"I remember creating my registry years ago and wondering, ‘Should you put toys on a baby registry?’. It turns out that certain baby toys and books make a great gift or addition to a gift basket. After all, when building a baby registry, you want to take into consideration the fact that pretty soon, you will need items for a 3, 6, 9, or 12+ month old! And your friends and family will love the idea of giving a sweet gift that will set up your little one’s love of play and reading early on.
Some of the most meaningful gifts I received at my baby shower were books. Friends each brought a book with a dedication to our baby. Now that my son can read on his own, he loves to read the notes that were written before he was born! Choosing a few classic baby books is a timeless addition to the registry. It will help you create a library your child will continue to cherish as they grow up.
If you’re still wondering what toys and books you should add to your registry, we’ve done the legwork for you. We think about this in phases. There are tons of books and toys out there that are ideal for a newborn. Make sure to round out the selection with a few items that will hold you through the first year and even beyond.
Keep scrolling for some of our favorite picks of baby toys and books to add to your registry.
Toys to Add to Your Baby Registry
This multifunctional activity center grows with your baby from the tummy time stage all the way to the early walking phase. Not only will your baby get a full year of use out of this play mat and walker hybrid, but it also helps you conserve space in your home by acting as several toys in one.
You didn’t know you needed this chic portable vegan leather playmat! It’s gorgeous, waterproof and super handy for taking from room to room or to the park.
These high-contrast cards support baby’s visual perception and be used in any number of ways like during tummy time to encourage them to look forward or as flashcards as they grow.
This highly rated playpen option can be used multiple ways, even doubling as a large baby gate to close off certain areas of your home.
House of Noa’s play mats with beautiful patterns “allow for easily-assembled play surfaces for floor time for baby. They are very easy to pack up, transport, wipe down, and fit to all different types of spaces/areas,” noted Pediatric Physical Therapist Mary Noreen Cheng.
The Lovevery play gym is now a classic for a reason. The five developmental zones grow with baby from newborn to toddlerhood. Plus the play guides provide tips so you learn exactly how to play with your little one!
Stacking cups are a classic toy for a reason: They promote hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills development, and open-ended play. This set comes in two cute colors and is made of soft and gentle food-grade silicone.
A classic learning toy that can double as nursery decor and grow with baby when they’re ready for building, letter recognition, and open-ended play.A classic learning toy that can double as nursery decor and grow with baby when they’re ready for building, letter recognition, and open-ended play.
10+ styles available
Sensory toys are the easiest and most beneficial way to interact with your newborn, and this bundle from Melissa & Doug has you covered for those first six months and beyond.
The ideal toy for little ones’ growing needs as they begin to explore their gross motor skills. This push toy includes games that encourage sensory stimulation and problem-solving skills so babies 12 months+ can learn through play.
Designed in collaboration with Montessori experts, this milestone-driven play gym encourages tummy time and parent-baby connection.Designed in collaboration with Montessori experts, this milestone-driven play gym encourages tummy time and parent-baby connection.
We’ve never met a parent who owned this product and didn’t say it was one of the heroes of the baby stage. Babies are enthralled by the songs and love to grasp the toys above.
6 styles available
Our baby experts agree, the Oball is a great first toy for baby—easy to grab and lightweight. And 12,000 plus shoppers agree it’s a 5/5 stars!
10 styles available
It’s never too early to have a space that’s just your little one’s.
2 table colors & 5 chair colors available
Pediatric physical therapist Mary Cheng counts this as her favorite baby toy. They stick to surfaces of all kinds and are a great motivator for movement!
Books to Add to Your Baby Registry
Our editor, Kathy, still cries every time she reads this lovely book by Nancy Tillman. The rhythmic story is perfect for reading out loud to your new little one—and great for baby showers that request a book in lieu of a card.
This sweet book written by Joanna Gaines is the perfect reminder that all little ones are uniquely special. Celebrating creativity, acceptance, and imagination, this is a must-have book to add to baby’s library.
Speaking of crying—after six years, this book still gets our editor-in-chief every single time!
This is a timeless bedtime read for a reason. Babies are enthralled by the rhythmic words and bright colors that even seem to glow in dim light.
Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. These editor- and expert-approved picks are everything you need for your new baby (and for you!). Check out our annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
