You grow up bickering with siblings, and can’t wait to have them out of your hair… and then you’re adults and they are some of the most important people in your life. My sister and I fought and fought growing up, but now are both married and it is so special being moms together. Seeing the bond between my 2 year old nephew and my 3 month old daughter is just heartwarming.

This is Kyen holding my Olivia for the first time. He has loved her with his whole tiny heart from day one. In hearing us say “O-li-VI-a” he has now dubbed her “My baby Via” (be still my momma heart). Kyen wakes up in the mornings calling for Via, asking her to come play with him.

With his 2nd birthday coming up, I wanted a fun interactive gift (an experience) but also something he could open that would be meaningful, “from Via”.

SO: the perfect little kid gift in 3 steps

1. THE RAW GOODS: pick up a fun hat ($3.99)
& a few cute shirts for under $2.00 each at
Thrift Town, making sure one of the shirts is blank.

2. GET CREATIVE!
Take a sharpie and personalize the blank shirt.
Our masterpiece? “Via loves Kyen”

3. THE EXPERIENCE: It doesn’t have to be anything grand,
just something you can do together to make memories.
Our plan? Via + Kyen go to the Zoo!
And he has a fun together-y outfit to wear for the outing.

4. ENJOY!

For under $10, we had a fun wearable gift to open,
and next week we’ll have a grand ‘ole time together at the zoo.
I might just have to pick up a blank onesie for little miss &
sharpie it too so they can match!

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Kari Shipman is thrifty, eco-conscious, and knows the importance of supporting local charities. She has been our featured blogger since we started the blog in 2010, and has a serious passion for fashion. Kari owns her own Fashion Consulting Business, Juniper James and is very involved in her community. She lives out her passions in Northern California with her wonderful husband Charles, and her brand new baby girl Olive.