Note: Check out the latest (2016) version of this gift guide here!
Looking for the perfect holiday or birthday gift for your little one, a grandchild, or a family friend? Here are our curated lists of age-appropriate gifts that are proven hits.
If you’re planning on buying a toy, see also our Buying Guide: Baby Toys & Books for info on buying safe/non-toxic toys.
0-6 months
- See our Editor’s picks: Newborn Toys & Books (0-6mo.)
- Gift subscription: Try a book subscription from GiftLit (from $10/mo.) or your local bookstore; or a box subscription, along the lines of Bluum (from $23/mo.) or Little Pnuts (from $20/mo.)
6-12 months
- See our Editor’s Picks: Infant Toys (6-12mo.)
- See our Editor’s Picks: Infant Books (6-12mo.)
- Gift subscription: Try a book subscription from GiftLit (from $10/mo.) or your local bookstore; or a box subscription, along the lines of Bluum (from $23/mo.) or Little Pnuts (from $20/mo.)
1 year olds
- See our Editor’s Picks: Toys for 1 Year Olds
- See our Editor’s Picks: Toys for 1 Year Olds
- Gift subscription: Try a book subscription from GiftLit (from $10/mo.) or your local bookstore; a box subscription, e.g. Bluum (from $23/mo.) or Little Pnuts (from $20/mo.); or a magazine subscription to Babybug ($22/year) or Highlights Hello magazine ($35/year)
2 year olds
- See our Editor’s Picks: Toys for Two Year Olds
- See our Editor’s Picks: Books for Two Year Olds
- Gift subscription: Try a book subscription from GiftLit (from $10/mo.) or your local bookstore; a box subscription, e.g. Bluum (from $23/mo.) or Little Pnuts (from $20/mo.); or a magazine subscription Babybug ($22/year) or Highlights High Five
3-4 year olds
- We are still working on our lists of top toy & book picks for 3-4 year olds yet, but in the meantime, here are some other ideas…
- Splurge gift: How about a Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition with included Freetime content subscription?
- Gift subscription:Try a book subscription from GiftLit (from $10/mo.) or your local bookstore; a box subscription e.g. Koala Crate/Kiwi Crate activity kit service ($20/mo.); Little Passports (from $14/mo.), Bluum (from $23/mo.) or Little Pnuts (from $20/mo.); or a magazine subscription to Ladybug or Click ($22/year), Highlights High Five ($35/year), or National Geographic Little Kids ($15/year)
All ages
- Clothing: For a classic holiday gift, how about some snuggly jammies? Our top picks are the organic sleepers and two-pieces from Hanna Andersson — they’re fantastic quality and last forever! The rest of the year, nice pieces from top brands like Baby Gap, Mini Boden, Tea Collection, etc. are always Mom favorites.
- Looking for something handmade? Check out our top picks for baby goodies on Etsy
- Experiential gifts: Trip to a local farm or zoo; hike at a local trail or park; a train or bus adventure; or an afternoon of art, cooking, or some other creative activity with gift giver (see also our Pinterest board for great baby & kid activity ideas)
- Free and fun: Don’t forget the big cardboard boxes and discarded wrapping paper that all those presents come in!
Any other favorite gift ideas for little ones? Let us know in the comments!
Note: All featured products and brands are editorially selected by our editors; we do not accept compensation in exchange for coverage. This post does contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a small proportion of any purchases you make after clicking on them (at no cost to you); thanks for your support! See our full Editorial Policy & Affiliate Disclosure here.
