The Best Baby Christmas Gifts, According to Parents
The holiday season is a special time for celebrating traditions old and new, but if it happens to be baby’s first Christmas—well, that calls for pulling out all the stops. Ornament? Check. Photo? Check. Outfit? Check. Baby’s first Christmas gifts? If you’re still working on that list, you’ve come to the right place. As a millennial woman, I’m at the age when many of my friends and family are settling down and having kids, which means I’ve bought many Christmas presents for babies in recent years.
For the record, you don’t need to go overboard on gifts for baby’s first Christmas. While some parents decide to skip gift giving if their little one is teeny-tiny, most people like to include baby in the festivities. “I don’t think they will be too young to know what is going on at Christmas,” says one member of The Bump forum. She adds that although her son is only 8-months-old, “he can distinguish a new toy from an old one. He loves boxes, ribbon, and crinkly paper. I know he won’t understand the meaning behind it all; I know adults who still don’t ‘get’ it. But I do think at almost a year old our babies will pick up on the excitement and be able to participate on Christmas morning.”
Ready to start shopping? From festive threads to seasonal toys and keepsakes, any one of these baby Christmas gifts is sure to be the star on top of this special milestone.
We get it—holiday shopping can feel like a chore. To help you find the perfect gift for baby’s first Christmas, my goal is to do the bulk of the research, so you don’t have to spend hours searching online. Here are the steps we took to create this guide:
- We leveraged our experiences buying Christmas presents for babies in our own lives. To find the best possible options, we combed through countless gifts online and looked for items from leading baby brands as well as small businesses.
- We researched what was being said about baby Christmas gifts in The Bump community and forums to learn what parents gifted their children and their reasoning behind the presents.
- To see how these products have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for when choosing baby’s first Christmas gifts.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Personalized book
A personalized board book makes a sweet first Christmas gift. Martina G., senior editor for The Bump, says, “My best friend had a baby girl in June, and I plan on buying one for her first Christmas. I’ve used Wonderbly before and have always been a fan of their products.” These well-made books feature thick, high-quality paper and charming animal illustrations paired with read-aloud rhymes that count down the days until Christmas. Plus, you can personalize the story with the baby’s name and a custom inscription. Talk about a jolly good gift!
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Age range: 0 to 36 months | Batteries required: No
Teether gift set
This festive teether set by Sophie la Girafe turns the eternally popular giraffe toy into one of the best baby Christmas gifts. It comes in a beautifully presented gift box alongside snug slippers and a seasonal beanie. As Martina says, “Speaking from personal experience, I bought my niece a Sophie teether gift set when she was around the 3-month-mark. She absolutely loved gnawing on the giraffe's long limbs when her gums were sore, and my sister appreciated that the teether was made from natural rubber.”
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Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
First teddy bear
“My go-to gift for this age is any of the ‘my first’ plush toys from GUND,” said Nicole when she was expecting her first child. She likes the entire range, but we think this plush gingerbread house is an ideal baby Christmas gift for boys or girls. The playset features four plush toys, including a rattle, squeaker toy, teddy bear and even a little gingerbread man.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
They’re quality plush toys, affordable and adorable. – Nicole S., pregnant mom
DIY ornament
Keen to start new family traditions? Many families buy a new Christmas ornament each year in honor of their child. And this DIY option, that allows you to make an impression of baby’s hand or footprint, is a great way to start. The kit comes with non-toxic clay, a shaping ring, rolling pin, red and green ribbons and a pin to create the ornament hanging hole. We love a fun arts-and-crafts project!
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
I'm going to start a tradition of buying her a Christmas tree ornament every year. – gollygeeitsamy, The Bump forum member
We have a tradition in our family where kids get a new Christmas ornament each year, so we already bought little one a "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. – snarkylibrarian, The Bump forum member
Bows swaddle
New parents swear by the Swaddle Up—and it’s easy to see why. This clever swaddle keeps baby snug while allowing their arms to rest in a natural “up” position so that they can self-soothe and sleep soundly. The soft, stretchy cotton fabric provides just the right amount of warmth for year-round comfort, and the two-way zipper makes middle-of-the-night diaper changes a breeze. And for the holidays, we love the Cream Bows print—it’s subtle, sweet, and perfectly giftable for the Christmas season.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Holiday teether
Looking for a sweet stocking stuffer for baby’s first Christmas? The Itzy Ritzy Holiday Lovey Plush and Teether Toy is as adorable as it is practical. Each festive friend—choose from Cocoa the Bear, Holly the Pink Reindeer, Jolly the Reindeer or North the Penguin—combines a soft, snuggly plush with a snowflake-shaped teether that’s perfect for soothing sore gums. Crinkly arms and textured ribbons add extra sensory fun, making this lovey a hit with babies and parents alike. Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to tuck into a diaper bag or slip into a holiday gift basket.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Reindeer baby booties
Add a festive touch to baby’s holiday outfit with these Carter’s Reindeer Booties. Soft, cozy and easy to slip on, they’re perfect for tiny toes and a cute compliment to holiday photos. The neutral brown hue and adorable reindeer design make them a picture-perfect gift for your little one. Made from 100% cotton, they keep baby’s feet comfortable all season. Machine-washable for easy care, they’re both practical and festive.
Age range: 0 to 3 months | Batteries required: No
Bath supplies set
This gift set from Honest has everything new parents need for diaper changes and bath time. It comes with diapers, wipes, shampoo, body was, a soothing balm and more. Even if parents were gifted care essentials at their baby shower, it’s still one of the best baby Christmas gifts—these everyday items get used up fast.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
What I didn't get that I really could have used was health care stuff…like a little health kit for baby. Someone gave me a travel pack of baby stuff (shampoo, soap, etc.) which I thought was a great idea because we both have family out of town. – sept9107bride, The Bump forum member
Holiday-themed baby book
As babies grow they’ll begin to explore the world with, often with their mouths! Luckily, this board book is virtually indestructible (the clue’s in the name!). The holiday tale is rip-proof, drool-proof and features bright illustrations that are perfect for the festive season.
Age range: 0-24 months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
[Daughter] slobbers all over it and it doesn't dissolve or make the colors run or fall to pieces! – Hip2Bsquare, The Bump forum member
Baby is still so little we will be getting mostly books and things like rattles. Keeping it simple this year. – dmland17, The Bump forum member
Hooded towel
Wrap your little one in cozy woodland charm with this ultra-soft hooded towel and matching washcloth set from Loulou Lollipop. Crafted from cotton-enriched muslin with a plush terry backing, it’s gentle on delicate skin and perfect for post-bath cuddles. The whimsical forest print adds a festive, wintry touch, making it a sweet and practical gift for the holidays.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
[Baby] got a really nice monogrammed hooded towel that I (and he) love! – Temp13436125005166,The Bump forum member
Christmas pajamas
Pajamas make great Christmas gifts for babies and kids of all ages—and Hanna Andersson is a go-to brand for high-quality, long-lasting PJs. Made from 100% organic cotton, this cozy sleeper features flatlock seams for extra comfort and a two-way zipper for easy changes. The festive Fair Isle Reindeer print—complete with cheerful reindeer and snowflakes—makes it perfect for baby’s first holiday morning (and all the cozy nights leading up to it).
Age range: 0 to 24 months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
Pajamas for Christmas eve (it's a tradition) and a Christmas day outfit. – jacksonsmomma11, The Bump forum member
Sensory pad
Shake Santa’s belly like a bowl full of jelly! This sensory toy boasts multiple textures and has a squishy pad in the center filled with colorful beads that baby can poke and prod. It’s the perfect Christmas toy for gifting under the tree this holiday season.
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries required: No
Baby holiday sweater set
Give baby’s holiday wardrobe an extra dose of cozy cuteness with this Baby Holiday Sweater Set from Hanna Andersson. Made from supersoft combed cotton sweater yarns that won't itch delicate skin, it features four festive patterns made for merry moments. The slim-fit sweater and easy pull-on pants make for a comfortable yet dressed-up look perfect for those family photos.
Age range: 0-3 months to 3 years | Batteries required: No
Stocking gift set
Wrap up baby’s first Christmas with this beautifully personalized stocking book and plush bunny set from Babyblooms. The velvety stocking and cuddly stuffed bunny both feature baby’s name, and the adorable 32-page storybook makes it a forever keepsake. Ready for the tree and the photo-op, this set brings warmth, personalization and a little magic to the season.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: No
Christmas bibs
Keep baby cozy, dry, and oh-so-merry with the Copper Pearl Christmas Classics Bandana Bib Set. This four-pack features adorable holiday prints, crafted with a super-absorbent cotton front and soft fleece backing to festively handle all of baby’s drools and dribbles. Adjustable snaps ensure a comfy fit from newborn through toddlerhood, making these bibs as practical as they are picture-perfect for the holiday season.
Age range: 3 to 36 months | Batteries required: No
Sound machine
Bring a little holiday magic to baby’s bedtime with the Pure Enrichment Sound Sleepers Sound Machine & Star Projector. This cuddly polar bear plush doubles as a sound machine and gentle star projector, playing 10 soothing lullabies and three calming sounds, including white noise and a heartbeat. The soft rotating starlight creates a cozy, calming atmosphere that helps little ones drift off to sleep. With its sweet polar bear design and wintery glow, it’s an especially thoughtful gift for baby’s first holiday season—equal parts soothing and magical.
Age range: 0+ months | Batteries required: Yes, 3 AAA, not included
Crochet teddy
Baby Christmas gifts (the best ones, at least) magically charm infants with their brilliant simplicity. Here’s a prime example: This cheerful crocheted teddy is super-soft and cuddly, not to mention cute—check out those mini holiday overalls!
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: No
Ring stacker
This stacking toy is cute and educational, making it one of the best gifts for baby’s first Christmas. The red and green color scheme is perfect for holiday festivities and each easy to grasp ring is fun to shake and stack. And the curved base can be batted back and forth for even more wibbly-wobbly fun.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
I was thinking of getting a ring stacker and some blocks. – BC&LM, The Bump forum member
Fleece booties
These sweet baby booties are perfect for the holiday season. Made from soft fleece, the shoes will keep teeny toes warm in chilly weather. This pick comes in a range of sizes and designs, including reindeer and Santa styles.
Age range: 6 to 12 months | Batteries required: No
Musical wobbler
This sweet penguin wobbler will rock, spin and “waddle” whenever your kid bats at it. It also has a built-in bell that jingles a baby-pleasing sound. The features are sure to entertain your little one for hours. Hape is a favorite in our household—my boys both received Hape toys for Christmas when they were little and many of those toys are still played with, years later.
Age range: 6+ months | Batteries required: Yes
Surprise gift box
Everyday’s a holiday with this fun toy by Melissa & Doug. Baby can “unwrap” the wooden box to unveil a child-friendly mirror as well as a ball, a teddy bear, a textured crinkle cloth and a soft book. It’s a sweet baby Christmas gift that keeps on giving—plus you’ll save on gift wrap!
Age range: 6 to 12 months | Batteries required: No
Christmas hat
Keep baby cozy and holiday-ready with the Spearmint Love Santa Knit Hat. Soft, stretchy, and topped with a classic pom-pom, it’s perfect for festive photos, holiday outfits, or adding a touch of Christmas cheer to winter days. It also comes in larger sizes, so older siblings can join in the holiday fun too.
Age range: 0 to 36 months | Batteries required: No
Climbing frame
The Piccalio Mini Climber Pikler Triangle is a sturdy, foldable wooden climber designed for babies as young as 6 months to practice pulling up, standing, and cruising. The reversible rockwall and slide adds extra fun, encouraging little ones to explore and develop new skills, perfect for keeping them active during indoor winter days. Made from sustainably sourced birch plywood and New Zealand pine, it’s built to last and supports children up to 132 pounds, with a compact foldable design for easy storage when not in use.
Age range: 6 months to 6 years | Batteries required: No
Christmas bath toys
Bring holiday cheer to baby's bath time with the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Finger Puppets & Squirt Toy Set. This 5-piece set includes finger puppets of Santa, Clarice, Rudolph, Hermey, and the Abominable Snowman, along with squirt toys of Rudolph, Clarice, and Santa. Made from washable plastic, these toys are perfect for interactive play and learning, helping teach counting, colors, and character names. They're great for fun in and out of the bath, making them a fun addition to any holiday gift list.
Age range: 0 to 12 months | Batteries required: No
Festive dress
Looking for a Christmas gift for little girls? Feast your eyes on this festive dress. The layered tulle skirt is decorated with a sprinkle of stars and colorful pom-poms. Top tip: The tulle fabric may not be the softest, so layer the dress over a long-sleeved cotton bodysuit to keep baby comfortable during family photos.
Age range: 1-2 to 5-6 years | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
I got obsessed with this Christmas tree dress for our baby's first christmas! Immediate purchase thanks to tiktok. – Haley V., mom of one
Baby walker
Steady your little walker with this unique push toy. It’s tricked out with colorful blocks and has a sturdy wooden handle that your tot can lean on for support. Plus, the polar-bear design makes it a perfect Christmas gift for babies.
Age range: 12+ months | Batteries required: No
Our community says:
I figured anything to help with walking would be good since that won't be too far behind. Ideas I had were walkers and or a pull-behind puppy. – hudson202, The Bump forum member
Matching jogger set
“My go to gift is the personalized Zara sweatsuit sets—they are so well made and low priced and everyone I gift them to LOVES them,” says mom of two Molly. The matching set includes a round neck sweater with an embroidered motif and comfy joggers with an elasticated waistband.
Age range: 1-3 months to 12-18 months | Batteries required: No
Christmas dimple fidget toy
If there’s one thing kids love, it’s a good fidget toy. A classic simple dimple is a great way for little hands to explore and engage in some sensory play, and this festive option from Itzy Ritzy doubles as a teether, making it a perfect choice for baby’s first fidget.
Age range: 3+ months | Batteries required: No
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a New York-based writer and mom of two little boys. Between her two little boys and her experience buying baby gifts for friends and relatives, she has the pulse on what Christmas gifts are developmentally appropriate and fun! With a background in product development and a practical eye for design and function, Christine focuses on what actually works for parents. She is a regular contributor to The Bump, where she shares honest, experience-backed recommendations to help families choose baby gear with confidence.
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