Christmas is around the corner, and if you're on the hunt for a few cool gifts, we're here for you! We've put together a few neat ideas to get your gift-giving creativity flowing.
0-3 month olds
Black and white board books - Babies at this age can't see too much. What they can see however are high contrast images.. black and white board books can be great to leave in the crib while they're lying down or having a bit of tummy time. In my case, it was great for massage time because it kept my baby nice and distracted!
Play gyms - As these cuties kick their legs around, they'll be fascinated to hear the music playing or they’ll try and grab those little dangly things they see, which will help them roll over eventually.
Clothes - A parent knows you can never have enough clothes when they're this tiny!
Practical gifts - Diapers, wipes, swaddles, all those essentials; the parents will definitely be grateful! Make sure to check in with them on their brands of choice though to prevent skin reactions or aversions to smell.
Baby gear - Check in with the parents to see if there's anything they're missing!
Baby wrap - Both the little one and the parent are going to enjoy a little hands-free snuggle with this one!
Other ideas: Crib mobiles, tummy time mats and musical toys.
3-6 month olds
Rattles and hand toys - These are great as they practice holding and grabbing onto things. Plus, they make for very cute videos!
Crinkle or activity books - For those little observers, they'll have fun looking at pictures, probably chewing on the books and enjoying the sounds too.
Tummy time mat - As they begin to move around more, having a nice large mat that provides the firmness that they need while keeping them off cold hard floors is sure to be rewarding.
Teething toys - This one’s a given since they’ll be cutting their first teeth soon.
Feeding equipment - As they approach their eating solids milestone, there's a bunch of equipment like bibs, spoons, etc. that they're going to need.
Bath toys and books - Now that the little one will sit up soon and be able to grab things, a few bath toys, books, squeaky ducks etc. can liven up the bath time.
Other ideas: jungle gym, a ball, bouncer, high chair/booster seat, musical toys
6-9 month olds
Shoes/booties - As they start to explore with walking around, some cute little shoes could support their feet.
Activity table - Whether it's banging away at it, pressing buttons to see what it does or dancing away to it's music, an activity table will surely keep this little one engaged.
Stacking toys - This is great for coordination and teaching them the different colours too.
Kiddie pool - While this may be great as they start to outgrow their bath tub, it can also double up as a ball pit, or just a nice space for them to sit inside with their toys or activities.
Other ideas: Musical instruments, wooden toys, soft blocks, soft toys, balls.
9-12 month olds
Books - As they start to become more inquisitive, books with large images are sure to keep them engaged. Auditory books, puppet books, pop-up books and story books with rhymes are great for this age.
Finger puppets - Another great tool to spice up story time. The more you speak to and interact animatedly with a child, the better as it’s the development of their vocabulary.
Texture scrapbook or blanket. - A nice combination of different fabrics will help get their sense of touch stimulated.
Musical instruments – Shakers, a xylophone, a triangle, a tamborine or even some drumsticks. The little one is bound to have a blast.
Magnets - Colourful magnets can be another great gift for when they just have to be with mom or dad in the kitchen. Just make sure they're large enough to not be swallowed. It's a great exercise for their hands and strength building too.
Other ideas: play pen, clothes, night lights
12-18 month olds
At this stage, kids mostly want to follow their parents around, so stacking up too many toys may or may not help depending on the child.
Ride ons - Once they're comfortable walking, a ride on may be a fun thing for them to do when they go out to play.
Experience - By now, they're really starting to absorb things. A day at the aquarium, zoo or farm may be exhilarating for them as they explore different spaces, animals or creatures.
Masks - For those that like role play, masks could be a fun way to engage in imaginative play or even enjoy story time.
Play dough - At this age, they're enjoying using their finger muscles. Look out for play dough that's safe for mouthing babies and you're good to go.
Pop it - Ever sat for hours with a bubble wrap? Well that's just the sort of feeling these little ones get. Bonus: its a great finger exercise.
Arts and crafts - Crayons, magic erase boards and finger paints (taste-safe ones) can be so beneficial for their own development but also therapeutic in its own ways too.
Other ideas: bubble gun, chewable toys, snacks!
18 - 24 month olds
Puzzle boards - This can be great for coordination, maximising attention spans and learning too!
The fishing toy - Do you remember the little fish that popped up while you tried to catch them with your magnetic rod? If the child is out of their mouthing phase, this can be a fun way to relive your childhood memories with your kid.
Cars, trains, tracks and more - This is great for girls as well as guys. It's just as fascinating for them when watching the toys go.
Strength building games - Hammer ball, play dough, pull apart links, all build their hand and arm strength.
Bubbles – A great way to teach them breathing - a key skill they'll need when you're trying to teach them to calm themselves down.
Other ideas: Water based toys, jumpers, pipe cleaners and ribbons, craft items.
So there you have it! My handy dandy list of budget gifts for the little ones. Hope this helps :)
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