Useful present ideas for baby niece

[Worstworker]

DNiece is the first baby in my family and I’m pretty clueless when it comes to babies! Her birthday is shortly before Christmas and she will be 1. What would you suggest buying? She has a lot of toys already. Lots of toys labelled age appropriate in shops seem too young for her. Money is tight for DBro and DSIL so I want to get something helpful as well as nice. Would clothes be ok for one of the occasions (birthday/Christmas) or is it too boring? Any ideas appreciated!

If money is tight the buy clothes for your niece or get them a voucher for somewhere that does baby stuff and other stuff so they have some choice on how to spend it.

Ive been given m&s vouchers for my kids; used them to buy food and got the kids something from elsewhere iyswim

Clothes
Backpack
Toddler towel
Sleeping bags in 12-24 months
Plates/bowls etc. You can get lovely bamboo ones.
Star projector for her room

Get a book as well if you're concerned about it being boring

When DD was one we got several toys for 18months+ and they were very useful on the long run. I think she had kitchen toys and Happyland.

Do they have a garden? Maybe a voucher for a garden toy they can get in Spring? Sandpit, ride on toy? I normally hate joint presents (I have a December birthday and hated getting 1 present for two occassions) but a baby doesn't know any better.

Instead of clothing, a voucher for shoes may work, they are quite expensive and they outgrow them fast.

Annual pass for soft play or petting zoo?

Honestly I love getting clothes when they are that age. Usually people gift you lovely outfits which is nice as when you are on a budget you buy the more basic things. Get her a little book as well if you want something for her to keep.

ask them what she needs

I have a just turned 1 year old and we have some many toys already. I would go with clothes or a voucher for a shoe store as it won’t be long until she needs first shoes and wellies. Maybe a puddlesuit.

My 14 month old got a laugh and learn chair fir his birthday and it gets played with/sat on/climbed on most days :)

Long sleeve bibs for weaning

Trixie - stainless steel water bottle ( ours is used daily 18 months on. Good after baby bottle/ beaker stage for out and about)

Engel - baby merino buff and hat. So soft, will last a few years if you buy 1-3 years.

Thick cardigan. No hood. Most useful clothing for in car or pram, but costs more than average leggings etc.

Magformers toys - last 1-10 years. Can add over years.

books - Julia Donaldson’s younger hard back range. Ie rabbits nap, foxes socks

John lewis voucher

If you’re aiming to get something for the birthday and something for Christmas I’d make one of them a summer item - sand and water play tables are good for that age. If they have garden/outdoor space then maybe a small paddling pool or a little tikes rocking horse?
I’d look for toys that say 18months plus, a lot of the 12m ones are quite babyish and I’d rather have something a child can grow into and get more use of than something they’ll relatively quickly grow out of.
I wouldn’t bother buying a walker, things like that which are only used for a short time can be got from Facebook marketplace/ local groups for £5 or free in really good condition.

A savings account. They'll get tons of clothes and gifts over the years, and there's nothing to say that you can't buy them something too, but a savings account that you/they pay into would be of enormous benefit when they're older.