Key Points at a Glance
- It feels like choosing Christmas gifts gets harder for us every year.
- This usually applies to both family and friends.
- When it comes time to buy gifts for babies and toddlers, it's often hard to come up with the right gift ideas.
- In that case, the only thing that often helps is to ask your parents—or to read this guide.
We’ve all been there: During the run-up to Christmas, you’re invited to a friend’s house or invite them over to yours—a lovely tradition. At some point, children are usually involved, and even if there’s an—often unspoken—agreement among the parents not to exchange gifts: you still want to give babies and toddlers at least small Christmas gifts, if only to see the joyful sparkle in their eyes. But what are some good options?
Personal experiences are often the best guide when choosing gifts
Sure, you can’t go wrong by asking the parents. What else do you need? What toys is your toddler missing? Many parents definitely appreciate these questions. Plus, this often helps you avoid giving gifts that the baby or toddler already has. If that happens, your gift runs the risk of being passed on by the parents to another child.
If you’re a parent yourself, think back on your own experiences with gifts for your child or children. There are surely some great items you’ve received from friends or relatives that your little ones absolutely loved—but that you probably would never have thought of yourself. This could be, for example, a baby bouncer where babies feel comfortable on their own even at just a few months old (giving Mom or Dad a “free” half-hour). A wooden baby play arch, under which little ones can lie and marvel at the attached shapes—rings, balls, rattles, etc.—and eventually even reach for them, could also be a great idea.
Animals are always good
If you’re completely unsure and don’t have a chance to ask the parents beforehand, there’s one comforting certainty: animals are always a hit. Of course, not real animals, but rather ones made of fabric—such as a comfort blanket, a stuffed animal to cuddle, or a design on a pillow, for example. Rubber ducks and similar items are also almost always a hit. Most of the time, young children take these cuddly animals right into their hearts and keep them there for a long time.
Speaking of bath accessories: A bath sponge, fragrant bath bombs, or—for slightly older toddlers—bath products with special effects are usually a great idea. Many children love splashing around in a warm bathtub, and colorful or fizzing bath products double the fun. Maybe a fluffy bathrobe for toddlers would be just the thing?
Stay away from sugar
What you shouldn’t give to younger children, however, is candy. Many parents keep their children away from sugar during their early years, and for understandable reasons. So when the little ones are handed chocolate or an Advent calendar filled with candy by a visitor, you might find yourself in hot water with such a gift.
