Special present for 2 1/2 year old

[cara1]

My grandparents (who are in their 90's) want to give my son a "special" present. In my grandfather's words, "something that he will remember is from us". He suggested a tricycle. We already have one. Any other ideas? I was thinking of a fire engine pedal car, but DH thinks it's silly. Besides, all the ones I've seen online are over $200 and fancy schmancy with ladders and what not. Anyone have any other ideas?

[Jen841]

Sandbox? - my grandfather made mine
Bike he can grow into (that can take training wheels?)
Pottery Barn chair/table?
Special piece of artwork that he can always have? (we give pewter or stained glass crosses for christening gifts I hope the children will always have)
Special stuffed animal?
Radio flyer wagon? (my Grandfathers would have voted for this!)

Do they want an heirloom type gift, or something he will play with a few years?

[cdlamis]

What about a custom toy chest with his name on it? Wasn't there a co-op for custom toy chests in "Around the House"?

Like these:
http://www.ababy.com/nav/gcenter.asp?catid=42

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
And another little girl EDD 12-30-04!!

[Momof3Labs]

I like the idea of a special bear - Neve is working on a Steiff co-op, and Steiff make great heirloom gifts!

[Jeanmick]

How about a videotape/DVD of them talking to your DS about their history and how much he means to them? While he may not appreciate it now, he will when he's older. :)

[candybomiller]

My first thought, before I read your post was "how about a college education?" Now I see that I'm shooting a little high. :)

Are they looking for something that he'll have for the rest of his life and possibly pass down to his children or more something that he'll look at now and say "oh, that's from my great-grandparents"?

[macassi]

Old fashioned unit blocks. The big wooden blocks -- not the ones you see everywhere. I think barclay woods makes them (you can do a search for barclay) or you can get them through a catalog or an educational store. You need about 100 blocks and they are a great toy that will be played with for years and passed down. My parents still have our wood blocks from when we were kids, and my aunt and uncle have theirs from their kids. In fact, it was my kids playing with my aunt and uncles set that convinced me I had to buy them and it's the best toy purchase we've made to date.

[mom2kandj]

Is your son into trains? How about a wooden name trains and maybe some Thomas stuff? Trains are great because of the imagination play aspect as well as being something that the grandparents can relate to! Also, you could go with another wooden toy like a play kitchen or workbench that could be passed on. HTH!


Rose
mom 2 Katie 12/02/00
& Jack 04/16/02