As many of you know, my husband and I like to make our daughters’ birthday gifts. This all started when my oldest daughter turned two.
On her second birthday, we made her a play kitchen. This play item has been so well used by both of our girls and has been central to my daughters’ dramatic play.
On her third birthday, we made a Mr. Dressup tickle trunk for her. We filled the trunk with assorted goodies and it still houses Halloween costumes, princess dresses, hats, and crowns.
On her fourth birthday, I painted Mr. Dressup’s Wise Old Owl for her. He hangs in her room, a “friend” to watch over her whether she’s reading, playing, or sleeping.
On her fifth birthday my husband made and painted Casa del Tires for her. Her love of the movie Cars coupled with this creation has inspired many hours of fantasy play.
We naturally carried on this tradition with our second child.
Last year I made my youngest daughter a Waldorf doll. It took her several months, but she finally named her doll, Nan. I couldn’t have thought of a better name. Nan gets many boisterous hugs and will often be undressed and then dressed… again and again.
This year I am sewing a quiet book for my youngest daughter. It’s a huge project. Fourteen pages, each with different activities/elements on it. Some of the sewing is done by machine and some is done by hand. So far, this is what I’ve gotten done….
Her birthday is in the middle of July. I’m praying I can keep up this steady pace and complete her quiet book by then. I’ll keep you posted with my progress and when I’m done, I’ll take you on a cover to cover “tour” of the book.
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What an awesome tradition! I love it! That play kitchen is totally amazing :)
Yeah, the play kitchen is our pride and joy!
What a wonderful tradition! All the presents are amazing! I love the idea of quiet books. :-)
I’ve been pining for a quiet book… so it seems fitting.
Oh wow! It will be wonderful when it is done.
Thanks Hannah! I’m stressing out that I won’t get it done in time!
Don’t forget to make the puppet stage and the actual stage….just a few inches off the floor, add a curtain and you have Shakespeare for Two.Jody the Medicare Mom
Lol – yes, I’ll make note of those for future birthdays!
What a great birthday tradition! I love it. I hope the tradition carries on for your daughter’s children, it’s too special!
It would be nice if the tradition carries on. It’s special for us!
What a fabulous tradition! That play kitchen is absolutely incredible! These are things your daughters will cherish!!
Thanks! We always love giving our homemade gifts.
I’m ridiculously impressed not only with your thoughtfulness, but also your craftiness! What beautiful gifts!
Oh, thanks so much Robin. We put our hearts into our gifts, that’s for sure!
I love the quiet book! I’m always inspired to see quiet books. I’ve only made one…a ton of work, but worth it. I’m big on creating toys too. Here’s some of what I created. http://bornambitous-bornimaginative.blogspot.com/p/creating-toys.html
And I love love love that you are a fan of Mr. Dressup and that you have a tickle trunk. I miss watching him as a kid!
Wow – you certainly picked a name for your blog that represents you! You certainly are imaginative!
I adore your creations Jennifer! Your quiet book is coming along wonderfully, you’ll get there :)
Thank you Cassidy! It’s certainly a challenging task… I pray I get it done in time.