Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A birthday torch

My niece wanted a torch for her 3rd birthday so while I didn't think it was the most exciting present, I bought one for her. And I am so glad I did.


Rather than buy her a cheap and nasty kid's torch, I bought a plain silver, heavy duty torch.... much better suited to a busy 3 year old! I also thought this would be appealing as it was a "proper" torch. I made a carry case for it so it can be worn around her neck for easy access while exploring.



My niece loved the torch. She disappeared with her cousin after the party had finished and they were found hiding under a blanket with the torch. Just them, the torch and their imaginations.

Torches are definately on my birthday-present-list now. They are not expensive and encourage exploration and wonder. A perfect present for a little person discovering their world.


34 comments:

Unknown said...

I was actually thinking about a torch for one of my nephews for Christmas, but he ended up getting the car bags like everyone else. I really like your torch carry case, I just might have to steal that idea for next Christmas!

Isis said...

nice idea... i remember how much fun it was shining the torch through my cheek or ear for my brothers to see all the veins... eeeew

Kate said...

I forgot all about torches as presents. My girls have all given and gotten and loved torches. I love your carry bag and those two bottom pics.

Christina Lowry said...

A great present and a great bag for all you exploring torch needs! The simple things are still the best aren't they? A torch and your imagination. A blanket thrown over the dining room table and transformed into a fort. A card board box made into a car. Little miracles of happiness. :)

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Kudos on the best gift from auntie award. My guys love torches too, that one is ace!! How much fun, great idea. Simple idea but extra cool styling. Love Posie

Karen said...

Torches are a great present, our three girls all got one for Christmas so we can go on evening 'rambles'.
Thought they also love to use them around the house.
Love the pouch idea though Nikki - might try that one in the future.

Nikki said...

Oh yeah! Torches are enormously popular in our house. LOve the carry-case you made. I have the same fabric (GJ's?).

yardage girl said...

Yep - my boy loves his torch that a lovely lady at the hardware store gave him. Love your idea for a pouch - might do that too! Kids really do love the simple stuff - yay! Nic

Anonymous said...

Great idea to make the carry case Nikki, what a great present!
Michele x
P.S. Your beachy banner is really cute!

Gina said...

That's such a fabulous idea... both getting a heavy-duty torch (clever thinking!), and making a carry case. Genius! You continue to be my heroine.

CurlyPops said...

Oh that's adorable... and a great gift to encourage imagination!

Mary said...

Love the carry case idea. Big fan of torches here too. Especially love that it is now a lot more affordable to get the little dynamo/shake/wind torches too so no batteries.

Bianca Jae Makes Stuff said...

You are like the best Aunty ever! I love this idea. Especially as presents up here. Power as been out heaps this last week. Including all day Saturday from Katherine up! Joys of living in the tropics. Thanks for the fabulous idea Nikki xox

Sarah said...

Brilliant Nikki - brilliant and oh I love the carry case as well - how through are you!

Leonie Guld said...

Simple and BRILLIANT!!

MooBear Designs said...

All three kids here have one each but I never thought to make them a carry case... hmmm LMAO like I have time... It's the simple things isn't it... that delight the minds of children.

xo Steph

One pair of Hands said...

A great gift which also solves the 'scared of the dark' problem. I wish you had been my Auntie when I was little.

I've got one that is solar charged and sits beside my bed every night and in the window to recharge during the day.

CC said...

Another great idea! It seems so obvious but I would never have thought of it. Good one, Nikki. I'll try to remember for some birthdays I've got coming up.

Love the case, too.

Miss Muggins said...

That is a brilliant idea, personalised with the carry bag. I love gifts that promote imagainative play and learning.

Sandrine said...

Just brilliant!:)I love the little monkey fabric touch too!;)

Cass said...

I bought my two torches for Christmas and they love them.

Tricia said...

Perfect pressie. My almost 3 yr old just loves her Dads torches. I love the carry case you made. MI might steal your idea :-)

Cindy said...

Caleb was given a head light for his birthday that flashes as well and had a compass too. I must admit I thought it was a little different, but they both LOVE it.

Julia said...

Great idea - love the carry case you made. You're so creative with two small children - you must be a night owl! My S uses our torches whenever she can get her hands on them. Never thought to actually get one for herself so I don't have to worry about her breaking ours. Thanks for the idea - oh and happy new year. I don't think I've commented yet this year...sleep deprivation and all x

Tiges and Weince said...

Wow what a request who would have thought a torch. Hudson has a torch also but it was part of his tool set he got for christmas. He loves it especially pointing the brightlight in my eyes!!

Callipygian said...

My thought process as I read this post: "A 3-year-old wants a torch as a gift and she's giving one to her?? What a terrible idea, what's next, a crossbow?! Ha ha, and she gets a flashlight instead, hilarious letdown for the birthday girl. Wait, she said torch again. Does it mean something different in Canada? Is she from Canada? Or Australia? I don't know where she lives." I actually looked it up online to confirm that yes, torch is British for flashlight.

Leah said...

Love the carry case, The only other thing I recommend is rechargable batteries!

Jodie said...

I think My son has received a torch for the last ten years. he loves them ! (and he wrecks them) .
Torches are the most awesome present !

michelle said...

brilliant nikki. and the carry case idea is adorable. you are a whizz

Liesl said...

You can't beat a torch as a gift - the kids think they are fabulous. The only thing better is a dynamo torch, which has to be hand charged .... keeps them occupied for ages!

The little bag you made is really cute, too!

Becky said...

A great gift. I certainly love my torch, which is a large royal blue mag light. Pretty and pretty handy all at once!

Mel said...

Nice one! I love that you've added handmade to the bought present. Just adds that loving touch ;)

Sally said...

What a lovely gift. The carry bag is a brilliant touch... did you use a pattern?

Treacle Beak said...

Lucky little niece, with a very thoughtful and creative Auntie Nikki.