Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

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No matter what, Christmas brings with it SO MANY TOYS! You don't have to be a minimalist to want to cut down on the shear amount of toys your children get, so it's not so overwhelming when it's time to find a place for all the new things. Today I will be sharing gifts in the 0-2 age range that aren't toys. I do love imaginative play, but I will be sharing what I got my kids for Christmas later, so you can see what toys I do buy.

If you are wanting your family to stick to a more 'non-toy' list for your kids, be sure and share this post. Maybe they will get the hint 😉

Bath Toys

But I thought you said no toys?! Yes, but they won't be ending up in the toy room, and I tried to pick things that build thinking skills and promote imaginative play.

These adorable animal buckets from Skip Hop are a favorite for both my 11 month old, and my 5 year old. Originally purchased for my baby's first Christmas, last year, they are still in great shape! I hate those toys that get mold and are hard to clean-not these! They've gone outside during the summer, and helped in some sensory projects, and they are still going strong!

I will be doing a full review on these next Monday, but I wanted to give you a sneak peak of what has been a go to for my kids during bath time! These Ringlets can suction just about anywhere, but do especially well in the bathtub. Both my son and 11 month old daughter enjoy making long rings, or watching it suction to the wall of the bathtub. These are also easy to clean, store, and just super fun to play with! I will share a link once these go live on the Timberdoodle website.






My mom gave these magnetic boats to my son about 2 years ago, and they are still being played with today! While definitely more in the 'toy' category, they are nice in that they are also easy to clean! I don't know if you noticed, but none of those squirt toys made the list. I really do not enjoy trying to make sure there's no mold build up, and it's always a sad day when I decide they have squirted their last squirt. The three things I am recommending are things are as much for the mom as they are for the kids!






Before I end the bath category, I want to mention these hooded towels. I bought this elephant one for my Baby girl last year, and they are such good quality, and large enough to last several years! I've bought character hooded towels for my son in the past, but none are this good of quality!







Books

This is often a no-brainer when it comes to non toy gifts for babies and toddlers. So many times, however, books can be a burden for parents to read 100 times or to listen to the annoying sounds they can make.  Books like Go Dogs Go, Cat in the Hat, and other classics are wonderful for any little one, here are more books geared towards babies and toddlers that you wont hate reading to your kids!

These 'That's Not My... Series by Usborne are not just adorable, but are well made. Both of my kids have loved these books as babies, and they make great diaper bag books, to keep little hands busy, but without as much noise. Babies love the touchy-feely aspect of them. My son's favorite was the dinosaur one, and my daughter has loved the princess one.







Normally I wouldn't recommend books with sound, but this book has been a beloved favorite of my little ones. The sounds made are real animal sounds, so for some reason it isn't as annoying as some sound books can be.









I can't say enough good things about this precious book! Well made, beautiful illustrations, and a story that is fun for all ages! My 5 year old still enjoys getting this book out and having me read it. If you get 1 book from my recommendations, let this be the one!









Clothing Gifts
Clothing might start to get boring for older kids, but it is especially fun for the itty bittys! I always get my kids some pajamas, but socks, underwear, and outfits have also been known to appear in their stocking or gifts. Here are some of my favorite pajamas!

These Burts Bees pajamas are soft and perfect for babies and toddlers. Anything that zips up with feet are wonderful for this age and the never ending diaper changes! Be sure to size up with this brand though, as they can be a bit snug. I try to buy big enough for it to last the rest of the winter season.









Other great gifts for babies and toddlers:
Baby Puffs, or other snack item
Sippy Cups (I know there are cons to these style sippy cups. My kids don't use sippy cups for very long, and since they breastfeed, they don't use them often either. This is my favorite style sippy cup, but it can be different for everyone). I think we will be transitioning Baby Girl to this sippy cup:
Tommee Tippee Easiflow 360° Spill-Proof Toddler Cup with Travel Lid, Elephant & Bear, 12+ Months, 8 ounces
Baby girl Bows (last year I gave my 3 week old a 3 month subscription to Little Poppy Co. Bows!)
Chunky Puzzles (linked is my list of favorite puzzles!)

What are your favorite non-toy gifts for babies and toddlers? Watch out for my preschool-elementary aged list!