As an aunt, finding just the right first gift, that is unique and special, can sometimes be a challenge. But, most of us aunties love a challenge.
Luckily, quite a few years ago I came across You Name It Personalized Gifts at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) here in Toronto. They create the perfect gifts for nieces, nephews, new young friends and even something for the furry kind (dogs/cats).
We can all buy a cute outfit, a stuffed animal, books or toys, which we probably will at some point in the first few months of being a new auntie, but I find these personalized stuffies a real keepsake that make an impression. There is something special about getting a gift with your child’s name on it. Every time I give one of these, I see the parent’s eyes light up as they see their child’s name as a permanent part of the gift.
Each year more special little ones come into my life and each of them deserve a unique and special gift from me. A gift like this makes you part of a story that will live on for years. You may not be in this child’s life every day as you are with some of your other nieces and nephews, but you become part of the story that goes along with this special stuffie.
I find that this is a gift they have rarely already received. I’ve been fairly lucky to be the first to give a gift like this to my new little friends.
However, as the CNE only comes around once a year, sometimes I don’t know the name of the new addition yet, as they haven’t arrived. That’s where you can have a bit of fun and create a ‘name’ for the stuffie based on the relationship you have with the parents or nicknames they might use. For example, I have a friend who’s nickname is Coops (last name Cooper), so I had one made for ‘Baby Coops’. Of course, I wasn’t witty or smart enough to get one with ‘Mini Cooper’ on it. That would have been so much better. Either way, I know that it’s still a special gift that they treasure. And now a few years later, one of these in the picture will go to their newest addition.
You can find You Name It Personalized Gifts , at the CNE, their other seasonal shows or you can order online. And of course there are similar companies out there if they are more convenient. But, keep this unique gift in mind as you become an Auntie, or Uncle, to more wonderful little ones.
*By the way, they also create personalized gifts for the golfer, the home and great seasonal items.
© 2016, Anne-Marie. All rights reserved.
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