Sasha’s birthday isn’t until January, but we already have a present for her. It’s not that I’m super organized (or as some may see it, disturbingly anal). Rather, the gift is something I had to check out, even if it is a good eight months before I give it to my birthday girl-to-be.
The gift is a book, but not just any book. Whose Birthday Is It? is personalized, our copy custom-made just for Sasha. The super cute story about planning a surprise birthday party includes her birth date, her name, and a special inscription from our family to her. And it’s all illustrated with charming, brightly-colored pictures of cats, teddy bears, knights, monkeys, dinosaurs — basically, all characters young children adore — getting ready for a birthday bash.
Even better, the book is written by a friend. Erica Jacobs Green is a brilliant writer and former DC mom, who moved away when her family began life in the Foreign Service (check out her blog Navigating Wonderland about their current adventures in Iceland).
The book is available from Paper Hat Press for $26.95. Visit the website for a peek and to purchase and to read a Q&A with Erica.
GIVEAWAY: You have a chance to win your own custom copy of “Whose Birthday Is It?” To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me one of your favorite gifts your child has received (from you or someone else). To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. Get an extra entry for following on Twitter (let me know you did). A winner will be picked and announced this weekend.
The day my boy was born 07/07/2010, he received a small silver necklace plaque written on it “God loves you” from his grandparents. It was, and still and will always be the best gift anyone can receive. Not for its price but for the meaning. He will be 2 years old next month and he has this plaque with him everywhere. I feel like it protects him.
My son, born on 7/9/10, was given a baby blanket by a dear friend of mine-she is now essentially a member of our family. He still sleeps with it every night.
My little Saara has not turned one yet (but soon she will) but she has got the best gift of all – her 2,5yr old brother. Despite his teasing and constant bugging she adores him. When she sees him, especially in the morning, she lights up. I can’t wait till they play together and take care of each other.
One of MY fave gifts that my youngest received on her birthday was the wisdom she received to gift the world with her first ebook on her birthday.
One of my son’s favorite gifts was a cloth book that his grandma made. It has lots of Velcro shapes, colors, etc. to pull off and little activities. By the way, my uncle gave me a personalized book like the one you are giving away when I was a little girl and I still have it:)
I know this book will be a hit because when I was a kid my Aunt gave me a personalized book and I loved, loved, loved it! I read it for years even when I had really outgrown it but I still liked seeing my names, my brothers, our house, etc. Thanks for sharing.
I’d have to say that the stuffed dog my son received a few years ago, was the best gift. It is his comfort item and it has been the recipient of much love, hugs, kisses, car rides, as well as a number of baths in the washer!
I already like your page on FB, great resource!
My husband surprised us by buying a welcome to the world gift the day my daughter was born. We didn’t know the sex of our baby ahead of time and he bought the softest, cutest, little lion ever. Now almost 2, she loves her lion more than anything. It goes everywhere with her and she knows it’s the most special gift from her daddy.
For my daughter’s birth last Fall, a coworker knit her the most beautiful blanket. It’s my daughter’s favorite and now, nine months later, it has become a rather large lovey. It was such a thoughtful gift!
One of the best gifts my son received was a train table. He plays with it ever. single. day. It might not have been a unique gift, but it has been very loved!
My favorite was a personalized backpack…we use it to keep their library books in! Love it.
My son loves his stacking cups!
Beads and string!!!
As a tradition, each of my kids received a stuffed animal on their 1st birthday — we put it in their crib and eventually they cannot sleep without it. All three of them still love their stuffed animals and it gives them comfort whenever they need it. My oldest (6) has Elmo, the middle one has a stuffed giraffe named Daisy and the youngest (3) has a stuffed lion named Donald.
My brain doesn’t retain much info these days, and there have been a plethora of wonderful gifts given to both ladies sentimental, practical, novel etc. . The one that comes to mind, because it was given to her yesterday was a statue of liberty rubber ducky. She has this strange love of them and each has a name and story. So the statue of liberty duck called “dada” duck, given to her by none other then dada.
my daughter’s favorite gift still is her three-wheel scooter, which now her little brother is getting into.
i’ve already “liked” KidFriendlyDC on FB and it’s not letting me “like” this particular post.
My favorite birthday gift my son received for his second birthday was the pop-up book of the Wizard of Oz.. he loves it and i do too!
I also liked you on Facebook
Best gift was book “Have you filled a bucket today” – my kid took it to preschool and teachers read it to whole class.
Also liked on facebook.
Both my kids like their ipads best, I’m afraid. No other toy comes even close. My favorite presents for them are book
) Generation gap, I guess.
books are my favorite presents
I liked on fbook, today and favorite gift that my LO received was treasury bonds for saving account
For my daughter’s first birthday, we asked for no gifts, but that people could bring one which would be donated to Children’s Hospital. We donated lots of great toys that I’m sure were appreciated. We plan to make this an annual tradition to help teach her about helping others -hopefully she’ll start to understand it next month on her second birthday.
A hand knit bear in a rabbit suit! Given to my son the day he was born.
Liked on fb.
New twitter fan now too!
My daughter loves books…so this would be perfect! Last year for her birthday my best friend gave her “Your Birthday Book – a keepsake journal” by Amy K so we can write down memories each year!
I liked KidFriendly DC on Facebook and am following on Twitter