Gift suggestions by age group from newborn to toddler, inspired by Montessori toys and principles, designed to support a child's natural curiosity, problem-solving and developmental skills through play.
Newborn - 3 Months
- When choosing a gift, consider a child learns about texture and shape by bringing objects to their mouth. Always check recommended age suitability before purchase. Soft toys shouldn't be kept in a cot with an unsupervised infant under 7 months old.
- For early motor skill development, tummy time encourages a baby to slowly lift their head and briefly glance at objects around them. Their developing eyesight is drawn to black & white or light & dark contrast colours or patterns.
- From 3 months they start rolling from their tummy onto their back, responding to sounds and reaching for a toy if held in front of them. Soft toys that crinkle, squeak or jingle are great for visual and auditory stimulation.
Gift suggestions: tummy time mat, play gym, newborn rattle or squeaker, a squishy ball or fabric book.
Story Time
Books are a fantastic gift for visual stimulation, language development and familiar voice recognition.
Gifts for Play & Development
4-6 Months
- Infants begin to perceive more shades of colour, smile at their reflection in the mirror and recognise familiar faces. Playing games like peek-a-boo teach object permanence, learning you still exist even when they can't see you.
- They learn to grasp objects with both hands, shake them and bring toys to their mouth. A sensory toy with sounds can make a child aware of their hands while a tactile toy introduces different texture.
- From 6 months their tiny teeth start growing through their gums. An ideal time to gift a textured teether for relief and sensory exploration.
Gift suggestions: soft floor mirror, a toy with different textures, objects that make sounds, soft silicone blocks or a teether.
6-12 Months
- From 6 months they grab, shake or drop objects and by 12 months, learn to stack blocks on top of each other. Problem-solving toys like a shape sorter teach cause-and-effect while helping with shape identification.
They make noises that sound like exclamations and enjoy bouncing or dancing. They will start repeating sounds they hear or gestures they see.
- A comforting object like a doll or security blanket are designed to help child develop skills of confidence and transition from dependence to independence.
Gift suggestions: activity centre, stacking tower or blocks, shape sorter, problem-solving toys or a cuddly comforter.
1st Birthday
- In this milestone a child is either crawling or taking steps to walking. They curiously experiment by pushing, pulling or throwing objects around them.
Interactive or creative toys allow a 1-year-old to explore their interests, learn to focus on a task and play together with another person.
The exploration can continue into bath time, where toys can support cognitive skills with a fun splash while bonding with a parent.
Gift suggestions: toys to push, pull and stack on the floor, a walker, art & craft, a musical instrument or bath toys
2-3 Years
- By 24 months, they can scribble on paper, use switches and press buttons. Toys recommended for this age are designed to keep hands busy to stimulate young minds and increase cognitive learning.
- Gifts to encourage pretend play open the opportunity to interact alone, alongside others and spark imagination, developing important social and creative skills.
- Busy toddlers begin to run, jump and actively explore their world. Having a ball for them to reach for and kick back or an outdoor activity can help develop their gross motor skills.
Gift suggestions: puzzles, lego duplo, interactive toys, an outdoor activity, pretend play kitchen, tools or a doll house.
