what to buy a 3yo for his birthday when...

[lovechoc]

he cannot talk yet, cannot eat solids and doesn't play with toys.

His birthday is coming up soon (nephew) and not sure what to buy him. Can anyone give me some inspiration?

Is he mobile? What does he like to see or do?

some kind of sensory toy like a lava lamp or one of those bubble tubes? or some of those wind spinner things for the garden? i'm thinking things that are interesting to look at.. do you know anything else about him?

He is mobile and can walk around. No, not sure what he likes really. Was considering a few Disney DVDs but it seems a bit lame doesn't it? Almost like we've not tried to think of something decent.

Thanks, I may try and get something for the garden that he can look at. I would never have thought of that!!

The parents don't really say very much about what he likes (we only visit once or twice a year) so no idea what he enjoys. I'm just a bit annoyed that we've bought him age-appropriate toys in the past and no one has bothered to say 'he can't play with that'. We could have got him something that he does enjoy for his current age.

I like ruddynorahs idea of sensory toy, a mobile for his bedroom, glow in the dark stars, bubble machine, music or a voucher for a day out at something like a childrens farm?
or failing that clothes? (with a gift receipt of course )

wind chimes?

How about a toy wheelbarrow (a proper metal one) for the garden. My dc have loved ours, ds2 was wheeling things around in it from about 18m, and loves 'helping' me in the garden. If his parents garden, he may copy them?

We looked around the shops today and ended up going with a couple of DVDs because we know he does watch children's TV (Fimbles/Tweenies etc). Also pushed for time as his birthday is coming up soon and today was the only day we had together to get presents bought.

Thank you for all your suggestions though. I will keep those in mind on the run up to Christmas when I have more time to browse around - you have given me some ideas!

glad you got sorted. for future reference there are loads of things on this site that any child would like.