It is the holidays and it is time to start thinking about WHAT you should get your baby or toddler as gifts. Depending on the age you may ask IF you really need to have gifts for your baby under the tree or not. Many people would say no, but if you really want something under the tree that you can help your baby unwrap, there are some great ideas!

For babies under a year, it is probable that they won't understand the whole "gift giving" idea or even be able to figure out how to unwrap a present on their own. They won't care if there is a rattle, a gym, or a new outfit under the tree. If this is your baby then buy things that YOU need and that will help your baby developmentally, or clothing for the upcoming season. Wrap up these items so that they are under the tree so that your baby has gifts on Christmas morning, but that they are things he really needs. After all, he won't know the difference. For the toys and other educational items you do buy your baby you need to be sure that you look at the age guidelines and recommendations so that you know you are choosing the right toy for your child.

For the young kids, they will be more prone to looking at the ornaments and lights on the tree, or decorations up around your house. Walk him around letting him see the lights, touch the non-fragile decorations, and enjoy the material part of the holidays. It is never too early to start holiday traditions with your baby.

Advertisement

If your baby is between a year and two years old, it is possible that he can unwrap his presents, but depending on his age he may still not "get it" when it comes to the holidays and presents. At this point he is still young enough that you can take him shopping with you and let him help you pick out his gifts by him showing you items he would like someday. Chances are he will forget that you bought them by the time he unwraps them.

Good gift ideas for your toddler can include a wide range of items

• Board books
• Puzzles (the ones with big, thick pieces)
• Coloring books/crayons (if he is no longer sticking them in his mouth)
• Desk/Table of his own (for him to sit at to color, do puzzles or read)
• Little fold out couch of his favorite theme (these range from Superman to Dora and everything in between)
• Leap Pad items for brain development
• Dress up clothes for creative development

These are just a few ideas of items you can buy your toddler that will help him grow and learn, while keeping him entertained. There is always the option of buying every new toy on the market during the holidays for your baby, and if you can and you choose too that is ok too! Remember that as hectic as the holidays are for you, they will be overwhelming for your young child so be sure to give them a lot of time and space to rest and regroup so that you don't have an unhappy toddler on your hands after presents are unwrapped and it is time to sit down for Christmas dinner.

Important notice: The BabiesOnline.com site is for educational purposes only, and presents information of a general nature. This is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member or have questions about whether or not you are pregnant, please consult with a healthcare professional. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. BabiesOnline accepts no responsibility for damages resulting from the use of this information and make no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This information is provided as is, and you, its user, assume all risks when using it.

Related Articles

• Gift Ideas for Baby's First Christmas
• Taking Pictures of Your Baby
• Family Traditions
• Gift Ideas For The Holidays, Birthdays and More!
• Getting Great Pictures of the Kids this Halloween

Full Article List

Register with Babies Online Create a FREE daily online baby journal, complete with pictures of your precious little one, to share with friends & family around the world and print for your baby book! Your Email: Confirm Email: Baby's Birth Date: 123456789101112   12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031   2006200720082009  I have read and agree to Babies Online's Terms of Use  Subscribe to the Babies Online Newsletter too!

More Resources

The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found on this site should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific professional or medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor or health care professional.