Shopping for babies during the holidays is honestly one of my favorite things. They’re still so tiny, curious, and easy to delight — it doesn’t take much to make their little world feel magical. Whether you’re shopping for your own baby or for a special little one in your life, these gifts are practical, sweet, and developmentally perfect for that 0–15 month window.
Here are 22 gift ideas that parents will actually appreciate and babies will genuinely use.
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01. Soft Sensory Books
Crinkly pages, bold colors, and tactile textures keep babies entertained while encouraging early learning. Great for tummy time or quiet play.
Fish Baby Books Toys, Touch and Feel Crinkle Cloth Books for Babies,Infant, Baby Toys 0-6-12 18 Months, Learning Education Soft Sensory Mirror Toy, Shower Gifts Christmas for Baby Boys Girls-Gift Box
$17.99
02. Stacking Cups
Simple, open-ended, and endlessly fun. Babies can bang them, stack them, nest them, and use them in the bath.
Moonkie Stacking Cups Toy, Fun Educational Baby Toys Silicone Soft Teething Toy, Age 6+ Months, 7 Piece Set
$15.99 ($2.28 / count)
03. Wooden Teethers
A natural, soothing option for little gums — especially around the teething stage. Look for maple, beech, or silicone-wrapped wooden styles.
HippoToys Baby Teether – USA’s First Real Natural Wooden Teething Toys for Babies 0–18 Months – Calm Wooden Rattle – No Paint No Plastic No Toxins – Safe Baby Gift
$14.89
04. High-Contrast Cards
Perfect for newborn visual development. These are great to place upright during tummy time.
Happy Start Award-Winning High Contrast Board Book – Newborn Black & White Baby Cards, Easy to Clean, Hospital Approved, Stands on Its Own, Tummy Time Toy, Ages 0+ (3 Pack – Animals, Food, Landmarks)
$24.99
05. Play Gym With Hanging Toys
Keeps little ones engaged as they learn to reach, grasp, and kick. A staple for the early months.
Blissful Diary Baby Play Gym & Activity Mat, Oversize Leaf Shaped Baby Play Mat w 6 Detachable Toys, Tummy Time Mat Promote Motor Skills & Sensory Development Mat, Newborn Infant Baby Essentials Gift
$69.99
06. Silicone Stacking Rings
Easy to grip and safe for chewing. These help with hand-eye coordination as babies get older.
Moonkie Stacks of Circles Soft Teething Toy | Educational Learning Baby Toy | Stacking Ring Toys for Babies Boy and Girl | 7 Piece Teethers Set
$15.99
07. Soft Baby Doll
Around 10–12 months, babies love “caring” for their own little doll. Choose a soft, snuggly, machine-washable one.
Snuggle Stuffs Basket of Buddies Plush Diversity Multicultural Ethnic Dolls | Diversity Toys for Toddlers | Soft Multicultural Dolls for Preschool Classroom, Daycare or at Home | Set of 5-8″
$35.99
08. Musical Activity Toys
Shakers, rattles, little drums — anything that helps them explore sound and rhythm.
Meytccve Baby Toys Montessori Toys for Babies, Wooden Musical Instruments Toy Stacking Building Blocks, Infant Teething Toys Sensory Balls, Xylophone, Birthday Gift for Toddlers
$35.99
09. Baby Board Books
Holiday-themed books, bedtime stories, and touch-and-feel books are always a hit.
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books I Perfect Gift Set for Toddlers I Ages 0 to 5
$35.39
10. Light-Up Toy Balls
Rolling, glowing balls encourage crawling and curiosity.
Once they hit the standing and cruising stage, a push walker becomes the most exciting thing ever.
Pithfor Wooden Baby Push Walker, Baby Walker with Activity Center for Girls Boys, Montessori Sensory Push Toys for Babies Learning to Walk & Sit-to-Stand
$49.99
12. Nesting Bowls With Lids
Perfect for snack practice later on and doubling as toys now.
Baby Stacking Cups, Montessori Bath Toy for Toddlers 1-3, 8PCS Stackable Cups with Number Nesting Cups for Babies 6-12 Months, Early Educational Bath Outdoor Sensory Gift for 2-4 Years Old Boys Girls
$9.99
13. Soft Blocks
Squishy blocks they can stack (and knock down!) are perfect around the 6–12 month mark.
Quiggly Rainbow Soft Baby Blocks – 8 Colorful, Montessori Sensory Blocks for Babies & Toddlers- 100% Cotton, Non-Toxic Play Set with Rattle, Crinkle, Textures- Stacking Building Blocks for 3-12 Months
$40.00
14. Bath Toys
Think pouring cups, floating animals, or silicone stacking boats that don’t trap mold.
Itzy Ritzy Ducky Family – 3-Piece Floating Bath Toy Set with Watertight Design; Soft, Squeezable Ducks Designed for Ages 6 Months and Up (Ducks)
$6.99
15. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament
A sentimental gift families love and will hang year after year.
2025 Baby’s First Christmas Ornament 3 Inch, Babys 1st Christmas Ornament 2025, First Christmas Baby Ornament, Newborn Xmas Keepsake Decor
$9.99
16. Personalized Name Puzzle
Cute, educational, and makes a sweet nursery keepsake, too.
Customizedbee Personalized Name Puzzle for Kids, Custom Animal Puzzle for Toddlers 1-3, Personalized Baby Gifts for 1st Birthday, Customized Gifts for Baby Girl Boy, Montessori Toys Educational Play
$9.88
17. Cozy Sleep Sack
A warm, wearable blanket feels extra luxurious in winter months.
Textured silicone or rubber balls that are fun for grasping and rolling.
ROHSCE Baby Textured Multi Sensory Toys Massage Ball Gift Set BPA Free for Toddlers 1-3 Soft Balls Montessori Infant Baby Toys 6 to 12 Months 6 Pack
$14.24
20. Wooden Shape Sorter
A classic developmental toy they’ll start exploring around 12–15 months.
Coogam Montessori Fine Motor Toys for Baby Toddler, Wooden Shape Sorter Carrot Harvest Game for Easter Basket Stuffer, Preschool Learning Educational Gift Toy for 3 4 5 Year Old
$28.99
21. Baby Swing or Bouncer
Lightweight, soothing, and perfect for those early months when babies love a little motion.
A keepsake-level treasure with their name woven into a simple story.
Who Loves Me? – Personalized Children’s Story – I See Me! (Blue Softcover)
$29.99 ($29.99 / count)
Final Thoughts, Mama
Whether you’re buying a big “wow” gift or something small and sweet for the stocking, babies truly enjoy the simplest things. These gifts blend development, comfort, and pure joy — and parents will love how useful they are long after the holiday glitter settles.
I’m Nell Marie, writer, creator, and founder of Pribbles—a cozy corner of the internet where I share honest motherhood stories, helpful tips, and simple inspiration for everyday mom life. I believe in creating content that feels warm, supportive, and real, and I pour my heart into every article I write. I’m so grateful you’re here and spending part of your day with me.
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