I remember creating my registry years ago and wondering “Should you put toys on a baby registry?” It turns out 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, 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 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 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. 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 we’re here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our first ever Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
Toys to Add to Your Baby Registry
Lovevery
Lovevery Play Kit Subscriptions provide a convenient way to play with your little from the newborn stage and beyond with their expert-backed play things and play guides for each developmental stage.
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
That sweet baby will be a toddler before you know it, and this toy is great for kids over 18 months. They’ll get to practice their hand-eye coordination by spinning and rearranging the chunky gears.
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.
Lovevery
This is a go-to baby shower gift for many of our editors. Not only is it great for baby's developmental but the 5 different zones are made to grow with your baby through the first year.
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.
Wee Gallery
Tummy time is the best way to promote gross motor development, and utilization of vision helps make is easier for baby and parents. Our editor-in-chief also claims these cards helped instill a love of art in her now 6 year old!
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!
Skip Hop
Once baby is a bit older you'll want a spot to safely contain them and let them practice all that moving around. This activity center is amazing because they toys don't fall off! it is adjustable for their height and converts to an art table later on!
Amazon
There's a reason Sophie is famous among parents. Made of 100 percent natural rubber and easy to grip, Sophie also makes for an easy-to-take-along toy and an object of comfort. Trust us.
Lalo
It's never too early to have a space that's just your little one's.
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
Macmillan Publishers | Target
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.
Harper Christian | Target
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 | Amazon
Speaking of crying, after 6 years this book still gets our editor-in-chief every single time!
Margaret Wise Brown | Amazon
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.
