Your child, grandchild, godchild or godmother is having a birthday, Saint Nicholas will soon be in the country, or Father Christmas is almost at the door. So, it is gift time. How do you ensure the child truly benefits from your present and it doesn’t end up forgotten at the bottom of the toy pile? In this concise gift guide for children, you will find the best gifts for babies under a year and children aged 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Gifts for babies (0–1 year): support development

A baby cannot yet say what they would like to receive from grandma or Saint Nicholas. This freedom of choice seems like a blessing at first, until you find yourself overwhelmed among the bulging shelves of the toy shop. In such cases, a gift that supports a baby’s development is always a great idea.

Play mat or play arch

Place a play mat in the living room and position a play arch or baby gym on top. That’s all a little one needs to spark curiosity and encourage development. Whether lying on their tummy, back, or side, the child will explore the toys, look at them, grab them, and eventually even roll around. The little one will discover the capabilities of their body and progress at an impressive pace.

Teething rings

First teeth are a significant milestone in every child’s development. However, this step often comes with aches and pains. A teething ring or other teething toy can provide relief. Chewing helps soothe discomfort, especially if the teething ring offers a cooling effect. With adorable designs like koalas or avocados, babies instinctively reach for these toys, relieving pain while enhancing hand-eye coordination and jaw development.

Baby books

Books are perfect gifts for any age. Babies enjoy books that crinkle to stimulate their senses, while strong contrasts in black and white or primary colours aid visual development. Don’t wait too long to introduce stories, as they encourage language skills and strengthen the bond between parent and child.

Gifts for 1-year-olds: encourage motor skills and movement

One-year-olds are eager to explore the world. They crawl, take their first steps, and grab anything within reach. Gifts that promote fine motor skills and coordinated movement are perfect for this age group. Plus, you’ll enjoy watching their progress!

Bath toys

Bath time! Some children love splashing around, while others prefer to stay on dry land. Either way, bath toys add fun or provide necessary distraction. Designed to sharpen motor skills, some toys, like an engaging starfish, even double as chewable teethers. Bath toys ensure every bath is an enjoyable experience.

Building blocks

Blocks can captivate a toddler for hours. Building a tower requires perseverance and technique. If it falls—accidentally or on purpose—they’ll simply start over. This process teaches resilience and the connection between cause and effect.

Puzzles

Simple puzzles with a limited number of large pieces are ideal for one-year-olds. These teach problem-solving skills and enhance fine motor development. The child can easily grasp the pieces and see what they’re working towards.

Wobbel board

A Wobbel board is a simple but versatile curved wooden board that stimulates imagination. Whether standing, lying, wobbling, or crawling on it, children find endless ways to use it. Wobbel boards are available in versions suited to different ages.

Climbing frame

For adventurous children, a climbing frame at home is heaven. Climbing and clambering train gross motor skills and physical coordination. Many climbing frames are expandable, growing with the child to provide years of developmental fun.

Gifts for 2-year-olds: nurture imagination and independence

Two-year-olds are delightful bundles of energy. They’re becoming more independent, expressing themselves through language, and fine-tuning their motor skills. Encourage their curiosity and creativity with these thoughtful gifts.

Role-play sets

Two-year-olds love mimicking adults. With a dollhouse, toy kitchen, shop, or workbench, they can recreate familiar scenarios and add their own imaginative twists. Role-play strengthens social development and provides hours of entertainment.

Art and craft supplies

Let their creativity shine with crayons, finger paints, modelling clay, and other craft materials. These tools allow them to explore self-expression, a skill that will serve them well in the future.

Books

Books for toddlers can introduce new situations, encourage social skills, and expand vocabulary. Look for titles with interactive tasks to keep their attention and teach problem-solving.

Gifts for 3-year-olds: teach cooperative play

When you ask a three-year-old what they’d like for their birthday, their answer may surprise you. Listen to their ideas and choose a gift that’s both educational and fun with some guidance.

First board games

At this age, children begin learning to play with others. Simple board games teach them to take turns, cooperate, and handle both wins and losses. These games also develop patience and problem-solving skills.

Advanced art supplies

As their fine motor skills improve, three-year-olds can experiment with more precise tools like brushes, pencils, and markers. These allow for more detailed drawings and open up new creative possibilities.

Gifts for 4-year-olds: challenge the mind

By four, many children are preparing for primary school and benefit from cognitive challenges. Choose gifts that engage their developing brains and sharpen their problem-solving abilities.

Advanced board games

If they’ve outgrown simple board games, introduce more complex ones. These enhance language skills, memory, and concentration while providing hours of fun.

More intricate puzzles and blocks

A four-year-old can handle puzzles with more pieces and intricate designs, requiring higher levels of focus and skill. Similarly, smaller, more diverse building blocks allow for endless construction possibilities.