Book-Themed Gift Combinations

Turning 3 is a rite-of-passage, don't you think? Suddenly, a 3-year-old is mature enough for a million toys with parts that their 2-year-old self apparently couldn't handle safely. A three-year-old is ready for their very own cubby at their very own pre-school! A three-year-old picks out their own big-kid underwear. Their world is blown wide open with possibilities! (I'm not being sarcastic; I am just simultaneously amused and terrified for the much-too-soon day when my daughter will somewhat officially make the leap from toddler to kid.)

What should you give in celebration of this auspicious birthday? I suggest the Magic 3 Combo: something to READ, something to WEAR, and something to PLAY with.  

I'm not suggesting that one person ought to give three things--themed gifts like this would be perfect from a group, from all the aunts and uncles, for example. But if you're picking just one, go with something to read, because books are sadly under-represented at kid's birthday parties.

The Magic 3 Combo works for anyone at any age at any occasion, but here are 3 examples for a 3-year-old (with an estimated total price):

1. Eight Silly Monkeys illustrated by Steve Haskamp; Foamies Monkey Stickers; Barrel of Monkeys

2. Miss Spider's New Car by David Kirk; Pluie Pluie Kids Green Bug Rain Boots (sizes Toddler 5- Kid 2); Hot Wheels Dirt Track Race Toy Car 5 Pack
(The boots are the bulk of this price estimate, on sale for $37.99 as I type. I'm bugging out, they're so cute.)

3. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert; pipe-cleaner-and-bead backpack name label* (you can make it with the child in 5 minutes!); Melissa & Doug Alphabet Art puzzle

*beads, pipe cleaners and lanyard hook shown are from Hobby Lobby



What do you think?

This post was not sponsored (although, I wish that it had been) and contains only my personal opinions without guarantees.

P.S. If you want to play with me on Pinterest, that would be cool.

Book-Themed Birthday Parties

I gathered up a lot of ideas for Baby A's 2nd birthday party on Pinterest, and finally decided to go with the theme of her favorite book in the weeks leading up to her birthday: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

 

 

 Do you have any book-themed birthday party links to share?

7 Books to Give a One-Year-Old

What do you give a one-year-old on her or his birthday? A book, of course!
These seven books are bound to become favorites for any tiny tot. They're just right for short attention spans and budding senses of humor, and they have room to grow with the lucky little sophomore.

We're Going On A Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. This book can be read or sung; Oxenbury's timeless charm illustrating the delightful lyrics are a shot of sunshine.

Belly Button Book! by Sandra Boynton. One-year-olds often get excited about identifying a few body parts, and what's cuter than a toddler's belly button? Boynton is (always) hilarious, and the words transition well into play.

Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli. As one-year-old diets (hopefully) expand, and mouthing (if you're lucky) begins to be the less-frequent form of object study, this book is a fun way to identify what's good to eat, and what to keep out of that curious mouth.

Is Your Mama a Llama? written by Deborah Guarino, illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This classic book explores animal mamas. One-year-olds are often just starting to look beyond their nucleus at the world, and this book reinforces categorization skills in a heartwarming, animal-focused form.

 

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. Doesn't it seem that going to the zoo is a rite of passage for the under-twos? There are zillions of zoo books, but this is an award-winning lift-the-flap book that will be reached for over and over again.

In the Town by Roger Priddy. Lift-the-flap books are exciting to one-year-olds practicing their fine motor skills. One-year-olds are busy building associations all day (and night), but this bright, real-world shadow book (or any of the others in the series) won't feel like work to anyone.

Sergio Makes a Splash! by Edel Rodriguez. All the exploration in the big, wide world can start to give famously bold one-year-olds a few fears. Sergio, an Argentinian penguin, is an endearing example of how to overcome fears and enjoy life, in cheerful, popping illustrations.

In case you missed it:
7+ books to give at a baby shower (or anytime!)

First Birthday Party of the World's Cutest Baby

Or rather, the world's cutest toddler. 

Yesterday, she was walking down the sidewalk in our apartment yard. When she got too far, I called her back, several times. She turned around, waved bye-bye, and kept walking away. 

Our past and our future flashed through my mind as I ran after her. 

But you came to see her party.

decorations:

 

 

Guests wrote birthday wishes on the back of  photos of her (about one from each month) on a banner, which i will dissemble to make a scrapbook. We watched a video of clips and pictures of her from birth to now. We listened to the Raffi Pandora station (best invention ever).

 

 

 

 

food:

Babies could eat refried beans, cheese, gucamole and maybe tortilla. Grown-ups could eat everything. To drink: chocolate, strawberry, or plain milk; lemon water, out of assorted lidded paper cups with straws.

Gifts:

Kids made drums out of empty formula cans by removing the wrapper (Up & Up brand cans without the wrapper are silver!) and decorating them with paper, stickers, and markers. I left the scooper inside, because it makes a fun sound when you beat the drum, or it could be used as a mallet. Favors: maracas, bird warbler, and horns.

  The cake:

(Everything was make-your-own)

sliced strawberries, strawberry sauce [pureed strawberries with sugar and a little lemon juice], real whipped cream, Costco shortcakes (on Ikea cake stand)

She cleared her plate.

 Then, she played with her friends.

  

And rested a little with her 54" bear.

 

After the party, she went for a dip, the first swim of the summer!

I think she had a fun day.

And we ended the day with her goodnight song, like we have since she was born. Sometimes, she's still my little baby.