Need 2nd birthday help

[KrisM]

I'm at a loss. DS2 turns 2 this month and I have very few ideas for him and I gave them all to others :). Any suggestions for a 2nd birthday for the 3rd kid and 2nd boy?

[kristac]

This screams two year old boy to me:

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-People-Wheelies-Rampway/dp/B003870AQ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3PALPENTZJ0T1&colid=3BL5DKYA1ES11

Radio Flyer Turbo Turtle/ Plasma Car

IPlay Build It Bigger http://www.amazon.com/I-Play-G02318-Iplay-Build-Bigger/dp/B001R8L4HC/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2XRGWAYE1TP88&colid=2S7ZURV0TL9ST

Geotrax

[newg]

what about this?
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Discovery-Kids-2-piece-Adventure-Play-Tent/4237244/product.html

I saw them at Kohls earlier this summer too....

DD has something similar and so does her little best friend (my friend's DS).........both are inside, but could easily be put outside. She loves playing in it.
Her little buddy also got this for his birthday (not sure if exact same brand....)
http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=36918&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-toys%20&%20books%7Cplanes,%20trains%20&%20automobiles%7Ctrains%20&%20train%20sets-_-KS-072&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=KS-072
They both love playing with it.

[KrisM]

I hadn't seen the FP ramp thing. That looks like something he'd like a lot.

Is 2 old enough for a Plasma car? I'd love something he could easily do to keep up with the others outside on bikes. He is pretty coordinated and can ride a plastic scooter with the right motions, so I wonder...

I'm not sure on the iplay stuff and we have Geotrax.

Thanks for the ideas!

[KrisM]

what about this?
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Discovery-Kids-2-piece-Adventure-Play-Tent/4237244/product.html

I saw them at Kohls earlier this summer too....

DD has something similar and so does her little best friend (my friend's DS).........both are inside, but could easily be put outside. She loves playing in it.
Her little buddy also got this for his birthday (not sure if exact same brand....)
http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=36918&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-toys%20&%20books%7Cplanes,%20trains%20&%20automobiles%7Ctrains%20&%20train%20sets-_-KS-072&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=KS-072
They both love playing with it.

We have a big set of the tents and tunnels and they're great! They're not out often, but over the years, they've gotten a good amount of play.

We have that exact train table...and another train table :).

Thanks!

[ourbabygirl]

I posted a similar question recently, for my mom who was looking for a present for my soon-to-be-2 niece. She's the second child in their family, but a girl, so would these be too girly for your son? Maybe a few of them would work...


*Personalized cd (with his name in the songs) (or anything personalized, really- a little stool for the bathroom, etc.)

*Maybe a photo book from Shutterfly or elsewhere, filled with pictures of him and his siblings, other relatives, & friends? I made one of these for DD for her 1st bday, and she really likes looking through the pages.

*Art set (basket/ container filled with toddler-friendly art supplies, paper, etc.)

*Mommy’s little helper set (kid-sized broom, mop, bucket, rake, vacuum, etc.)

*Animal puppets

*“Ladybug," “Baby bug,” or "High Five" (by Highlights) magazine subscription

*Doll stroller

*Tea set

*Dress up stuff: toddler-friendly jewelry, hats, fake make-up, etc.

*Baby doll & diaper bag, carrier, etc.

*Pillow pet (there are lots of fun animal choices available)

[swissair81]

My son is the only boy (guess i have it easier than you. i have lots of toys, but none of them are really boy toys.) and 3rd child, but he won't be 2 until the end of October. I was thinking of a workshop/workbench- http://www.littletikes.com/toys/little-tikes-pretend-play-workshops.aspx

[kristac]

Ohhh like the pillow pet idea- we got one from Cloud B that has been a big hit (love the washable cover) http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Plush-Aroma-Pillow-Sleep/dp/B003B1ZWO4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1278419357&sr=8-1

along those lines- moon in my room/ twilight turtle

more ideas-
sprig discovery rig
http://www.amazon.com/Sprig-Toys-A8001-Discover-Rig/dp/B001BERBL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1278419281&sr=8-1

parents animal hospital

castle/ barn

does he like Dinosaur Train? TRU just got in a toy line up for the show and DS3 (3) has not stopped playing with his dinosaur train since he got it last week for his bday.

[KrisM]

We just have too much! We have all the girl stuff listed and he does play with it. He has a castle so that he leaves DD's castle alone. He got a Pillow Pet for Christmas and wants nothing to do with it. We have a workbench, too. Although it's in the basement and maybe it could be relocated for him.

I do like the Parent's Animal Hospital - I wish the old colors were still around though. And the CD and photo book sound like neat ideas. He sees Dinosaur Train, but I'm not sure if he'd like it. I'll take a look though. He does like trains.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Is it terrible that we really didn't buy anything of interest for ds2's 2nd b-day? We just picked up a toy under $20 from Target and called it a day. We couldn't think of anything to get him and he didn't need anything. Had ds1 not been around we might not have bought anything but ds1 would have hated that. :)

Beth

[left210]

Our DS just turned two and his favorite thing he got was his easel.

[Melaine]

What about a Bilibo? I think the Sprig Discovery Rig idea is great. We love those. Or maybe one of the Green Toy trucks.

[Melaine]

Ohhh like the pillow pet idea- we got one from Cloud B that has been a big hit (love the washable cover) http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Plush-Aroma-Pillow-Sleep/dp/B003B1ZWO4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1278419357&sr=8-1


Are those full-sized? I don't see dimensions anywhere....they look like a nice pillow pet alternative but I am wondering if they are smaller than the large pillow pets. (Sorry to hijack)

[kristac]

Are those full-sized? I don't see dimensions anywhere....they look like a nice pillow pet alternative but I am wondering if they are smaller than the large pillow pets. (Sorry to hijack)

They are "toddler" sized.

[swissair81]

They have some really cool building toys out now. My kids love this stuff. There has to be a set you don't have yet. http://www.growingtreetoys.com/category/construction-toys

[KrisM]

They have some really cool building toys out now. My kids love this stuff. There has to be a set you don't have yet. http://www.growingtreetoys.com/category/construction-toys

Nice link. I'll browse it later!

I'm thinking about the Sprig Toys one, too. And, he tested a Plasma car today and was able to make it go. That might be fun for him to have something for himself outside.

[KrisM]

Is it terrible that we really didn't buy anything of interest for ds2's 2nd b-day? We just picked up a toy under $20 from Target and called it a day. We couldn't think of anything to get him and he didn't need anything. Had ds1 not been around we might not have bought anything but ds1 would have hated that. :)

Beth

No, not terrible! Last year, I had enough things put away that I had my relatives all shop my garage and take something home to wrap and give him :). But, I gave away what I had stashed already this year and I know the other kids will think he needs some thing from the parents, and from each of them. So, I need 3 ideas and I am trying to hit a different type of thing than we have already.

[swissair81]

What about a set of wooden blocks? We had a set when I was younger & we built with them endlessly. They are fun, non gender specific, open ended & great for a group or individual.

[KrisM]

What about a set of wooden blocks? We had a set when I was younger & we built with them endlessly. They are fun, non gender specific, open ended & great for a group or individual.

Do they work for as young as 2? I worry that they'll be weapons :).

We stopped at the local toy store today and he loved this: http://www.amazon.com/Educo-ED810657-Switchback-Racetrack/dp/B001MJU7LK/ref=pd_sbs_t_1 and played for a good 15 minutes with it and I had to carry him away! So, that's on my list and it goes well with other types of things that interest him.

[swissair81]

Do they work for as young as 2? I worry that they'll be weapons :).

We stopped at the local toy store today and he loved this: http://www.amazon.com/Educo-ED810657-Switchback-Racetrack/dp/B001MJU7LK/ref=pd_sbs_t_1 and played for a good 15 minutes with it and I had to carry him away! So, that's on my list and it goes well with other types of things that interest him.

my son plays with them. he is a few months younger than your son. if you are worried though, you could buy the cardboard version. http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Building-Block-40-piece-Set/dp/B00005ICC4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1278445560&sr=8-4

oh & btw, I bought that racetrack for ds for his 1st birthday & he LOVES it.

[christiedavid3]

That racetrack is cool, my DS is almost 3 and would love that. How about a balance bike? DS got a Strider for his 2nd b-day and it gets used daily.

[KrisM]

That racetrack is cool, my DS is almost 3 and would love that. How about a balance bike? DS got a Strider for his 2nd b-day and it gets used daily.

We have a balance bike. He's too short for what we have, but next year, he'll be set!

[Babymakes3]

My ds turns 2 next month so i've been looking for ideas for myself and others too.
For sure the Little People Wheelies Rampway is going on my list, he also loves little cars like hot wheels and stuff so i'm going to get him a few more and a case to carry them in. I also want to get some puzzles with letters and #'s as well as books (he loves books!). The other thing on my list is a tricycle but i'm not sure he could do it just yet.

[KrisM]

My ds turns 2 next month so i've been looking for ideas for myself and others too.
For sure the Little People Wheelies Rampway is going on my list, he also loves little cars like hot wheels and stuff so i'm going to get him a few more and a case to carry them in. I also want to get some puzzles with letters and #'s as well as books (he loves books!). The other thing on my list is a tricycle but i'm not sure he could do it just yet.

DS2 can just barely pedal the trike. He does well if he's on a slight downhill. I think by the end of summer he'll be there.

My mom ended up getting him the rampway. I picked up a Little Einstein's Laptop - I know he's too young, but the older kids play on our laptop and I think he'll like it. We'll see. Also, the Water Works (http://www.amazon.com/Reeve-and-Jones-Water-Works/dp/B000MC4GM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1278954529&sr=1-1)set for the bath tub. I'm sure he won't be able to set it up, but DS1 will and I know DS2 will enjoy it. And I got him a new set of play food (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RQ71D6)for the kitchen.

[swissair81]

I will have to look up this thread in October, when my DS turns 2. There are so many good ideas here.

[kristac]

DS2 can just barely pedal the trike. He does well if he's on a slight downhill. I think by the end of summer he'll be there.

My mom ended up getting him the rampway. I picked up a Little Einstein's Laptop - I know he's too young, but the older kids play on our laptop and I think he'll like it. We'll see. Also, the Water Works (http://www.amazon.com/Reeve-and-Jones-Water-Works/dp/B000MC4GM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1278954529&sr=1-1)set for the bath tub. I'm sure he won't be able to set it up, but DS1 will and I know DS2 will enjoy it. And I got him a new set of play food (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RQ71D6)for the kitchen.

Oh! I had forgotten about the Waterworks. That looks so cool. I wanted to get it (for DS of course ;) ) but DH said no more bath toys! He is currently on bath duty and often has all 3 boys in the tub so I can see his point. Let us know how it is though- maybe I will try again at christmas.
We have the smart snacks and they are by far our fav kitchen set. I didn't know you could still get that set though- where did you find it? I might grab some as gifts.
Wanna hear about the rampway as well! Hope he has a great bday!!

[KrisM]

Oh! I had forgotten about the Waterworks. That looks so cool. I wanted to get it (for DS of course ;) ) but DH said no more bath toys! He is currently on bath duty and often has all 3 boys in the tub so I can see his point. Let us know how it is though- maybe I will try again at christmas.
We have the smart snacks and they are by far our fav kitchen set. I didn't know you could still get that set though- where did you find it? I might grab some as gifts.
Wanna hear about the rampway as well! Hope he has a great bday!!

Waterworks came from the Border $1 sale!

Smart Stacks is a couple years or so old. I was waiting for a good reason for someone to get it as a gift :).

Also, our favorite game for a 2 year old is Candyland Castle. It's fast and easy for them to learn. Love it.

[LadyPeter]

I was just at a two year old's birthday party this weekend, and it was the most depressing thing. Stacks of presents, everyone shoving toys into his hands, shrieking about how great they were, taking them away just as he was about to play, shoving something else into his hands. Are we TRYING to give the kid ADD?

My best advice would be...
1. Purge a bunch of unneeded crap before the party.
2. Try to limit the party gifts to 4-5 items.
3. Let him open them, start playing, and move on with his life.

IMO, the focus of the party should be visiting and playing with friends. The most popular gift I saw (and probably the cheapest) was a package of bathtub crayons. The kids all took them straight to the bathroom and spent the rest of the time playing in there, ignoring several very expensive play sets.

[swissair81]

Am I the only weirdo that only has family parties for my kids? I can't handle group birthday parties, plus I don't really want them to get 40 gifts. Once they start school, we celebrate it there. Another friend of mine invited 3 kids from her dd's class to chuckie cheese for a small party. If I did anything, it would be that.

[KrisM]

Am I the only weirdo that only has family parties for my kids? I can't handle group birthday parties, plus I don't really want them to get 40 gifts. Once they start school, we celebrate it there. Another friend of mine invited 3 kids from her dd's class to chuckie cheese for a small party. If I did anything, it would be that.

This is a family party. He's not having a kids party. The older 2 did have kid parties at age 3 and they each invited 3-4 friends and it was at my house. We don't do big school parties or invite the entire class.

But, I do have relatives that want to get him something - my parents, my grandparents, my aunt and my brother. And, I would like to give him something and the older kids want to as well. They see that they get gifts and figure he should too.

I have purged recently and kept only the things that are most played with. We still have too much, and since this thread is filled with the best stuff, we do have a lot of it already :).

After his birthday, I will purge again, I'm sure. Definitely before Christmas! When DS2 was younger, I was able to stash DS1's stuff away and regift it to DS2. I think there are some things I can still do that with, but need to figure it out. DS1 plays with them for longer now, so they stay out longer. But, Duplos can be gone and DS2 can get them next year :).

[swissair81]

This is a family party. He's not having a kids party. The older 2 did have kid parties at age 3 and they each invited 3-4 friends and it was at my house. We don't do big school parties or invite the entire class.

But, I do have relatives that want to get him something - my parents, my grandparents, my aunt and my brother. And, I would like to give him something and the older kids want to as well. They see that they get gifts and figure he should too.

I have purged recently and kept only the things that are most played with. We still have too much, and since this thread is filled with the best stuff, we do have a lot of it already :).

After his birthday, I will purge again, I'm sure. Definitely before Christmas! When DS2 was younger, I was able to stash DS1's stuff away and regift it to DS2. I think there are some things I can still do that with, but need to figure it out. DS1 plays with them for longer now, so they stay out longer. But, Duplos can be gone and DS2 can get them next year :).

I need purging advice. How and where do you purge? I wanted to have a garage sale, but I know I don't have enough energy at the moment.