Between my own nephews and nieces and all of my friends’ babies, I have bought so many baby gifts over the last decade or so. Like many areas of my life, I approach baby gift buying quite simply. When the babies started coming, I thought carefully about what my favourite items were, and then I basically resorted to buying them in bulk. Honestly. Today I’m sharing with you some of my signature baby gift items; they seem to be well-received by babies and parents alike.
Jellycat stuffed animals are the softest, and the faces are super sweet. I tend to buy a lamb or a bunny, but lately I’ve picked up the giraffe, and I just love it. There are so many good chewing options for babies…ribbons, tails, arms…awesome! I’ve got my eye on the unicorn and owl, too. I do tend to stay away from the bear…it’s just a bit too classic for my taste.
I always buy books for babies and kids. Reading is one of the single most important things that people can do for and with kids, in my opinion, and I do my part to encourage it! My all-time favourite book for babies/toddlers/kids is Each Peach Pear Plum. This was my favourite book as a young kid, and it gives the reader so much to look at and learn!
Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
I also buy just about any Dr. Seuss book, but Green Eggs and Ham remains my all-time favourite.
For one-year olds, I often buy One by Kathryn Otoshi. It’s a beautiful book with sweet, simple watercolour artwork.
Now that my friends’ babies are turning two, I’ve started buying Two by Kathryn Otoshi in bulk. Why ruin a good thing, right? 
I also find Press Here by Herve Tullet to be an exceptionally fun book and any kid that I have given it to seems to have really enjoyed it (two others in the collection are Mix it Up! and Let’s Play). For Christmas, I sent my nephews and niece a bunch of Laura Ljungkivst’s Follow the Line books, and they seem to have liked them quite a bit. I’m also always on the lookout for Barbapapa books (in French, English, or Italian) for my nephews and niece; I love the creativity of these stories.
Do you have signature gifts for babies, toddlers, kids, or others? Do tell!
Update:
My kids have loved the Each Peach Pear Plum book to the point that it’s falling apart. Thank you for all your well thought out gifts. Xo
I have to send over a replacement for baby #3!
I feel like I am surrounded by boys – Everyone around me who has had a little one has had a boy! I always buy The Little Prince. It’s a story I read to my Little Prince and both he and I love it. Another favourite gift I give to new moms is a wicker laundry basket with bath products for both babe and mama, soft towels and baby footie pj’s and lots of little things that I remember loving when my boys were little (like gripe water, what a lifesaver!)
So very timely, Jordana! My nephew turns 1 this weekend and yes, there will be a party! I plan on keeping your faves in mind. Thanks!