Below is a list of great toys or a few "items" that would make great gifts for friends who just had a baby:
1. Lamaze Discovery Shapes Activity Puzzle: This toy is great because it grows with them. One side is black, white and red for the newborn because apparently those are the only colours the baby can see, and the other side is brightly coloured images for when the baby is older. I would put this on Frankie's change table on the black/white/red side for Frankie to look at while I was changing him and also I put it in the crib while he was "hanging" out in there (supervised of course) when I was trying to get him used to being in the crib before transitioning him from bassinet to the crib. He could not take his eyes off of this!! Where to Buy: Mastermind, Toys R Us, Lil Niblets $25
2. Infantino Activity Triangle: This toy is great for all ages, when they are really little and you want them to spend more time on their tummies strengthening their neck, put this infront of them and they will try to lift their head up to see all the shapes and bright colours (they will love the mirror). When they are older and sitting, put this infront of them and they will just spend a ton of time flipping it over and over as each side is different. Where to Buy: Toys R Us $15
3. 3 Spouts Organic Toy Bin and Storage Box: Here is a great gift that you can give to a friend and fill with a bunch of toys. These bins are absolutely wonderful and there are tons of cute animals to choose from. I got two of these bins as gifts, I was going to return one of them, but they are so great I kept both! The storage boxes are brand new, they are also great for small spaces and you can do the same as the bin and fill it with toys to give as a gift. Where to Buy: Lil Niblets or Pistachio - Bin $38, Box $28
4. Playskool Busy Poppin Toys: This is one of Frankie's favoite toys. I swear this is the toy that got him to crawl (well slither). All my friends would take their Blackberry and put it at the other end of the room as incentive for their child to craw which worked great for them, but I tried that trick and it didnt work. I used this toy and he eventually was able to slither to it. Most kids gravitate to this toy when they are over. Plus, I think it helps them learn about cause and effect. This is another toy that grows with them. You have to turn the knobs and push the buttons at the beginning, but eventually they will learn how to do it themselves. Where to Buy: Toys R Us $15
5. K's Kids Hungry Pelican: This is a great gift for when the child can sit. I recently pulled this out of my toy storage (another wonderful toy my sister gave me) and tied it to the outside bar of Frankies crib. Every morning I sit him infront of it and he pulls out all the toys from the pelicans belly and I am now trying to teach him how to put each toy into the pelican's mouth and he watches it fall back into it's belly. Where to Buy: Mastermind $35
6. Heartifacts: This is not your average gift, but it is one of a kind and will never be forgotten. The artist, Carrie Fisher makes these from scratch and fully customizes them from the colour (which she can match to the child's room) to the image that is on it and then she puts the child's name on it and frames them. The Heartifact is truly an amazing gift for a great friend . Where to Buy: http://www.carriefishergallery.com/heartifacts.html $90
7. You Name It Baby Door Plaque: I had spent months trying to find something cute for Frankie's door, but I couldnt find anything masculine enough and then I stumbled upon the 'You Name it Baby' plaque. I chose from a large selection of designs and had Frankie's name put on it. I instantly fell inlove with the final product when it arrived. I think this would make such a wonderful gift and it is very reasonably priced. Where to Buy: You Name it Baby Store or Online http://www.younameitbaby.com/catalog/artwork/door-plaque/ $50
8. Eric Carle Attachable Activity Catepillar with Music and Sound: This is really nothing special, but for some reason Frankie loved it. I think it had something to do with the spinning ball in the middle and the different textures and noises it made when touching it. This catepillar came with us everywhere! I attached it to the car seat handle when in the car or when we were out and to the stroller bar. He just loved to play with all the different parts of it. Where to Buy: Masterminds $24
10. Tiny Love Take Along Mobile: I can actually say this is one thing I don't have, but I saw a few friends with it and wished I had it. At the time, only one store was carrying it and it was WAY to much of a mission to go to (because the store was so far), so I just envied all who had it. I went to register with my sister-in-law the other day and saw that Lil' Niblets was carrying it and made her register for it. What a brilliant idea! Where to Buy: Lil Niblets $40
If you have any feedback on any of the toys you see here, please feel free to comment below
I hope this helps
T.
xo
