Ideas for an 18m old boy please?

[purplesmiley]

I have just been checking my xmas pressie pile and found that I only have 1 pressie for my littlie. Its a clik clak track (like this one http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/toys/elc-woo...k-clack-track/) The other kids all have about 7 presents plus 3 or 4 things for their stockings.

I have a waldorf doll kit on order but am worried incase that doesn't arrive in time.

He already has some small playsilks and a knitted gnome that I made for his birthday. He also has a wooden pushalong truck with coloured bricks and a couple of chunky wooden cars.

What else can I make for him? He still likes to put things in his mouth.

thanks

[serenetabbie]

How about a knotty doll?

[PNWmama]

some felted wool balls, bean bags or some larger sized playsilks

[LaughingHyena]

Ds is only a year but we've got him some duplo, a xylophone/piano and some pots and pans.

We got DD this push along toy at about 18 months and she loved it http://www.amazon.co.uk/DKL-Wonderwo...389635&sr=1-53

For things to make beanbags and balls are always a hit with my two as was the mini shopping bag I made for DD.

I'm thinking about making some kind of wall hanging with pockets to put small toys in. Maybe a train with pocket carriages and little felt people. I made something similar for DD with 1 person and 1 pocket in each color.

I'm also hoping to make some fridge magnets. I'm thinking of felt with a bit of batting and the magnet on the inside so he can't pick it off. I haven;t tried this though so I'm not sure if the magnet will be strong enough.

[melamama]

What about some felt (or needle felted) animals?
I just made my 21mo a sewn felt horse. I'm also planning to make 3 goats (3 Billy Goats Gruff).
Wooden animals are good also--but my guy is a thrower-- so the felt animals, soft balls and beanbags work better for him right now.

[purplesmiley]

thanks for the great ideas

my DS is a thrower too so soft toys would prob be a good idea LOL

He doesn't have any soft balls. Would merino roving be ok for felting into balls? I bought some ages ago for something or other and it would be great to finally use it LOL

Are needle felted animals/figures safe enough for a child who still puts toys in their mouth? I do fancy having a go at needlefelting but never knew how to start. Is there a dummies guide anywhere?

I could try sewing some felt toys for him. Are there any good patterns/tutorials anywhere?

Sorry for all the questions but time is limited (with 5 kids, xmas and uni assignments to be finished!) and thought it might save on searching if there were recommended links to try first Hope you don't mind

[LaughingHyena]

I started on one of these grab balls but haven't finished, I wonder if I can still find the bits

http://sewing.about.com/od/babyshowe...s/babyball.htm

Also found an snake that might be good, all the sections fasten with different fastenings.http://sewing.about.com/od/toysanddolls/ss/toysnake.htm

[melamama]

Originally Posted by purplesmiley

He doesn't have any soft balls. Would merino roving be ok for felting into balls? I bought some ages ago for something or other and it would be great to finally use it LOL

Are needle felted animals/figures safe enough for a child who still puts toys in their mouth? I do fancy having a go at needlefelting but never knew how to start. Is there a dummies guide anywhere?

Needle felting is very easy. You need the needles though, and a foam pad so you don't puncture yourself. Basically you are just sculpting with wool. Create the basic form--either just with wool or wool wrapped around pipe cleaners, then you add wool on top and stab at it with the needle. You keep adding wool this way until it looks the way you want. For eyes/details you can form them then stab them in, or sew them on. I think they're pretty sturdy for a young one--unless they are deliberately trying to pull it apart. The more the child plays with it, the more felted it should get also.
Here is a thread from here on Needle Felting

You could also use your roving to make a wet felted ball. Wet felting is also very easy. Here is a past thread on Felted Balls.

I know what you mean about being short of time--I only have 3 and I feel that way!
The sewn felt horse didn't take me more than an evening--most felt animals can be sewn up pretty fast. I use patterns from a book called Feltcraft by Petra Berger--it may be in your library. I just did a quick search and found this free Scottie Dog Pattern.

hth!

[PNWmama]

I just thought of something else. I made my little guy a "purse" that he wears on his shoulder around the house. It's basically a simple little tote bag. He loves to put things in it and carry it around. My dh calls it his "man bag" !

[serenetabbie]

Oh my gosh Enki, those little scotty dogs are so cute! I bet they would only take an hour or so to make too.