How to Build a Yearly Growing In Grace Birthday Tradition

By Precious Moments | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Turn a Growing In Grace figurine into a yearly birthday ritual your child looks forward to. Here's a simple step-by-step plan, including the Age 13 milestone.

Quick answer

Start the tradition by choosing a Growing In Grace figurine that matches your child's age each birthday, then present it the same way every year and display the pieces together. The consistency—not the figurine itself—is what turns a gift into a tradition.

Why a yearly figurine works better than a one-time gift

A figurine series gives you a built-in calendar. Each year has a natural next piece, so you never have to invent a new gift idea or worry about repeating yourself. The child also gets a visible record of growing up, which matters more than most toys that get outgrown.

The trade-off is that you need to plan ahead. If you wait until the week before a birthday, the right age piece may not be available, and you may settle for a different age or style. Treat the tradition like a small annual errand, not a last-minute purchase.

When to start and how to handle the tween years

Many families begin around age 3 or 4, when a child can safely handle a figurine with supervision. Starting later is fine too—the tradition simply begins at whatever age you choose. The key is to decide on a start age and stick with it so the series feels complete.

The tween years are where the tradition can lose momentum. A 13-year-old may feel too old for a 'little girl' gift, so involve her in the ritual. Let her place the new figurine on the shelf herself, or ask her to pick the display spot. That small bit of ownership keeps the tradition meaningful without forcing enthusiasm.

Choosing between blonde and brunette styles

The Growing In Grace series includes blonde and brunette styles for some ages. Pick the style that matches your child's hair color or the color she prefers, and keep that choice consistent across years so the collection looks intentional on the shelf. If you are buying as a gift and are unsure, the blonde style is a common default, but it is worth a quick check with a parent.

Steps to build your yearly tradition

Choose a start age and a display spot: Pick the age you want the tradition to begin—often 3, 4, or 5—and decide where the figurines will live. A shelf in the child's room or a family display case both work. Common mistake: choosing a spot that is too high or too crowded, which turns the figurine into decoration rather than a keepsake. Write the start age and display spot down so both parents or gift-givers follow the same plan.
Buy the current age piece before the birthday month: Order the figurine that matches the child's new age at least two to three weeks before the birthday. If the exact age is unavailable, do not substitute a different age—choose the same age in the other hair color or wait for a restock. Common checkpoint: confirm the age number on the product page, not just the series name. Set a calendar reminder for one month before each birthday.
Create a short, repeatable presentation ritual: Wrap the figurine and give it at the same moment each year—for example, after the cake or first thing in the morning. Keep the wrapping simple and consistent. Common mistake: making the first year elaborate and then scaling back, which makes later years feel like an afterthought. The ritual can be small; consistency matters more than spectacle.
Let the child place the figurine on display: Hand the unwrapped figurine to the child and let them put it on the shelf next to the previous years' pieces. This is especially important for tweens, who may resist a 'childish' gift. Common checkpoint: keep the shelf at a height the child can reach safely. A five-second action gives the child ownership of the tradition.
Plan the Age 13 milestone in advance: For the 13th birthday, consider the Growing In Grace Age 13 figurine as the centerpiece. It is designed to honor a new teenager and is available in blonde and brunette styles. Common mistake: assuming a 13-year-old wants the same presentation as a 6-year-old—ask whether she prefers a private moment or a family reveal. Decide the Age 13 presentation style with the child, not for her.
Review the collection each year and fill gaps: Once a year, check which ages you own and which are missing. If you started late or missed a year, you can backfill an earlier age as a supplemental gift, but label it clearly as a catch-up piece so the timeline stays honest. Common checkpoint: do not buy duplicate ages in the same hair color. A simple list on your phone prevents duplicates and gaps.

Product facts

Growing In Grace, Age 13, Blonde Girl Figurine: The Age 13 figurine is part of the Growing In Grace series and is available in blonde and brunette styles. It gives you a clear milestone piece for the 13th birthday and lets you match the hair color you have used in earlier years.
Growing In Grace, Age 13, Blonde Girl Figurine