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I'm going to a birthday party for a girl turning 1, and I'd like to get a toy - something for her, rather than clothes. I am really out of the loop on this one. What are the best toys for that age, in terms of safety and play value? I'm on a budget, so $30 is about my top end. I assume she has the classics like wood blocks. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Hi Margaret, books make terrific gifts for 1 year olds. If the child is anything like mine (13 months) she has plenty of toys being gifted to her by her grandparents :). Before her 1st birthday I found a nice poetry book and wrote a little inscription on the inside cover hoping that she will see this book as a keepsake for many years to come.

good luck!

Try finding some bathtub toys. Then they would use it all the time. I hope this helps.

I agree with the book suggestion! We loved the Usborne baby board books when my kids were little. The touchy-feely ones are fun and interactive. Here is a link to a local (Oak Park) vendor. They ship quickly and are high quality. For $30 you could get a few and put then in a little basket.  www.ChooseUsborneFirst.com. Bubbles, blocks, a soft cloth doll, colorful play silks, simple chunky wooden puzzles and stacking toys are also a hit. If you are near Oak Park, go into Geppetto's Toy Box at Oak Park Ave. and Lake Street. The owners will steer you in the right direction and gift wrapping is free.