"I remember creating my registry years ago and wondering, âShould you put toys on a baby registry?â 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 oneâs 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 even born! Choosing a few classic baby books is a timeless addition to the registry that I can promise will help you create a library your child will continue to cherish as they grow up.
If youâre still wondering what toys and books you should add to your registry, weâve 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. But you will want to make sure and 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.
Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but weâre here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our second annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
Toys to Add to Your Baby Registry
Lovevery Play Kit Subscriptions provide a convenient way to play with your little from the newborn stage and beyond with their expert-backed playthings and play guides for each developmental stage.
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 theyâre 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 onesâ 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.
Weâve never met a parent who owned this product and didnât 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
This black and white travel toy is perfect for on the go stimulation as well as being added to play gyms or used on the floor for tummy time.
Our baby experts agree, the Oball is a great first toy for babyâeasy to grab and lightweight. And 12,000 plus shoppers agree itâs a 5/5 stars!
10 styles available
Once baby is a bit older, youâll want a spot to safely contain them and let them practice all that moving around. This activity center is amazing because the toys donât fall off! It is adjustable for their height and converts to an art table later on!
Itâs never too early to have a space thatâs just your little oneâs.
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 oneâand 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 babyâs library.
Speaking of cryingâafter 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.
