There can be so much pressure put on families at Christmas. From the perfect tree to delicious food and great gifts, it can be easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about - spending time with love ones. Christmas doesn't have to just be about gifts, especially when your little ones are small, so focus on things they will need and don't overdo it. Use our lists, curated by age for practical ideas of what to get your little ones this festive season. And, if you're constantly being asked by relatives what they should buy your little one, why not set up a gift list and direct relatives to buy from the list. That way, there's no double ups and you know you'll get what your baby needs and nothing else.
Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Babies
Stocking Stuffers for 0-6 month old Babies
Babies this age won't know that Christmas is upon them and they still spend a fair bit of time sleeping, so give a gift that's practical or that they will grow into. Babies in this age range grow fast, so buying ahead is a good idea, especially as they'll be teething or starting solids before you know it. It'll also be their first summer, so whilst it's recommended to keep bubs out of the sun as much as possible, it is a good idea to be sun safe, especially if there's an older sibling which means your baby will be out and about with them.
1. Muslin Baby Blanket
This lightweight muslin blanket is ideal for the summer months. Highly breathable and super soft, this baby blanket can be used as a blanket, when out and about in the buggy or even as a playmat.
At 75 x 100cm it's generously sized and can be matched with the rest of the Little Unicorn range which includes muslin swaddles, towels, bibs & more.
2. Cuski Comforter
At approximately 6 months your baby can start to use a breathable comforter for overnight sleeps. We highly recommend Cuski comforters, however there are some beautiful muslin options by Little Unicorn or The Sleep Store as well.
3. Hooded Baby Towel
Make post bathtime snuggles super soft and cosy with The Sleep Store Hooded Baby Towel.
View all Hooded Towels & Facecloths >
4. Board Books
A story together before bed is a strong part of a bedtime routine and it's great bonding for baby and their caregiver. Board books are great for younger babies because of their durability, simple stories and large pictures.
5. Gripdish Combo
Most babies will be starting solids around 6 months of age, so think ahead and give a practical gift that will help in their journey to solids. The Bumkins range is a fun & practical way to start solids, with durable silicone dishware and utensils. The chewtensils make it easy for baby to self-feed with their easy to hold, chunky style and the gripdish will stick to most surfaces to prevent the inevitable plate turnover!
6. Sippy Cup
Along with starting solids, you'll also be introducing bubs to water. A sippy cup is highly recommended for starting water so prevent spills and just getting bubs used to handing and drinking from a straw and cup. For longevity & value for money over time, a transitional cup such as the Morepeas Essential Sipy Cup or the B.Box Transition Value Pack are good options to take your little one from starting water right through to toddlerhood.
7. Teether
By 6 months of age your baby may have one or two teeth and if not, they'll surely be making an appearance soon! Teethers are a great way for baby to gain some relief from sore gums and are a good sensory toy in the meantime.
8. Sunhat
Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun as much as possible due to their sensitive skin. That said, it's so important to get outside for your mental & physical health, that your baby will need a hat to keep the sun off them. We LOVE the Bedhead range of hats. They have a range of styles with excellent coverage, so important in the Australasian sun.
9. Merino Singletsuit
Babies grow so quickly in the first 6 months that you'll feel you're forever upsizing their clothing! So why not gift them a gorgeous NZ merino singletsuit, bodysuit or zipsuit that they can grow into? The Sleep Store Capsule Collection is made from super soft Jersey Merino from New Zealand and it's a lovely light-weight for layering all year round.
Shop the NZ Merino Capsule Collection now >
10. A Playmat
Young babies spend most of their awake time on their backs and as they develop, they'll need space to practice rolling and for tummy time. A playmat provides a dedicated space for baby, especially if they have older siblings and when they are mobile, they can be used as nursery decor. We adore the Crane Baby range of playmats, which are soft & plush. They are hand-quilted, but also machine washable, which is a bonus for spilly babies. Bo & Ko and Kip & Co, also have a good range of playmats.
Stocking Stuffers for 6-12 month old Babies
Your babe will now be much more active and inquisitive with their surroundings. They'll be feeding themselves more independently and will likely be on the move, keeping you on your toes! This is a great time to introduce some bathtime toys and books for a strong bedtime routine. Here's some inspiration for your growing baby.
1. A Cuddly Friend
Now that your baby is a bit older, you can introduce a cuddly friend for play. They can carry their cuddly around with them, in the buggy, when visiting friends or family and more. Depending on the style you choose, they may be able to sleep with it at night too. We adore the Jellycat range of Bunnies & Animals, the Crane Baby Plush Toys and the Cuddle and Kind Range.
2. A Fun Wash Mit
Add some fun to bathtime with a roaring dino, prancing unicorn or sleep owl wash mit!
3. Books
Books will never go out of fashion as a thoughtful gift. Not only do they promote strong bonding, they also help to improve language development through increasing exposure to a wider range of words. They are usually a strong feature in bedtime routines to help little ones wind down at the end of a busy day.
4. Swim Nappy
Whether it be swimming lessons in the pool, a paddling pool in the backyard or splashing about in the shallows at the beach, many little ones love splashing about in the water. And it's great to get them water confident at a young age, especially in New Zealand, where we have such a beachy/outdoor lifestyle. Customers love the designs of the Sassy Pants Swim Nappies, as well as the thick elastic waistbands and leak guards around the leg.
5. Rash Vest
As your baby starts to explore the beach or swims in the pool with their caregiver protect them from the sun, in the UPF50+ rated Nestling Swim Rash Vest. The long sleeve arms ensures their Protect their arms and bodies whilst at the beach or in the pool.
6. Swim Hat
Normal sunhats can be pretty useless once they get wet - think cold, floppy fabric, falling all over the face. But did you know, Bedhead have a range of Swim Hats? Win! These UPF 50+ hats feature a unique anti-flop brim, that won't fall down, even when wet. They're also chlorine resistant and quick drying, and have a wide brim depth. They come in a Bucket Hat and Legionnaire style.
7. Sunscreen
Staying out of the sun is the best protection for your skin, but who wants to stay indoors all day?! Protect your baby's skin with a good quality sunscreen to prevent burning when you're out and on the go. There are organic sunscreens, such as Babu and vegan friendly options such as Skinnies. Look for water-resistant options if you'll be playing in the water.
8. Baby Sunglasses
Protect Baby's eye's from the harsh Australasian sun with a stylish and durable pair of Ro.Sham.Bo.baby shades. The lenses providde 100% UVA/B/C protection and are shatter resistant. They are almost indestructable - flexible, ultra-light & durable, so you don't need to worry about breakages as much as normal sunglasses.
Shop all Ro.Sham.Bo Sunglasses >
9. Bath Toys
Bath toys are great fun in the bath, but can also be used for general water play outside. Top tip - find a toy that's easy to clean and dries well, like these Stacking Boats.
10. Clothing / Sleepwear Upsizes
Babies are still growing quickly at around 12 months, so why not think ahead and upsize their zipsuit or bodysuit? It's no secret we love merino for it's temperature regulating properties, but cotton is is fabulous as well, it's also a highly breathable natural fibre. Singletsuits, bodysuits, Zipsuits and PJ's will always be handy for layering.
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