Baby gifts under $25
Looking for a great first birthday gift idea that’s inexpensive and will last through baby’s toddler years? Consider basic arts and crafts supplies. Craft papers, washable markers, crayons and—if you’re feeling brave—finger paints can encourage creativity. Coloring tools help strengthen a baby’s grip, and many that are meant for young children are easy to clean off skin, clothes and walls, where baby may decide to create their very first mural. Books are another practical first birthday gift. Picture books and board books are ideal for children at this age, helping to enhance social skills and language development. Still searching for a gift in this price range? Opt for the classics, including wooden blocks, soft rattles, bibs and stuffed animals.
Baby gifts under $50
If you’re prepared to splurge a little more, think about shape sorters. Great for mental stimulation and fostering simple hand-eye coordination, these aptly named toys help baby learn basic shapes and colors. Once they’ve perfected this task, introduce them to a matching game. Similar to shape sorters, matching games encourage mental stimulation by requiring little ones to match shapes, colors or images. Other benefits? Both toys can be played with from a sitting position, which increases baby’s core strength—helping them as they learn to walk and develop other fine motor skills. For young ones already demonstrating an imaginative mind during playtime, opt to gift them with dolls and stuffed animals that are sure to become trusty companions as baby gets older.
Baby gifts under $100
Is baby already standing? Find a first birthday gift in this price range that helps them grow confident and comfortable being completely upright. Push walkers are commonly used for little ones just learning to feel steady on their feet. Not only do they build general strength and coordination, the walkers also come with plenty of extras to hold a short attention span. Blocks, moving gears, music, mirrors and other fun trinkets are just a few of the accessories typically found on these multipurpose toys. A low center of gravity helps soften baby’s fall if they trip, and a broad handle provides a firm grip. If baby is already walking on his or her own, opt for a pull toy instead. Typically shaped like a favorite animal, your little one will love taking charge when pulling this quirky critter through the house. Plus, pull toys often have moving parts in vibrant colors that hold your little one's attention during playtime.
Baby gifts $100 and up
For gift givers going all out on this special day, why not treat baby to the best of the best? A quintessential addition to the nursery or playroom, rocking horses are a staple of many childhoods. Often resembling a well-known land or sea creature, this classic provides a soothing back-and-forth motion that that helps calm little ones down. Increased core strength and balance are two more reasons to let your young one pretend to ride off into the sunset. A similar option that provides hours of playtime is a ride-on toy, which requires the use of feet to push the vehicle along. Enhanced body awareness, muscle tone and coordination are just a few of this toy’s benefits. You might also consider a play kitchen where kids can whip up all of the family’s favorite dishes.
For party-goers still unsure of where to go for first birthday gift ideas, swing by our baby registry page. There you’ll find exactly what parents are requesting for the big day, as well as important FAQs, registry benefits, checklists and other helpful tools. Did your little one just celebrate their first birthday? Show us what they got at the hashtag #CrateKidsStyle.