We asked and you answered: what are the best gifts for babies? After all, babies are cute, but they don't do all that much. They are as amused by their own hands as a toy. Many readers reported that they aren't giving their young babies much of anything for the holidays, but if you are an auntie, uncle, grandparent or friend to a young baby you may not want to forego a gift altogether. Here are ten parent-endorsed ideas:
1. Stacking Boxes (like the Petit Collage Nesting Boxes $24, Baby Bot): stack them up and you bet they'll knock them down. Over and over and over again. When they're a bit older they can do the stacking themselves (yay!)
2. Diapers (like the Honest Diapers Bundle, $79.95/month, The Honest Co.): parents know how expensive diapers are, but friends and family may not realize how this expense adds up, making diapers a very appreciated gift, even if they won't last long.
3. First Christmas Ornament (like this personalized ornament, $18, Brick Kiln): this was one of the most popular reader suggestions and makes a special keepsake, especially if it's personalized.
4. Rattle (like the Blabla Bird Rattle, $29, Moolka): rattles are a pretty basic toy which suits babies just fine. I'm a fan of soft ones, but anything that is easy to grip and makes noise will fit the bill.
5. A savings bond or a contribution to a college savings plan like a 529K plan: saving for college weighs on the minds of most parents from the very beginning of their child's life. A contribution, especially if it's an annual one, may not be the most fun gift to give, but it will be meaningful down the road.
6. Board Books (like Goodnight Moon, $8.99, Toys R Us): you really can't go wrong with books as a gift for a child. If it's your own child, perhaps start with the classics. If you're giving to a friend or family member's baby and you're unsure what's already in their library, consider a board book off the beaten path (or more board books off the beaten path).
7. Bath toys (like Skip Hop's Dunck, $9.99, Yoyo.com): babies spend early baths on their backs (or in the sink) and don't do much playing, but it won't be long until they are sitting up and splashing around.
8. An empty box filled with tissue paper: this was a popular suggestion and sure to entertain an infant. Best of all: it's nearly free.
9. Teether (like Sophie the Giraffe, $19.98, Kangarooboo): babies begin to teethe at different ages, but you may as well be prepared with something for them to chew on. Sophie is a teething classic and there are loads of other cute options.
10. A Class: the gift of a music or movement class is as much (or more) for the parent as for the baby. It's a chance to get out of the house together and interact with other parents and their babies which can be central to your sanity.
(Images: as linked except 5. Shutterstock and 10. Shutterstock)
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Yes, I agree you can't go wrong with books. Often times parents have spent so much on items for baby's nursery and toys but they forget about books. Great to start baby's pre-literacy skills early!
We've decided to fill our 9 month old stocking with the only thing she truly cares about--binkies. I bet we can get 20 pacifiers into it.
A membership to a children's museum (if there is one nearby) is a great gift. Children's museums are usually fun to visit numerous times throughout the year.
Books, books and books!
And other things that you know they'll destroy. Cups, cutlery, pacifiers and other daily needs.
We were given some stacking boxes and honestly, they aren't that great for a baby. They're cardboard, so not resistant to chewing, and the pointy corners can be quite bonky when a tall tower tumbles down (ours are by Djeco, so maybe the set pictured builds a shorter tower). I think stacking/nesting cups are a much better choice for a baby. The boxes are great for a toddler though.
I know it is a little late for this holiday season but for my daughter's first Christmas I interviewed all my grandparents who were luckily still living. I gave them a questionnaire with questions from what was their favorite candy bar growing up to questions about what they remembered about their grandparents. I asked social history questions and asked them to write any advice they would want to pass on to my daughter. They were kind enough to share photos I had never seen. I learned so much about myself, my family and what their hopes were growing up.
I compiled all the information in a beautiful album and pointed out the pictures for their birthday. Babies get so many toys that I think it can be overwhelming. This is something they will always treasure and my grandparents had a fun time too. Some of my grandparents are no longer here so this truly is a gift that will last.