I think I've officially put more time and angst into picking out C.'s birthday gifts than I did in picking out my wedding gown seven years ago.

At first I was searching for the perfect combination of developmentally appropriate, educational, and attention-keeping toys that would keep her happily occupied.

Then I realized that such things don't exist for one-year-olds, and that she actually has all the toys she needs. So any gifts I bought would be pretty much just for show, because we're her parents and we're supposed to give her toys for her birthday, right?

So, I got her some board books from the Half-Price Book Gallery last week, and today I found her a puzzle with the big knobs on it (all the better to hold the pieces with her mouth!) and a learn-to-dress baby doll that has clothes with various fasteners on it.

That's it. I'm done. Money spent -- about $20.

One week till her birthday! My husband is taking the day off and we're going to have fun.