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Christmas gifts for babies: from their first Christmas to age three

The right Christmas gift for a baby matches what they are discovering at their age: looking and grasping before 6 months, stacking and tapping around age 1, then walking, imitating and pretending. Here are ideas by age, ways to mark their first Christmas, safety rules to check on the box and a simple way to avoid receiving the same toy three times.

See ideas by age
By Steven Dieu, founder of Listopia
Updated on 4 min read Our selection method
A baby sitting on a rug in front of the Christmas tree stacks the rings of a newly unwrapped wooden toy, with a parent kneeling beside them

Baby’s first Christmas: what gift should you give?

Before 6 months, babies do not play much yet: the gift is mainly for their parents. Choose a keepsake of this first Christmas, something useful for everyday life or time to share.

The baby will not remember this Christmas, but their parents will: a gift that makes winter easier for them is always welcome.

A wooden Christmas bauble, a linen photo album, knitted booties, a woollen rabbit and a small wrapped gift on a table near a fir branch

  • A keepsake

    A Christmas bauble engraved with the baby’s first name and the year, a first-year photo album or a “My First Christmas” book with a dedication: a personalised gift to bring out every December.

  • Practical gifts

    A sleeping bag suited to the season, pyjamas in the next size up or a baby play mat: ask the parents what they need rather than guessing.

  • A moment

    A family photo shoot, baby swimming or music sessions, or an evening of babysitting for the new parents.

Christmas gifts for babies, by age

An age-appropriate toy is one a baby will actually use. Notice what they are starting to do, then choose a gift that supports that discovery.

  1. 0 to 6 months

    What he discovers

    Watch, listen, catch

    Gift ideas

    Mobile, lightweight rattle, high-contrast cloth book, baby play mat, teething ring

    Guide price : 10–60 €

  2. 6 to 12 months

    What he discovers

    Sitting, tapping, putting things in their mouth

    Gift ideas

    Soft cubes, stacking toy, sensory balls, touch book, bath toys

    Guide price : 10–40 €

  3. 12 to 18 months

    What he discovers

    Walking, fitting shapes, pressing

    Gift ideas

    Push-along walker, shape sorter, first peg puzzle, small musical instruments, board picture book

    Guide price : 15–60 €

  4. 18 months to 2 years

    What he discovers

    Imitating, pushing, building

    Gift ideas

    Ride-on toy, play kitchen set, large building blocks, lift-the-flap books, a doll or cuddly toy

    Guide price : 15–70 €

  5. 2 to 3 years

    What he discovers

    Pretend play, running, listening to stories

    Gift ideas

    Balance bike, first cooperative board games, dressing-up costume, chunky figures, age-appropriate audio storyteller

    Guide price : 20–90 €

Price ranges are indicative and vary by brand and retailer. Always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation.

A simple wooden or cloth toy often lasts longer than a toy with buttons: a baby stacks it, chews it and later includes it in pretend play. Board books appeal to all the ages in this list.

Baby Toys: what to check on the box

A toy sold in the European Union bears the CE marking and indicates the appropriate age. For a baby, a few more checks avoid bad surprises.

  • The warning “Not suitable for children under 36 months” indicates small parts: this toy must wait until the baby is older.

  • The button batteries are dangerous if swallowed: the compartment must be closed by a screw.

  • Cords, ribbons and fastenings must be short; remove labels and packaging before giving the toy.

  • Magnets and small balls must not be able to detach.

  • In the cot, nothing but the baby: France’s Assurance maladie recommends a cot without cuddly toys, pillows or bumpers. For an infant, keep comfort toys for awake time.

For a second-hand toy, check that it is complete, clean and has no cracked parts. Avoid old painted toys if you do not know their origin.

Avoiding duplicates: a baby's Christmas list

Grandparents, uncles, aunts and godparents all want to spoil the baby at Christmas. Without coordination, the baby receives three comfort toys and two play mats. A baby Christmas list maintained by the parents solves this.

Grandma holds a smiling baby on her knees while a parent shows her phone, in front of the tree

  1. Parents write down ideas

    What is really needed, clothing sizes, books already at home and one or two more expensive gifts to give together, such as a ride-on toy or balance bike.

  2. They send a single link

    On Listopia, the list is created free of charge, without registration, and is shared by WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail. The relatives have no account to create.

  3. Everyone reserves before buying

    A reserved gift appears as taken to other loved ones, so no one buys the same thing. For a larger gift, someone starts a gift pool and everyone records their contribution; payments are arranged directly between you.

With older siblings, a collaborative list brings every child’s wishes together under one link: the baby’s list, maintained by the parents, sits alongside the older children’s lists.

Fictional example: what the family sees

Christmas for Léon, 14 months old

List maintained by his parents

  • Wooden baby walker

    45 €

    Reserved

  • Stacking toy

    20 €

    Available

  • Balance bike

    90 €

    Gift pool
    60 € pledged by 3 friends or relatives €30 remaining

Gift pool amounts are pledges. Payments are arranged directly between friends and family.

Frequently asked questions

Your baby’s Christmas list, ready to share

Write down suitable ideas and send the link to the family: everyone reserves without duplicates or creating an account.

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