If you are a parent looking for a sentimental first birthday gift for your baby or a loved one in search for sentimental baby gifts this roundup will give you some great ideas. These gifts will be enjoyed for years to come and will ensure your child is given memorable gifts, as well as fun toys!
Read on for my favorite first birthday gift ideas from parents.
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Brooklyn Turns One
I wasn’t very sentimental or easily emotional until I had my daughter.
Now I am a hot mess.
Teary eyed reading Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever – every time. I cannot get through that story at bedtime! You too?
If there is a commercial with a baby being born – bring on the tissue.
Or talk about an upcoming holiday and all I can think is “how can I make this memorable and special for Brooklyn?”. What craft can I do to commemorate this first? What photo can I take to put in her memory book? How can she get involved in this day?
We are now at the point where her little friend’s are gearing up for their first birthdays.
Related: How to Throw a Teddy Bears Picnic 1st Birthday Party
And I’ve been focused on finding presents that can Brooklyn can get them that are sentimental and meaningful and they can keep/use forever – or at least for a long time.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a baby a toy for their birthday. They will love it immediately, where a sentimental first birthday gift might take years before they “get it”.
A way to solve that is include a little toy that ties into the more meaningful gift.
That way they have something to open and play with on the day and also something they will treasure for a lifetime.
Here is my list of my Best Sentimental Gifts for Baby’s 1st Birthday. These ideas can also work for older birthdays, Christmas or other celebrations like a Baptism/Christening, etc…
Related:
Sentimental First Birthday Gift Guide –
from Parents & Loved Ones
1. Teddy Bear made from a Baby’s Sleeper
HOW SWEET IS THIS?!
My dear friend Ann is planning on getting my daughter one for her first birthday. I have already picked the sleeper and am now just waiting to send it away. I will upload my finished bear when I receive it.
In the meantime above is the Etsy’s store’s photo. Is it wrong that I want to keep it for myself?!
UPDATED! Here is the photo of one of my bears (yes – I did end up getting one for myself to keep!)
2. Personalized 1st Birthday Cake Topper
Brooklyn’s friend Claire received this cake topper on her first birthday. It complimented the Teddy Bear Picnic party her parents threw her.
Her mom ordered it from this Etsy shop – Sweet N Tender Dreams
UPDATE: Bummer! The above store is taking a break, but here is another store that also does customized cake toppers.
Here is their version of a teddy bear cake topper to compare:
I love it because it can be passed down and kept as decor in her room while she is little.
3. Tree or Bush
Buying something that can be planted and enjoyed year round (or in season depending on where you live) is so special. Depending on the age the child can particpate in the planting and upkeep. It can also be a teaching moment on how to care for a living thing.
And how sweet would it be to take a photo next to their tree or rose bush each year to see how both are growing?
If you can, go the extra step and look for names that match the child or are somehow connected to them. For example, the roses are the color of their birthstone.
Toy to match: gardening tools such as these or a kid sized lawn mower – classic for a reason.
- Quilt made from Baby’s clothing
Similar to the teddy bear above, make or have someone make a quilt from the baby or child’s clothing. This is a more costly gift, but one they will keep forever I’m sure!
- Name Book
I got one of these for my niece for her first Christmas. They are so cute and great for when they get a bit older and are learning their ABC’s and how to spell their name. The illustrations are also lovely.
One thing to keep in mind, if the child has a short name this book won’t work, but another style where they don’t spell the name, but use it in the story instead would be great. Board books would be great for this age.
For example:
Conclusion
I’m so excited to give our baby friend, Claire, her rose bush and bubble lawn mower in the next few weeks. Firstly, because I know she will love both and secondly because her mom is just as much of a sap as I am (actually more, don’t tell her I said that).
Happy Gifting!
What’s the best sentimental baby gift you received as a child or your child has been given?
Related:
Mom in the Six
Welcome to Mom in the Six!
Great gift ideas! Never thought about a gift that can be planted, definitely something I will be considering for my son’s upcoming birthday.
The teddy bear sleeper is the cutest and sweetest thing ever! I will never forget the first onsie I put on each of my kids. Those will FOREVER be treasured. I would definitely keep the bear for myself as well!
These are such sweet and neat ideas! Love baby gifting, such a precious time to start giving lifetime memorable gifts.
These are such thoughtful gifts!! I really love the idea of a rose bush. Imagine watching it grow throughout the years. And the teddy bear made from the pajamas is too cute!!
I love these!! I’m definitely going to make the quilt out of my boys old clothing. I’ve given so much away, but for those special pieces I saved, this is perfect! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow, I can relate so much to having my empathy and compassion go to a whole new level after having babies! Well said. Also, these are fantastic ideas–I especially love the quilt and the teddy bear. Practical uses for things I don’t need anymore but can’t bear to get rid of! 🙂
What beautiful and sentimental gifts. I love the idea of the bear made from baby clothes. So sweet. Thank you for such a useful list. Great post.
Such a cute and sentimental gifts. I love the idea of the personalised bear made from baby clothes. Brilliant list. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Oh my goodness, the teddy bear idea is such a cute one! I’ve never heard that before.
That’s why I couldn’t resist getting two ha!
I love #1 and #2 SO MUCH!! I wish I did one of those when my son turned 1 (maybe it’s not too late? lol). Anyway, I love this list because it is so personal and heartwarming!
Never too late!
I absolutely love the love you forever book too, I always choke up lol. I’ve had a quilt done for my son out of his T-shirts these ideas are all great!