Need gift ideas for 2 year old boy $20-$25

[corrie23]

We're going to a birthday party this weekend. The little boy is turning two. I don't know much about his interests other than his parent's report that he would sit and watch Elmo DVDs all day if they let him. I also don't know what "stuff" he already has.

For DD's 2nd birthdy they bought her a cute sundress from Gymbo in the $20-$25 range, so I think that's what we're aiming for. I don't want to do clothes since there is so little out for fall at this point and I assume that his summer wardrobe is pretty much set. For his last birthday I did a couple of books and the LP Noah's Ark set (which I got for a great deal).

TIA for your suggestions!
-Corrie

[mudder17]

Hmm...it's hard when you don't know his tastes. However, my general opinion is you can't go too wrong with Lego. ;)

My favorite Lego set for a child around 1.5-3 is the preschool table:

http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=3125

For my nephew's birthday, I got him this table and one of these:

http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=5503&cn=206&d=31&t=9

It also comes in an airplane instead of a dog, and as you can see, it's half-price right now. The two together would be around $25, or you can just give him the table.

Hope that helps!

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif , 16 months & counting


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[pritchettzoo]

Mr. Potato Head sets. I know Target has one, but I don't remember the price. You could always add on a book. No, David! Is really cute and appropriate for little guys. :)

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[nitaghei]

Legos and blocks would be my two top recommendations for a little boy. I got some great colored wooden blocks from Discout School Supply - I'll come to update with the link if I find it. They were about $25. A big hit.

My DS loves trains and Thomas - but that's a harder one, since you don't know what he already has. Another possibility is a wagon (there is a Lego wagon that should be in your price range) or a truck of some sort to push. My DS loves the plastic dump truck from Target (about $6 on sale right now I think). Also his Tonka tractor and dump-truck. A little boy can't have enough trucks :)

Other possibilities - Melissa & Doug playfood - the veggie set is about $20, and it's great for developing fine motor skills. I think there's a M&D block set in a wagon that should be in your price range, too. Possibly the lacing beads - though that's more appropriate for a 3 year old, I think.

And definitely books - DS has a wide assortment. There are so many out there. My DS started appreciating Dr. Suess in the last few months. And he loves alphabet books - which might be his weird geeky thing, though. :)

Lastly - though this is dependent on the parenting philosophy - how about a play silk or two? My DS loves his playsilks. A simple, long lasting toy.

HTH

Nita (fleece is my friend)
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker (at the Rainbow Bridge)

[August Mom]

I know this sounds stereotypical, but balls and vehicles. Seriously, DS loves them both and can't have enough. DS is into Thomas, but if you don't know that the little boy is, I'd avoid it. If you want to go FP LP, I'd recommend the school bus. This is DS's favorite (and seems to be a favorite with other kids as well). Matchbox/Hotwheel cars and some track are a big hit with DS, although technically they are for 3+, so you may be nervous about that. It really depends on the child. DS played with them at 2 and it was never a problem. Any kind of truck (but dump trucks or diggers seem to be especially popular, or, interestingly garbage trucks) will probably work.

On the sports side, LT makes a cute bowling set that DS has enjoyed for awhile. He also used the LT golf set when he was 2, but, again, it depends on the child. I highly recommend the Franklin Air Tech Micro Football (available at Target). It is a great size for little hands and softer than a regular football. DS has loved it forever. He kicks and throws it and has since around 2.

Another possibility is sand toys. You could get a dump truck and then add on a shovel, rake, bucket and some little plastic vehicles.

And, I have to recommend puzzles as well. I'm a big fan of the Lauri crepe rubber puzzles, especially for the 2 year age group. I think they are really cool.

[Jen841]

Jude's 2, here are some of his favorites....
Tonka Truck (big one) in his sandbox, and sandbox toys
Ralph's World Music and DVD (all he wants to watch, trying to introduce him to Sesame Street.)
Bubble Blowing Mower ($15 I believe)
Gertie Ball (AKA Bumpy Ball)
Plastic Golf set
Train table stuff- but it is more moving things around than playing
Books
Magna Doodle

Balls and trucks are always hits! I am still into "big" items since things still go right for the mouth.

I want to get him the Little Tyke Tee Ball set. Next time I see it I will buy it, a friend's child loves his! Another item I would not mind is a fun sprinkler, but we have the old fashion kind and that works.

LP have lost his interest for a while, I packed them up and will pull them out in the fall. Right now at home he just wants to be outside on his Big Wheel, in the sandbox, mowing the grass or going down his slide. I did get him an outdoor chair that he will sit in for a quick gulp of something.

[SarahK]

Target has an Elmo sprinkler attachment for about $10. If he loves Elmo, he will LOVE this! You could do that plus some legos or playdoh or something like that.

[ethansmom]

My Elmo lover hugs and kisses this sprinkler!

[new_mommy25]

I totally agree with any kind of vehicles. My DS is almost two and all he plays with are trucks, trucks, and trucks! He would be thrilled to recieve any form of truck, regardless of how many he owns. Excavators are his favorite. We really like the "Rugged Rigs" bt Little Tikes. THey are very reasonably priced and hold up well in the house or outside being filled with rocks or sands. They have a ton at TRU or Walmart. If you buy one of those and a book about trucks to match you will be all set.

Here is a link to some of trucks on TRU. They have a ton.
http://tinyurl.com/9gf8s
http://tinyurl.com/8cwm2 (this one beeps and is very popular with DS)

[jamsmu]

All great suggestions. Also, wooden blocks are a huge hit.

[corrie23]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I gave DD several choices at the toy store, and she picked this "band in a bucket"

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/toys/B0002KJ2VQ/qid%3D1120705908/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-5262738-9319311

along with a more basic level Mr. Potato Head.

Thanks again, I hope that he likes it!
-Corrie