What's a good present for kid circa a 1.5 years old?

Question

I haven't dealt a whole lot with really little kids before in regards to buying them stuff. Now my boyfriend's sister has a little guy, he's about a year and a half old, really sharp and intelligent kid.

We're getting him a Christmas gift. Problem is, when looking at the toy stores and such, all the good stuff is for kids older than him!

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a little boy of that age for something he'll really enjoy and will hopefully have some educational value as well. (Also, preferably not real expensive. Student income isn't much haha). I could google toys for that age range but...I prefer people personal and idividual opinions on things like this.

I'm loving the answers so far, guys! Thank you, and keep 'em coming!

I have just been informed by the boyfriend that the child doesn't watch television. Thought that might help in narrowing down people's suggestions :)

Answer 1

Google Melissa & Doug. They make awesome toys! They are educational and safe(no toxic plastic made in China).
They are also pretty affordable.

Answer 2

I just got my 1 1/2 year old son a TJ Bearytales Bear for 19.95 at Toys R Us. it says 3 and up, but when you set it on the nightstand by the crib, the bear comes alive with stories that are great for bedtime and Aiden loves to hear a story before bed. The cartridges are about 4$ or so depending on what type of story it is....I would really recommend the bear. Especially if the child is intelligent, he needs something to boost his imagination!

Answer 3

My fifteen 3 hundred and sixty 5 days-previous son is sitting no longer 5 ft from me, playing XBOX-stay together with his buddies at a similar time as i take advantage of his pc. he's somewhat taller than me, with hair that lays in gentle waves, and which extremely needs trimmed yet he refuses a decrease. he's skinny, painfully so, and can't weigh extra beneficial than a hundred thirty pounds. He and his buddies are looking for for equipment defects on the recent Rainbow 6 interest he offered the day previous, and from what i will tell they are having a remarkable time. His Easter candy is in a bowl between his ft, and his mattress room floor is affected by utilising Starburst wrappers. He knows i'm tucking some funds into his wallet for a planned holiday to Pittsburgh on Monday, and he's carried out no longer something yet communicate on the subject of the clothing he needs to purchase on the mall after my scientific expert appointment. that's what formative years would desire to be. fidgeting with buddies, eating candy and looking out forward to an afternoon in the city. no longer beating your self bloody and enduring crucifixion. in simple terms examining this tale makes me elect to cry.

Answer 4

Books are always great, and you really can't beat them for educational value! For that age, try anything by Eric Carle or Sandra Boynton. If you want toys, go with things like wood blocks or puzzles. Here are some good choices:

http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?categoryId=2269727&f=PAD%2FBrand+Name+Secondary%2FMelissa+%26+Doug&fbc=1&fbn=Brand+Name+Secondary%7CMelissa+%26+Doug

Stay away from the electronic 'learning' toys. They have little learning or play value.

Answer 5

Try the LeapFrog games for his age group. There are some good ones that aren't very expensive, $20 at the most.

Answer 6

buy him those wooden blocks with the alphabet and pics on them....great for building and knocking down and very educational when he's ready....my kids loved them...