The Best Baby & Toddler Gifts Age-by-Age: Meaningful Christmas & Birthday Ideas is a collaborative post.

Buying gifts for babies and toddlers can be surprisingly tricky. They grow so quickly, their needs change constantly, and the toys they’ll genuinely enjoy vary hugely depending on their age and stage of development. Now that I’m a parent myself, I’ve realised how valuable it is when people choose gifts that are not only adorable, but also practical, safe and supportive of each milestone.

Whether you’re shopping for a newborn, a curious one-year-old, or an energetic toddler taking on the world, this age-by-age gift guide brings together meaningful, development-friendly ideas that are perfect for birthdays, Christmas, baby showers and everything in between.

0–3 Months: Gentle, Soothing & Sensory Gifts

At this stage, babies are discovering the world through touch, sound and light. Simple, calming gifts are perfect.

Great gift ideas include:

• Black-and-white sensory books (high contrast is easier for newborn eyesight)
• Soft muslin cloths or swaddles (you truly can never have too many)
• A cosy cellular blanket
• A newborn-safe rattle or crinkle toy
• A calming night light with warm tones
• Milestone cards for capturing their first precious months
• A tummy time mat to support early development
• Handprint and footprint kits for keepsake memories

Look for: natural fabrics, gentle sensory stimulation, and anything that gives new parents a little help.

3–6 Months: Sensory Play & Early Interaction

This is when babies start grabbing, mouthing, giggling and engaging with the world around them. Toys that stimulate the senses and encourage movement are ideal.

Gift ideas they’ll love:

• Textured teethers (silicone or natural rubber)
• Colourful play gym toys
• Soft fabric books with mirrors and crinkles
• Rattles and maracas
• Rolling rattles that encourage reaching and chasing
• Baby-safe mirrors for face exploration
• Bath toys that squirt or float

Look for: bold colours, gentle sounds, easy-to-grip shapes and teething-safe materials.

6–9 Months: Explorers in the Making

This is the stage where babies become little investigators — sitting up, grabbing everything, practising crawling and learning cause-and-effect.

Perfect gifts include:

• Stacking cups or rings
• Activity cubes
• Push-and-spin toys
• Pop-up surprise toys
• Shape sorters (start with simple ones)
• Sensory balls with different textures
• Water play mats

Look for: toys that help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and early problem-solving.

9–12 Months: Movers, Shakers & Mischief Makers

As they begin crawling, cruising or even taking their first steps, babies love anything that encourages movement.

Gift ideas to support this stage:

• Push-along walkers
• Ride-on toys (sturdy and low to the ground)
• Walker wagons they can fill and push
• Musical instruments like xylophones or drums
• Stacking blocks and early building sets
• First puzzles with chunky, easy-to-grasp pieces
• Nesting toys

Look for: toys that encourage confidence, balance, rhythm and curiosity.

12–18 Months: Curious Toddlers With Big Personalities

This age is full of discovery. Toddlers understand far more than they can say and love toys that let them mimic real life.

Great gifts for 1-year-olds:

• Pretend play toys – mini kitchens, tool sets, doctors’ kits
• Simple scooters (3-wheelers for balance)
• Chunky cars, buses and trains
• Posting toys (shape posting, coin drop toys)
• Soft dolls or teddies
• Large wooden puzzles
• Water tables
• Interactive storybooks

Look for: toys that spark imagination, language skills and early independence.

18–24 Months: Busy Little Problem-Solvers

Around 18 months, toddlers begin testing boundaries, solving problems and copying everything adults do. Gifts that encourage creativity and independence are great.

Gift ideas include:

• Building blocks (Duplo is perfect)
• Mini cleaning sets (they LOVE sweeping!)
• Toddler garden tools
• Simple board books they can turn pages independently
• Bath crayons
• Pushchairs and prams for dolls
• Playhouse accessories like play food or tea sets

Look for: toys that build coordination, creativity and pretend play.

2-Year-Olds: Full of Energy, Personality & Imagination

By two, toddlers are bursting with imagination and energy. They love roleplay, messy play and toys that challenge them just a little.

Amazing gifts for 2-year-olds:

• Balance bikes
• Play kitchens with realistic accessories
• Magnetic tiles for building
• Train sets or car tracks
• Dress-up costumes (firefighter, vet, princess, chef)
• Art supplies like chunky crayons, washable paints and playdough
• Jigsaws with 2–4 pieces
• Small-world sets (farm animals, dinosaurs, people)

Look for: toys that encourage creativity, physical confidence and early storytelling.

2.5–3 Years: Independent, Creative & Always Learning

This is the age where toddlers move from “playing with toys” to “playing worlds” — everything becomes a story, a mission, or part of their curious imagination.

Gift ideas that support their development:

• Tool benches or workstations
• Early board games
• Wooden cash registers & pretend shops
• Larger puzzles (6–12 pieces)
• Educational toys for counting or colours
• Outdoor toys like football goals, gardening sets or sand pits
• Imaginative play sets — vets, builders, cafes, supermarkets
• Books with more structured stories

Look for: toys that help them problem-solve, communicate, and play with purpose.

Non-Toy Gifts Babies & Toddlers Also Love

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t toys at all.

• Clothing in the next size up
• Personalised storybooks
• A photo board or mini album of family members
• A personalised blanket or cushion
• A keepsake box for their milestones
• A “day out” voucher for toddler activities (soft play, farm parks, zoos)
• Beautiful nursery décor like name plaques or prints

These gifts last and often become little treasures.

Keepsake Gifts They’ll Appreciate Even When Older

These make heartwarming presents for birthdays, baby showers or first Christmases:

• A beautiful memory book
• Silver keepsakes
• A special first teddy
• Handmade blankets
• A personalised height chart
• Hand-knitted clothes
• A family photo calendar for their room

Thoughtful keepsakes become part of their story.

Final Thoughts

Choosing gifts for babies and toddlers doesn’t need to be overwhelming. When you match the gift to their developmental stage, you’ll always choose something meaningful, helpful and fun. Whether it’s a sensory toy for a newborn, a push-along for a soon-to-be walker, or an imaginative play set for a thriving toddler, the right gift supports growth while still bringing plenty of joy.

At the end of the day, the best gifts are those chosen with love — and something they’ll genuinely get use from.