If you're looking for some fabulous first birthday gifts for a special child in your life, check out our ultimate gift guide for 1-year-olds.

A child's first birthday is a big milestone, and often comes with plastic gifts that delight kids for all of 5 minutes, and then clutter the house up before becoming landfill. To avoid that fate, we've rounded up the most amazing first birthday gift ideas that will delight any 1-year-old—and their parents!—for a very long time.

Naturally, toys make some of the best first birthday gifts. The best toys for 1-year-olds foster sensory exploration and help develop fine and gross motor skills. Open-ended toys that can be played with in different ways as kids grow, such as building blocks, are the #1 gift among the parents at Mommy Poppins.

But of course, you don't have to stick with toys. On our list of the most beloved first birthday gifts we've included books, clothing, furniture, and other unique suggestions that delight kids and parents.

Check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties for more fun ways to celebrate, including tips for planning an at-home birthday party and great birthday cake ideas. And if you're looking for gifts for kids older than a year old, the Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays is literally your one-stop shop!

If your summer travels take you to the Hudson Valley, make note: The Historic Hudson Valley is extending tour hours for its collection of properties that allow locals and tourists alike to get a glimpse into the region's past. Whether you decide to visit the grand Kykuit estate of the Rockefellers, dive into local lore at Sleepy Hollow, explore the working farm at Phillipsburg Manor, or take in the glorious stained glass masterpieces at Union Church of Pocantico Hills, there's no time like the present.

Read on for details on how to visit these historic properties, and find more fun things to do on our list of the best things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids.

Kid-lit lovers take note: The Eric Carle Story Show is coming to NYC next month, and Mommy Poppins has the exclusive details on how to nab tickets to this latest page-to-stage adaptation that's a perfect first theatergoing experience for tots to preschoolers. The puppet-powered performance is produced by Jonathan Rockefeller, the creative force behind the very popular and colorful adaptation of Carle's most famous story: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.

The Eric Carle Story Show debuts Sunday, August 13, and is sure to be a hot ticket for the toddler set. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Children's Theater for more stories like this.

Family-friendly breweries in New Jersey are great places to visit if you love trying different beers, or if you can't find a babysitter but still want an afternoon out. 

My first suggestion for maximum fun would be to aim for a brewery with outdoor seating (bonus if it is fenced!) or one that has a large indoor area like a warehouse. Kids are loud, and they seem louder indoors. We like to go to breweries that have entertainment for the kids, like a chalkboard, corn hole, a large outdoor connect four, or, if indoors, something like board games.

Many breweries allow you to bring food in, so you can bring your own drinks and snacks or come armed with takeout–although the ones that serve food don't generally allow you to bring food in. Finally, make sure your kids are having fun in a responsible manner, especially since in many breweries people are walking around with glasses in their hands.

Check out our stories on Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in New Jersey or Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in New Jersey if wine is more your jam. And our Family-Friendly New Jersey Restaurant Guide has lots more ideas for dining out with the whole family in New Jersey. 

Hotel pools can elevate any family vacation, particularly when they are full of standout features, like a stunning view or thrilling water slide. As you plan your summer travels, curb the are-we-there-yet chants with the promise of a dip in one of these ultra-cool hotel pools.

We’ve rounded up 18 family-friendly hotels in New York state with fun hotel pools ready to welcome visitors. Whether you’re planning an urban vacation, a trip to Long Island's East End, or a weekend of Hudson Valley explorations, we’ve got a pick for you.

Check out these iconic things to do in Houston with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Houstonian really must experience!

If you're a parent in Houston, you are bound to find fun activities to do with your kids of all ages anywhere in town. Whether you're a new or veteran parent, you know time flies by - kids grow up way too fast. We want to make sure you don’t miss out on the most awesome, family-friendly activities around town. With warm weather basically all year around, Houston is the ideal place to enjoy wonderful parks and playgrounds, incredible museums, and fun play spaces. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Htown, we hope you can use this list to make some great new memories with your kids.

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox, and check our event calendar for kid-friendly things to do every day.

Check out the ultimate things to do in Orlando with kids — including attractions, fun events, beaches & lakes, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!

We’ve rounded up a list of 100 things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. From hiking to museums to themed dinners, these fun spots offer a variety of family entertainment and must-do activities for kids in Orlando. Get ready to forego the theme park ticket and experience the real Orlando!

For local events occurring during your Central Florida vacation, visit our Orlando event calendar.  Looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.

Check out these amazing things to do in DC with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every DC family really must experience!

The days are long but the years are short when it comes to raising kids. And with so many things to do in DC and nearby with kids, it can be hard for families to decide exactly how to spend their time in and around the nation's capital.

To help you make the most of your precious family time, we've compiled a list of the top 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up. In a city bursting with museums, parks and playgrounds, play spaces, and more, you'll certainly never get bored. Get out, explore, and see just how many activities you can cross off our fun list before childhood whizzes by.