Babies are blessings and a reminder that no matter what is wrong with the world, there is magic and beauty in existence. My family has been blessed with two little ones that turned one this year. I wanted to get this gift guide live before they made their first trip around the sun but maybe its better that I finished it after their birthdays. It gave me time and the ability to really think about their gifts. I will be returning to this post next year because we will be celebrating two more miracles make their first trip around the sun. If you are looking for ideas for what to get the tiny ones in your life, look no further. I got you!
Did you know that reading to your baby is a great way to bond and help them begin building their vocabulary? It’s recommended that children under 5 are read to five times a day. There’s a goal of reading 1,000 books to your little before kindergarten. Of course, I’m adding books to this gift guide. A great tip I learned a lot time ago is to substitute cards with a book. Let’s be 100 percent honest with each other. Cards can be expensive and chances are they will get thrown out. Books? Yes, some books can be expensive BUT you can also find affordable ones at thrift stores, discount stores, and dollar trees. In reality, you can probably find one on your bookshelf that your little might no longer be attached to. Write a message in the book and now it will be a one-derful part of the little’s literacy journey.
Ms. Rachel is a favorite in most homes with littles so it goes without saying that adding her to the library will make your gift a favorite. Here are two Ms. Rachel books that we have recently gifted.
Frankie’s Train Day! (Bookshop link) – This is a Little Golden Book. I remember being a little and having so many of these. They were some of my most prized collection. This title gives us a look into how to help deal with our emotions when we get get upset. It is a wonderful read and allows self regulation to become the default when dealing with big emotions. My favorite part is when Ms. Rachel asks Frankie is he wants help or space.
Ms. Rachel Hide-and-Seek with Herbie (Bookshop Link) – Lift the flap books are so fun at any age. This one not only introduces babies to the game hide-and-seek but it identifies colors. There are so many fun things to find even beyond the flaps. As you’re reading you can point out different objects in the room where you’re searching for Herbie.
Sticking with the lift the flap fun we have two others from Source Books that would also work as gifts.
Digging for Dinosaurs at the Beach (Bookshop Link) – A day at the beach is always fun. Add to it the adventure of digging for dinosaurs and you have a winner. This is a fun read with lots for littles to discover as they dig along with friends. It also introduces lots of vocabulary. It would be a fun read when preparing baby for a day at the beach or during the winter when we are dreaming of warm adventures.
Digging for Dinosaurs (Bookshop Link) – We love a good set. This would go great with the previous read. It continues to grow vocabulary. It also contains the fun flaps for littles to lift and find surprises behind. These books will entertain for hours.
Magic Years On The Go Soft Book – This bunny is so sweet and soft. It’s the perfect blend of book and toy. It allows the one-derful little to “turn the pages” without worrying about them ripping, bending or breaking. It also features crinkle pages and a teething toy. This is the simple type of toy that will go along with little on many an adventure. It fits easily fits in a diaper bag or in little hands. And because it is soft, you don’t have to worry if baby falls asleep with it.
Blessing Bear – The Blessing Bear from Graceful Goose might be one of my favorite gifts. The bear is super soft and light so the one-derful one will be able to bring this buddy everywhere. The thing that makes this bear stand out among a see of stuffies is that it is a bear with intentions. Remember when Sleeping Beauty’s parents invited their community to her party to bestow gifts and wishes on her? Think of this bear as similar without a Malificent curse hopefully! The Blessing Bear has a pocket in the back of the bear that can hold prayers and wishes. Each bear comes with two fabric squares. You can even have a name embroidered on one of the squares. You can also order more fabric squares. I love the idea of gifting these and knowing that the blessings bestowed will stay with the babies as they grow.
Diapers – Listen, diapers are always a great gift idea. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the wipes! It’s really important to find out what type of diapers the family uses. You don’t want to get a gift that will go to waste. If the family uses cloth diapers, then get them cloth diapers. If they use a subscription service, get them a gift card. If they’re a family that doesn’t have a preference, may I suggest Aldi? They have really good prices.
Battat Wooden Walker – This is fun for littles that are just finding their footing. Even after they master the one leg in front of the other thing, they can enjoy the activities on the front board of the walker. This is taking the party on the go!
Oh, and don’t forget that Ms. Rachel has a ton of toy options as well. You can find some of them here.
