Gift Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

There’s no question this group is the easiest to buy for because you know the recipients will love just about anything you buy! But there are so many choices which can make your shopping a little challenging. While there are still many toys out there that are as popular today as they were years ago, the times have definitely changed. For today’s post, I tried to find gifts that are not the usual ones, but there are so many that I could have easily added to my short list. Happy shopping, and let us know what you’re buying for this age group – leave a comment below!

Babies

If there is one recipient who can go easy on your holiday budget, it’s a baby. Chances are good they’ll be just as happy with a $5 rattle or teething ring as they would a $50 Gund teddy bear. So, my suggestion is to shower your new baby with a few fun and loveable toys – but also take this opportunity to purchase nursery decor, keepsake boxes, clothes, gear, and other items that make Mom and Dad happy.

1. Personalized wall art. RedEnvelope has several cute wall hangings that are personalized on stretch canvas, and illustrate everything from the baby’s birth announcement, to the story of how Mom and Dad met (in trendy subway art style), or family trees, or just cute sayings like “Sophia Is Kind of a Big Deal Around Here.” Each piece of art is $59, and I would be hard-pressed to choose just one.

2. Baby Farm Friends Bowling from Toys & Co.
Shop local (Toys & Co. is located in the Friendly Shopping Center in GSO), and give your baby this Toys & Co. favorite! This plushy set includes six numbered barnyard friend pins with flat bases and rattle sounds complete with soft ball. $26.99

3. Handpainted wooden letters. I know this kind of wall art decor is not a new idea, but every year the patterns seem to get cuter and cuter! Just Google “hand painted wooden letters” online and you’ll find several places that sell them such as The Letter Boutique, or the Funky Letter Boutique on Etsy, Pottery Barn Kids (usually in solid colors), or you can make them yourself! (The “Zoe” letters to the left were designed by a college friend of mine).

4. Peek-a-Boo Barn Baby & Toddler Toy from Melissa & Doug. Every baby needs aMelissa & Doug toy during the holidays, and this one is M&D’s top holiday toy pick. This baby toy features four friendly farm animals, hiding behind barn doors that flap open and click-clack back into place. It’s great for developing hand-eye coordination and keeping little ones busy developing all kinds of skills. Just $10!

5. Funsies! If you’re looking to break free of the plain old white onesies, or the overdone phrases like “If You Think I’m Cute, You Should See My Mom,” and head over to this adorable online shop called Funsies. They have a collection of very reasonably priced onesies that are funny, cute, customized, and matching ones for multiples.

Toddlers

Once they start pulling themselves up and cruising around, your holiday shopping takes on a whole new direction. But since they’re not old enough to make a list and check it twice, you still have a few years to be creative with the kinds of gifts you give.

1. Personalized Storybooks. Books are always a treasured gift, and RedEnvelopehas a clever way to introduce storytelling. They feature three books you can personalize – a pirate story, an animal story, and a fairytale – each are just $39.95. We once gave a personalized storybook to my daughter and she had us read it – and re-read it – for years and years. A great gift that lasts a long while!

2. Membership to a local museum. My first born learned to walk at the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, and this is the perfect age to purchase a membership to a fun, hands-on museum closest to your home – including Greensboro Children’s Museum, SciWorks, or the Natural Science Center of Greensboro. You will go more often than you’d imagine – and your membership will pay for itself after just a few visits.

3. A Stephen Joseph backpacks from Hip Chics Boutique. This adorable quilted cotton backpack with cutesy design is perfect for any toddler. From parents-day-out programs, daycare, preschool, or just around town, this carry-all is precious for all outings. And Hip Chics will monogram for a personal touch! $22.99

4. KaZAM – Balance Bike from Toys N’ Co
Your little one will never have to use training wheels. The unique design helps kids to gradually build confidence and eventually use the foot rest to have the same sensation and balance as when riding a traditional bicycle. Your little ones will be the hit of the neighborhood as they learn and have fun with the KaZAM balance bike. For ages three to six. Found at Toys & Co for $99.

5.Thinkfun Roll and Play Board Game. I love games, and I remember many holidays searching for a fun game we could play with kids this age – while also completely avoiding CandyLand and Chutes and Ladders. This is a game I wish was around when my kids were toddlers. Players roll the soft cube, and depending on the color they rolled, they have to pick up the appropriate color card. They then have to perform one of six different silly categories on the card (such as “Rub your belly,” or “Moo like a cow.”) You can find this onAmazon (and I bet at other large toy retailers) for $18.59.