Baby shower

[Moesha]

I had dolls but never really played with them. I still have most of them and they are in excellent shape. My nieces are really fascinated with American Girl dolls right now. They also love Cabbage Patch and other baby dolls. I just bought my nephew magformers. They are shapes with magnets in them so you can build different 3-D things with them. He loves them. Here's a link to what I bought on QVC.

[sirrahbed]

Good question - but I know when my kids (now ages 24-31) were small, sons and daughter alike has dolls, kitchens, cars, trucks, as well as lots of books, blocks, science kits and Lego bricks. As adults, both boys are wonderful at nurturing babies and my daughter is both a good mommy and something of a techno-geek I do not think that it is very good or healthy for little kids to only have gender-specific toys. Lots of books, exploring toys, puzzles, building sets are great for both sexes and I really feel like both should have the dolls and pretend homemaker toys as well.

[Catty1]

Maybe ask the grandkids what they want, or a wish list from them.

My favourite presents I remember as a kid:

1. A tiny toy grand piano with black keys that WORKED, and a wee music book to figure out some simple tunes. I nailed Twinkle Twinkle Little Star before breakfast Christmas morning. I was 5!

2. A MICROSCOPE!

3. A CHEMISTRY SET! I followed some of the directions...then experimented on my own. I was - 8? I created a neat blue liquid, then added something and it turned a brilliant green! Mom and Dad never had a son, but I caused Mom enough worry about blowing up the house to make up for it!

Listen to them - to what they love.

[JenBKR]

I never really played with dolls too much when I was little. I liked action figures, like Spider Man, He Man, and GI Joe. I did, however, have an easy bake oven which I loved (except for the fact that the food was cooked by a lightbulb and took FOREVER). I do believe that boys and girls can have at least some predisposition to toys - it's the whole nature vs. nurture thing. In any case, even though I never really played with dolls, I love being a mommy. My sister, on the other hand, always played with dolls, and she doesn't want kids (she may change her mind though, she's only 27).

Along with a train set, Ty is getting a kitchen and play food for Christmas. His friend (also a boy) has one and Ty loves playing with it. I think you should let kids choose what they like to play with.

[Asiel]

I had tons of dolls, they all sat on my bed or on shelves. I was into the outdoors and was mostly a tomboy. I climbed mountains, trees, roofs of sheds and played cowboys with imaginary horses. My favourite sports were skiing, baseball, and horses. They're still my favourite things today but I've had to opt out of these for quieter things. I never stopped my kids from playing with whatever they wanted to and they are all well adjusted. My son loved baking and today his wife is happy to let him take over since it doesn't interest her. My daughter is an animal and sport freak but loves to cook and bake. I think whatever kids show an interest for is okay by me. It doesn't seem to reflect on what they become but it does round out their world.

[Catty1]

OHH! OOH! TRAIN SET!

My dad got me a small one - but with "real" tracks...the engine by itself was heavy, so he spent a good dime. Maybe he got it for himself too?

[JenBKR]

OHH! OOH! TRAIN SET!

My dad got me a small one - but with "real" tracks...the engine by itself was heavy, so he spent a good dime. Maybe he got it for himself too?

I'm sure he did! I know my husband can't wait until Christmas for that reason

I saw a train with track that a child can actually ride on, it's motorized and goes in a little circle. I think I might have to get one of those for Ty too....and maybe try it out myself first.....