The Best Toy Gifts for Babies

Sure, babies are probably content to chew on their toes and play with a box, but chances are, you probably want to get that special baby in your life something a little more appropriate to open. Here are some great gift options for babies this holiday season.

You can't go wrong with basic blocks for babies. These multicolored blocks each feature a different sound and offer plenty of fun with textures, colors and even a mirror for babies to stack, sort and examine.

To buy: Habusa, $15

This toy is genius. Not only is your baby able to play safely within the confines of the activity center, but the balls don't roll away!

To buy: Amazon, $65

Not only is this bib super cute, but it's made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a BPA-free silicone chew built in for teething babies.

To buy: Amazon, $15

We're not saying those desperate new parents in your life need this baby shusher, but we are just saying they might not hate it either.

To buy: Buy Buy Baby, $50

The new and improved Sophie the Giraffe, designed and made in Paris, is tres chic—and won't mind a bit when your baby slobbers all over her.

To buy: Sophie the Giraffe, $25

Made in the USA, these wooden blocks will help your little one learn her ABCs in a very stylish way.

To buy: Horne, $72

From car rides to animal songs, from Halloween tunes to Christmas Carols, babies can listen to the catchy tunes as they learn words and characters. Filled with colorful illustrations, the songbooks are sure to get babies hooked on jingles as they work to utter their first words.

To buy: Amazon, $19

Any baby is going to make a beeline for the Christmas tree anyway, so why not send a gift that incorporates both the baby and the tree? These laser-cut ornaments are customized with names and make the perfect holiday gift—providing the recipient hangs it out of reach, of course.

To buy: Ever Laser, $12

Um, you might just want to keep those cozy booties for yourself. Hand-cobbled and made of warm wool, these reindeer booties will make their first step even more adorable, if that's possible.

To buy: Etsy, $45

This pull-along elephant lets babies take their BFF along for the ride. The little character has a squeaker in his tummy, and the elephant has crinkle ears, a signature Dolce teether and squeaky flower in his pocket. And the removable elephant is perfect for taking out for playtime or cuddles.

To buy: Amazon, $25

OK, so this gift would have to be for babies veering into the toddler stage, but it's just irresistibly charming for a playroom gift. One side is the ultimate diner booth, while the other side is a stocked kitchen, complete with a coffee maker, stove and, of course, a milkshake maker. Can you imagine the look on your child's face when they open this? Greatest mom/aunt ever alert!

To buy: Melissa & Doug, $200

Turtles are, hands down, the coolest creature in town, and any baby on the block will love exploring this toy that doubles as a ball pit. And even better? It's plush and zips up when not in use.

To buy: Melissa & Doug, $80

Classic gifts are classics for a reason—they stand the test of time. For around 10 bucks, you can't beat this gift, and because it's wooden, it's fine for babies to chew on, too!

To buy: Amazon, $11

It doesn't make sense, but babies love to play with real household items, like the vacuum and broom, so you might as well put them to work with their very own set. Time to get that house sparkling!

To buy: Amazon, $25

Ice cream cones that won't melt all over? That's definitely something to scream about. These hand-crocheted baby rattles are eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, so they will hold up as your baby grows.

To buy: Rose and Rex, $34

Affordable, adorable and perfect for babies and tots, this ride-on toy is one of the season's hottest gifts, according to Amazon's Holiday Gift Guide.

To buy: Amazon, $35

Make music with this gift, which also features a slide-out xylophone and wooden hammer for tapping.

To buy: Amazon, $25

Babies 12 months and up can pretend to feed the animals while becoming more familiar with color and shape recognition. The sorting box comes with eight colorful wooden shapes.

To buy: Haba, $34

This best-selling walker is designed for babies 9 months and up who are learning to stand on their own, but it will also keep younger babies entertained and engaged with tons of fun buttons, songs and lights that they can access from the floor, too. Then, when they're ready to roll, it's on to the walker for some across-the-floor action!

To buy: Amazon, $27