Life

15 Of The Best Gifts For Babies In 2017 So You Can Make Everyone Smile

by Mishal Ali Zafar

The holidays are right around the corner, and you’ve got to put a check next to every person’s name on your list, including those adorable tiny humans. Shopping for a baby gift can seem like a lot of fun, but can also end up being a little overwhelming. There are so many baby toys and products available, it can get hard to choose, especially when trying to find age-appropriate gifts. But worry not, if you’re looking to make your favorite baby smile this holiday season, here are the best gifts for babies in 2017.

One of the coolest things that baby gear and toy companies have begun to do is offer more transitional products. Sometimes toys and gear are only usable for a short time before ending up in a donation pile, so I always like to look for baby gift items that are useful and fun, but are practical and can last a while too. Who wants to spend a fortune on a newborn gift and turn around when their baby is 6 months old to pay for an upgrade?

So whether you are shopping for a newborn or for an older baby who is learning to play, there are tons of gift options out there. From baby gear to baby toys, here are 15 of the best baby gifts of 2017.

1Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym, $57, Target

Newborns can’t move much, but when you put them down on a musical play mat with colorful toys dangling above them, you can see their eyes light up with wonder and excitement. This is the ultimate play mat. It can be used for tummy time for newborns, and can transition into an enclosed play area for older babies.

It also comes with plush animals, 20 minutes of lights and music, a safe baby mirror, crinkle fabrics, a prop-up pillow, a character bag, and 35 colorful balls that can turn into a ball pit for toddlers.

2Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time & Seated Support Toy

Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time and Seated Support Toy, $30, Toys "R" Us

Before you know it, your newborn will be ready for tummy time, and this is perfect for it. Not only does this supportive, soft, and colorful caterpillar help strengthen baby’s muscles during tummy time, it also has a peek and see mirror and other soft toys to keep baby engaged. The best part? As your baby gets older, the caterpillar can transition into a hugging “C” shaped seat positioner with a seat belt for added support. This is perfect for babies 1 month and older.

3Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker

Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker, $34, Target

From sleep time to play time, this is sure to keep babies happy. This rocker has soothing vibrations, a belt for security, and toys to help keep baby occupied. The coolest part is that when baby gets older, it turns into a rocking chair that will last until their toddler years. And for under $40, it’s the perfect gift for any baby on your list.

4Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome

Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome, $35, Walmart

For parents who are on the go, whether they’re planning a picnic in the park or an afternoon at the beach, this is a wonderful solution to keep baby safe and secure. The dome has a comfy cozy pad for naps, a canopy to keep out the sun and insects, and soft toys to keep baby engaged. For added convenience, the portable dome folds flat and has handles, making it a breeze to transport anywhere you go.

5Tiffany Elsa Peretti Apple Feeding Spoon

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Apple Feeding Spoon, $130, Tiffany

For the classy, sophisticated baby in your life, this is the perfect gift. Not only is it useful (it's a spoon after all), it's made of pure sterling silver and can be engraved, making it a memorable keepsake for your favorite baby. It's a gift that allows them to treasure your love well into adulthood, and possibly pass down through generations.

6Hatch Baby Rest

Hatch Baby Rest Night Light and Sound Machine, $60, Amazon

To help babies have a calming bedtime and waking routine well into their toddler years, this is a terrific solution. It’s a night light and sound machine that can not only help baby fall asleep, but can also gently and slowly wake them up for feedings and diaper changes. The coolest part is that it can be controlled remotely from an app on your phone.

7Bazzle Baby 3-pack Bandana Bib Set

Bazzle Baby 3-pack Bandana Bib Set, $13, Kohl’s

Who says bibs can’t be fashionable? This comes with three different printed bibs with double back closure, moisture proof lining, and a fleece backing for comfort. Best of all, they actually look adorable with any outfit, so you can avoid the mess, but still impress.

8Evenflo ExerSaucer Doorway Jumper

Evenflo ExerSaucer Doorway Jumper, $20, Toys "R" Us

For jumping action that doesn’t take up too much space, this is a perfect gift. It allows you to easily and securely attach it above any doorway, and the bouncy springs and comfy seat allow babies 3 months and up to jump away while providing stimulating playtime and exercise. It is also light, and easy to carry, which makes it perfect for trips to grandma’s house.

9Babyganics Baby-Safe World Essentials Gift Set

Babyganics Baby-Safe World Essentials Gift Set, $25, Toys "R" Us

Feel good about giving with this sweet smelling gift. It comes with everything a baby needs — a chamomile verbena moisturizing daily lotion, foaming baby shampoo and body wash, and baby bubble bath, along with some essentials for mom including a foaming dish and baby bottle soap, toy, table and highchair wipes, and an alcohol-free foaming hand sanitizer. The best part is that all the products are plant-based and baby safe, and come neatly packaged in a reusable fabric storage cube.

10'Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA' Board Book

Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA, $6, Amazon

Jimmy Fallon isn't just your favorite, hilarious, late night TV host, he's also the author of the cutest book for babies — which is sure to get your little one cooing and saying "dada" before you know it. Perfect for a baby's tiny hands, this sturdy board book is full of colorful pictures, and will keep your baby happy and engaged at story time.

11Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush & Teether

Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether, $8, Amazon

Teething babies need something to chomp on, so why not get them the cutest teether around? This training toothbrush is the perfect shape and size for teething babies from 3 months to 12 months old, and has handles for gripping. The best part? It transitions into a training toothbrush, to help keep those teeth clean. It's also dishwasher safe, making it a breeze to sanitize.

12Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo, $78, Amazon

If you want a gift that will be a star attraction, then you can get this. It has a spinning jumper seat that allows baby to get 360 degrees of action with music and sounds, interactive play, and colorful animals all around. Perfect for busy moms who need a safe and secure play environment that will keep their baby occupied and engaged. It even collapses for easy storage and transport. This is made for babies who are able to hold their head up unassisted, but aren't able to climb out of the Jumperoo or walk.

13Himalaya Trading Classic 100-percent Cashmere Baby Blankets

Himalaya Trading Classic Cashmere Baby Blanket, $65, Overstock

Why not add some luxury to your baby gift this year? These are a perfect gift for any baby and will keep them warm and snuggly all winter long. They come with a silk trim, twill weave, and are available in five colors: blue, white, green, yellow, pink, gold, and off-white.

14RaZ Buddy Jolly Pop Pacifiers

Raz Buddy Jolly Pop Pacifier Giraffe, $10, Toys "R" Us

No more losing your binky with the adorable Raz Buddy Jolly Pop Pacifiers. They are pacifiers that come attached to soft and cuddly animals, making it easier (and more fun) for little hands to grasp. These cuties come in different plush characters and can be your baby’s perfect companion, whether they want the RaZ Buddy with JollyPop Pacifier Lamb, or the RaZ Buddy Penguin with Jolly Pop Pacifier.

15Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball

Sassy Developmental Bumpy Ball, $10, Amazon

A perfect toy for any baby on your shopping list, this comes with multiple textures and materials and easy to grasp bumps for the tiniest of hands, promoting tactile sensitivity and motor skills. The vibrant colors and gentle rattle will keep any baby from newborn to 6 months old engaged and happy.

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