How cute that is! Some other items that might be fun are puzzles, crayons/coloring book, stickers/sticker book and reusable snack container or lunch box/sack.

oh these are great ideas. Thank you. He's a busy and independent boy. He'll love crayons/coloring books and sticker books. Also snack containers!

Wow sippy cup for a spillproof container. Fire engine board book with wheels. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-engine-dk-publishing/1102512015?ean=9780789437112

Perhaps a firefighter costume? They have adorable raincoats for little kids that look like a turnout coat. Those are a hit in my preschool class.

At two, I would look at a Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles. Here's some search results from their website for fire truck.

Many great ideas! Thank you-- I have purchased 2 Melissa & Doug items since I first posted. A fire truck puzzle and the reusable My Town stickers (which seem very similar to the colorforms of my era).

I love the idea of a firefighter raincoat.. I've looked at a few but I just got a text from my niece that they need shorts/summer clothes so I am switching gears.

I think an outfit along with the movie, water bottle, cars, puzzle and sticker board should be plenty. I'll probably look for a few smaller things so that every pocket and pouch has something to find.

SInce your niece said summer things, I thought a bathing suit, and goggles, or fun sun hat.

Oh darn.. I just realized that the puzzle and reusable stickers aren't going to fit IN it (which was the whole point).

Localeater.. I love that idea. I got him the same last year but of course they no longer fit! Cute sandals too!

Walkie talkies! At 2 he's a too young to really use them, but he will grow into them through the year, and in the meantime will just pretend, get cheap ones lol! A Dalmatian beanie baby, surely they are still made. And a firefighter board book. Can you find puddle jumper boots with straps?

(Funny story: when my son was almost three, he decided he didn't want to wear the scarecrow costume I'd made him for Halloween. He didn't want to wear a costume at all. So, I dressed him in his Lands End red one-piece waterproof jumpsuit, his puddle-jumpers with loops, and a firefighter hat, and we went trick or treating. When the folks said "oh, what have we here? A firefighter!" DS corrected them: "I'm not a firefighter. I'm just dressed as a firefighter." And now at 23 he is an actor. He could play a firefighter.)

THESE should fit. I didn't look to see if they had a fireman one.

I have no ideas to offer, but just wanted to say that I love the idea of the gift backpack filled with useful items.

My nephews both got small scale binoculars from me around this age, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CATP4A/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1. They've been awesome! Also headlamps can be very fun at this age.

Wonderful gift idea! Lots of good suggestions above.

(We have one of those bags and it's held up extremely well!)

I am glad I stopped back.. because I too am thinking I should not feel tied to the fireman theme. I think it's better to include a lot of *useful* items in the bag-- whether they are fireman themed or not. I love the idea of the headlamp.. not sure about binoculars at 2. Isn't that a little early?

Also glad to hear that it's held up for you, Shee. It seems to be really durable and well made -- and it wasn't all that expensive.

I was surprised I was still able to cancel the items I'd already ordered on amazon as it was a few hours later-- but the site still allowed it. I think they were all great items but they won't fit in the bag and for this party, I don't want a lot of wrapped presents. I want everything contained IN the bag. I will add some coloring/sticker books-- just not the larger Melissa and Doug formats.

There are childrens binoculars or an inexpensive pair or general audience ones and kids love looking through them. My sons loved them. You could give him a book that would let him identify birds he might be looking at too. This is a great time of year for watching bird activity -- babies and all. Amazon has a number of field guides for children.

I really like the idea of binoculars and field guide, etc but I am REALLY concerned that when turning 2, it's just too early. I did a quick scan of amazon and all the binoculars and field guides I saw were targeting the 5-7 yr age group. I often buy an age group higher -- but avoid those things that require larger hands or dexterity. Is there a specific brand or model you recommend for the very young? How do they do with focusing? maybe I am underestimating the kid.

I would put in a bug viewer like this one. The top is a magnifying lens so you when you catch the bug you can see it better. A butterfly net sticking out of the backpack might be fun, too.

Mine were 2 roughly twenty years ago, and I haven't bought any recently. I think being lightweight and on the smaller side (most are smaller now) would be the most important thing. The focusing is usually a slide type thing that they will quickly get the hang of, but they need to be able to hold them. They may need a little help at first, but who doesn't? A bug viewer could be good too. Just make sure he knows to let the bug go after he's looked at it.

A mini flashlight! It could be part of a firefighter uniform (or not), but was a hit with my son at that age and beyond. It's also a great gift to the parents because somehow it makes bedtime so much easier when the child is allowed to keep the flashlight in bed with them. No more complaints about lights out, the room being too dark, etc.

Instead of binoculars, what about a view master toy? Might be easier for a two year old.

Another thing... how about a bug box?

My son had a FDNY t-shirt when he was 2 -- on the back it said "KEEP 200 FEET BACK." He wore it all the time because so many people commented on it. I don't know if they're available anywhere any more. We got his at the FDNY museum in NYC (ummm, 23 years ago).

Sorry that I was so delayed in getting back! the bug catcher and net are great ideas-- but he already has them! Flashlight is great--perfect for one of the little pockets.. and I am off to look for a FDNY tee! I found an adorable little pair of timberland sandals.. and shorts. The tee would be perfect.. and a very nice gift package. Thank you all!

I still like the idea of binoculars. I'll mention it to my sister (the grandma)-- there are a ton of birds at their weekend place including bald eagles so it's definitely great idea.. I just want to be sure it's appropriate for this year (vs. next).

Found the tee.. and this adorable pin for the outside of the backpack. I know he's in choking hazard age range but he really isn't one to put odd things in his mouth. If my niece is concerned, she can take it off and keep it until he's older. I just think it's adorbs!

This could be tricky, but Amazon has several bird books that have recordings of the bird songs. They could be wonderful for identifying bird calls, but I would definitely check with the parents first. Anybody who bought my 2 year olds things that made noise found themselves persona non grata. However, such a book could be taken out at special times and then put away out of reach for quiet times.

Oh how cool is that! I am going to bat this around with my sister-- these outdoor/nature ideas are interesting because it fits their lifestyle-- but as my sister said the other day, last year he was content with a bucket and rocks. This year he's a very busy boy.. perhaps too busy for these kinds of activities just yet. I am not the expert on toddlers so I'll talk to my sister. In the meantime, I think I have a great bag going! (and SHE still needs ideas for easter basket and birthday so she may just use some of these also).

Again, thank you all for the ideas.. there are many holidays so what I don't use for this birthday will surely be helpful at Christmas and next year!

Yeah, I'll talk to my sister. Like I said, I may be underestimating his abilities. It's the focus that concerns me.