If you read my most recent blog post, you know that I think experiences are the best gifts. That said, many parents, aunts, grandparents and friends want to give something physical for Christmas, too! That’s why I created the list below of the best Christmas gifts for babies younger than 1-year-old.
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Toys
Let’s start with the easy one… toys! There are SO many toy options out there that it’s hard to choose! Below, you’ll find 10 toys that are super cute AND get great reviews.
If I had to choose a favorite, I think I would have to pick the Smooth Moves Sloth because… let’s be real… it’s a dancing sloth! It’s a Fisher Price Linkimal, which means if you get other Linkimals, they will talk to each other, sing and light-up together. The sloth is also education, and sings about numbers, colors and more! (Keep in mind – this toy is designed for kids 9 months and up.) Let playtime begin!
Baby Books
Book reading during infancy has been proven to help kids with early reading skills, vocabulary and even name writing. There are so many fantastic book options out there, it’s hard to go wrong. But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be The Peace Book, by Todd Parr. Its not fancy, it doesn’t light up or make any sounds, but it delivers such a solid message. The illustrations are simple and colorful for the kids, and the words about peace meaning everyone has a home and a friend even make mom and dad think. Someone gifted this book to our little guy, and it’s my absolute favorite in our collection.
Teethers
Slobber Central at the Langenkamp household has begun! Our little guy isn’t quite to the teething stage yet, but he’s still constantly wanting to gnaw on his fingers and is getting coordinated enough to put toys in his mouth.
I’ll admit that I haven’t actually tried them yet, but one item on my own Christmas list for my little one is the Itsy Ritzy Silicone Teething Mitt. While other teething toys are great, they are easily dropped, and it’s hard for the real little ones to pick them back up and put them in their mouths. No problems here when the toy is attached! (And as a helpful tip for the parents out there, these slobber bibs might be a worthwhile investment, too.)
Activities
Looking for something to keep your little one busy for a while, and also help with some of the big milestones? There are so many jumpers, swings and activity centers out there to help!
The one I am really loving in the list below is the Kolcraft 2-in-1 Activity Walker. Why? Because the 2-in-1! This works for baby to sit in, and then converts to standing as he or she grows. Most baby toys only last a couple of months because our kids are growing so fast, and are on to the next stage! Buy more play time when you buy this activity walker.
Clothes, Shoes & Accessories
As kids get older, getting clothes for Christmas becomes less and less exciting. That means NOW is the time! In trying to pick my favorite from the options below, I’m torn between the fleece booties and the car seat poncho.
The fleece booties are a MUST when you have kids that are constantly pulling their socks off. They have snaps and ankle elastic to stay in place. The car seat poncho is perfect for those cold days when you’re taking your little one from the house to the car. It’s not safe for the kiddos to wear coats in their car seats, so this poncho can be lifted to buckle, and then rests as a wearable blanket on top. Pretty genius, right? Even better, when you buy one of these ponchos, you are supporting a small company in Michigan which is proudly certified veteran and women owned!
Help for Mom and Dad
It’s fun to get kiddos toys they want for Christmas, but sometimes there are items that they may need even more. If parents are in a tight spot financially, it might be a nice opportunity to help out with some items that can benefit both baby and parents. I didn’t pick a particular favorite because this really just depends on what is needed at the time.
Money
Babies can’t yet appreciate cash… but when it’s time for them to buy their first car or pay for college books, they will! Now is a great time to contribute money to a savings account for them. As a cute bonus, give the money with a piggy bank!
While stress can easily creep in to your holiday celebrations, remember what Christmas is all about! More importantly than any of these gifts, I hope you enjoy a season of joy and wonder with your sweet baby this Christmas.