As a new aunt to an almost two-year-old niece and a newborn baby nephew, I’ve started buying baby gifts for the first time ever. And while I was initially a lost 30-something-year-old in a toy store, I’ve become increasingly aware of what kinds of things they would enjoy and be able to play with safely. Bravokids’ 10 Inch Doodle Board, for example, is a toddler must. And although my nephew already has a potato Jellycat, he might need another as a backup for when that one is donezo.
So, take it from me: These gifts for toddlers and babies are top-tier for the holidays. And some of them—like the Magna Tiles—will bring you hours of entertainment, too.
Top-Tier Gifts for All the Babies and Toddlers in Your Life
- Silly Old Bear: Prepare for non-stop sweetness! GUND’s Peek-a-Boo Winnie The Pooh Plush brings kids on Pooh-sitively awesome 100-acre wood adventures with 20 un-bear-ably adorable phrases. And it’s so irresistibly soft it’ll make your heart melt. (I know mine already has.) — $49
- Baby Architect: My niece and I spent hours building homes with Magna Tiles for her Disney action figures over Thanksgiving. The tiles are large, easy to pick up, super colorful and strangely satisfying to build with. And best of all, after my niece smashes my hard work, they’re easy to build back up again — $29
- Delivery: Play-Doh’s Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset is an essential for all the toddlers in your life. After making a gooey Play-Doh pizza pie, they’ll be making non-stop deliveries on the decked-out delivery bike. While I may not fit on the bike, I’ll enjoy watching them speed around. So order up! — $40
- Mess-Free: Let them get creative, sans the messes, with Bravokids’ 10 Inch Doodle Board. Although it won’t produce artwork you can take home, it’ll create less waste than your average art session. It also features a built-in battery with no glare or radiation. Since it makes doodling easier than ever, you might have to get one for yourself — $13
- Story Time Magic: As an aunt and built-in babysitter, Luna Storytime’s Kids Book Projector is a game-changer. Opt for classic themes like Daniel Tiger and let the babes experience story time magic. And meanwhile, you can finally catch up on those emails you were putting off (oops) — $75
- Oh Biscuits!: Hasbro’s Bluey Candy Land brings Bluey, the beloved cartoon blue dog into the classic board game, for a wackadoo good time. Just make sure to avoid Lord Licorice at all costs! — $14
- Like a Princess: You’ve never felt more like royalty in Monobeach’s Princess Tent. It’s a perfect addition to any playroom, bedroom and beyond. And if you’re assigned the role of the dragon, you’ll have even more fun with it — $33
- So Fire: Something I’ve learned after watching my niece and nephew is that all kids are fascinated by fire trucks. Which is why Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Fire Truck is a timeless classic for kids ages one and up — $10
- Soft and Squishy: Squishmallows are all the rage these days among little kids—and for good reason! The pillow-plushie toys come in a wide range of original and already-popular cartoon characters. So my newest nephew is definitely getting a Sriracha plush from me this holiday season — $17
- Making the Band: As an aunt, I personally love the idea of getting my nephew a VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set. His parents may hate me for it, but you’ll have a blast rocking out with him during your next visit — $22
- Three-Pointer: Your niece is about to be the next WNBA all-star with VTech’s Smart Shots Sports Center. And with frustration-free packaging, it’s super easy to open on Christmas Day — $48
- Choo Choo: Make traveling a breeze with Melissa & Doug’s Take-Along Railroad Tabletop Playset. Complete with wooden trains, you’ll have a blast emulating the MTA in all its glory — $29
- Cuddle Time: Jellycats are yet another favorite among young kids right now right now, thanks to their selection of irresistibly soft and adorable plushies. My nephew has a potato Jellycat, and even though he’s only three months old, it’s his favorite thing ever — $45
- Tumblin: Made from PU leather, even the rowdiest babies won’t be able to tear through this 4-Piece Climbing Set. Perfect for toddlers, it’s soft and tough. So, it goes without saying they’ll be occupied for hours on end — $66
- As If: While they may be too young to watch Clueless, GUND’s My First Purse collection will have them saying “as if!” before they can say anything else. It has everything they need to be just like you: a plush credit card, keys, a rattle… what more could they want? — $30
