Birthday Ideas

Lately I have started looking for presents that are age appropriate and cool for my son’s third birthday. It couldn’t be that hard right? Wrong. I want to find something he would love and something that I could also handle. So I did what every modern Mom does to research anything and googled it.

The first link had a list of ideas. “Awesome”, I thought. I am a list maker and having lists in my little world is something that I crave for and love. Then I ran down the list and knew whomever made this list not only was not a parent but has never been around a three year old in their LIFE. First the list suggested a sleep sack, which is cute because my son does spend the night at his Grandparents house every so often. But then was thinking…well this is a lame present. Not only does it look VERY babyish, but who wants a sleeping sack for a birthday present? Its like my sister giving me a placemat for Christmas all over again. It was useful and thoughtful, but very disappointing to a kid. So nix that. Then they listed these intricate games that I have NEVER heard of before that require intricate parts, lots of rules, and time limits. Huh? One why do I want a thousand game pieces everywhere? I have enough to deal with when playing Hi-Ho Cheerio (which is my son’s favorite even if he doesn’t always get the concept of the game). I also want to know what toddler is going to following fifty bazillion rules and then be timed to do A-Z? Seriously? The list was finally vetoed after suggesting I buy 50 (yes I said flipping 50) markers. MARKERS! Not the cool crayola markers that only color on certain paper. I mean 50 markers that would at some time inevitably become tools to redecorate the walls in my house. I watch over things, but seriously people. I have no time for keeping up with 50 individual markers. No thank you.

So I am on a hunt. I am thinking about a play grill since we will be grilling a lot and my son loves to pretend to cook food.

Got any present ideas for a three year old boys birthday?