Birthday present for a 2 yr?

[Vishenka69]

I'm going to a 2nd birthday party for the son of my close college friend. I have absolutely no idea what to get. I tried asking the mother, but all I got was "he's really into tractors and planes lately." She also doesn't want any clothes or videos. And it can't be bulky, as they're flying back to London after the party. My budget is about $50. Would love any suggestions.

[Cumberland]

Things I would have liked for my 2 yr old:

Savings bond
Gift certificate
Charity donation (ecologyproject.org you can adopt a sea turtle, name it and get regular updates)
Books if you ship them to her house

My little boy turned two in March and he's really into anything to do with transport, he even goes to sleep with 2 model cars in his hand instead of a teddy bear here are some of the things he got that he loves

Lego plane
Lego trucks set with traffic cones etc
a thing that goes over the front seats of the car with loads of pictures and lights that he controls with his steering wheel that connects into his car seat, he loves this in particular.
thomas the tank engine train sets and train tracks and different engines.
model cars that kids can play with, he got a couple of ambulances and police cars that make noises

HTH a bit

Jane

[Tenacious_D]

I would go with ordering something online that fits her description and your budget and have it sent to them in London.

missed the london bit.

If you want to send something back to London, 2 year old boys from UK &Ireland are big into THomas the Tank Engine, Tweenies, Soccer, Lego.

YOu could try posting a message on one of the parenting sites. I use this one all the time its http://www.magicmum.com its mostly irishmums but you might get a few more idea and you'll get loads of responses pretty quickly if thats any help.

[SueC]

I'd go with a couple of books or videos on tractors, planes, etc. Either one should pack easily into a suitcase. My 2 year old is into that kind of stuff as well and loves his books and videos on machinery, etc.

My cousin's son loved these books:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078941 ... 58?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078942 ... 58?ie=UTF8

I think anything Thomas would be a hit. Maybe his own train conductor's hat?

[Stella]

Maybe his own train conductor's hat?

What a cute idea! I love it!

[mommax3]

Or a train whistle, you know, the wooden kind? Although your friend might hate you for it.....but she could always hide it when it begins to drive her nuts. My train freak LOVED the whistle.

Sally

[Stella]

I don't know if this is too corny, but I couldn't resist, it was so cute! (And only $34)

http://costumezone.com/item.asp?PID=6370

ETA:

Or this: http://www.trainparty.com/products/amt5050.html

My kids love these little "magnet" sets. They include a folder "background" and inside are magnets that you can create a scene with. It folds totally flat, so its great for travel. All the pieces stick to the board. There are train themed sets and zoo sets...probably a farm one (with tractors) Most small toy stores carry them...Just an idea Would be really good on an airplane.

[Vishenka69]

Thanks, I'll try to do research and see if I can find those items on any UK site (and within budget). I tried doing a search on Amazon UK for some toys and it's pretty pricey (same amounts but in pounds vs dollars).

I love the idea of a conductor hat/outfit. Hopefully my friend will too.