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The Tot Gift Guide: Babies 6-12 Months

Around six months of age, babies begin to babble, bat and sit-up. By 12 months, they may be waving, standing and thinking about taking those first steps. To help the 6 – 12 month old baby in your life continue to think, grow and explore – here are 15 gift ideas that we absolutely love.

baby playing with a crochet carrot rattle toy

Summer Land Writer & Author

Wondering what to get that special baby in your life? While we know it’s tempting to go for tiny costumes, sneakers or hats, in reality – babies need things that hit the trifecta: fun, fashionable and most importantly – functional. The milestones a baby hits between 6 and 12 months enable to them to start interacting with the world around them. In an effort to provide as much support and encouragement, we’ve found 15 gift ideas that tick all the right boxes.

Child Development at 6 – 12 months

Stronger vision means a 6 – 12 month old baby is able to do things like recognize faces, reach for toys and track pictures in a book. When a baby begins to recognize faces, they’ll often start showing affection, babbling and understanding what different facial expressions mean. Books are a great gift idea because they help develop a baby’s vocabulary, portray emotions and provide a nice bonding experience.

Stronger neck and back muscles enable babies to master sitting-up, crawling and eventually walking. While babies often hit these milestones in different ways and at different times, there are things you can do to aid and encourage them. Gifts like standing play centers, playmats and walkers can be safe spaces for them to strengthen leg, back and core muscles. Gifts like rattles and teethers are also useful because they can be placed in front or nearby for babies to reach for.

Stronger muscles also means better hand-eye coordination. Providing toys like stackers and sorters are a fun way for babies to learn shapes and colors, while honing their motor skills. When babies learn to do them correctly, it can also build their confidence. Another fun activity is getting a baby to simply clap their hands, wave bye-bye or blow a kiss.

Perhaps the most exciting thing to happen between 6 and 12 months is the introduction of solid food! While some may do baby lead weaning and others purées, all parents should encourage feeding independence and provide non-toxic dinnerware like silicone mats, bamboo bowls and cups that are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Best Toys and Gifts for 6 – 12 months

Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, looking for a ‘just because’ present or need a first birthday gift, here are gift recommendations we know every 6 – 12 month old will love.