Looking for gift ideas for your little ones and stumped? No worries, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite and developmentally appropriate playthings, fun stocking stuffers, big-ticket, and budget-friendly options for kids under 6. Scroll down for gift inspiration and plan to put a few of these under the tree.
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Gifts for Baby 0-6 Months
Big Ticket Item: The Lovevery Play Gym ($140)
Babies should spend plenty of time on the floor since the ability to move freely and unrestricted is vital for early physical development. The Lovevery Play Gym provides the perfect amount of sensory input to developing brains—littles can explore different colors, sounds, and textures with extras, including high contrast cards, teether, and a rattle. Budget-Friendly Option: Tiny Love Gymini
Skip Hop Farmstand Avocado Stroller Toy ($10)
For the future guacamole lover—the bright green and clear rattle in the pit will make winter walks feel more like a fiesta.
Bannor Toys NJ State Rattle ($24)
Give them Jersey pride early on with this adorbs wooden rattle that makes a wonderful heirloom you can pass down through the generations.
The Manhattan Toy Co. Skiwish ($19)
No electronics here: Get back to simple times with a wooden, classic toy that’s got a web of beads, rods, and strings for little fingers to tug and explore.
Burt’s Bees Baby Organic One-Piece Pajamas ($14)
These cute PJs have zippers that make overnight diaper changes easy and make a baby feel oh-so-cozy.
Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal ($8)
Newborns love looking at high contrast images, and when you prop up this book during tummy-time or side-lying play, they’ll be entertained at least until nap time.
Gifts for Babies 6-12 Months
Grimm’s 6 Piece Rainbow ($25)
This stacking toy will brighten up your baby’s play space, and the sustainable wood materials made with water-based dyes and natural oils are safe for little hands and mouths.
Manhattan Toy Co. Chomp Silicone Teether ($9)
Teething babies will love this toy, and moms love it too because it’s made from 100% food-grade silicone, rugged enough to last through the chewing stage, and is dishwasher safe.
Sassy Wonder Wheel Activity Center ($9)
Suction to the highchair and your babe will play with the spinning wheel, bright colors, and cascading beads all while you’re prepping dinner.
Indestructibles: Baby, See the Colors!: Chew Proof Rip Proof Nontoxic 100% Washable ($6)
Teething is a big part of this stage, and since babies will gnaw on anything, you need a durable option. The Indestructible book series is chew-proof, rip-proof, and washable.
Gifts for Toddlers
Big item: KidKraft Vintage Kitchen in White ($95)
Toddlers love copying and re-enacting whatever you do, and a kitchen set is perfect for pretend play. We love the chic retro look of this one from KidKraft, guaranteed to add a spiffy look to your playroom. Budget-Friendly Option: Teamson Kids Kitchen Set
Petit Collage Floor Puzzle ($18)
Kids will love exploring the world with this big 24-piece floor puzzle, which has easy to lock in pieces made for little hands and curious minds.
Green Toys Helicopter ($14)
This brightly colored chopper is eco-friendly (it’s made from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs) and ready for action with two spinning rotors, a cute teddy bear pilot, and sleek skids for soft landings.
Gifts for Pre-Schoolers
Peaceable Kingdom Board Game ($18)
Sick of Candyland? Try a new game like this one, which encourages cooperative play as kids try to defeat the ogre and find the keys to open the buried treasure.
Micro Mini Deluxe Scooter ($90)
The adjustable handlebar that grows with your little and the sturdy design gives them a stable ride as they scoot on the sidewalks, and the three-wheel design helps with balance and coordination.
Babai Bow and Arrows ($60)
This lightweight and soft bow and arrow set gives little ones an outlet for pretend play and helps with hand-eye coordination.
PlanToy Food & Beverage Set ($25)
You need to stock that toy kitchen somehow, and this wooden set looks darling and is durable enough to be passed down through siblings, cousins, and friends.
Green Toys Arts & Crafts Dough ($11)
This dough is made from 100% organic flour and food-grade dyes and will inspire creativity and promote sensory play.
Twee Unicorn Horns Sidewalk Chalk ($18-$33)
Sidewalk chalk is having a moment, and this fun set elevates the usual kind, with a fun, twisty spin with cool colors, and a metallic tinged one that will give hours of entertainment when the weather turns warm.
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