I like the car seat idea, That's a major expense we have coming up.
Something my Mum pays for for my DD is little gym classes, If you think its something one of them would enjoy doing with your niece once a week then maybe you could pay for a session of that, or a music class or something they wouldnt be able to go to because of money.

Not a huge fan of ride on toys because they are so easy to buy used.

Zoo or children's museum or aquarium membership, , bounce place year pass.

Age 1 to 2 is a funny age-- lots more mobility, but kids interests are so random! Usually mimicking the activities they see their parents do, like sweeping, playing with Tupperware and other kitchen supplies, using the mini vac, and so on. My little one did love her activity center--one of those tables with buttons to push that make sounds or light up, know what I mean?

At age 2 is when I think kids are interested more in toys. So things like toy kitchens and tea sets and doll houses become interesting at this age.

Enduring gifts at this age include a very ridiculously plush doll (e.g., check out www.blablakids.com for $$$ Peruvian wool knitted snugglies) and, let's face it, an education fund.

We just asked the grandparents for an Anywhere Chair (from PBK). They're already contributing to college--otherwise that's a great idea.

Ride on toy

Good quality push-pram from Moover, just her size, you can buy it on Amazon:

College fund and a small toy. Happy all the way around.

College fund. Clothing from old navy, target, carters style for this season and next summer, car seat if they only have one, good umbrella stroller if they do not have one, a few toys, a visit from you.

We have a friend who since birth sends a care package of clothing, toys and books. It's always fun.

Really nice ride on toy or dollhouse

Anonymous wrote:My dad bought me stock in XOM when I was 1. He invested $300. 31 years later after many dividend reinvestmentd, stock splits, and birthday money contributions, I sold it for the down payment on my house. That was a nice first birthday gift that I remembered every time I walk in the front door of my home.

That's a cool story!

A nice deposit into the child's 529.

For the parents: college fund
For the kid: kitchen

Money for college. I don't want stuff. The stuff I do want I happily buy second hand. I am nervous about college funds though.

My dad bought me stock in XOM when I was 1. He invested $300. 31 years later after many dividend reinvestmentd, stock splits, and birthday money contributions, I sold it for the down payment on my house. That was a nice first birthday gift that I remembered every time I walk in the front door of my home.

DH's niece is turning 1 and we want to send something nice. We have money and DH's (much younger) brother and wife do not (they're both underemployed with lots of student loan debt, she from name brand colleges). So what gift would be really nice and appreciated but not obnoxious?