Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

What to Buy at Xmas for Infants and the Under Fives

Oct 2, 2009

It's not always easy to know what to buy for babies and small children at Christmas time, particularly if the kids are not one's own. Here are some suggestions.

Christmas is a wonderful time for babies and young children, many of whom may be receiving their first ever Christmas gifts. But what should the gift giver buy for them?

Points to Consider When Buying Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

It might be a good idea to talk to the parents first. What supplies are they running low on, and what items do the infants and small children have too many of? Is there anything they would rather you did not buy, for any reason. Would clothing be appreciated, or does the child already have enough? At this age, the gift is as much for the parent as for the child, and getting them on your side is important.

The gift giver should also pay attention to manufacturer’s labels, especially warning labels. These will give appropriate age levels, and warn of any possible hazards to small children.

Christmas Present Ideas for Babies and Infants

At this very young age, the gift giver is really buying something that will be appreciated by mum or dad as much as by the child. Any item with the baby’s name on it is sure to be appreciated. A number of websites and catalogues specialize in items like this, offering gifts such as silver spoons, photo albums, and other items which can be autographed and make excellent keepsakes. Children at this age are too young for toys, but mobiles or other brightly coloured objects which attract the baby’s attention may be quite suitable, and can often be obtained very cheaply. If the gift giver is planning on buying baby clothes, she should bear in mind that infants grow very fast, and buy a larger size than she expects.

Xmas Gift Ideas for the Toddler and Pre-School Child

It is fun searching for presents for toddlers, as at this stage of life the world is a huge, fascinating playground for the small child. There is a huge variety of toys available. However, it would be good to check with the parents first. Perhaps the child could use more bath toys and other fun things to make bathing seem more attractive. Perhaps they feel strongly that even at this age toys should be educational. You can’t go far wrong with clothing, for toddlers are growing fast and always seem to need new clothes, but again, checking with the parents would be a sensible idea.

If the gift giver keeps to the above guidelines, she shouldn’t go far wrong, and hopefully everyone will have a very Happy festive season and enjoy their gifts.

The copyright of the article Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.