This post was in partnership with Move2Play but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
"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.
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 third annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
Toys to Add to Your Baby Registry
Move2Play
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.
Toki
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.
Babylist | WeeGallery
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.
Nordstrom | Comfy Cubs
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
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.
Lovevery
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!
Babylist | LOULOU LOLLIPOP
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.
Amazon | Uncle Goose
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
Melissa & Doug
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.
Melissa & Doug
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.
Amazon | Skip Hop
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.
Amazon | Fisher-Price
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
Amazon | Bright Starts
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
Lalo
It’s never too early to have a space that’s just your little one’s.
2 table colors & 5 chair colors available
Amazon | Fat Brain Toys
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
Nancy Tillman
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.
Joanna Gaines
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.
Emily Winfield Martin
Speaking of crying—after six years, this book still gets our editor-in-chief every single time!
Margaret Wise Brown
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.
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roberta Correia, Editor-in-Chief
Roberta is an editor with 10+ years experience in content strategy and brand building. Before joining The Everymom she was Editorial Director at Brides and previously served as Digital Editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She grew up in Brazil and currently calls Brooklyn home with her son, Lucas.
This post was in partnership with Move2Play but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.