What could make the holidays more magical than having a new baby? I know when I was a first-time Mom I was so eager to start our family’s holiday traditions right away! Even though the little bundle of joy most likely won’t open a single present on his first Christmas, we still want to play Santa and fill baby’s Christmas stocking. The only question is, with what?
No parent wants to waste money or fill their house with junk, so stick with gifts that are practical. Even if it’s something the baby won’t need for another 6 months, it is still better than buying something useless. Here are my go-to items for filling a baby’s Christmas stocking.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click one of the product links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Toothbrush and baby toothpaste
My big kids always get new toothbrushes in their stocking, so why can’t baby get one too? Even if he doesn’t have any teeth yet, eventually he’ll need this.
Wardrobe basics
Has your dryer eaten most of the baby’s little socks? Need to replace some stained white onesies? Throw them in the stocking! Even some PJs or an outfit in the next size up can be rolled up to fit.
Utensils
Baby spoons, toddler forks, sippie cups, bibs… all things you can never have enough of.
Snacks
We refer to these little puffs as “baby crack” because all our babies have been obsessed with them. Santa knows!
Toys
Keep baby entertained with a couple new infant toys, like these fun little maracas he can shake to his heart’s content.
Pro Tip: Take toys out of the packaging before you put them in the stocking. It will create more space for other gifts and save time on Christmas morning.
Board books
You can always start reading to your baby, no matter how young. Start or add to their book collection with some classic titles.
Pacifiers/Teethers
If your baby is a “binky kid”, you will mysteriously lose about 100 of these a month. Stock up at Christmas so you won’t run out at a most inconvenient time!
Or, if they are out of the sucking stage and on to chewing, go for a great teether.
Christmas Ornament
For my third child’s first Christmas, someone gave us this handprint keepsake ornament. You make a mold of your child’s handprint and then it hardens and you can hang it on your tree. Every year when I pull it out I marvel at how tiny her hand used to be!
Are you also looking for bigger gift ideas for your baby’s first Christmas?
Roundups of my favorite toys for every age can be found here:
6 month old babies have basically one goal in life, and that is to find ALL THE THINGS and put them in their mouths! Chew toys reign supreme with this age bracket (or regular toys, that baby will chew on anyway!).
Little ones are also developing hand-eye coordination so they will be delighted by toys that they are able to manipulate, like a shaking musical toy, which rewards their movement with a pleasant sound.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click one of the product links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These BPA-free, freezer-safe teethers really do stand out from the rest. They have a soft silicone feel to them without being filled with that questionable liquid goo. Each one of the four has a slightly different texture which gives baby some variety (and you will probably notice he’ll choose a favorite). The best part is the clip it comes with so you don’t end up having to pick them up off the floor over and over. A must-have!
Hohner is known for making great musical toys and this set nails it for babies. It includes a baby maraca (rattle), mini rainmaker, tambourine, and cage bell. All designed for babies to be able to grip them easily. When baby shakes, they discover the unique sound each one makes. Lots of fun!
Ask any Mom of a 6 month old what their baby’s favorite toy is, and they’ll answer “ME!” With this cute, drool-proof photo book, babies can stare at pictures of Mom (and other family members) to their heart’s content.
Around 5-6 months old, babies have the head control and upper body strength to sit upright in a jumperoo. This opens up a whole new world to baby whose perspective on the world just went from horizontal to vertical! There are so many great products out there, but this Fisher Price jumperoo gets seriously rave reviews. A baby happily jumping and playing in this contraption = precious minutes of freedom for Mom!
This clutching toy moves and glides like a fidget toy. The brightly colored balls twist and turn to promote tactile development. It is remarkably calming to play with. I had some concerns originally about the paint flaking off when babies bite it, but we have had this for years and it still looks brand new.
This little drum is super easy to hit and will thrill little one when it lights up and plays music in response to their touch. The sounds are addicting and just plain fun. No lie, I have caught myself playing some beats on it when the baby’s not even around.
There is something about this toy that just seems to make it baby’s favorite. It could be the many colors, different textures and panels, crinkling sound, jingle noise, or the many parts for baby to chew on. Just an excellent sensory toy that holds baby’s interest.
These two classics are staples that every baby needs. My infant son plays with them literally every day. He can not crawl by without at least knocking over the stack of rings and dumping the shapes out of the sorter! As he approaches 1 year he’s now starting to put the rings on and fill the bucket of shapes. These brain-boosting toys are deserving of the name “brilliant basics”.
This table is like a magnet for babies and toddlers, it attracts them instantly and sustains their attention! Little ones learn cause and effect by doing various things to elicit a sound (push a button, open and close, spin, slide, and turn the page of the book). It introduces letters, numbers, and shapes and sings 13 fun melodies. A major favorite for 6-18 months.
The interlocking soft tube design of this toy make is super easy for babies to hold and explore with their hands and mouths. Babies can’t get enough of chewing on this, especially when teething. The middle cube makes a gentle rattle sound when shaken.
These nubby balls have a spiky texture, providing little one with a new and different sensory input. They come a bit under-inflated, just perfect for baby to squeeze and chew on. As they get older they will enjoy rolling and throwing them as well.
As babies, all 4 of my kids loved toys that crinkle, and TAGS! This toy has both, plus a squeaker in the middle and a handy ring that you can attach to the car seat or diaper bag. Easy to bring with you on the go, and easy to throw in the washing machine too.
Keep the links on the ring to use as a standalone rattle, or make a chain out of them to link toys to the car seat or high chair. Versatile toy that has gotten tons of use from my babies.
This 6 inch Oball has large holes that are super easy to grib and the structure is flexible while still holding its shape. The real highlight of this toy though is rainstick inside. When the ball is rolling or shaken, the beads cascade down and make a soothing rain-like sound. Even older children will take an interest in this ball.
What are your favorite toys for 6 month old babies?
Looking ahead for baby’s first birthday? Check out the next post in this series, Best Toys for 1 Year Olds
