When my eldest son was little, the grandparents generously gifted him with a fire engine that wailed and then shouted in a tinny voice, “Where’s the fire?”
That repeated two more times before shutting off. Well, until my son figured out that the “fun” sounds started when he pushed down on the big button. Then it was all wailing and shouting. All. Day. Long.
I tried “accidentally” dropping it. I tried hiding it and hoping my son would forget about it. (No dice.) I hoped he would grow out of it. That worked.
After ten months.
When you’re shopping for a holiday gift for a friend’s or family member’s little one, be kind…to the parents! Here is what parents wish you knew about choosing a safe, fun and, well grownup-friendly gift for baby this Christmas or Hanukkah.
A KEEPSAKE GIFT
Buy or order a handprint or footprint-making kit for Baby. This type of gift, made by the parents when it’s convenient for them, can last forever and will always bring a smile.
TOYS WITH HIGH VISUAL CONTRAST
Babies’ eyes develop over the first year at a rapid rate, and they’re drawn to patterns or colors. A “crinkle”-sound toy or other toy that’s safe (with no buttons or zippers) is a great gift for new babies, and gives parents something to entertain their baby.
SOMETHING THAT’S NOT ANNOYINGLY LOUD
Test the toy in the store. Push the button. Then imagine being the child’s parent hearing it from 6AM until bedtime. If you’re not picturing some form of wartime slow-drip water torture, it’s probably fine.
FUN BATH TOYS
Many babies LOVE their bath, and they love it even more when they have tub toys. When my guys were little, I found I could never have enough tub toys. A handful of safe, round-edged toys makes a great Baby’s Christmas gift.
SAFE TEETHERS
Like bottle nipples and pacifiers, teethers are always going missing. Several fun teethers all strung together and tied with a festive bow make a holiday present for Baby that parents will appreciate.
A “LETTERS TO MY BABY” BOOK
Parents barely have time to get a shower in, but every so often, the planets align and we get to sit down with coffee. During those times, wouldn’t it be amazing to write a letter to Baby and start creating memories? Find a Letters to Baby book on Amazon or Etsy…it’s such a wonderful Baby gift.
A SOFT/FABRIC-COVER PHOTO ALBUM
Babies love looking at pictures of themselves and of other people they know. Parents can place pics in the book and add to it over time, then show the pics to Baby at bedtime or any time for a bonding experience.
A GIFT CARD
You may think this is impersonal. It isn’t. New parents have very firm ideas of what they want for Baby. Giving them the freedom to choose is the best gift of all. Take the time to bake a batch of cookies and attach the gift card for a cheery presentation.
BONUS TIPS:
ASK PARENTS WHAT THEY NEED
If the baby is a newborn, don’t get a fancy toy or clothes you think are cute. Ask the parents what they’d like. They may still have a registry, or they may have a specific theme for the baby’s room or wardrobe.
Skip the Buttons and Bows
Plush stuffed toys are great, but make sure they don’t have any extras that Baby might pull of and put into her mouth.
Whatever you give your friend’s or family member’s baby, they’ll love you for thinking of them. Happy holidays!