Holiday

Because the First Holidays Are Magic: 40 Gifts for Babies 0–12 Months

written by JULIA POULTER

The Everymom’s gift guide is curated by our editorial team with some items hand-picked by editors from our sponsors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. As always, we only choose items we genuinely love, use, have purchased ourselves, or recommend.

Because the First Holidays Are Magic: 40 Gifts for Babies 0–12 Months
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Because the First Holidays Are Magic: 40 Gifts for Babies 0–12 Months
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider

That first holiday season with your baby is no doubt the most magical. You want to shower them with all the gifts and Christmas cheer! But finding the best holiday gifts for babies can bring up lots of questions: are you buying presents for them or for the parents? Are you finding a gift that is developmentally appropriate for their age? And what are the best gifts for a baby’s first Christmas? I used these thoughts as my North Star for curating this guide of baby gifts. They’ll surely delight any tot from the newborn phase through their first birthday.

If you’re shopping for a newborn this year, consider sweet keepsakes like an heirloom trunk or a keepsake ornament to commemorate their first holiday season. Nursery or playroom decor—like personalized toy baskets or their first Anywhere Chair— is also a good gift for baby’s first Christmas. Other useful gifts for a newborn baby include personalized blankets, books, and toys that encourage developmental play. If they’re a little older (think 4-8 months), consider more advanced toys or a play gym.

And, for older babies—or if you’re shopping an upcoming first birthday gift—be sure to check out reader and editor-favorite toys, custom gifts like tiny name sweaters, and more that’ll perfectly transition into their toddler years. Keep scrolling to discover the best holiday and Christmas gifts for babies age 1 year old and younger. We have you covered this holiday season with baby gifts for girls and boys!

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Foldable Play Gym
Melissa & Doug
Foldable Play Gym

This ocean-themed play gym features a soft, double-sided mat and removable sensory toys to keep your newborn entertained during tummy time. Best of all, it folds down instantly with the push of a button, so you can easily clear floor space or pack it up for trips to grandma’s house.

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Cashmere Sweater
Nuna
Cashmere Sweater

Give baby a cozy layer they’ll look adorable in all season long. Made from cloud-soft, 100% Mongolian cashmere, this classic sweater is perfect for everything from snuggly days at home to family outings, with a hidden magnetic closure that makes getting dressed a little easier.

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Petite Classic Trunk
Petite Keep
Petite Classic Trunk

A newborn baby’s first mementos are so special. This classic, elegant, and heirloom-quality trunk will ensure those irreplaceable memories and keepsakes are stored safely for years to come.

SMALL BUSINESS | WOMEN-OWNED
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PULA Baby Push Walker Wagon
Amazon | Kidpop
PULA Baby Push Walker Wagon

My 1-year-old daughter recently received this as a first birthday gift, and I’m here to tell you it was a major hit. Even if your baby is only crawling, this is such a fun wagon to help them practice pulling-up and taking steps (with supervision, of course). Your little will also love piling their favorite books, stuffies, and toys into the wagon!

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Baby Balance Bike
Strider
Baby Balance Bike

Give your baby a head start on balance and coordination with this first bike, designed for ages 0–18 months. From exploring bumpy textures during tummy time to practicing standing, walking, and steering, its two-wheel design grows with them while helping little ones build confidence and coordination.

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Personalized Photo Baby Board Book
Artifact Uprising
Personalized Photo Baby Board Book

All books are a great option for babies, but one that’s customized is even more special. Choose between six pre-designed themes (or create one of your own) for the perfect sentimental gift that you’ll love reading over and over. My baby adores pointing at the pictures and “naming” her family members in her “My Favorite People” book!

SMALL BUSINESS | ECO-FRIENDLY | WOMEN-OWNED
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Embroidered Name Blanket
Etsy | Baby Shop 77
Embroidered Name Blanket

This personalized blanket can be such a sweet way to display your baby’s name in their first photos. And, it’s true, babies can never have too many blankets, especially when they’re as special as this hand-embroidered option.

SMALL BUSINESS
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The Looker Play Kit
Lovevery
The Looker Play Kit

As a first-time mom, I’ve become obsessed with Lovevery’s Play Kits for many reasons. First, they’re designed to include developmentally-appropriate toys for your baby’s precise age. Secondly, the kits come with helpful play guides for parents. And, thirdly, the toys are super well-made and adorable!

WOMEN-OWNED
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Joyful Traditions Zippy PJ
Little Sleepies
Joyful Traditions Zippy PJ

Is there anything cuter than commemorating a baby’s first Christmas with a pair of festive jammies? My daughter wore Little Sleepies PJs so much during her first year—you can’t beat the quality, oh-so-soft fabric, and adorable prints. Plus, you can get matching pairs for the whole family!

WOMEN-OWNED
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First Christmas Keepsake Ornament
Amazon | Pearhead
First Christmas Keepsake Ornament

This DIY baby’s first Christmas handprint or footprint ornament gives us all the nostalgic holiday feels. It’ll become a cherished keepsake for your family in no time. I bought this kit for my baby last year, and it was so easy to do!

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Self-Care Rattle & Teether Toys Set
Amazon | Fisher-Price
Self-Care Rattle & Teether Toys Set

Because self-care is important, even for the littlest member of the family. This adorable miniature-sized teether and play set will have baby matching mom during her morning or nightly routine.

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Bear Anywhere Chair
Pottery Barn Kids
Bear Anywhere Chair

Gift a little one their very first PBK Anywhere Chair with this oh-so-sweet iteration shaped like a cuddly teddy bear! This gift will allow your LO to sit comfortably in a chair that fits “just right.” Personalize it with their name for an extra-special touch!

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Personalized Wooden Busy Board
Etsy | Busy Puzzle
Personalized Wooden Busy Board

A team favorite, this personalized puzzle and busy board is both a charming keepsake and developmentally-engaging toy. Customize the colors, shapes, and more! I’ve gifted this so many times and it’s always loved by the recipient (both parents and babies!). 

SMALL BUSINESS | WOMEN-OWNED
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Soft Tumbling Tower Blocks
Amazon | B. Toys
Soft Tumbling Tower Blocks

Playtime is way more fun (and safe) with large, cushioned blocks. Stack, build, and explore with these squishy shapes that they’ll play with well into toddlerhood.

ECO-FRIENDLY
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Natural Wood Baby Playpen with Toy Panels
Amazon | ZETY
Natural Wood Baby Playpen with Toy Panels

When your baby becomes more mobile, this wooden playpen is a practical way to keep them safely contained—and entertained! I have this in my living room and it’s perfect for my daughter’s independent playtime. The toy panels are such a fun added bonus.

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Monogrammed Woven Baby Basket
Etsy | Cradle Art Store
Monogrammed Woven Baby Basket

An adorable addition to a nursery or any play space, these personalized toy baskets come in multiple sizes and can be customized in pretty colors to match any decor. Life also gets so much easier when you can teach your little one to clean up their own toys by dropping them in these bins.

SMALL BUSINESS
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<i>My First Learning Library</i> Box Set
Amazon | Wonder House Books
My First Learning Library Box Set

A book set is always a great gift for a baby, and this one is no exception. Featuring 20 mini board books with titles including My First Book of Colors and My First Book of Shapes, this cute set will help your child learn early vocabulary, recognition, and comprehension skills.

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Shape Shorting Box Learning Toy
Amazon | Mushie
Shape Shorting Box Learning Toy

Once baby can sit up on their own, engage them in hands-on learning with this pretty sorting toy that includes 12 different shapes. It’s a toy they’ll want to play with again and again.

WOMEN-OWNED
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Baby Learning & Feeding Bundle
LouLou Lollipop
Baby Learning & Feeding Bundle

Starting solids is such a memorable (and messy!) experience. Start them off on the right foot with this easily-washable silicone feeding set that includes a bib, a divided suction plate, a fork, and a spoon—everything they’ll need!

BIPOC-OWNED | ECO-FRIENDLY | WOMEN-OWNED
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ExerSaucer Door Jumper
Walmart | Evenflo
ExerSaucer Door Jumper

My baby absolutely loooves to jump. This doorway ExerSaucer is especially great because it’s easy to install (no tools required!) and move from room-to-room as needed. The four removable toys are sure to delight, too!

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UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot
Nordstrom | UGG
UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot

Maybe it’s the millennial in me (#sorrynotsorry), but a pair of tiny UGG boots are just my favorite thing. These ultra minis will keep your little guy or gal’s feet toasty warm this winter. Bonus points if mom has her own pair for the ultimate mommy-and-me matching moment!

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Ms. Rachel Sing-Along Boombox
Target | Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel Sing-Along Boombox

OK hear me out: At first, I thought this toy would be super annoying. But my daughter loves it so much that it’s truly worth having “Hop Little Bunnies” stuck in my head all day long. If your kiddo is also Ms. Rachel’s #1 fan, they’ll adore this sing-along boombox that plays all her top hits!

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Personalized Sweater
Etsy | Wee Shop US
Personalized Sweater

I’m adding this to my daughter’s Christmas list this year—it’s too cute not to! I love that she can wear it all winter long (and hopefully even longer, if I size up) and then it can become a keepsake item one day.

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Little People <i>The Devil Wears Prada</i> Collector Set
Amazon | Fisher-Price
Little People The Devil Wears Prada Collector Set

Commemorate the year of The Devil Wears Prada 2 with this Little People set that includes tiny versions of everyone’s favorite Runway gang. While my 1-year-old doesn’t play pretend with her Little People figures quite yet, she carries them around the house and enthusiastically hands them to me to act out scenes—and I gladly oblige!

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4-in-1 Activity Center
Amazon | Little Acorn
4-in-1 Activity Center

This activity center is truly one of the MVPs in my house. The colorful toys are endlessly engaging for my little—they seriously keep her entertained for so long. The best part? This 4-in-1 product quite literally grows with your child and converts from a tummy time mat to an activity seat to a stand-and-play center to a toddler table!

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Ball Pit
Target | Rollic
Ball Pit

One of my mom friends warned me that adding a ball pit to my living room would result in me cleaning up the scattered balls all. the. time. Was she correct? Yes. But is it worth getting anyway? Also yes! My daughter seriously loves playing in this and I love that it blends seamlessly into my home’s decor. A win-win in my book!

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Ms. Rachel Cuddle & Comfort Doll
Target | Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel Cuddle & Comfort Doll

The smile that this under-$16 Ms. Rachel doll puts on my baby’s face is truly priceless. She loves holding and hugging her “Ms. Rach.” Trust me: this will be the cutest addition to your little’s stuffie collection.

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Montessori 3-in-1 Baby Push Walker
Amazon | Pithfor
Montessori 3-in-1 Baby Push Walker

Not only is this colorful wooden toy a walker for baby, it’s also an interactive play kitchen that includes a sink, stove, pan, and more. Plus, it has an adjustable pace feature to ensure it’s safely pushed!

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Bear Push Toy
Amazon | Wee Gallery
Bear Push Toy

Babies have so much fun playing with toys on wheels. This wooden rolling bear (it also comes in a bunny version!) helps them learn cause-and-effect, balance, hand-eye coordination, and more.

BIPOC-OWNED | SMALL BUSINESS | ECO-FRIENDLY
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Portable Baby Mat
Crate & Barrel Kids
Portable Baby Mat

Tummy time sessions can be done anywhere with this soft, supportive, and portable play mat. From stars to dinosaurs, choose from several themes and colors—plus, personalize it to truly make this their own. It’s machine-washable and folds into a carrying-case with straps to easily take it on-the-go.

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Kick & Play Piano Gym
Amazon | Fisher-Price
Kick & Play Piano Gym

When I was expecting my baby, this was the #1 most-recommended toy by all of my mom friends. And now, I recommend it to everyone I know too (including you!). This interactive play mat features dangling toys, engaging colors, and delightful lights and sounds that have contributed to hours of entertainment for my little. You won’t regret buying this!

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Buildin' Squishes
Target | B. Toys
Buildin’ Squishes

As soon as she could sit up unassisted, my baby loved playing with these building blocks. These are especially great because they’re squishy and can be easily configured in a zillion different ways. They encourage endless sensory and creative play!

ECO-FRIENDLY
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Whale Bath Toy Sprinkler
Amazon | Anggkio
Whale Bath Toy Sprinkler

Bath time just got better! Splash and play with this editor-favorite bath time toy that lights up and sprinkles water. 

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Busy Baby Activity Chair
Crate & Barrel Kids
Busy Baby Activity Chair

Playtime is way more fun when you’ve got the comfiest seat in the house. With a mirror, rattle, and toys, this cushioned seat will keep a little one busy. It comes in 10 whimsical colors and themes to choose from, too!

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Wooden Activity Table
Gathre
Wooden Activity Table

This beautifully-designed wooden activity table is well worth its investment price. Not only does it help your little learn to pull-up and stand but, once they do, they’ll have so much fun playing with all the moveable toys, from cars to beads and more.

SMALL BUSINESS | ECO-FRIENDLY | WOMEN-OWNED
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Ms. Rachel Surprise Learning Box
Amazon | Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel Surprise Learning Box

Designed to be developmentally engaging for babies just 3 months old and up, this colorful learning box is full of plush toy surprises for baby to discover. And, once you tune into Ms. Rachel’s viral show, you’ll surely be saying, “What’s in the box, what could it be?” as your little plays with this cute toy.

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<i>Gourmet Rainbow</i> Board Book
Etsy | Chunky Deli
Gourmet Rainbow Board Book

Teach your baby about shapes, rhymes, and the rainbow of foods that exist with this cheeky board book that will delight you as much as them. You’ll be raising a little foodie in no time!

SMALL BUSINESS | WOMEN-OWNED
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Soft Building Blocks Set
Amazon | Mini Tudou
Soft Building Blocks Set

Blocks are a classic baby toy for a reason. I love this set because the cubes are both soft and durable—especially if your little loves putting anything and everything in their mouth like mine does. The 12 blocks also feature shapes, numbers, patterns, animals, and more on each side for added learning fun.

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Teething Development Bundle
LouLou Lollipop
Teething Development Bundle

When your baby starts teething (actually, when aren’t they teething?!), this whimsical teether set will become their new best friend. Complete with a teething mitt, teething charms, and a grippable teether, each piece is designed for a different stage of teething from 2-12 months. The animal-themed flashcards set is an added bonus toy!

BIPOC-OWNED | ECO-FRIENDLY | WOMEN-OWNED
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Sensory Solar System Play Set
KiwiCo
Sensory Solar System Play Set

This out-of-this-world sensory play set includes a sun lovey, a Saturn teether, a galaxy rattle, a spaceship wobbler toy, and a mini book titled Hello Star! Not only will this set help your baby’s sensory development, but it might also be their first introduction to STEAM toys!

BIPOC-OWNED | WOMEN-OWNED
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How We Chose the Best Gifts for Babies for 2026

I welcomed my first baby in September 2025. And over the last year, I’ve watched my daughter grow and develop new skills at what’s felt like lightning speed. First, she was a wriggly newborn entranced by high-contrast toys and her Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano Gym. Then, in a blink, she was rolling, picking things up, and sitting up by herself—suddenly way more interested and engaged with toys that she could interact with. Now, at 12 months old, she’s crawling, standing, and learning to walk, and obsessed with anything on wheels that she can push.

When curating this gift list, I pulled together the best toys for babies that I myself own and have seen my daughter love to play with in her first year. I also garnered recommendations from my mom friends and Everymom coworkers—additional experts who know the best-of-the-best when it comes to kids’ products! Rest assured that everything in this article is developmentally appropriate for babies (just pay attention to which age and stage the present is meant for), safe, and suggested by real moms who’ve bought or used these items.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gifts for Babies

What are the best gifts for babies under age 1?

In their first 12 months, babies grow and learn new skills so quickly. So, the best gifts for babies under age 1 can encourage learning and movement like a play gym or activity center, books, or stacking and shape-sorting toys. Plus, items that are colorful, play music, or make sounds are especially engaging for babies.

What are good gifts for a baby’s first Christmas?

My favorite gifts to commemorate a baby’s first Christmas are those that are extra-special or keepsake items that they (and you!) will cherish for years to come. Some ideas on this list include a personalized book or name puzzle, the Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair, an embroidered sweater, the Petite Keep trunk, or an ornament featuring your baby’s tiny hand or footprint.

What are practical gifts for babies?

Practical gifts for babies tend to be toys they will play with for a long time (some on this list are great for well into toddlerhood!), helpful items for the family as baby grows—like a wooden playpen or a first-bites feeding set—and apparel items like pajamas that will get a lot of wear.

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Why You Can Count on Us

The Everygirl Media Group has published our beloved gift guides for 12+ years. Whether you’re shopping for a gift for your little one, a hard-to-shop-for man in your life, your mom bestie, or your mother-in-law, we have an idea they’ll love. The Everymom editorial 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.

Additionally, The Everymom commits to highlighting BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women-owned brands. We also feature environmentally-conscious companies and small businesses. Our gift guides bring value and variety to our readership by supporting brands that celebrate this diversity. We pledge that half of the products in our gift guide fit the above categories, with an added commitment that 15% of the products will be from BIPOC-owned businesses. If you see a label next to a product, that means it is a business owned by, a product produced by, or a brand that has an initiative associated with these core values.

julia poulter the everymom
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor

With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.

Products included in graphics linked within article.