The Lineup
November 30, 2008, 02:07 PM Best Gift Ideas for Baby's First Christmas By Laura Silsby

 

If you have had a precious new addition join your family this past year, I am sure you are looking forward to lasting memories this first Christmas will bring.   My daughter just turned four and I am amazed at how fast the past few years have flown by.  I urge every new parent I meet to slow down...cherish everyday moments, and celebrate the miracles of your child's "firsts" experiences during those first two years...first smile, first laugh, first steps, first words and many more.    Treasure simple pleasures as you see them afresh through the eyes of your little bundle of joy.  I believe children are a gift from God, to be cherished and loved, sent to bring us pure joy and transform our lives in an irreversibly, wonderful way.  Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for the new little one in your life.  And most of these items are on sale at PersonalShopper.com, making it easy to delight your child and stay within your holiday budget this year. 

If your Baby loves Tummy Time:  She will enjoy playing in the Tiny Love's Activitot Tropic Isle Gym, an award winning versatile baby gym environment that lets her play in supported sitting or For your Active Baby:  Your little guy will love his own baby soft, machine washable Jumbo Go Go Car that helps him sit and drive just like mommy (now 24% off at $60).   If your child has mastered the art of sitting and is a bundle of energy, this soft Dinosaur Ball Pit will provide hours of fun.  On sale for $72, it zips close to contain all the balls when it is time to stop.  The Rainforest Giraffe Ring Stacker is a great gift for under $15 that will help your child conquer hand eye coordination.   

 

For your Baby on the Go:   If she is just learning to walk, the eco-friendly Hopping Bunny Walker by Smart Gear will inspire those first few steps.  For your little explorer, I recommend the Chomp & Clack Alligator Walker by Melissa & Doug ($31.79 at 21% off) or the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon which lets him collect his favorite things as he toddles along.  All these walkers are made of high quality, solid wood for maximum stability and durability. 

 

For your Little Hero:  Inspire his imagination and dreams of being a rescue hero with the  Wonderworld eco-friendly, all wood, Ride-on Fire Engine for $77.59 (26% off) or the Fire Engine walker that holds a set of wooden blocks. 

 

For your Budding ArtistFisher Price's Musical Finger Paint toy lets your child paint her first masterpiece with the stroke of her finger...and no mess.  A great gift under $20!

 

For your little Baby Genius:  You and your little one will both love the vibrant photography and soothing sounds of the Baby Einstein: World Animals DVD.  (This was my daughter's favorite!)   Baby Einstein also has some great books such as Touch and Feel Baby Animals or Van Gogh's World of Color (both 30% off).   The Bilingual Talking Videophone by Chicco is an interactive way to teach them new words while talking on their own little phone.

 

For the Little Musician:  Introduce classical music in a highly engaging way to your little one with Baby Einstein: Baby Beethoven DVD.   You may just hear your little Mozart composing on her Sleep and Play Musical Puppy from her crib. 

 

For the Little Rider: Your little one will love the eco-friendly, colorful, plush Rocking Caterpillar or Rocking Crocodile.  Another great option is the adorable Bella the Elephant rocker for her or Beau the Elephant for him...made by Kidcraft with sturdy wooden rockers and soft velboa fabric.     For the Eco-Conscious Moms and Grandmas out there, PersonalShopper.com has a great selection of the eco-friendly, durable toys made of rubber wood and environmentally friendly materials.  What are some of your ideas on how to celebrate your Baby's 1st Christmas in a memorable way?

 

Coming next:  Gifts to Delight your Preschooler

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By LauraSilsby, 12/10/2008, 1:27 PM EST
Hi cakeberries, dishwasher safe balls is a great idea! I will see if my team can source a toy with that feature in the future.
By LauraSilsby, 12/10/2008, 1:26 PM EST
Hi BBcookie, my favorite thing about the magical finger paints is the fact that they provide loads of creativity without the mess! Much easier on mom :)
By LauraSilsby, 12/10/2008, 1:25 PM EST
Hi NASclark, Thank you for your order  I think your nephew (and his mom) will love the rocking caterpillar. It is so colorful and fun...and given the high quality construction, it will last long enough to be passed on for other siblings or cousins to enjoy.
By LauraSilsby, 12/10/2008, 1:21 PM EST
Hi Momdeb2, I love heirloom gifts that commemorate the special milestone and remind us of that cherished memory for years to come. Other heirloom gifts that were treasured by my kids were a solid wood little rocking chair and doll cradle that their grandma gave them that had been hers as a child. Anyone else have wonderful heirloom gifts they have given or received?
By zingusa, 12/08/2008, 7:47 PM EST
Another great gift for your newborn and yourself, as a new parent is a product called Sounds for Silence. Sounds for Silence is an incredibly successful baby settling program developed by world-renowned pediatrician Dr. Harry Zehnwirth, and has proven to settle 96.8% of irritable babies! The CD features an intriguing mix of everyday ambient noises, paired with womb-like sounds. Give parents a priceless gift this holiday, Silent Nights! Available at soundsforsilence.com
By NASclark, 12/04/2008, 1:47 AM EST
I just ordered the rocking catapiller for my nephew :)
By momdeb2, 12/04/2008, 12:41 AM EST
Isn't it amazing how fast time flies once you become a parent? While the ideas you listed are good ones, you left out an important suggestion, that of heirloom gifts. On the first Christmas we always give something that marks the milestone. Usually an ornament or something personalized. To us its just more practical than a bunch of toys.
By oljoe49, 12/04/2008, 12:25 AM EST
I AM ALWAYS FLABBERGASTED BY THE AMOUNT OF MONEY NEW PARENTS SPEND ON BABIES FIRST BIRTHDAY AND CHRISTMAS. USUALLY THEY ARE CLUELESS AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON. BUT SEVERAL OF THESE DO LOOK LIKE GREAT CHOICES FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO INDULGE THEIR BABIES. THANKS JOE
By cakeberries, 12/04/2008, 12:11 AM EST
I would love to see a ball pit with dishwasher safe balls. But the one listed looks cute
By bbcookie, 12/03/2008, 10:57 PM EST
The magical fingerpaints are wonderful. We were at dinner the other night and saw these in action. What a great invention.
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The Lineup is our blog of lists that cover topics like health, money, career and books. Written by Reader's Digest editors and guest experts, The Lineup will give you great advice you can use in your daily life.


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