0 to 6 Months

Lovevery Play Kits

You can order one box or subscribe to get a box every 2-3 months! My favorites were definitely the first three boxes. They include beautiful wooden and silicone toys perfect for younger babies. 

Skiphop Baby Play Gym

These mats are some of the very best for floor time! The muted colors blend in with your decor, while the hanging toys and songs will keep your baby entertained. 

Crinkle Paper

These little fabric squares make the perfect stocking stuffer! 

Zutano Baby Booties

Because baby socks always fall off! These booties are the best for those little toesies to stay nice and warm. 

6 to 12 Months

Whirly Squigz

These are perfect entertainment for babies learning to stand! Stick them on windows, mirrors, and give them a spin!  

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon

This little wagon is so versatile! Babies love to put toys inside and push it around or climb inside and have mom or dad push them around the house. 

Climbing Blocks

These blocks allow babies to climb until their little heart’s content, all while developing their gross motor and problem-solving skills.

12 to 18 Months

Tunnel 

My kids love to crawl through and play hide and seek! The best part is that it folds up easily and doesn’t take up any space. 

Bath Tub Toy

Baths are a great way to get in some water play during colder months. This is our favorite toy for the tub. 

Musical Instruments Set

Toddlers love to make sounds, usually loud ones. Let them channel this into some music! We love this set in our home. 

18 to 24 Months

Hedgehog Game

This cute little hedgehog helps with fine motor development and attention skills! You can start using it around 18 months and keep using it up until age 3 or 4. 

Play Kitchen

Toddlers love opening and closing all of the doors and “cooking. Add some play food and a coffee maker to jazz it up. This one has a working “ice cube” maker in the fridge! The design is also super cute and is perfect for putting anywhere in your home. 

Cleaning Set

When your little one wants to clean like mommy or daddy, this set is a great option. It comes with a broom, mop, dustpan, duster, brush, rag, and a cute little stand to hold it all. 

24 to 36+ Months

Little Tikes Indoor Trampoline

If you have the space for it, this indoor trampoline is amazing for getting energy out on the days when it’s too cold to head outside. 

The Lovevery Block Set

This company just gets it. This set includes 70 wooden blocks and 18 accessories. It also includes a guide with over 20 age and developmentally based activities you can do with your little. 

Learning Tower

An amazing tool to get your child involved in the kitchen. They can “help” with cooking, or you can give them a toy to keep them busy at the counter while you get things done. 

Hopefully, you get some ideas from this list! On a tight budget this year? My top tip is to pick one big present or a few small presents from the list, and then wrap up toys that your child hasn’t seen or played with for a while. This works until about age 2. For a young baby, wrap up a pack of wipes or a new teether! 

Have any suggestions that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments! 

Carly Ely is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and the owner of The Goodnight Guide. She works closely with parents to give them the tools and confidence they need to raise independent sleepers. She believes that every child is unique and takes a holistic approach to solve sleep challenges. Follow The Goodnight Guide on Instagram for helpful tips and sleep advice. 

Note: Guest blog posts are shared for informational and educational purposes and may not reflect the official policy or position of SlumberPod (parent company, Dovetail Essentials, LLC), our employees, and/or contractors.