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I remember the first time I heard my niece, Vivian, laugh – she was a few months old. Is there anything better than hearing a baby giggle, it’s more like a cackle really. We were playing peek-a-boo and gently tickling her little belly. And there it was, a laugh that echoed through the room and into my memory forever. There are so many things we do everyday, sometimes unconsciously, like smiling or sitting, that suddenly become the most amazing thing in the world because a baby we love is learning to do it. It’s at this point where I think the gifts you can get for the babies in your life become more fun and interesting, because the baby is learning through play, and is more interested in their surroundings. I.e. they’re not just eating, pooping and sleeping machines anymore…they do stuff now, yay. Now, here are some of my favorite things that I have given as gifts to infants 3 to 6 months old.
Table of Contents
Tummy time pillow
Under $50 – I’ve seen different reactions from different babies to tummy time, some happily play on their belly, practice holding their head up, but I’ve also seen others get bored, act fussy, and pretty much face-plant (under adult supervision of course). The Infantino 2-in-1 Tummy Time & Seated Support reshapes and extends into a colorful caterpillar that supports the baby and helps to strengthen their neck and back muscles. It also stacks to create a “C” shaped seat to support early sitters.
Teether set
Under $50 – there aren’t many baby products out there that can say they are ‘traditionally’ produced in the same way for more than 60 years, and are famous all around the world, but the Sophie La Girafe Teether Gift Set is one of them. It is made from 100% natural rubber from the latex of the Hevea tree, and made by a process that involved more than 14 manual operations. It’s a very popular, ‘first toy’ for babies globally, designed to stimulate the 5 senses. There are few families I know who don’t have this, so it’s a great gift for first time parents with a newborn.
Pram stroller toys
Under $25 – I think we can all agree that the sloth has emerged as one of the best animal mascots out there; it started with Kristen Bell’s birthday reaction video I’m pretty sure (look it up and thank me later). The Fisher-Price Slow Much Fun Stroller Sloth is the perfect stroller or car companion, it will keep baby company with a bright discovery mirror, and pull down, climb up branch that will allow them to play and strengthen their motor skills. And it’s cute, look at it, ahh sloths, they’re the best.
Handmade soft toy
Under $100 – everyone has that one soft toy they remember getting as a baby and dragging around as an infant, and then toddler…and maybe even when they leave for college (yep). There’s so many soft toys out there, but for this gift, I like one that looks like it was made with love. My pick is the Organic Knit Giraffe Soft Toy by LynnMichelleDesign, which is handcrafted, uniquely colored, with those skinny arms and legs that make it so easy for baby to clutch and carry, so it’s with them always. Another bonus is this soft toy is certified and guarantee Fair Trade, so you can feel ass good about this gift as the baby getting it.
Soft book
Under $25 – there’s only one time in life when your favorite book can double as a chew toy, so I say embrace it. There is no shortage of soft books available for infants, but I have a soft spot – pun intended – for the The Very Hungry Caterpillar Let’s Count cloth book with textured teether. I’m all for nostalgia, especially when there is so much that separates the generations, the things that we can have in common make my heart sing. This children’s book character is much loved by parents, and it’s nice to share it with babies of today.
Rattle teether combo
Under $25 – I contemplated leaving rattles off the list because sometimes noisy toys can be a gift to babies but not so much for parents, which can mean you go from gift hero to gift zero. However, I made an exception for the Bright Starts Grab & Spin Baby Rattle & BPA-Free Teether Toy, because the ring is easy for little fingers to grab, and it’s BPA-free, so it is safe for little mouths to soothe sore gums on. It’s also a great little toy for home or to take out and about.
Animal blankie
Under $100 – yes you could buy a baby blanket, and yes you could buy a stuffed animal, but as the taco ad says, ‘why not both’, and here is why I love the Personalized Animal Lovey Blankie by Isewjo as a baby gift. You can choose from up to 15 different animals – I can’t go past the sloth personally – and dozens of font styles and colors for the hand-embroidered name. It’s soft and cuddly, making it a comy companion wherever the baby goes.
HERO GIFT: Activity gym
Under $100 – I know what you’re thinking, ‘I don’t like the gym, why would I buy one for a baby?’ Well, don’t worry, baby versions of gyms you actually can just lay around and have fun. I recently bought the Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym as a gift for my sister-in-law, Jess and her baby girl, Frankie. It was a hit because the mat is soft with a matching tummy time pillow, and it has five hanging toys, a mirror and built-in sounds and textures for multi-sensory play. There’s lots of different designs but I liked this one for its pretty pastel tree and forest animals.
