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It can be hard to choose a Christmas gift for a baby. For one thing, they don’t do very much when they’re little, do they?
But never fear – if you can find something soft and cuddly, or something that makes everyone around them go “awww”, then it’s basically a win.
Even better if you can chuck in a bottle of wine or a bumper box of chocolates for their sleep-deprived parents, too.
Here’s our indispensable guide to the best Christmas gifts for babies in 2020.
Glowing Jelly Lights, Amazon, £4.99
The best stocking filler of the lot, these Infantino glowing jellyfish will light up Christmas morning. The floating, multi-textured animal lights up when it touches the water. I’ve already got two on order for a Christmas morning bath.
Sophie La Giraffe Teether Toy, John Lewis, £11.69
I had no idea of the true importance of Sophie when a close friend gave me one as a ‘new baby’ present. I smiled at it, thought, “oh, that’s sweet”, noted that it squeaked quite loudly, and casually placed it on top of the growing pile. Sophie, made in France, is the teether to beat all other teethers. She’s soft, flexible and 100% natural rubber. Your baby will love chewing her to pieces. You can also buy a teething ring version with two handles your baby can grip easily.
Fisher-Price Roarin’ Rainforest Jumperoo, Argos, £80
One thing I swiftly learned when I became a parent: you will do anything for a few minutes of peace with a cup of tea. Anything. And when it comes to Christmas, fun for kids (and peace for grown-ups) is more important than ever. It’s suitable from 6 months – as long as your baby can lift its head up unassisted – up to a weight of 11.3kg (25lbs). The manufacturers advise an upper limit of 20 minutes per session, which is a solid 20 minutes of sitting-down time.
Baby Shark Junior Duvet, Amazon, £15.99
We know, we know – a baby may not have developed the ability to understand the joy (or abject horror) of Pinkfong’s Baby Shark just yet, but as soon as they graduate to a cot bed, you’re going to want to decorate it. Why not choose this colourful duvet bed set? Just make sure you keep the edges of any blankets or soft coverings tightly tucked in, and don’t use a pillow for a baby younger than 18 months old, because of safety risks.
Paddington Bear, Steiff, £78.99
Steiff created the world’s first teddy bear in 1902, and is now a heritage brand collected by toy and bear enthusiasts worldwide. At this price, this 28cm bear is a luxury item, but Steiff toys are collectors’ pieces – and its original antique bears sell for thousands. Each comes with the famous button in the ear, and limited editions come with a certificate of authenticity.
Fisher-Price Baby Bicep Gift Set, Argos, £13
The most adorable personal trainer ever? We love this Fisher-Price Baby Biceps Gift Set, which features four gym-themed infant toys for tiny fitness lovers – from a soft, wearable, retro headband to a kettle bell rattle. Lift, rattle, teethe, repeat.
Christmas Pudding Outfit, John Lewis & Partners, £18
Give your little pudding the cutest Christmas outfit going with this bodysuit, tights and hat set. Made from pure organic cotton for optimal softness, the polka dot print bodysuit features an icing and berries design on the front, with stripy sleeves and popper fastenings at the crotch. Delicious.
If I Were An Elf Board Book, Mori, £8.50
This Jellycat board book has it all: the cute factor, plus the perfect Christmas theme, as well as tactile fluffy pages to get young readers excited for story-time. Try reading it on Christmas Eve to stoke up excitement for the big day!
Mini Shoes, Poco Nido, £19
These twinkling toes are a great alternative to slippers on Christmas morning. The ‘Mini’ shoes from Poco Nido combine quirky and colourful with support for tiny toes, and are available in sizes UK 1- 8. The brand promises it uses unique, ‘pull on-stay on’ technology, alongside grippy suede soles that ensure ultimate comfort and support as little ones take their all-important first steps towards the Christmas tree.
Colour Changing Bubble Bath, Boots, £2
Don’t worry, I’ve found the perfect stocking filler for little bathers. This fun bath product changes the colour of the water and adds a lot of brightly-coloured, cleanable mess to bath-time. It’s suitable for all ages and hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested. From the same retailer, we loved the Foaming Soap, which comes in a spray can and smells of grape. My kids used the whole bottle in just one sitting. Ahem.
Grey Mouse Cotton Onesie, Magnet Mouse, £24.95
I’m in love with this grey mouse cotton onesie for babies – it’s completely free from fiddly poppers and buttons, and instead features tiny magnetic fastenings hidden away inside super-soft 100% cotton, so it’s quick and easy to get your little one dressed. The range is made in the UK, with styles inspired by British heritage – with a magic twist.
The SNOObear, Happiest Baby, £59.95
SNOObear is a cute, cuddly teddy bear that plays white noise for 30-60 minutes to help soothe children to sleep. It’ll be a saviour for parents. There are also finger holes at the bear’s back, which let you move the bear’s arms for hours of puppetry fun. It has a built-in strap to dangle from your pram or car seat. Note: the retailers don’t recommend leaving the bear in bed with a young infant alone if they’re under a year old.
My First Peter Rabbit Christmas Decoration, Etsy, £7.99
This will be one for the memory box – and really is perfect for a baby’s first Christmas: their name on an adorable Peter Rabbit Christmas bauble. Just make sure you order in advance to ensure it arrives in time!
Nappy Covers, Desmond and Dempsey, £18
Turn your baby into, well, a little monkey with these bright nappy covers. They have stretchy elastic around the legs and waist for ultimate comfort, and are available in sizes 6–24 months. Ridiculously cute – as is the alternative lion design, too.
Baby Meal Plan Box, Piccolo, from £25
Okay, so it’s not the most riveting gift for a kid – but hear me out. This personalised meal plan, tailored to each baby’s needs, is a brilliant idea. It factors in their age and dietary requirements, as well as parents’ eating goals for them. Piccolo bases the plan around their lifestyle, which evolves as the baby grows. Prices start at £25 for a cooking box with 12 products, £30 for formula boxes containing 2 tubs, and £50 for a food box containing 35-40 products. All boxes also include recipe cards and weaning guides. Delivery is free.