Gift Bag

[plumtreeblossom]

At work they asked for volunteers to create $25-$30 gift bags for children living in poverty. From the long list of recipients, I chose a 1-year-old boy (just turned 1). It was very hard to choose just one, but that's all I can afford and I picked this little boy simply because he had the same name as my cat, Benjamin.

There were no bag contents guidelines other than no toy weapons, and no wish list from the parent(s). Not being very baby-savvy, I'm working on ideas for what to fill the bag with. I though of cardboard baby books, mittens, hat, baby toys, a plush animal, I don't know what else.

Because I'm me, I was thinking that no holiday gift bag would be complete without some edible treats. I asked my mother about candy and she said "No candy at that age." So my question is: is there some kind of treat that would be appropriate for a 12-month-old (who may or may not have teeth yet), or should I just skip food altogether and stick with toys and clothes?

Comments

[library-sexy.livejournal.com]

They make "cookies" for kids that age, but not knowing if there are diet restrictions you might want to stay away from that.

Since food is an item that doesn't last long your book ideas,, mittens, hat....all will last for many months. I would stick with non-perishables.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the only thing I ever see babies that age eating are Cheerios and stuff, and nobody wants Cheerios for Christmas. You're right, non-perishables can be enjoyed longer.

I specialize more in newborns, but...

[moonshadow.livejournal.com]

Baby socks and baby booties are cheap and cute and boy do babies ever go through them. Lost, soiled, gummed to death... okay, just kidding.

Another gift you might wish to include is a mobile for over the crib or bed. You could probably make it yourself if you wanted to.

These might be more helpful for the parents than for the baby, but I think that's okay. One year olds don't really get the whole Christmas thing.

Re: I specialize more in newborns, but...

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I didn't think of a mobile! That's a nice idea. And booties, too. (I love when babies chew their feet :-)

Re: I specialize more in newborns, but...

[moonshadow.livejournal.com]

One may be old enough for baby shoes? I'm not sure. I agree, I love how babies chew themselves and other people. I also love to chew babies. Nom nom nom.

I'm glad you like the mobile idea. :) They are good for stimulating the brain during those long sleepless hours in the crib, or so I hear. :)

[deceptiverose.livejournal.com]

Whenever I go to a baby shower or a young child's birthday I usually make baskets for the baby's stuff. I crochet them. But I used to always make baskets of things that you use a lot like baby wipes, Q-tips, wash cloths, bibs, things like that.

I like the mittens and stuff for the winter. Hats are good too!

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

There's a newly-opened baby store right around the corner from me. I'm going to check out what they have!

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

At that age, something they can chew is a good idea--a teether or rattle or that kind of thing. They also sell age-appropriate little wooden cars or trains which are often a hit.

[moonshadow.livejournal.com]

Indeed, something they can chew is a good call. I hear that little wooden cars are good for that, too. Heh.

[cathijosephine.livejournal.com]

Another thing, along the lines of tasty goodies, is that there are adorable little cheerio-shaped snack buckets.

I imagine teething one-year-olds like cheerios!

[ron_newman]

Raisins, maybe?

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

Kid's probably still too young for raisins.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

Babies at 1 year don't care about toys. Perhaps http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-71050-Rock-A-Stack/dp/B00000IZQP

I'd say concentrate on something for the parents. diapers. Bibs. Gerber washable bottles. "baby's first sippie cup" sort of thing.

from another benjamin mama

[thesynergizer.livejournal.com]

no food, you're right about that. 1 is just about the time that they are starting to like books. simple board books or cloth books like goodnight moon and fuzzy bee and friends.

if the baby and his parents really live in poverty, he probably doesn't own many books, if any. and reading to your child is the number one thing that you can do to give him a better future.

i wouldn't do a mobile ... you don't know his sleeping arrangements, plus at 1, they start to climb their cribs and grab at things. most parents have to take them down at around that age, or in the near future.

a sippy cup is a good idea ... if you do shoes, get the little leather kind, soft-soled bottoms are best for new walkers. like robeez.

you are totally awesome for doing this by the way. i wish there was a way for you (and us!) to know how he liked his things :-)

[daisytells.livejournal.com]

What a nice idea! I'll bet we could work something out for our elderly loners along those lines. I'll ask around, see what we might do.