Gift ideas for babies up to age 2

Here are several developmentally appropriate gift ideas for babies up to 2 years old, designed to engage their senses, support motor skills, and encourage early learning.

These gifts support babies’ cognitive, motor, sensory, and social development in a fun, safe, and engaging way. Many of these items can also be thoughtful keepsakes for parents as they document their child’s early milestones.

Sensory toys and textures

• Soft sensory balls: Textured balls that babies can squeeze, roll, or bat at. They often have different patterns and textures to stimulate touch.
• Crinkle toys: Toys that make a crinkly sound when squeezed or touched; this can captivate a baby’s attention and help develop auditory skills.
• Tummy-time mats: Play mats with built-in textures, mirrors, and bright colors to encourage tummy time and support neck and core muscle development.
• Musical toys: Simple instruments like a xylophone, maracas, or soft rattles that make gentle sounds when shaken or tapped.
• Light-up toys: Toys that light up or change colors when touched, often designed to engage babies’ visual senses.

Activity and developmental toys

• Activity gyms: These provide a variety of hanging toys (like plush animals, mirrors, and teething rings) for babies to reach, bat, and interact with, helping to develop motor skills.
• Stacking toys: Simple toys like stacking rings or cups help babies develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness as they stack or nest the pieces.
• Shape sorters: Simple toys where babies can fit various shapes into corresponding holes, helping with shape recognition and fine motor development.
• Rattles and teething toys: Soft, textured rattles that are safe for babies to chew on as they go through the teething phase. Some even offer gentle sounds or vibrations when shaken.
• Soft blocks: Squishy, lightweight blocks that babies can explore, stack, or knock down. They often come in bright colors and can feature animal shapes or numbers.

Books and early learning

• Board books: Sturdy books with large pictures and simple stories. Books with textures (such as “touch and feel” books) or mirrors can engage babies even more.
• Cloth books: Soft, washable books with fun textures, bright pictures, and sometimes sound features like crinkles or squeaks.
• Interactive books: Books that include buttons to press for sounds, lights, or songs, helping to engage babies’ auditory and visual senses.
• Baby’s first library: A small collection of colorful, baby-friendly books for early exposure to reading and language development.

Soft and cuddly gifts

• Plush stuffed animals: Soft, cuddly toys that babies can snuggle with. Look for plush animals with no small parts or loose pieces that could be a choking hazard.
• Blankets or quilts: Soft, lightweight, and cozy blankets or quilts with fun patterns or textures are perfect for naps or comforting. If you’re good at knitting, crocheting or quilting, make your own – Mama and Daddy will cherish your special gift!
• Loveys: Small, soft toys or comfort blankets with attached plush animals. These can help babies feel secure and comforted.

Push, pull and ride-on toys

• Push toys (for when babies start to walk): Simple toys like a push wagon, a toy vacuum, or a push-along animal encourage walking and balance.
• Ride-on toys: Low, sturdy ride-on toys that babies can sit and scoot around on, helping develop coordination and strength.

Mobiles and nursery decor

• Musical mobiles: Mobiles that hang over the crib and play soothing lullabies, often featuring colorful animals or shapes that babies can gaze at.
• Night lights: Soft, calming night lights that can make bedtime more comforting, with some that play lullabies or have gentle projections.

Baby gear and practical gifts

• Personalized baby blanket or quilt: A cozy, custom-made blanket with the baby’s name or initials, making it a keepsake as well as a functional gift. 
• Memory books: A place to document milestones, photos, and memories from baby’s first year or two.
• Diaper bags: Stylish and practical, a diaper bag with plenty of compartments to organize baby’s essentials.

Teething and oral development

• Teething rings: Soft, BPA-free silicone rings that babies can chew on to soothe sore gums.
• Teething necklaces: Wearable teething accessories made of safe, nontoxic materials, allowing babies to chew while the necklace is worn by a parent or caregiver.
• Silicone feeding spoons and bowls: Soft, gentle spoons for baby-led weaning or mealtime exploration.

Clothing and accessories

• Soft onesies or rompers: Cute, comfortable outfits made from soft, breathable fabric – especially those with fun animal prints or quirky designs.
• Baby socks and booties: Cozy, nonslip socks or soft booties that keep tiny tootsies warm and comfortable.
• Hats or headbands: Fun, seasonal hats or soft headbands to keep babies comfortable and stylish.

Bath and grooming items

• Baby bath toys: Floating toys, squirt toys, or cups for pouring water help make bath time fun while stimulating sensory play.
• Baby towels: Extra-soft, hooded towels to wrap wiggly babies in after bath time.
• Baby grooming kits: Gentle brushes, combs, and nail clippers made specifically for babies, ensuring their delicate skin and nails are cared for.

Monthly subscription boxes

• Clothing subscription: A service that delivers age-appropriate clothes for babies as they grow.
• Book subscription: A monthly book delivery that offers age-appropriate books for bonding and early literacy.

We welcome your suggestions

If you have any other gift ideas for babies up to age 2, please feel free to leave a comment.