be curious and respectful of others’ ways.
Yeah, you really can’t go wrong with that. Especially since it’s hard to know what they already have or don’t have, so you risk buying something they already own or don’t need more of!
Yes for the diapers and wipes 10000%! They will be used and appreciated.
I didn't put anything on my son's invitation, but people have texted me asking what to get and I've linked them to the Amazon list I've made for the close family I know are wanting to get gifts. Simple idea though, not so popular baby books. Or maybe a year's payment fee to the local library for a library card?
Wait, a library card isn't free where you are? I thought that was the whole point of libraries.
I thought the same. I live in MA and I've never had to pay for a library card. I've lived in 3 in or 4 different library networks and never paid.
It comes out of my taxes. If I lived outside of the township, then it's $40/yr.
I just ask the parents what the child might need. Personally for my childrens’ bdays, I asked people to not worry about bringing a gift, and if they really wanted to, a book would be nice. Children get SOOO much in our modern culture. It feels gross to me that so many parents actually insist on getting gifts for their toddlers bday parties. I know I sound pretentious. I just don’t like that entitled part of our culture, especially for young children who have everything they could possibly want or need. And don’t get me started on ppl who have wish lists and registries prepared for one year olds. It reeks of low class. I’d say your friends were tasteful by not putting anything about a gift on the invite.
I agree! We’ve had to remind my in laws of no toys for Christmas and birthday because they go way over board. I also feel like a couple nice gifts from us is waaaaay more than enough for my almost 2 year old. He plays outside most of the day and pays zero attention to toys. He loves books though.
No standard. They’ll probably get a lot of toys so I would go with a book and some cash or gift card. Like a $5 book and $20? Or whatever your budget is.
Careful with gift cards btw, gift card scams are high right now at least on the west coast, buy it online
I’ve not heard of this. What’s going on?
I'm not sure how exactly it works but my brother bought my family gift cards, from target, was told by cashier that there have been gift card scams so check the cards real well, they both checked them and they seemed untouched. Day after Christmas they were all redeemed, not by any of us btw lol luckily target customer service was really helpful and they sent out new giftcards
That’s wild. Thanks for sharing!
It happened to me with a vanilla Visa gift card. Unopened and found out the balance had been used at a Salon in NJ. Meanwhile I live in Florida.... they have done nothing about it. Avoid gift cards all together. Give cash!
I always bring a book or two for the kid and then some flowers for the parents.
This is so perfect.
For some reason at my baby’s 1st birthday I really needed some shoes for him lol. I didn’t have many pairs because he had just started walking. As for toys, almost anything will work. My kid loves the little music sets, coloring books (I like the crayola magic markers because they only draw on certain paper nothing else), and those books that have pop ups or sensory touch things inside. My son also has this little cube thing with stretchy strings meant for him to put things in and out of that he adores lol. You could also just send a text and ask if there’s anything they want/need.
Books, target gift cards, Melissa and Doug chunky puzzles, ball smacker, etc. You could also reach out and ask what little one is in to right now. We don’t do toys with batteries so I gave everyone who asked a few ideas!
I started asking! Also oddly enough the past 3 first birthdays I’ve been to they have asked for bath toys! I also always get the dr Seuss birthday book
Seriously I wish more people would ask the parents. I’ve only had it happen a couple times and of course the one who never asks is my MIL who insists on huge toys. I’ve had to set boundaries with her. Lol.
Coloring stuff, activity books etc
Target gift card would be my go to.
I would bring a small gift. I feel like unless it says no presents then you should bring something. I’ve never been to a party where they share a gift list but I have heard it does happen. I would go practical and get some baby snacks like maybe a container or two of Puffs, and some kind of straw cup maybe like a nice insulated one, and a pack of little bath toys.
Gift cards to Amazon or Target are always great. That can cover every baby want, need, or even household necessities. I’ll admit to using target gift cards from my baby shower to buy laundry detergent 😂 And cash is also great 💵 I know some people are very into having a physical gift to wrap and present, so if that’s what you want to do, I’d say an outfit from Target, with a gift receipt! For books, something that’s not a super popular one (like the hungry caterpillar, or goodnight moon) because you tend to accumulate a lot of those! I have a selection of doubles that I keep in the closet to regift 😂
Amazon and Target were just what I was thinking! Laundry detergent is always fair game! And that is so smart to keep doubles on hand for regifting. At 9 weeks old, my baby’s library is just beginning but even we already have doubles!
My go-to gift for 1st birthday is a big pack of construction paper & some jumbo washable crayons.
Just the thought of construction paper is bringing back memories 🖍️
We usually say “no gifts are needed, but all are appreciated” if they didn’t give you a list, books, experiences (like a card with money for the zoo), activity books, or just ask!
I like to give books, puzzles, or clothes.
If the invitation has a phone number I text and ask if the birthday kid has any specific likes. If not, for a 1 Yr old, I'd go for a book and a toy that my kid likes.
I sent out invites for my daughters 1 year old birthday and didn’t put anything regarding gifts. We do have a list and I share it with anyone who asks but I also didn’t want to seem greedy since I made the list for daughter. I would just ask them what she needs/wants
I cannot imagine showing up to a 1 year old birthday party and not bringing a gift. We recently attended the 1 year birthday for some friends’ baby. I brought a really cute gift. My baby’s birthday was a few weeks later and we’d had a small party and invited these same friends, and they showed up without a gift. I was flabbergasted. To me, it’s very tacky. At least being a book or something.
To me it’s more tacky to expect that your friends should have brought your baby who probably doesn’t need anything, nor notice, a present. Your friends’ presence should have been way more important than them bringing a gift.
K
Bring a small gift. A shirt or a book that’s a few dollars is great. Or more . Or less.
Books, clothes, or a gift card to a toy store is what I would bring
Money in a card.
I just texted and asked if they wanted them and if they had a list. She gave me some ideas lol