[GSixZero]

I have a niece who is going to be turning two in the next few months and I want to pick her up a few things for christmas, but being new to uncle-dom, and being fairly removed from being 20 months old, I'm drawing a blank on good gifts.

I was at the book store last night and got a book that I think she'll like, but I know it's a little old for her. Anyways, the only restriction is I'd like to avoid branded items like Barbie or things having to do with TV shows. Things that are actually fun to unwrap/play with on xmas morning get an A+.

What's hip in the 2 year old world these days?

[wallinbl]

Mine loves the Thomas/Brio trains. They're not cheap, although you can get a figure 8 starter set (track & trains) for $40. These are the wooden trains that you see in doctor's offices. There are some knock off trains floating around, but they are known to lose their wheels and the track pieces are plastic instead of wood.

They're expensive, but I know several kids that are 9 or 10 years old and still play with them. It's a good long term present and it offers both fun and learning.

[andi*pandi]

my son loves his trains.

if you're trying to stay non-commercial it's a little harder.

the lego duplo series is good for that age, megablocks, something musical... and yes books.

I'm discovering you never know what their little minds will like, sometimes it's just the idea of a present.

[paul w]

Agreed with the trains. I achieved instant favorite Uncle status with the gift of a simple wooden train set. Plus the older the kid gets, the more bells and whistles the trains can have- a gift that truly grows with the kid.

[cjrivera]

Some of the Leapfrog branded educational toys are very good with the kids this age.

Also, how about an old computer to play on. I set up an old 233iMac with some of the old OS9 kids (toddler/baby) software on it and my 18 month old loves it.

[Mr Kino]

Everything her heart desires. Sanrio is like the best place to shop for little girls.

[ghporter]

Find out what both of her parents think she likes. If Mom says she's a little princess and only wants My Little Pony and Disney Princess stuff, you MUST ask Dad what she really plays with!!!! Try to figure out what the girl likes and send that.

Brio trains are wonderful, nearly indestructable, and the only problem with them is that your niece may have trouble getting them away from Dad (or Mom or both!). Staying away from branded "toys" is a very good thing and certain to make your gift memorable. Two year olds are big on manual toys, things they manipulate with their hands, but not the kind of stuff they liked at 9 months. They need something to challenge their minds but not such complex toys that they get frustrated. You can't beat blocks-and they can go with wooden trains and cars. Better yet, if you're going to be there when she gets the gift, play with her with it!!! That's an almost solid guarantee of "bestest uncle in the world" status!

[Cubeoid]

I'd go with anything Squirtle related. Just search eBay for Squirtle and you'll find millions and millions of great gifts. Good luck.

[KeriVit]

Reiterate- regardless of what it is- play with her or read it to her... The Night Before Christmas is a staple to my 9 yo bro to this day- because I started the tradition of reading it to him. Now he reads it to me. Each yr, I get a dif. illustrated version. The videos games get put aside by him for OUR tradition.

[dcmacdaddy]

Thanks for asking the question and thanks for all the replies.

I didn't know what to get my 19-month old niece for Christmas until reading this thread. But I just got two Brio starter train sets ordered and shipped to her; They are the Panda Circle Set and the Wooden Zoo set. I won't be visiting until the week after New Year so I shipped them directly to my sister so she can have them now as I can't give them to her in person.

[KeriVit]

Wow. Suddenly sad... just checked on the brio trains,, my grandpa built the same thing by had and gave one se to us. Beautiful. Apreciating more even now