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

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 :-)