craftgrrl | Buttons and choking hazards?

This may be the silliest question on earth, but at what age of child is it appropriate to start giving gifts that have buttons and other small embellishments on them?

Can you tell I don't have kids?

I'm making my niece two pants and t-shirt sets for her 2nd birthday next month and wanted to make a softie to go with it. I'd like to put a large button on the softie, but, of course, I don't want any sort of choking hazard.

Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

And so this isn't text only,