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Shopping for gifts can be THE WORST. With an endless sea of options, the limitlessness of Amazon, and kids who already have everything... it can feel impossible to narrow down your options and pick something a child {and their parents!} will love.
Also the worst? Standing at the library and trying to grab titles from a crowded shelf for your toddler's enjoyment... while said toddler is running around like a banshee, the baby is starting to lose it, and you really need to pee but can't stomach the thought of juggling all of your children in a public restroom.
The struggles are real.
Fortunately, I've been there, and I've got a few solid answers for you.
If you're going to a baby's first birthday and you need a gift, this list will cover you. Books are the best gifts, aren't they?!? Tell me it's not just me who thinks so??....
Or if you're trying to find good books for your toddler on your next library haul, these are all sure to be winners.
Every one of my three babes has LOVED the following board books in their 12-24 month age range.
The first thing I'll say is, when in doubt, go for bright colors. Littles at this stage are entranced by bright colors! While pastels are pretty and have their place, I've found that vibrant brights keep a one year old more engaged.
The Baby Lit Series. Bookish moms and dads are guaranteed to love these little primers based on the classics. Learn flower names with The Secret Garden, baby's first French words with Les Miserables, numbers with Pride and Prejudice, and a few Shakespearean phrases with A Midsummer Night's Dream.
We only own one, but we'll often check out a handful of these from the library. Even my 3 and 5 year old enjoy looking through them and listening to me read them aloud. The illustrations are so cheery and bright. They are just delightful- I have yet to meet one I didn't love. Be still my bookish heart!
Peekaboo Baby Books. My two oldest babies loved this peekaboo book to death- all of the flaps were torn and taped multiple times. Fortunately for number 3, Grammy found this new one that is equally adorable and well loved. One of my favorite things right now is reading it to our 16 month old and hearing her lisp "Peekaboo! I see you!" in her babyish way. Hopefully it lasts a few more kids.
Babies love seeing pictures of other babies, and peekaboo is a favorite baby game... so it makes total sense that these combined concepts in book form would be a win.
My sister gave E {my 16 month old} Are You a Cow? for Christmas, and it is pretty darn cute- after every question {are you a cow? a duck? a sheep?}, E says "Na!" She really gets it. This was the first book she interacted with in a memorable way.
I think Sandra Boynton is a favorite bc of her bright and funny animal illustrations, and her simple, humorous, and rhythmic text. Pretty much anything she writes is a good choice! Again, while a one year old can definitely appreciate these books, they won't outgrow them for years and years. You can rest easy knowing this gift will be on the shelf for a long time.
Bright Fruit and Veggie Books. Edible Numbers and Edible Colors were recent gifts from my other sister, and have been super popular with everyone in my house. If I hand these to E sitting in her high chair, I can buy myself a few more minutes of peace to cook dinner.
The pictures of fresh produce are unbelievably gorgeous, and you and your big kids will also learn about all kinds of varieties of fruits and vegetables that you didn't even know existed. A sturdy board book, a feast for your eyes.
What books are favorites for your one year old crowd? Please do share!
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