33 great gifts for babies and newborns
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Babies may not realize the holiday season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t buy them gifts—if only because it’s adorable to watch a baby ripping open a wrapped present. (Pro tip: Put the bow on your baby’s head for a great photo op.)
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If your holiday joy comes from piling up a mountain of gifts for your little one, we’re here to help make the season bright with present recommendations. To that end, here are 33 toys and products that babies might love as much as the packaging they come in. And they’re all parent-approved!
►Holiday gift guides 2022: Shop for everyone on your list with this ultimate gift guide
1. For the one who is learning to reach: A musical wobbling penguin
Whether they are just sitting up (and a little wobbly themselves) or they are the MVPs of tummy time, this adorable penguin wobbler will rock and spin and teeter and totter with the slightest touch. With every wobble, babies will hear the soothing and baby-pleasing sounds of tinkling bells. Little ones will love the low-key, multi-sensory entertainment of this adorable toy.
2. For the one who likes to party: A Melissa & Doug ball pit
Nothing is cuter than a baby in a ball pit! What kid doesn't like to be surrounded by dozens of balls that they can grab, toss and chew on to their little heart's content? This soft and machine-washable turtle-shaped “pit” is a safe and secure play space for little ones to delight in and explore. And it's just as fun zipped up as it is when open, with all sorts of fun tags and pompoms for little ones to grasp at and investigate.
3. For the one who loves peek-a-boo: Gund Baby Flappy the Elephant
Gund’s Flappy the Elephant stuffie is super cute—plus he’s entertaining. The 12-inch plush pachyderm “plays” peek-a-boo when you squeeze his left foot. Squeeze Flappy’s right foot and hear "Do Your Ears Hang Low." Flappy is sure to inspire squeals of delight.
4. For the future style influencer: A trendy-themed teething set
They may be little, but they are still going to need some stocking stuffers! If there are cuter teething sets out there, we haven't seen them. These themed teething toy 2-packs are made in the most adorable shapes including rainbows, campers, still-life art and safari. Made from the highest food-grade silicone, these teethers are 100% BPA-Free, they are also free of latex, phthalate, metals, petroleum and lead.
5. For the one who's into tummy time: Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym
Gund’s adorable, multi-sensory activity gym includes everything that babies want: crinkly sounds and textures, cute dangly animals, a fun mirror, and plenty of fabric textures for tactile play. The Tinkle Crinkle & Friends activity gym is perfect for tummy time or just lounging around.
6. For the sophisticated infant: A Sophie the Giraffe set
Sophie the Giraffe has been a beloved teething toy for more than half a century. This super-soft, latex-free squeaky toy delights curious little teeth and hands. This Christmas gift box includes Sophie with fair-isle-designed slippers and a cozy holiday hat—both in adorable and festive Sophie prints.
7. For the one who loves to read: A personalized baby book by Wonderbly
Everyone loves to be the hero of their own story, and babies are no exception. Give the gift of a personalized storybook that's colorful and charming—and all about them! This personalized book will celebrate their first Christmas and is sure to become some of their most-requested bedtime reading material for long after.
8. For the one who wants to get in on the fidget trend: A pint-sized pop-its toy
This soothing, dimpled sensory toy is a perfect busy toy for the play mat, the high chair or the car seat. Little ones will love exploring the different shapes and colors and watching them "pop" as they play. This award-winning toy is made with 100% food-grade silicone; it's also BPA-free, has been safety tested and is hand washable.
9. For the one who likes to play outside: Easter Jungle Gym bucket swing
Your baby won’t miss the park when you bring the playground action home; just install this bucket swing in your yard. The chains are covered for safety, and the high back makes Eastern Jungle Gym’s swing supportive for bigger babies and toddlers. Wheeeee!
10. For the one with a chic nursery: A wooden stacking toy
A perfect gift for the discerning baby, this classic stacking toy is oh-so-pretty. Babies enjoy layering rainbow-colored wood rings and popping the round red ball on top. This rainbow stacker will add just the right amount of color to any baby's beautiful nursery.
11. For the one who's teething: Itzy Ritzy Water Teether
The classic water teether gets a fun new spin with Itzy Ritzy’s three-pack of cool cactus shapes. Pop these bad boys in the fridge and dole them out to assuage teething pain. If your baby could talk, they would thank you.
12. For the one who needs help sleeping: HoMedics SoundSpa Lullaby
A sound machine can be ever so helpful when it comes to baby’s slumber. Everyone in the house will appreciate better sleep. The SoundSpa Lullaby plays soothing sounds like ocean, rain, and heartbeat as well as lullabies. There’s a handy timer function so the machine doesn’t run all night, and the projector shows baby-friendly images like ocean life for an added bonus.
13. For the one who enjoys tub time: BabyBibi bath books
Make bath time even more fun with a set of waterproof, squeaky books.This set of three non-toxic, BPA-free books is suitable for ages three months and up. The black-and-white graphics are eye-catching for little ones, and they love slapping these books around in the water just as much as they love looking at them.
14. For the ones who like to eat their words: An indestructible set of books
These classic books of nursery rhymes are just right for baby. Wordless yet filled with vibrant pictures, these books feel like paper but they are supremely strong and 100% baby proof. What that means is they are drool-proof, teething-proof and rip-proof. What's more they can even be cleaned in the washer! Parenting writer Janelle Randazza got these as a 2nd-level hand-me-down and they lived to go on to yet another family, who passed them on again.
15. For the one who loses their socks: Zutano booties
These may be the best baby booties ever made, and they are on the must-have list for new parents that are in the know. Not only are they super soft and cozy, they come in a wide range of bright and beautify colors and their genius, origami-style design keeps them on baby's feet better than any socks or booties we've tried.
16. For the active one: PortaPlay Activity Center
Talk about a functional gift: Oribel’s activity center will keep babies busy and what's more, it’s also portable. The legs fold up for easy storage, and the chair comes out and toys pop off so the activity center converts to a table. You’ll get years of play out of this gift.
17. For the one who needs toys in the bath: Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy
Babies love investigating these bath balls—they have sea creatures inside. The floating bubbles spin, bob and rattle, adding a splash of fun to bath time. The set includes four balls for babies ages four months and up.
18. For the one who needs some calming energy: Twilight Turtle Night Light Soother
This sweet and snuggly nighttime turtle creates starry night skies for a soothing nightlight and cuddly friend combo. With a press of a button, it projects in three soothing color options blue, green and amber. Parents will love that it automatically shuts off after 45 minutes, to timer ensure a good night's sleep.
19. For the one who likes to veg out: A comfy lounger
If weary parents need a few moments of safe and snuggly hands-free rest, this is just the thing for newborns and babies up to 24 months. This lounger provides a nurturing nest for sleeping, tummy time or just hanging out while checking out the sights.
20. For the one with sentimental parents: Customized wood block
We love this beautiful wooden block for its keepsake qualities. (It also makes a great nursery accent.) Personalize the Pottery Barn Kids block with baby’s birth stats and name for a gift that’ll wow parents.
21. For the future aviator: HABA aircraft swing
Baby can take to the skies—OK, the living room—in this cushy airplane swing. Best for 10 months and up, this padded swing will provide plenty of action to keep them busy and happy.
22. For the fishie-lover: VTech Learn and Spin Aquarium
Babies can fish for fun in this exciting and entertaining spinning aquarium by TVech. The adorable fishies splash, swim and spin and the aquarium lights up and plays music when the sturdy water spout is pushed.
23. For the one who loves Disney: Green Toys Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Stacker
Green Toys—the beloved eco-friendly brand—has partnered with Disney Baby on this Amazon exclusive. It’s a classic stacker in pinks and purple with a Minnie Mouse twist. The stacker is made from 100% recycled plastic, and it’s even dishwasher safe.
24. For the one who likes to rock: Giraffe plush nursery rocker
Pottery Barn Kids makes the cutest plush nursery rockers. Little ones will love to ride on these big, soft animals, and parents will love the sweet nursery addition. Order a giraffe, lamb, elephant or even a labradoodle. Add baby’s name for an extra special touch.
25. For a rolling rattle: Oball Rollin Rainstick
The price is right on this tried-and-true baby toy—and you’ll get hours of playtime. Bright colors and a fun, rubbery texture will keep your baby’s attention, and the internal "rain stick" makes it exciting for babies to shake and grasp. Plus the flexible ball has plenty of finger holes for easy handling.
26. For the one who enjoys a good snuggle: A koala lovey
Parents in the know will tell you, always get a dual-sided lovey, to prevent overheating when snuggling, and to give extra tactile input. The plush side makes this cute koala super cozy, while the cotton side keeps it cool and gives a soothing multi-sensory experience.
We also love the ears and tufts of hair for lots of options for nibbling with little mouths and exploring with tiny fingers. The crinkly little leaf is the cherry on top, for a little bit of happy noise making.
27. For the night owl: Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Owl
A 20-minute auto-shutoff and starlight projector make this cozy owl a great sleep soother. Parents will appreciate that it’s washable—just remove the mechanism from the center. The Soothing Sleep Owl also features sounds like a heartbeat, gentle bird noise and relaxing lullabies. And, it projects star lights for a dreamy sleep experience.
28. For the one who travels by stroller: Skip Hop Farmstand Avocado stroller toy
Every baby needs a good stroller toy. Over 3,000 parents have dubbed this cute avocado a must-have toy for on-the-go infants. It's make from soft plush, has a rattle “pit” for soft sounds and the very exciting velcro action makes this toy a must-have. The cute little face to this on-trend toy only adds to its charm, making it a the perfect pick.
29. For the one who is eager to learn: Baby University ABC's baby board book set
It’s never too early for science! Gift your favorite baby a set of board books from Baby University and watch their brains expand. OK, your baby probably won’t learn science but they'll definitely enjoy looking at the colorful illustrations.
30. For the one who collects stuffed animals: Jellycat Bashful Fox
Jellycat’s stuffed animals often become beloved by their little owners. We recommend gifting this adorable fox from the U.K. company. The medium size Bashful Fox is 12 inches (yes, he also comes in small and large) and is suitable for any age.
31. For the one who's just getting mobil: Reindeer joggers
When in doubt, always accentuate a diapered bum. These adorable leggings are comfy, cozy and bring attention to any wiggle or waddle they may currently be showing off. We love the appliqué reindeer with their felt red nose. Made from 67% bamboo, 28% organic cotton and 5% elastane, these will keep babies warm without overheating, making them perfect for play time and nap time.
32. For the curious infant: A Lovevery gift box
The curated play kits from Lovevery are the ultimate holiday gift for little ones. Filled with age-appropriate, high quality gifts that are brain-boosting for kids of all ages. If you're looking for a gift box that will wow even the littlest recipient, this is one of our favorites.
33. For the outdoor explorer: A cozy bunting that's water resistant
Every baby needs a cozy bunting to get them through the cold winter months. Whether they are brand new to the world, or big enough to be curious about snow, a high-quality bunting is a big ticket item that parents will appreciate. This one by L.L. Bean is warm, cozy and easy to put on. It's also water-resistant, to keep them dry, and—since blowouts and spit-ups stop for no one—it's wonderfully machine washable.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 33 best baby gifts 2022 - Unique gift ideas for newborn girls and boys