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Here in Minnesota, December is at the very beginning of a long winter. Every year I struggle to fathom how in the world we're going to get through it with our sanity intact. To help, I give gifts that reflect my baby's upcoming developmental stages. I want something they can appreciate at their current age but that will help them grow through the winter.
This post contains affiliate links.
I created this list by month but you could look at it as groups of 3 months. You could get your baby the gift for their month or the next two months. They will be able to enjoy it a little at the moment and a lot in the future. Whatever it takes to survive those dark January days!
One month Your baby is learning about their world. Their eyesight is developing and high-contrast cards are a great gift. My Positive Affirmation High Contrast cards are perfect for your baby and you.
Two months Your baby will start reaching and grabbing around two months old. A baby gym is a great way to give them something to work on grabbing. Babies still love high contrast at this age so snag some of the repositionable clips and attach the high contrast cards to the baby gym. Then you'll really have time for a shower.
Three months While four months is the earliest your baby may get teeth one thing is guaranteed: those salivary glands are working! Stock up on sensory teething toys to keep your curious--and drooling-- baby entertained.
Four months By now your baby is working on sitting up. An activity cube is a great way to encourage them to sit and keep them entertained. Fun fact: my 3-year-old still loves activity cubes.
Five months At this age your baby's eyesight has developed enough that they can see far distances and they will want to start watching the world around them. Inward facing carriers may frustrate them. I recommend the Omni-360 baby carrier. It's perfect for carrying your baby while you do chores or for snowy hikes.
Six months A ball pit is an ideal gift for this age. It keeps them happy. It keeps them contained. What more can you ask for? Fill it with plastic balls, or soft balls or rotate through various sensory items.
Seven months If your baby isn't crawling yet they're likely showing interest. A sensory tunnel is the perfect gift to spark their interest. Bonus: big siblings love it too!
Eight months By this stage, your baby has likely figured out how to clap and may have discovered the joyful sound of a spoon-on-table combo. Encourage their musical talent with a set of musical instruments. Instruments are a great way to help your baby learn cause-and-effect.
Nine months Your baby might not be walking on their own yet but they're getting close. I love this push walker because babies can play with it while they sitting and push it when they're ready to walk.
Ten months At this age your baby is probably excited to stand. A sensory table is a perfect way to encourage them to stand and to support their tactile curiosity. When they get older add some chairs and make it a craft table.
Eleven months Do babies climb before they walk? Yup! They sure do. A pikler triangle is perfect for this age-- and many, many years to come.
One year A balance bike would be a great gift at any point during your baby's first year. I love this bike because the double wheels will help your baby balance. Babies who aren't walking yet can still ride this bike! It's a wonderful way to encourage their gross motor development.
The good news is that no matter what you get your baby they won't remember. So go for whatever brings you joy. Leave a comment and let me know what you decide to get! Cheers,
