I am a natural list maker and I've been wanting to make this blog post because a few people have asked me about what to gift their nieces, nephews, grandchildren or even their own kids. Plus, it gives me a good reason to make an updated list, if ever we have a baby #2.
This is my list for babies from 6 months up to 1 year old. Oh, this excludes books, which are always my favorite gifts. I'll make another list with those, because those deserve a space of their own.
Note: you are not going to find that super popular plastic toy that lights up and makes 3 trillion sounds. Not my style. I prefer simple toys, that can also look beautiful on a shelf, and that can provide learning and development opportunities. With that said, give any six month old any toy vs. a plastic bottle, and she'll probably go for the plastic bottle or empty box of kleenex. However, if we are to buy toys, I rather have them be good quality, made out of safe materials and, preferably, from more environmentally conscious companies. Additionally, I've learned a lot about Montessori practices and find a lot of value into this educational/ developmental approach. Some of these toys follow such lines. In conclusion, if I were to do parenting again, these are the things I would like to have.
1. Simple Stacking Cups
The first are simple wooden stacking cups. These are crafted by hand in Germany from solid wood sustainably-harvested from managed European forest. I would say many of Grimm's products are pricey. But to be honest, they're pretty timeless. It's something you can easily save for your grandchildren. Later they can be used for sorting, kitchenware and pretend or open play. I would definitely think about gifting a high quality toy like this. Besides, this looks very pretty anywhere.
This second set is the Green Toys Stacking Cups. They are made entirely out of recycled milk jugs. These are great because you can use in the bath, beach and pool. Easy to take wherever you go, even a restaurant. While the younger children will not stack them at first, they're still fun to bang around and explore.
2. Spinning Drum
I wish I had this when Victoria was smaller. It has texture, mirror and sound. It is from a company called TAG: Think and Grow. All made in the US, no outsourcing involved. They have many wooden toys, worth checking out their page. Also, since it stands on it's own, it's perfect for when their sitting and want to manipulate something, the different textures/colors encourage them to keep moving those hands. Additionally it has a little ball inside that makes sound. I've also seen different versions of these on Etsy.
3. Set of Keys
I've had many sets, the cute wooden ones included. But I must say, babies know the difference between real and fake, and this set, from B. Toys definitely made her the happiest. Yes, it has sounds and a little light, and I wouldn't say the company is not the most sustainable. But, I'm not going to be a cynic, this toy is good. You could also go the extra mile and make her a set of real but faux-keys, without the sharp edges. Always keep an eye on your child when using these or any keys, they do tend want to chew the metal part. Just make sure they're not harming their gums. I would try to hold this toy until 10 months at least. Let them continue to play with the safer ones until they loose complete interest, then bring these out for novelty effect!
4. Rattle and Roll Toys
Motivate those little ones to chase after this by crawling, slithering or rolling, with this adorable roll toy. Plus it makes a great rattle too. This one is also a Grimm's product. It has a nice sound to it. Plus, wouldn't it look amazing next to the stacking cups, just saying, great combo gift? However, below is another, more affordable; just as pretty, and also made well.
The following Roll Toy is from Plan Toys, another company I really like. They manufacture toys using wood from rubber trees that no longer provide latex. Additionally their manufacturing processes are designed to reduce waste and save energy. The toy itself is also very pretty and colorful.
Because roll toys are such a big deal in this stage of development. I am including a different kind of one next.
This one is called the Interlocking Discs, and the great thing about this one is that, more than rolling, it actually wobbles away gently and slowly. This gives the child more chance to grab it. There is a novelty effect of the type of movement. Moreover, this toy is great for hand-eye coordination and switching it from one hand to another. Which is another very important skill to practice. The shapes of the discs make it easy for the child to grasp.
5. Clutch Toys
Following the hand-eye coordination thought... This pyramid clutch toy is is from Haba Toys, a German company that makes its toys from sustainable forests. The colored rods are made form, an organic material made from 100% renewable resources. Also, when applying colors, they use multiple layers of water-based, solvent-free lacquers making the surface extremely resistant to wear and tear and allowing the toy to be taken from the hand to the mouth safely for teething babies. They have many different ones, all very pretty. I'll leave a few options down here.
The links are here: 1.Rainbow Sun, 2. Color Whorl, and 3. Whirlygig Clutching Toy
6. Pop-up Toy
Who said wooden toys can't offer some excitement?
Well they can, and don't have to be battery operated. This cute pop up toy is called the Galt Pop Up Toy, and it's very simple, it has some concealed springs that make the stick people pop up when pressed down. At first, the child will probably only pull them out, chew on them; later, try to stick them in the holes. Only after several months will they be able to match, place, and make them pop. However, all this process offer great learning and exploring opportunities.
7. Stacking Rings
Such an iconic and simple piece to have in your loved ones toy repertoire. I loved this one from Crate and Kids because of the soft colors. They also have a larger one with bold colors. We own a Pottery Barn one, in soft golden and silvers hues, but it's no longer available, sorry! I thought this one was pretty to include though. We still have ours as a decoration piece in Victoria's room and rotate out from time to time. BUT, before you set out your 6 month old to play with this I would suggest, stripping all of the "donuts" and exchanging them for these wooden rings below.
This wooden rings are easier to manipulate, better to chew on because they have no color, and it's going to make it easier for them to try to place it in the stick. Right from the bat, they won't be there. Be patient. I would try to give them one ring at time and then progressively increment them. You can also give them the rings by themselves, and attach some nice ribbon and make a new toy out of this. So if you're thinking of purchasing the Stacking ring "game", make sure to complement with these :)
8. Simple Puzzle, start with circles.
Did you know that of all the geometric designs and shapes, babies seem most captivated by circles! Yup, It's basically the easiest shape they can process because of the lack of edges. Also, that's one of the first shapes they see #hellonipple . They also like high contrast colors (black and white), but by the time they reach six months, their sense of color is usually already developed. These puzzles with the big knobs are great starter puzzles. These types of puzzles are also cute because you can replace with pictures of family members and make a peek-a-boo version of the same game.
9. Musical Instruments
Music is such an important part of human development. Get them into rhythm with these Haba Shakin' Eggs. We have some egg shakers but they all sound the same: boring! These actually have different sounds, which is awesome for auditory discrimination. This is a basic skill for learning to talk, read and write in the future. Three eggs rattle, one jingles and one twitters. The blue egg twists. Plus, super cute, made from wood, and beautiful colors.
Have you noticed that babies tend to bang on everything! It's part of the skills they are learning, give them something cool to bang on. These drums are easy to use and are great way to develop a sense of beat and rhythm. Show your child how you can play along any song. Also a fun way to connect as this set has two. One for you, one for baby. Start without the stick please, just using hands. And then only use stick under supervision. Here is a different version from Plan Toys.
10. Object Permanence Box
What's the deal with this, you might be thinking. But, I'll give you a little background information. Jean Piaget, famous psychologist, talked about the ability to understand that objects exist even when not seen, and explained that it is one of an infant’s primary developmental accomplishments. This is a big deal, it's how a baby learns to understand that mommy still exists even when she goes to the kitchen. That is why babies love to play peek-a-boo. You introduce this toy around the time the child can learn to sit up (on his own). The goal is to help them develop that sense of object permanence. Also it is helping hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
11. Sensory Balls
I think no extra explanation is needed. Sensory Balls are perfect for young ones to feel different textures, roll, play, chew, and keep building those neural connections with novel stimulus. There are several types. These have cute colors, not your typical blue, green, yellow. But here are more options for you to browse: 1. fabric balls 2. spiky ones. 3. dryer wool balls
12. Beautiful Bead Maze or Abacus:
Isn't this Crate and Kids Rainbow Abacus very pretty? I would definitely have this as an accent piece in a nursery. Plus then it can be switched out for play. 10 beads in each color, so can be used for counting later on in the toddler years. Plus, kids love these mazes. Victoria has the Ikea one, but I must say that, some of the "paths" in the maze were to difficult for her to finish. This one seems much easier.
13. Textured Fabric
You could actually make this on your own, but here's an easy alternative. These are the Educational Insights Teachable Touchables Texture Squares. I like that the sizes of the fabrics are a good size for small hands. These help babies build tactile awareness. It's nice that it includes 20 textured squares. I would put this in a basket in a low shelf and let them explore the different textures. It is also great for descriptive vocabulary building: scratchy, slippery, silky, or soft.
14. Smaller toys for exploration
Babies are naturally curious. They constantly want to see different things, and learn. Personally, I would've started her animal collection sooner, and skip all the nonsense baby toys she liked for 2 seconds. These Schleich animals are also great for building vocabulary. Even though they can't talk, they can hear and are constantly learning. Give them the opportunity to learn about different animals. I would only hand them the bigger animals, those that don't fit in their mouths, and I would still supervise them. The plastic is pretty hard, so they be careful, they might throw it at you or others (hey this happens with anything). Mainly use for supervised play and learning vocabulary.
15. Soft Toys that are safe
Also great for building vocabulary. We have these Ikea Duktig set, the veggies and the fruits. They're safe for small hands and I would feel comfortable with a baby handling these while I'm doing the dishes. I really like all the Duktig line for pretend play or practical life skills. The kitchen items are also perfect for exploring and playing. Now she uses them to pretend play at her kitchen, sorting colors, sorting fruits and veggies. This is what I mean when I say purchase a gift that will last longer than 3 months. Which also translates into less waste and less money.
16. Teething toys
LouLou Lollipop have the cutest teethers. I'm a sucker for pretty things. This line, Trinity Silicone and Wood Teethers are made for Pottery Barn Kids. But you can also find cute ones on Amazon.Yeah they're pricey, so if you don't feel like splurging on teething toys, here are alternative versions of this: this link here. Just remembered Victoria's favorite teething toy was the metal clip of her pacifier strap..children...why do we even bother sometimes. ha!
17. Soft Blocks
Once the baby sits, you want something they can touch and play around on their own safely. These Haba blocks are great because each block has a different color, patten and texture and makes its own unique sound. Additionally, they are WASHABLE! yas! Throw these puppies into the washing machine on cold and voila! When older, kids can use this to stack up and then destroy towers. Even babies love to destroy towers, so make sure you build some for them to tumble down.
18. Family Book
Ok, this is technically a book, but I couldn't help myself. This family photo book by Pinhole Press is a great gift if you have all of the family's pictures. It's awesome for babies to see pictures of real things, so, what is better than the people that she loves the most! This photo book is made like a board book, with thick, glossy and rigid pages. I wouldn't let them gnaw on them for too long though, it is still paper. But since we mentioned gnawing on books. Check out the following item.
19. Indestructible Books
Oh, but another book! Haha, although I would call these more of a magazine! These indestructible books are super awesome. My daughter could NOT get enough of these. She actually only had one, and we still own it. She loved to try to rip them, chew them and later "read" them. It was priceless to see her turn the pages on her own. Perfect for them to get some practice in book handling. These books can be cleaned, washed and ironed back to life. The material is quite indestructible, while still soft. Oh and the edges aren't sharp!
20. A great portable floor mat.
Ok, so this is technically not a toy, but you need it to play. I think this Gathre Mat is phenomenal. Easy to pick up, pack up and wipe off. Made of leather, but there is also an option for vegan leather. Cute prints. I want my baby to be a sitter and crawler again to justify this one for myself. They have very beautiful designs or colors. Later it can serve as an awesome picnic mat. Think about it as a family investment.
Those were my 20. If you have additional questions or need help with anything else, let me know!
-Georgina
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