The holiday season is busy for all - especially those with little kids! This year, purchase thoughtful gifts that bring joy and also support your baby’s developmental milestones! Check out our list below, which includes our favorite toys and tools for promoting motor skills, sensory exploration, and cognitive growth. Whether your baby is just discovering tummy time or mastering their first steps, there’s something for every stage. 

This gift guide is thoughtfully curated with items we actually use and recommend in our practice. Some of the links below are affiliate links and will earn us a small commission with your purchase. Thank you so much for utilizing this as a way to support our small business!

And before we get to the baby gifts, here’s one for the parents (and grandparents out there!). Save your back and gift yourself or another caregiver a TushBaby hip seat carrier. Shop here and use code PROGRESSTHROUGHPLAY

Looking for a larger gift? WE love products from Gathre, Nugget, and Wiwiwurka

0-3 Months: Building Foundations

At this stage, babies are learning to engage with their environment and develop foundational motor skills. These gifts support tummy time, sensory exploration, and early hand-eye coordination.

• Tummy Time Mirror: Encourage head and neck strength while keeping baby engaged! Buy here.

• Noggin Stick: Perfect for visual tracking and cognitive stimulation. Buy here.

• Ninni Pacifier: A comforting tool designed for oral development. Shop here and use code MILESTONE for a discount.

• Lovevery Play Gym: A multi-functional play gym that grows with your baby. Shop here and use code LOVEBRITA40 for savings on new toy subscriptions!

• O Ball: Easy for tiny hands to grasp, promoting grip and coordination. Buy here.

• Toki Mat: A stylish and functional padded mat for tummy time. This is what we use in the clinic! Shop here.

3-6 Months: Exploring the World

Babies are becoming more curious and interactive, making this the perfect time to introduce toys that encourage reaching, grasping, and teething.

• Baby Einstein Take-Along Tunes: A fun introduction to music and cause-and-effect play. Buy here.

• Teethers: Supports oral exploration and soothing sore gums. Option 1, Option 2 (use code JMBRITA for 15% off)

• Manhattan Toy Winkel: A lightweight teether with a focus on fine motor skills. Buy here

• Sassy Wonder Wheel: Encourages visual tracking and cause-and-effect learning. Buy here.

• Stacking Cups: A classic for sensory and motor development. Buy here.

6-12 Months: On the Move

This stage is all about mobility and curiosity! Gifts that encourage crawling, pulling to stand, and independent exploration are ideal.

• Spinning Toys: Great for hand-eye coordination and sensory play. Shop option 1 or option 2.

• Crawling Dino: Motivates crawling with fun movement and sound. Buy here.

• Push Walker: Helps with balance and learning to walk. Buy here

• Activity Table: Encourages standing and interactive play. Buy here.

• Cause-and-Effect Toys: Stimulate curiosity and problem-solving. Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3.

• Tunnel: Promotes crawling and sensory exploration. Buy here.

12-18 Months: Gaining Independence

Young toddlers are busy mastering gross motor skills and exploring how things work. These gifts help support their growing independence.

• Gathre Block Set: Perfect for building and imaginative play. Shop here.

• Push Walker: A great tool for practicing stability. Buy here.

• Shape Sorter: Supports problem-solving and fine motor skills. Buy here.

• Ride-On Toy: Encourages balance and mobility. Buy here.

18-24 Months: Active Play

With more confidence in walking and climbing, toddlers love activities that challenge their coordination and balance.

• Mini Trampoline: A fun way to build leg strength and balance. Shop here.

• Ball Pit: Combines sensory exploration with active play. Buy here.

• Stepping Stones: A great tool for balance and coordination. Buy here.

These picks are not just fun but thoughtfully selected to support key milestones at every stage.

Ready to shop? Click the links above and bring home gifts that will delight your little one and help them thrive. 🎄 Want more ideas? Check out our gift guides from last year! 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and stocking stuffers.