Bonnie’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Birthday Gift (and Outfit!) for Kids 🐒

Birthdays are a big deal around here—balloons, cake, party hats, and plenty of presents. Whether you’re shopping for your own little one or need a gift for a grandkid, niece, nephew, or favorite neighbor, we’re here to make it easy and fun.

At Monkey Barrel, we’ve helped a lot of people pick out birthday gifts over the years—so we know a thing or two about what kids actually love. From soft snuggles to sparkly dresses, here’s your guide to choosing something that’ll bring big birthday smiles (and maybe even a happy dance).

 1. Choose the Right Gift for Their Age

First things first—how old are they turning? That’ll help narrow down what kind of gift will really shine.

• Babies: Think soft and sensory—Jellycats, cozy blankets, footies, or soft toys they can safely explore.

• Toddlers: They’re on the move! Try stacking toys, animal puzzles, push toys, or cheerful books.

• Big Kids (4+): This is where the personality really starts to shine—go for imaginative play, games, or art kits that let them express themselves.

  
  

Koko Tip: You can’t go wrong with something they can cuddle, create with, or wear with pride!

 2. Match the Gift to Their Play Style

Every kid plays a little differently—so let’s find something that matches their personality:

• The Artist: Grab a craft kit, sticker book, or mini paint set for their next masterpiece.

• The Collector: Tiny treasures like Jellycat minis or themed toys make perfect buildable collections.

• The Fashionista: Bows, dressy sets, seasonal outfits—they’ll love something they can wear on their big day!

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3. Don’t Forget the Birthday Outfit!

Let’s be honest… half the fun of a birthday is dressing for the part! Whether it’s a first birthday smash cake look or something twirly for a party at the park, we’ve got styles that feel just as special as the celebration.

Some of our favorite outfit picks:

• Soft bubble rompers for babies turning one

• Twirl-worthy dresses and sweet sandals for little ladies

• Playful sets and polos for the boys who want to look cool (but still comfy!)

• Matching sibling sets—yes, the photo ops are worth it

  
  

4. Add a Little Extra Magic

Once you’ve picked the perfect gift and outfit, consider adding a small something extra to round things out:

• A birthday card or book

• A fun accessory like sunglasses, socks, or a bow

• A small toy they can bring to dinner

Sometimes it’s those tiny touches that make your gift feel extra thoughtful.

 5. Need Help? Let Koko Pick!

If you're short on time or stumped on what to get, just ask! Bonnie and the Monkey Barrel team (and Koko, of course) are always ready to help you put together something birthday-worthy.

We would love to help you crate a custom gift bundle and don’t forget, we’ll even wrap it up for you—complete with ribbons, tissue, and a little extra love.

Whether it’s their very first birthday or they’re heading into double digits, Monkey Barrel has everything you need to celebrate your favorite little people. Stop in and let us help you shop for the sweetest gifts and party-ready outfits—they’ll be all smiles (and so will you!).

🎉 We love birthdays. Come celebrate with us!