Grandchild’s birthday present

When my latest great grandchild was born I started off a savings account £100 at a local bank and told his mum, my grandaughter, I would do the same as I had with my 4 other little ones. I give £50 to each one at Christmas to deposit in the account and that is to cover both Christmas and Birthday and that is it, nothing else. I send a nice card, I do like a card, and I’m pleased to say this has been accepted by everybody in fact they think it’s a brilliant idea and the amount in the bank is increasing. I hope they leave the money in to grow a bit more as I’m sure it would come in handy at some later date. Don’t worry Nana I’m sure things will work out.

Please don’t feel slighted, a baby really doesn’t need much. On our littlest grandson’s first birthday we were asked to buy things for the local baby bank instead. We were happy to do this as we spend the same set amount on each grandson on birthdays and at Christmas, and ask their parents what they want us to buy. Sometimes it all goes on one big present, sometimes towards a major item, sometimes we just use a fraction of it on a little toy or game and the rest goes into their savings or towards a trip out. Young children don’t actually know or care who’s spent what. The important thing is that they and their parents aren’t deluged with too much “stuff” they don’t need.

Bellasnana

When my twin grandsons turned one I bought them a wooden kitchen from Lidl. It was the best money I ever spent as they have played with it ever since and are soon turning 4. I bought another one so they have one at my house as well! Good luck!

Lidl wooden toys are fantastic quality and value (no, I don’t work for Lidl 😁)

You'd think thst I had shares in the following shop -The Works
It has become my first port of call for gifts fir kids and adults too .
It's affordable.
People who work there are only too happy to help.
Shoppers are too .
Everything is clearly marked witb suitable for age labels .
I also have bought brilliant gifts in local charity shops .

I think all babies love wooden toys they are so tactile and good all round and noisy toys, things that squeak etc
Do you really think a baby will love its bedroom set maybe at 16 but at 1 yr old you are having a laugh
You should be really happy to be able to buy it some toys that it ll get years of play with
You re the lucky one

I think the rules changed on anyone other than parents opening a bank account for children

Open a bank account (grandparents can do this) and pop in what you would spend on a present each event. Send a small token gift as he gets older so he has something to open on the day.

I used to give s Clarkes shoes voucher alongside a toy

Young children love toys for the bath. It would give GC hours of pleasure 🐬

A lovely book and maybe a gift voucher to spend on something for the nursery or clothing etc.

I don’t think that you’re being slighted NanaExmoor, and would view it as your DIL not wishing to appear ill mannered in her request. Some fabulous suggestions have been made by other GNs.

Or you

A Clarke's voucher for his 1st pair of shoes which could then be mounted in one of those box frames later as a memento for either the parents of you.

How about a little playhouse or an outdoor play kitchen. I can appreciate how you are feeling almost being disregarded. The irems I mention are self assembly and suitable for a growing 1 year old. Gift something then plead ignorance if you are told off for giving a gift.

Ball with the face of an animal on it . £7.99 on Amazon. That’s my standard 1st birthday gift. The parents can take it or leave it. The child won’t care. I think your DIL is probably being thoughtful regarding your budget- no need to feel left out.

I bought a beautiful personalised wooden toy box for my youngest granddaughter. Etsy sells lots of wonderful versions. If they are too expensive I also have purchased a similarly personalised wooden toy crate. Both were lovely.

One less present to buy. Result!

However much it hurts you, I think I can see DIL’s point- tinies do not understand about Christmas presents and it always seems odd that the present pile is in inverse proportion to the size of the recipient - ie smallest person has the biggest pile.
My youngest DD is adamant about ONE present per child, however tempting it is to buy lots of little things which catch your eye. She says she does not want her boys deluged in toys which they possibly value less - because in this case more IS less.
After all the pleasure is in the giving!
I don’t think you really need suggestions about the obvious books, LEGO etc (although at One, even Duplo might be a bit advanced.)
How about a BRIO wooden train set though ? You could start with a simple track and a few engines/carriages and there is lots of scope to add on in years to come.
You sound as if you are quite happy to spend a bit more than the modest suggestions from your (IMO considerate) DIL.
Don’t get drawn into feeling present giving has to be competitive - more money spent does not equal more love.

As it’s a long time to wait til Christmas from his birthday, why not suggest you delay giving him a gift until later in the year, ie the summer or autumn. At his age the parents may not have a clue about what may be suitable ideas as the child grows and develops, and they might seem more appreciative of a gift when others aren’t buying new things for him.

With two of our grandchildren, who each get inundated with several gifts from extended family at Christmas and birthdays, we wait until a more expensive larger item would be enjoyed by the children and buy that instead as a combination present, such as a swing/slide combo one year and a large swimming pool last summer. The children are happy and the parents don’t have the financial outlay of an enjoyable plaything.

Of course, these purchases are made in collaberation with the parents, not the children.

For another two who lives overseas, we buy them a one year family pass to a zoo or a stately home, etc. for multiple family days out, and this is appreciated as the cost would be prohibitive to their parents.

Finally, the other two who are that much older now get Amazon gift vouchers so they can choose their own gifts, even though we see them most frequently.

Please don’t be disappointed as I suspect the parents have too many relatives asking for suitable gift suggestions, so delaying until later in the year means a gift of something more age appropriate as he grows, rather than geared for the present 1 year old

My grandson is seven now, but still plays with the big wooden fire engine that we bought for him second-hand when he was two and first came to live with my daughter.
I'd probably buy nice wooden coloured bricks for a one year old, they love to stack things and later they can build with them and talk about colours and numbers. We made wooden bricks for our children and painted the sides in different bright primary colours, using child-safe enamel paint - I'm sure you could buy something like this.

A drum, xylophone, toy piano/keyboard in addition to the boring suggestion. They'll learn for next time 😂😂

I would give money.

Open up a savings account for him and put money in for Xmas and birthdays, when it’s time for him to buy a car he will thank you.

Maybe open a building society savings account for your grandson?
Do you craft? If so perhaps make him a blanket / quilt

You have asked Mum for advice about presents so it would be sensible to follow it. How about sending some money as well and suggesting that it could be used later to buy toys for outdoor play in the summer, or if they wish, saving it for him?