Give something that will keep giving

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  A gift that will last and keep giving will be much appreciated by a parent, and later by the child. Great presents that will have extended life include a dwarf fruit tree that can grow with a child or a magazine subscription to a publication like National Wildlife Federation's Wild Animal Baby.
  
  

Don't be afraid to ask

• Ask the parent what the child needs or wants. Oftentimes parents are bombarded with toys when what they really could use are socks or a specific pair of shoes.
  
  

Stand-bys made unique

• Make a not-so-unique gift more unique. Buy a book with the child's name in it. Or, purchase a book on Red Envelope (www.redenvelope) that incorporates the child's name specifically. Try to purchase a unique baby doll. For example, if the child is of ethnic decent buy an appropriate doll at Lakeshore Learning.
  
  

Gift cards always work

• Gift cards are always appropriate and appreciated by parents. Gift cards can be from stores like Target, Macy's or Gymboree, from book stores or toy stores. A pass to a local indoor play place such as Pump it Up is also a fun alternative.
  
  

Appropriate toys

• In the end, toys always make a suitable gift. Some toys that will fit their development include:
  - wooden puzzles: make sure they are simple and include only a handful of large pieces
  - anything they can push: look for walkers and toys designed for 12+ month, you don't want a toy that can tip over easily
  - stackables: traditional wood blocks or stackable cups provide for great entertainment
  - balls: rolling them will be more of an activity than you think
  - bubbles: Gymboree makes really great bubbles
  - tub toys: toys range from books to read in the tub to toy boats