Holiday Gifts For Baby's First Year Under $60
By: Anisa Arsenault
From cute and cuddly to developmentally-friendly, these are the toys baby would be asking for if he or she could talk.
‘Tis the season for gifting, but what do you get the baby that already has everything? From adorable outerwear to educational toys, these top baby gifts of 2015 offer both the fun and the functionality you can feel good about giving.
0-3 Months
Photo: Target
Target Little Prince Full Layette Set
The prince of good tidings? We dare you not to feel a hint of childhood nostalgia for the boy from B-612 when you lay eyes on this three-piece layette inspired by the beloved French classic. Buy it: $17, Target.com
Photo: Aden & Anais
Aden + Anais Twinkle Gift Set
By now Aden + Anais is synonymous with making baby swaddling popular in the US. So when you pair the perennial favorite with a giraffe lovey, well, let’s just call it a night for baby. Buy it: $50, AdenandAnais.com
More from The Bump: 10 Ways To Make Baby’s First Christmas Special
Photo: SmartNoggin
NogginStik Developmental Light-up Rattle
Even baby’s first toy can encourage developmental milestones. The little NogginStik rattle lights up in primary colors, helping to stimulate baby’s eyes, and features different textures easy for little fingers to grip. Buy it: $20, Amazon.com
Photo: Finn + Emma
Finn + Emma Amelia Rattle Buddy
This cozy critter is a gift you can feel good about giving. From her organic cotton yarn to her eco-friendly inks and dyes, Amelia is a fair-trade certified friend baby can shake and snuggle with. Buy it: $28, FinnandEmma.com
3-6 Months
Photo: Target
Target Circo Penguin Blanket
Form and function—what’s not to like? When baby isn’t cuddling with this plush blanket, it rolls up into a penguin perfect for propping on the nursery shelf. Buy it: $15, Target.com
Photo: Fisher-Price
Fisher-Price Wigglin’ Elephant
This plush mother elephant toy is attached at the hip to a baby—remind you of a certain new arrival you know? Plus, the little elephant is both a rattle and a pull toy, which makes the mom elephant wiggle when yanked. Buy it: $13, Fisher-Price.com
More from The Bump: Holiday Gifts For Every Mom’s Wish List
Photo: Skip Hop
Skip Hop Mix and Match Book
He might not be doing any reading just yet, but books can still be a page-turner at this age. Characters mix and match as he flips his way though the crinkly and squeeky pages. Bonus: the “bookmark” doubles as a teether. Buy it: $18, Amazon.com
Photo: Melissa and Doug
Melissa and Doug Musical Pull Beehive Baby Toy
This is one beehive that’s okay to prod. Perfect for the crib, the plush toy can be tied right onto the railing, encouraging baby to reach up, grasp and pull down the bee, who plays music as he “flies” back into his hive. Buy it: $17, Amazon.com
6-9 Months
Photo: Zutano
Zutano Cozie Baby Elf Suit
You can recreate your very own holiday elf off the shelf with this sherpa fleece onesie that keeps baby cozy on cold winter days and nights. Buy it: $43, Zutano.com
Photo: Lakeshore Learning
Play & Learn Sensory Tubes
Get your little one moving and shaking with these sensory tubes. Hearing and watching the colorful shapes and bells move will keep him busy while introducing cause and effect. Buy it: $30, LakeshoreLearning.com
Photo: Wristy Buddy
Wristy Buddy Teething Bracelet
At 6 months old, baby’s no. 1 hobby might just be teething. Save his or her hands, clothes and other not-meant-to-be-gnawed-on possessions by giving baby a wearable teether he or she can have right on hand. Buy it: $15, WristyBuddy.com
Photo: Walmart
Edushape Edu-Fit Mega Pack
A training mat, plush weights and a soft ball make for one baby who’s gonna love fitness. And these toys are just the thing to tune up fine motor skills. Buy it: $57, Walmart.com
9-12 Months
Photo: JoJo Maman Bebe
JoJo Maman Bebe Reindeer Slipper Boots
You won’t hear any reindeer paws prancing your way in these knit wool slippers. A padded rubber grip sole helps encourage those early tentative steps. Buy them: $22, JojoMamanBebe.com
Photo: Giggle
Tobbles Neo
If traditional blocks feel a little outside of baby’s building wheelhouse, get his stacking and coordination skills started with these tobbling toys. Each easy-to-grip piece stacks in all different ways, so his masterpiece won’t tip—unless he knocks it over. Buy it: $24, Amazon.com
Photo: Kiddo
Kid O Mox Balls
The perfect stocking stuffer? Something small that makes a big statement. These three loud mouths fit the bill. Give them a squeeze and they’ll open wide, encouraging gripping and grabbing. Plus, the food-grade silicone rubber is teething-friendly. Buy it: $18 per 3-pack, KidOToys.com
Photo: Moover
Moover Rocking Horse
A timeless gift and nursery staple? A classic wooden rocking horse with modern safety features—for both baby and parent. A “brake curve” prevents your little rider from rocking too high, and easy assembly (no tools required—yes!) for parents means a stress-free Christmas morning. Buy it: $133, HABAUSA.com
Photo: Yookidoo
Yookidoo Crawl N Go Snail
Don’t be fooled; snail pace—which is two meters at a time whenever you press the button—is just the right speed to encourage baby to crawl right behind. The spinning shell and musical sounds also help keep baby engaged the whole time. Buy it: $25, ToysRUS.com
More from The Bump:
Holiday Gift Guide For Toddlers
7 Surprising (and Sweet!) Things About Being A Mom
