Last Updated: October 2026
Quick Answer: Baby and Toddler Gift Guide 2026
- Newborns: an activity gym, gentle bath and body care, and a first-Christmas keepsake.
- 6 to 12 months: cause-and-effect toys with sounds and lights.
- Toddlers: a 3-in-1 ride-on, a soft plush friend and their own little backpack.
- New parents: a hands-free diaper bag backpack, a stroller organizer and pampering skincare.
- Big gift: a high chair that grows with the child, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp.
Shopping for a baby or toddler can feel surprisingly hard. They cannot tell you what they want, they grow out of things quickly and the parents probably already have a long registry. The best gifts are the ones that match the stage the child is in right now and make daily life a little easier for the family.
This guide is organized by age, with ideas from the brands we carry, plus a section for the new parents who deserve a gift of their own.
Gifts at a Glance
| Age or Person | Gift Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Skip Hop Farmstand Activity Gym | Tummy time and play from birth to age 2 |
| Newborn | Baby Jolie Le Jolie Memory Baby Perfume | Alcohol-free scent made for babies and toddlers |
| 6 to 12 months | Skip Hop Zoo Baby Cell Phone Toy | Sounds, songs and a light-up horn for ages 6m+ |
| Toddler | Skip Hop Zoo 3-in-1 Ride-On Toy | Wagon, ride-on and scooter in one |
| Toddler | Primo Passi Metoo Angela Plush Doll | A 13-inch soft companion for daytime play |
| New parents | Primo Passi PerTutti Diaper Bag Backpack | Hands-free carrying on every outing |
Gifts for Newborns (0 to 6 Months)
Newborns do not need much, but the right gift supports their first weeks of play, bath time and sleep routines.
An activity gym for tummy time
The Skip Hop Farmstand Activity Gym is rated for ages 0 to 2 years. The soft mat has textures and sounds to explore, the sides fold up into an enclosed space for tummy time and five hanging toys include an avocado rattle, a beet squeaker and a musical bunny. When the arches come off, they turn into a growth chart, so the gift keeps working long after the newborn stage.
Gentle bath and body care
Bath time is one of the first routines a family builds. The Baby Jolie 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash keeps things simple, and the Baby Jolie Le Jolie Memory Baby Perfume is an alcohol-free scent designed for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers up to two years old. Together they make a thoughtful gift set.
A keepsake for the first holiday
A dated ornament, like the Mud Pie Baby's First Christmas ornament, becomes part of the family's decorations every year. For more ideas, see our guide to baby's first Christmas.
Gifts for 6 to 12 Months
Around six months, babies start to love cause and effect: press a button, hear a sound. Toys that respond to their actions keep them engaged and help build fine motor skills.
The Skip Hop Zoo Baby Cell Phone Toy is made for ages 6 months and up. It plays six sounds and melodies, lights up when baby presses the nose and has an easy-grip rainbow handle. Gund's Flora the Bunny is an animated plush that plays peek-a-boo and sings a song while her ears flap. Keep plush toys out of the crib during sleep for babies under 12 months, and save them for supervised play.
Browse more in our infant toys collection.
Gifts for Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)
A ride-on that grows with them
The Skip Hop Zoo 3-in-1 Ride-On Toy works in three stages. Early walkers push and pull it as a wagon, then the storage tub becomes a seat for ride-on mode, and later the seat comes off so it becomes a scooter with an adjustable handle. It encourages balance, coordination and lots of movement.
A soft friend
The Primo Passi Metoo Angela doll is a 13-inch plush doll with reinforced stitching and soft fabric, sized for small hands. It makes a sweet companion for car rides, restaurants and pretend play.
Their own little gear
Toddlers love having things that are "theirs." The Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack fits kids 43 to 49 inches tall and has a side pocket for a sippy cup. At mealtime, the Primo Passi Winter Friends line, including the suction plate and the cup with handle and straw, brings a seasonal penguin and polar bear design to the table.
Gifts for New Parents
Parents often get overlooked during the holidays. These ideas make their days easier:
- A hands-free bag: the Primo Passi PerTutti diaper bag backpack keeps both hands free for the stroller or car seat.
- Stroller organization: the Primo Passi Nero stroller organizer is a 2-in-1 organizer and shoulder bag.
- Something for mom: Baby Jolie Mom Care Stretch Marks Triple Action is skincare made for expecting and new moms. Explore more in our mom care collection.
A Big Gift the Whole Family Will Use
If several relatives want to chip in, consider something the child will use for years. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a high chair designed to adjust as the child grows, so it stays at the family table long after the baby years.
Tips for Choosing the Right Gift
- Check the age label. Toy age ratings reflect safety, not just skill level.
- Ask about the registry. Parents often have specific brands or colors in mind.
- Think about space. Big toys are fun, but small homes fill up quickly.
- Remember the parents. A practical gift for mom or dad is often the most appreciated.
Find more holiday ideas in our Christmas collection and our full gifts collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for a newborn?
An activity gym for tummy time, gentle bath and body care or a first-Christmas keepsake are thoughtful newborn gifts. The Skip Hop Farmstand Activity Gym, for example, is rated from birth to age 2.
What toys are good for a 6-month-old?
Cause-and-effect toys with sounds, lights and easy-grip handles work well around six months, such as the Skip Hop Zoo Baby Cell Phone Toy, which is rated for ages 6 months and up.
What is a good gift for a 1-year-old?
Toys that encourage movement, like the Skip Hop Zoo 3-in-1 Ride-On Toy, are popular for early walkers because they grow from wagon to ride-on to scooter.
What can I gift new parents instead of baby items?
Practical gifts like a hands-free diaper bag backpack, a stroller organizer or skincare for mom are often the most appreciated.
Are plush toys safe for babies?
Plush toys are fine for supervised play, but keep them out of the crib during sleep for babies under 12 months.
How do I choose the right size for baby clothing gifts?
Choose a size ahead of the baby's current age, since babies grow quickly. If you are unsure, a gift receipt makes exchanges easy.
Shop Holiday Gifts at MacroBaby
MacroBaby is one of the largest baby stores in the United States, with a physical store in Orlando and a full online store. Our team helps families in English, Portuguese and Spanish on every channel and is happy to help you find a gift for any age, whether you shop in person or online.
