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How to Choose Memorable First Birthday Gifts From Grandparents A first birthday is an exciting occasion for the whole family. Everyone wants to celebrate a little one’s first 365 turns around the sun, including their grandparents. And we all know a birthday celebration means presents! But finding a memorable first birthday gift isn’t easy. Luckily, with our handy guide to birthday gift ideas for grandchildren, you’ll soon find the perfect present. HOW TO CHOOSE FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFTS FROM GRANDPARENTS You know you’ve chosen a memorable first birthday gift when it’s fun, cute and will stand the test of time. Here’s what to look out for when shopping for first birthday gifts for your grandchildren. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR GRANDCHILD LIKESMake sure your gift is memorable by choosing something you know your grandchild likes. This might seem a simple tip — after all, why would you buy something they don’t like — but so many gifts end up relegated to storage because children don’t play with them. Think about what they enjoy playing with most or their favourite animal, and go from there. STIMULATION OR COMFORT?The first few years of a little one’s life are crucial to their development, making educational toys a fantastic choice for a birthday gift. Designed to stimulate tots’ senses, educational toys help them develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. While toys are an easy (and sweet) win, they aren’t the only option. Little ones grow so quickly, and parents are always in need of new pyjamas and adorable outfits. WHAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIMEIf you want your gift to be memorable, it’ll need to be something they’ll cherish forever. Durable wooden gifts will last for many years and may even be enjoyed by your great-grandchildren in the future. SAFETY FIRSTSafety should always be considered when buying anything for a child, including birthday presents. Buying from reputable manufacturers will make sure toys or clothing adhere to safety standards. GO FOR PERSONALISATION!Personalising their special birthday gift is the perfect way to make it memorable. While a soft toy is cute, a toy with the birthday tot’s name on its chest will quickly become their favourite nap-time companion. SIX MEMORABLE FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFTS FROM GRANDPARENTS Ready to start shopping? Here are our top six birthday gift ideas for grandchildren. CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES From cosy dressing gowns and pyjama sets to welly boots and raincoats, there are dozens of clothing and accessory items you can gift to your adorable grandchild. Growing tots always need new clothing, so you can’t go wrong with a sweet jacket or outfit. Plus, as they get ready to take their first steps, they’ll require comfy and sturdy shoes to help them on their way! A reminder of one of the most important developmental milestones, parents will remember those shoes for years to come. CUDDLY TOYS Cuddly toys are a classic baby gift for good reason. Lots of children rely on their favourite toys to soothe them to sleep, and many keep them close throughout their life. Ask any adult, and they’ll likely be able to tell you the name of their beloved childhood teddy! KEEPSAKES Look no further than a special keepsake gift for a more practical first birthday gift that’s guaranteed to stand the test of time. Adorable money boxes or personalised baby blankets make wonderful mementoes for a tot’s first years. WOODEN TOYS With a lovely natural texture, wooden toys are long-lasting, beautiful, sanitary and perfect for helping children develop hand-eye coordination. From push-along activity walkers to playsets, countless adorable wooden toys are available to help one-year-olds develop their fine motor skills, matching abilities and creative thinking. PUZZLES AND ACTIVITY TOYS Puzzles and activity toys are wonderful for inspiring developing minds! These toys are designed to keep little ones entertained for hours as they grab, arrange, move and match. Our favourite gift ideas for engaging children’s curiosity include shape sorters, wooden puzzles, stackers and activity cubes. BOOKS Last but not least, we have books. Books are an essential part of any child’s life, helping them learn about the world, develop their language skills and engage their imagination. MAKE YOUR GIFT MEMORABLE WITH PERSONALISATION Whether you choose an engaging wooden toy, cuddly teddy bear or adorable pair of shoes, add a little one’s name to turn your thoughtful gift into a memorable keepsake with our personalisation service. For more inspiration, look at our selection of personalised first birthday gifts from grandparents.FOLLOW US Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Google+

6 Ways to Make Baby’s 1st Birthday Special The first year is an emotional roller-coaster for new parents, and it all culminates in Baby’s 1st birthday. Wondering how to celebrate? If you believe Instagram or Pinterest, the only way to do it is with a perfectly planned, colour-coordinated extravaganza. Believe us when we say it’s not worth the stress. If you try too hard to make Baby’s 1st birthday perfect, neither you nor your little one will end up having a good time. And that’s what it’s all about, right? Taking a moment to enjoy your amazing achievement. So instead, here are 6 simple ways to make Baby’s 1st birthday meaningful and unique.  1) GET THE PHOTOS DONE RIGHT Don’t rely on your phone camera for this one! Book a studio session with a professional photographer who’s known for working with wee ones. Get a proper family portrait done and while you’re at it, why not have a cake smash session? Giving Baby a fun activity for their shoot helps them to relax and makes for truly adorable candid snaps. 2) GIVE BABY A NEW FIRST EXPERIENCE When Baby is just a year old, there are still so many things you haven’t had a chance to do together. Maybe Baby has never seen the sea, or perhaps you guys have never been to the zoo. Pick a place that you loved when you were young and take Baby to experience it for the first time. You’ll relive your precious memories through a fresh new set of eyes.   3) WRITE A LETTER TO BABY You have so much you want to say to Baby, but they’re too young yet to understand the fullness of your love. Put it all into a letter which they can open when they’re older, perhaps when they’re 10 or 18 years old. To make it extra special, pop a photo into the envelope that Baby will never have seen before. In fact, why not start a new tradition and write a letter every year? 4) PLANT A TREE Make a living memory with Baby. Head to the garden centre and pick out a tree together (whichever one Baby seems to smile at the most!). Bring Baby’s new tree friend home and find them a permanent spot in the garden. The tree will grow tall and strong alongside Baby, sheltering your little one while they play. Take a photo of them together each year to compare how much they’ve grown.    5) GO OUT FOR DINNER (WITHOUT BABY!) Let’s face it, Baby’s not even going to remember their 1st Birthday. This milestone is not just for your child but also for you, you amazing person. You’ve done something wonderful and incredibly tough – you deserve a reward! And now that Baby is older, you can start doing things without them every once in a while. So go on, book that fancy dinner and get all dressed up. You’ve earned it and then some.   6) KEEP THE PARTY SIMPLE Parties aren’t essential for 1-year-old Babies. And like we said at the start, they can be stressful! But sometimes you can’t resist throwing one anyway. Don’t get in over your head, though. Keep the celebrations simple and don’t go overboard with fancy food or fussy decorations. How about a potluck or a back garden barbecue? The less you stress, the happier Baby will be and the more time you’ll have to party together!   Are you looking for Baby’s 1st birthday present? Explore our range of beautifully-made, personalised baby gifts, from customised clothes and shoes to toys and accessories.