Ideas to shop around
Directions rather than one particular thing, for when you’d rather choose. Some come with a few that fit.
Baby Stuffers: Teethers, Rattles and Soft Books
First toys for babies who grab, shake and chew. Silicone and cloth items are chosen over hard plastic because they are easier to clean and gentler on gums, and brands like Itzy Ritzy and Sassy are known for baby products.
11 that fit · about $5.99 – $19.99
Maple Teether Made in USAabout $15.19 · amazon.com
Baby Teething Toys Setabout $8.96 · amazon.com
Bright Starts Soothers and Shakers 7 Piece Gift Setabout $19.99 · amazon.com
Eric Carle Very Hungry Caterpillar Soft Bookabout $7.99 · amazon.com
Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set 10 Packabout $17.48 · amazon.com
Itzy Ritzy Linking Teething Ringsabout $7.99 · amazon.com
Silicone Teething Ring Toys, 3 Packabout $5.99 · amazon.com
S&T INC. Aura Crinkle Square Baby Toys, 2 Packabout $8.99 · amazon.com
Soft Baby Book Toy, Touch and Feel Crinkle Bookabout $9.99 · amazon.com
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirrorabout $14.99 · amazon.com
Ease Cubs Muslin Washcloths, 12 Packabout $9.98 · amazon.com
Toddler Play Stuffers
Hands-on play for toddlers: puzzles with chunky knobs, vehicles, bath toys and finger puppets. Melissa & Doug and Green Toys are favored over unbranded sets because they are sturdier and easier to find replacements for.
8 that fit · about $6.49 – $14.92
Baby Stacking Nesting Cupsabout $7.99 · amazon.com
Green Toys Ferry Boat with Mini Carsabout $14.92 · amazon.com
Toddler Bath Toys Stacking Setabout $7.98 · amazon.com
Mini Dinosaur Figuresabout $6.49 · amazon.com
Wooden Peg Puzzle, Sea Creatureabout $7.99 · amazon.com
Melissa & Doug Jungle Friends Jumbo Knob Puzzleabout $9.99 · amazon.com
Soft Plush Finger Puppets, 10 Piece Setabout $8.99 · amazon.com
Little Kids Fubbles No-Spill Bubble Tumblerabout $9.99 · amazon.com
Art and Snack Time Stuffers
Messy-but-manageable art and snack gear: washable crayons, reusable pads and dough for creative play, plus spill-proof snack cups. Each is chosen to make parents' lives easier, not harder.
5 that fit · about $5.88 – $8.95
Crayola Large Washable Crayons 8 Countabout $5.88 · amazon.com
Reusable Sticker Book for Toddlersabout $7.99 · amazon.com
Munchkin Snack Catcherabout $5.99 · amazon.com
Play-Doh Starter Set, 9 Piece Kitabout $7.12 · amazon.com
Melissa & Doug On the Go Water WOW Farmabout $8.95 · amazon.com
Feeding and Care Stuffers
Small practical items for daily routines: catching mess at mealtime and starting good dental habits. They are the kind of everyday supplies parents appreciate more than another toy.
2 that fit · about $7.99 – $9.96
KeaBabies Silicone Bibs, 2 Packabout $9.96 · amazon.com
Practicon FlosSeas Child Dental Care Kitabout $7.99 · amazon.com