My sister-in-law is expecting their first baby boy in October and this Auntie can’t stop shopping for all the baby things! We had their shower a couple weeks ago- and now I’m shopping for Christmas! This got me thinking of some of the best practical gifts for babies.
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But what do you get a baby that isn’t born yet or is only a few weeks old at Christmas?! That’s why I have put together this list of gifts for babies and new parents.
I want to make sure I’m getting them practical items that I know they’ll use now, or in the months to come.
What are some of your favorite gifts for babies? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this with someone that you know shopping for a young baby.
Here are some great options if you have a baby on your Christmas shopping list this year.
Baby Play Mat:
When I registered for my son I was on a pretty strict budget. Therefore, I wasn’t going to register for anything I didn’t feel was frivolous. My mom tried to talk me into getting a playmat, “he’ll have toys and blankets to lay on I told her”.
In the end, she got him a play mat for Christmas before he was born. I suppose moms always know best, because this was one of his most used toys! We started using it around 2-3 weeks for play time and tummy time.
I had no idea how much use we would get out of this one toy but I’m so thankful to her for gifting us one. So if you have a newborn or pregnant momma on your list this year I suggest a play mat for baby if she doesn’t already have lined up.
Books:
Books make some of the best gifts for babies. Both of my boys have loved books! I have more than made sure of it by making them a priority around my home.
As a teacher, I know that the books are an easy way to stimulate the mind, teach new concepts, language, and vocabulary. I recommend books that offer touch and feel, lift-the-flap, board books, and full of bright pictures.
I will link my article on the best books for 1 year olds below.
I also recommend many of these books for younger babies as they are great tools to help support language development.
Light/Sound Toys
Babies have a big job to do when it comes to learn how there bodies move. Toys that offer light and sound will stimulate a baby to encourage them to lift their head during tummy time.
It’s important for babies to learn to support their head by building strong neck and back muscles. According to webmd.com, “babies should have 3-5 minute sessions 2-3 times a day as newborns and they should work up to the 40-60 minutes of tummy time daily”.
Most babies do not initially like tummy time, so using things like a mirror, toys with lights, sounds, or your own face to encourage them to interact will help encourage them to keep working on this skill.
Here is an example of something I used with my second to encourage him to enjoy tummy time.
Diapers/Wipes
All new parents need diapers and wipes! My mom has (more than once) gifted us a box of wipes and/or diapers for Christmas. It’s always more than appreciated!
It might seem so simple but sometimes the simple things are the best things!
Kitchen Items
Having a new baby in the home comes with the need for a lot of kitchen products from bottles, breastfeeding supplies, drying racks, sterilizers, and more!
As babies grow they will learn how to use utensils, plates, cups, bowls, and (probably their favorite) snack cups! Don’t forget about pacifiers and pacifier clips. Although these products are fairly inexpensive they do add up over time!
A baby this age will be learning to use sippy cups in the first year of life, along with so many other products mentioned.
I love Target’s line of Cloud Island for so many kitchen essentials for babies and toddlers.
Sensory Toys (for the Car Seat/On the Go)
I wrote an entire article here on different ways to stimulate a baby through 11 different activities. But a great way to do that are through toys like the one linked below.
I love these type of baby toys because they offer different textures for babies to explore. They also offer a hook or a ring to attach them to a stroller or car seat.
Stacking Cups
Stacking cups are a classic baby toy. Both of my children have enjoyed learning to stack the cups, using them in the bath, or (their favorite) knocking them down!
I recommend all babies and toddlers to have something similar to this in their toy bin! The possibilities are endless which makes them a great open ended toy!
Bath Toys
It takes a while for babies to learn how to sit up and get used to being in a bathtub. But I think getting toys that babies can use in the bath is a great “grow with me” type of toy.
When they are little they might enjoy holding the small toys. However as they get bigger they’ll learn to create stories and come up with different ideas about their toys.
Pro-tip: If you are worried about squirter toys collecting mold (they do) you can put some hot glue in the hole and fill them up.
Lovey
If the baby you are shopping for doesn’t already have their own lovey, I highly suggest you look into one. My 3-year-old still takes his with him to school everyday.
Neither of my boys have really taken to them until closer to 1.5 but I do think that having had them around since they were infants has helped familiarize themselves with them.
It is also a great thing when they start to detach from the pacifier to have something else familiar with them.
Snacks
This would be a great stocking stuffer for a baby that is a few months old. We started our babies on puffs and Cheerios around 6 months but I think they make a cute stocking stuffer for older babies!
Just make sure you check the expiration date if you are gifting them to a younger baby to ensure they will be good when they are ready for them.
These are my top practical gifts for babies ages 0-6. What baby products do you enjoy gifting new babies or new parents?! I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Love, Ashley E
One Response
Thank you for some practical suggestions for gifting at Christmas and these ideas would be great for baby showers.