First Christmas Magic: Best Gifts for Babies

Buying for a baby’s first Christmas? Whether you're a new parent or choosing a gift for someone else’s little one, it’s all about finding items that are safe, sensory-rich, and developmentally supportive.

What to Look For:

• Baby-safe materials – such as FSC®-certified wood or organic cotton
• Sensory features – including textures, colours, and gentle sounds
• Motor skill boosters – like grasping, rolling, reaching, and pulling
• Long-lasting – toys that grow with baby beyond the newborn stage
• Beautiful keepsakes – ideal for marking their very first Christmas

Our Top Picks for Under-1s

Tummy Time & Sensory Play

• Miffy x Little Dutch Baby Gym – Lucky Blossom
  A soft, stylish baby gym that encourages reaching, kicking and early sensory play.
• Organic Ocean Activity Pad
  A tactile, engaging pad that supports tummy time and sensory discovery. Also makes a perfect stocking filler.

Fine Motor & Grasping Fun

• Just Bee Kids Wooden Activity Ball – FSC®
  Lightweight and easy to roll or grasp, great for developing early coordination.
• Little Dutch Activity Cube – Forest Friends
  A multi-sided toy packed with interactive features that entertain and educate.

Snuggles & Keepsakes

• Bunny Snuggle Blanket
  Soft, comforting and ideal for soothing or snuggling at nap time.
• Little Dutch Fairy Garden Gift Box
  A lovely keepsake gift with wooden toys that can be played with or displayed.

First Christmas Tips

Choose two or three meaningful toys instead of lots of small ones
It’s tempting to go overboard for a baby’s first Christmas, especially with all the adorable gifts out there. But little ones can quickly become overwhelmed by too much at once. Instead, focus on a small selection of high-quality toys that support their development and offer real play value. Fewer, well-chosen items tend to get more use - and mean less clutter for parents too.

Mix materials for sensory variety
Babies learn through touch, so try to include a mix of textures in their gifts. Natural materials like wood, soft organic fabrics, or padded play mats each provide a different sensory experience. For example, pairing a wooden grasping toy with a soft snuggle blanket or fabric activity pad creates a more enriching playtime without overstimulating your baby.

Look for gifts that will still be fun in a few months’ time
While some toys are perfect for newborns, choosing gifts with room to grow ensures they’ll be enjoyed for longer. Think of items like baby gyms, activity cubes, or soft toys that can be used through different milestones - from tummy time to sitting up, and eventually crawling or walking. Gifts that adapt with your baby will offer lasting value well beyond Christmas Day.

Add a keepsake item for a personal touch
Your baby’s first Christmas is a milestone moment, and a keepsake gift can help mark the occasion. This could be a beautifully crafted wooden toy, a soft comforter they’ll grow up with, or a personalised item to treasure as they grow. It’s not just about play — it’s about creating memories the whole family will cherish for years.

With a few carefully chosen gifts, you’ll create a magical first Christmas filled with warmth, wonder and developmental play.