Hi all,

I have my male cousins first child's 1st birthday party this Saturday, he and i have never been close but after chatting with him on the phone the other week i could see he would like to make more effort in knowing us as he is an only child himself and his Mother who passed away when i was pregnant with my DD a few years ago ... he also made a comment how much i remind him of his Mum's characterstics. I think like some people when they have their first child they suddenly realise the importance of family and i'm guessing that's what's happened with him. To be honest i have nothing in common with him and find him an odd character like his Dad (my Uncle) but having said that he isn't a bad person and i can't see it wouldn't hurt to keep in touch, maybe not on a regular basis as we don't live close but just once every year or so meet up for our DD's to play too.

So therefore he having no siblings and no Mother alive and then my own parents and siblings (two sisters) are not going to the party i felt i would like to get his DD something special from me being the closest he has to a female relative IYKWIM !!

Something keepsake that she may not have typically gotten when born.

Does anyone have any ideas ? ... I don't want to spend more then about $40 so i guess that limits my options (we have yet to pay for our 3 meals at a restaurant where the party is held, which is looking like about $100 already and we are driving over 1.5hrs to get there with petrol costs).

I was thinking a very dressy dress so she can wear it for this season and more importantly as a keepsake for her to keep when she is an adult if she was ever to have a little girl herself. But i don't think i'm gonna find a dress that nice for $40 and i have only couple of days to go shopping so can't buy anything on line (not enought time) ... I don't usually leave gift shopping this late but i've been unwell this past couple weeks ... So i need some ideas please lovely ladies

TIA for any ideas/suggestions