Hottest Toys & Gifts for Babies for 2017

Ah, babies and the holidays! The photo opportunities are so wonderful, aren’t they? There are the special outfits, “opening” their gifts…come to think of it, what does one get for a baby that may not be old enough to really “play” yet? Parents and well-wishers can still provide some magic with their holiday giving, for babies anywhere from just a few days old to a curious and delighted 18 month-old. From heirloom gifts to toys with play potential even for the wee ones, we’ve got the picks for baby’s first holiday gifts.

Ah, this lovely item is as much a present for the parents as for the babe. The portable soother can attach to a stroller, car seat or door knob and plays music or relaxing ambient sounds, like our all-time favourite, white noise. Perfect for easing baby into a slumber even when they’re out and about. The dimmable light makes it possible to see to creep away without startling the wee babe. Available in sweet animal pal Myla the Monkey. (Available at toysrus.ca; $40)

The clean lines of this wood owl shape sorter look so good we’re loath to put it out of sight at the end of play time – and in our opinion, that equals serious toy points. Baby will be mesmerized by matching the correct brightly coloured shape to the opening and hearing the satisfying clunk as it falls through. The sweet owl face will also be a hit with lads and lasses alike. (Available at well.ca; $31)

This is a cute, unique and whimsical addition to a nursery that will have baby belting out belly laughs. Pull the squirrel down from his leafy home and he’ll climb back up again, accompanied by a lullaby. This goes well with any type of woodland or nature motif in a nursery, plus as they get old enough to play with the toy themselves they’ll discover the crinkly material of the leaf. (Available at Mastermind Toys; $26)

We feel that a music box is a great gift for every babe. There’s something so magical and soothing about letting the melody filter through the room. Plus, this music box is well-made from lovely wood and with a pleasing design, so it’s far more likely to be kept for years than some musical mobiles we have owned that became hopelessly entangled. Added bonus – the sound of that melody will remind you of the sweet baby years forever. (Available at Mastermind Toys; $25)

A good activity centre is a must for any tot’s toy round-up. But we’re looking for something a bit different than the other offerings - and we’ve found it with this nature-inspired centre. The frame looks like a tent and the accessories all have a woodland theme. There’s the friendly plush bear to encourage tummy time, a firefly that lights up, and a musical raccoon to add to the forest of adventure. (Available at Indigo; $110)

This is a luxurious, oversized (more than two feet high!) plush bunny that will make for a wonderful toy to hug and squeeze as the kids grow into the stuffie phase. But what we really love it for are the photo opportunities. Why not take a baby photo with Bashful Bunny every holiday season to mark the amazing growth of your wee one? It will make for a beautiful progression and the kiddos will love looking back on their pics with their plush pal. (Available at well.ca; $125)

Contributions to baby’s library are always thoughtful gifts. This unique addition tells the story of the gifts given to a newborn from all of the Arctic animals. Described as a bedtime poem, it is written by Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk. “Kulu” is an Inuit term of endearment for little ones, and we doubt parents will make it through reading this one with dry eyes. (Available at Indigo; $10)

We love this gorgeous and dreamy blanket from aden + anais, because it's a soft, plush baby blanket that’s great for cuddling, but it also makes for a snuggly surface to lay your little one on at the park, the beach or on the floor. Plus, it comes in tons of beautiful designs. Swoon! (Available at adenandanais.ca; $60)