When you’re buying for a baby it’s difficult striking that balance between wanting to spoil them and appreciating they don’t really know what’s going on, so we decided that we wouldn’t go mad this year. What would be the point in spoiling someone who’s happiest when he’s chewing on a label or fiddling with the radiator dial (a less than ideal toy but they draw him in from meters away!)? Well… we tried but we had an epic failure at not going crazy. So, in case you find yourself in the same position, here are my top picks for gifts for 6-12 month olds.
Bubble Machine
Going to Baby Sensory classes may have left us both with sensory overload but we did learn that babies love bubbles. There really is nothing cuter than watching them completely overcome with awe as the bubbles fill the room and they try to touch them. It’s downright adorable. We went for the tried and tested Freddy the Fish Bubble Machine from ELC and have plans to relegate it to the bathroom until warmer weather appears purely for mine and my furniture’s survival.
My First Gadget Set
I hate to stereotype, especially when they’re so young and unassuming BUT… every baby I’ve ever met seems to have a fascination with things they shouldn’t be playing with. Keys? Phones? Remotes? Anything you cherish, they want. And nine times out of ten it goes straight in the mouth. This gadget set from Boots contains all three. Yes, we could just find old remotes, keys and phones to give them but it wouldn’t be the same. Especially if you’re not the parent. Then it would just seem a little… odd.
Stacking Cups
It’s just THE THING. They’re noisy drums, tall towers, sand diggers, water throwers and building blocks all rolled in to one small package. There’s a reason that they’re so popular. Get the child some stacking cups like these ones from Mothercare and be done.
Sensory Ball Pit
I too would once have been skeptical of the ball pit. What can it possibly offer my child? But the truth is, we’ve attended classes with one of these set up and he loves it every time. Whether it’s because he can happily chomp away on the balls to his hearts content or fall/slump into them, I don’t know. Either way, this ELC sensory ball pit is a winner!
Oops! Let’s Dance Maracas
They’re noisy with the right level of noise. By now, baby should be learning to shake things rather than just eat them (although these do look delicious) so they’ll love the noise response they get with these! There are plenty of maracas on the market; JoJo Maman Bébé have my favourites due to their cute and timeless styling.
What are your must-have toys for this age group?
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