Fisher-Price Soothe ‘N Snuggle Otter | Source: Fisher-Price

Babies are hard to buy for. Afterall, it’s not like they can make their own wishlists! But newborns deserve awesome gifts, too — as do parents-to-be! While it’s super easy to purchase a pair of PJs (with zippers, not snaps — trust me) and call it a day, think about some alternative gifts for newborns and expecting parents that will provide super fun play experiences for the teeniest babies, while also making life a little easier for exhausted caregivers. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items for infants, from toys and subscription boxes, to high chairs and play gyms. This list includes items that will fit a variety of budgets, from gift toppers to special splurges. Check out our top picks below (in no particular order).


BOHO CHIC 2-IN-1 ROCKER

For parents and caregivers looking to keep their natural home aesthetic free of rainbow color palettes and high-contrast playthings, the minimalist and lightweight Boho Chic 2-in-1 Rocker is — as the name implies — incredibly chic. It easily shifts between a rocking seat and a stationary seat with three recline positions for baby’s comfort. It’s super lightweight and easy to move around the house, ensuring you always have a safe spot to put baby when you need your hands free. Parents and caregivers can literally adjust this with one hand — an important feature that certainly comes in handy. The rocker comes complete with a removable toy arch that has a super soft plush koala doll and a textured wooden leaf rattle so baby will stay entertained and engaged. And best of all, it folds completely flat for easy storage and the removable cover is machine washable. It also comes complete with a newborn inlay to support baby from birth up to 25 pounds.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: TINY LOVE
  • MSRP: $119.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


ESCAR-GLOOOOOW

Have you ever seen a cuter gastropod? Once babies begin to crawl, encourage them to move with this super adorable rolling snail toy. A multi-sensory experience, the snail features balls that pop as it rolls along, plus it has multi-colored LED lights for a rainbow lighting effect. Little ones can push down on the handle to make the balls pop again and again. A great toy for keeping kids engaged and active, it’s also affordable for easy gifting.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 10 MOS+
  • Manufacturer: BATTAT
  • MSRP: $12.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


BUSY BABY SILICONE PLACEMAT

It’s an age-old tale: Put a toy in baby’s hand, and it’s on the floor in the blink of an eye. The Busy Baby silicone placemat is a non-slip placemat designed to keep toys, pacifiers, and accessories in place and off the floor. The mat features a small tray-style area at the top and includes two light grey toy straps that parents can loop through rattles, sensory toys, and more. The straps are designed to withstand tugging and pulling and the placemat features suction cups on the bottom to ensure everything stays neatly in place. Perfect for use on a high chair or at a restaurant, it even comes complete with a travel sleeve. The mat is made from food-grade silicone and comes in 10 different colors.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: BUSY BABY
  • MSRP: $24.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


THE LOOKER PLAY KIT

This kit helps newborns build brain connections with high-contrast images and black-and-white sensory mittens. It also comes with a mobile, a silicone rattle, stroller accessories, a play guide full of development information, and more.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: LOVEVERY
  • MSRP: $80.00

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SWEET SNUGAMONKEY CRADLE ‘N SWING

Let’s be real: Parents deserve a break — after all, babies can get heavy! This dual-motion baby swing provides the perfect place for babies to rest within sight of their parents while also staying relaxed and engaged. The electronic swing sways from side-to-side or front to back and features a variety of soothing music and sounds. Not just for sleep, when baby is awake, the soft toys overhead will engage their visual skills by encouraging eye-tracking. The gentle music will also stimulate their auditory senses. The swing features a super cozy monkey-themed seat pad and a grey, gender-neutral color palette. The plush fabrics are super soft and secure and the seat pad is machine washable for easy cleaning.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


3-IN-1 TUMMY TIME ROLL-A-PILLAR

Honestly, it doesn’t get much cuter than this. Level up tummy time with this adorable caterpillar pal. With three ways to play, the soft caterpillar encourages baby’s development from tummy time to crawling to rolling play. Babies can rest on the rolled-up caterpillar to work on strengthening neck, shoulder and back muscles. They’ll stay engaged thanks to the peek-a-boo mirror, leaf rattle, and owl teether toy. Parents and caregivers can unroll the caterpillar to reveal an attached playmat with soft padded fabric and ribbon tags to explore and crawl on. Then, as babies advance, grownups can roll the caterpillar up again to make an inviting object babies will try to reach for, and as little ones push the caterpillar, it rolls across the floor with sounds and music! This little guy helps babies develop gross motor skills while also teaching the basics of feelings and animals through endearing phrases.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: VTECH
  • MSRP: $29.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


TRANQUIL TURTLE

Soothing babies to sleep is serious business, but it’s getting a little dash of cute with this unassuming, sleepy turtle. The Tranquil Turtle helps calm babies at bedtime (and naptime) by projecting an underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion on the walls and ceiling. Caregivers can choose from two soothing sounds: tranquil melody or ocean waves. The shell itself also illuminates, making this sweet little turtle double as a nightlight, too. The Tranquil Turtle also features a 23-minute timer to ensure complete darkness once little ones fall asleep. Both the volume and the brightness are adjustable, too.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


RAINBOW FABRIC BALL

One of the most classic toys of all time is getting a sensory upgrade: the ball! Haba’s Rainbow Fabric Ball is thoughtfully designed and provides age-appropriate stimulation for baby's development. It features eight colorful fabric sections, each with a different texture, design, and sound; such as rough, smooth, ridges, solids, stripes, rustle, rattle, squeak, and more. Babies will get to feel lots of different types of fabric including velour, mesh, and corduroy.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 6 MOS+
  • Manufacturer: HABA
  • MSRP: $19.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


BABY EINSTEIN 4-IN-1 KICKIN’ TUNES MUSIC & LANGUAGE DISCOVERY GYM

This musical gym features four play modes: laying, sitting, tummy time, and take-along, aging up with baby from birth through 3 years old. It has more than 70 different sounds and more than 25 minutes of music, along with seen detachable toys that caregivers can hang from the toy bar or attach to the mat. The toys each feature different colors and textures, and babies will especially love the self-discovery mirror and the tummy time pillow which helps to elevate baby’s chest.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: KIDS2
  • MSRP: $59.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SOFT SENSORY BALL SET FOR BABIES

Sometimes, simple toys are the best toys. This Soft Sensory Ball Set from Coco Village can help babies ages 6 months and up develop their hand-eye coordination as well as fine and gross motor skills. Each ball features different shapes, colors, and textures. Perfect for gift-giving, the gender neutral set sports a natural, orange and tan color palette. The set includes nine balls made from PVC vinyl that are BPA-free and non-toxic.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


COTTON MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET SET

Swaddle in style. These 100% cotton muslin blankets are perfectly sized for swaddling at 47- by 47-inches. The lightweight and breathable fabric gets softer with every wash, and the modern grey and white color palette is perfect for any baby. Parents and caregivers will love the subtle stars, planet prints, and soft grey styles. The blankets can also double as comfortable, cozy nursing covers.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SOOTHE ‘N SNUGGLE OTTER

This sweet and snuggly baby otter is perfect for soothing babies at bedtime. It features extra soft plush and a unique breathing action that mimics the rhythmic motion of a parent’s breathing to help soothe baby to sleep. It also features a satin tail for tactile stimulation, soft lights, and gentle music. The electronics module is extra quiet to ensure easy sleeping and the music has an auto shut-off timer after 30 minutes. And, a big bonus: Caregivers can remove the electronic module and machine-wash the Otter.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


ERGOBABY CLASSIC HOGWARTS OMNI 360 BABY CARRIER

Accio, the coolest baby carrier of all time. For Potterhead parents, this is the perfect gift to show off some fandom flair while comfortably carrying baby. This incredible all-in-one carrier grows with baby from week one to 48 months (AKA 4 years old — talk about a gift that lasts). Not only does it feature the Harry Potter logo, the Hogwarts houses crest, and an iconic Gryffindor-inspired color palette, but it also allows for customized carrying options, super comfortable lumbar support, and comes with a detachable storage pouch. It’s the perfect baby carrier for current and next-generation Harry Potter fans.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: ERGOBABY
  • MSRP: $179.00

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


MONTESSORI NEWBORN KIT

Parents and caregivers want to set their babies up for success, and Montessori-approved toys are a sure-fire way to make sure little ones are learning while they play, even at just a few weeks old. The Montessori Newborn Kit from Monti Kids includes a beautiful selection of infant toys and parent support materials designed by child development experts. Babies will enjoy a wooden book featuring black and white baby animals, a wooden mirror and card stand with five double-sided black and white cards, a wooden rattle, a silicone teether, and a cotton crochet ball. Everything comes inside a super cute, neutral cotton rope basket, perfect for any nursery. The toys promote concentration, visual tracking, core development, grasp development, an early love of reading, and pre-crawling movements. Perfectly safe for newborns, each toy is completely safety-certified and made with sustainably sourced wood, non-toxic ink, and food-grade silicone.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


COCOON Z HIGH CHAIR

This incredible high chair grows with babies from newborn through to the toddler years. More than just a high chair, Cocoon Z features three recline modes, so parents and caregivers can use it as a lounger, a high chair, and then a dining chair when kiddos are ready to join the grownups at the table. The Cocoon Z has so many features packed in that will make life easy for parents, making it well worth the price tag and a sure-fire hit gift. It’s got three height adjustments, a five-point harness for a snug and secure fit, and 360-degree gliders so that it can be pushed across the floor with minimum effort and zero floor damage. Plus, it includes an easy-to-clean EVA seat, a detachable tray that is dishwasher safe, and it assembles in minutes with no tools or additional parts needed. Available in yellow, gray, pink, and green, each color palette is modern and sleek.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: ORIBEL
  • MSRP: $249

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


CALMING VIBES HEDGEHOG SOOTHER

This chunky, cuddly pal is perfect for families on-the-go. The hedgehog features a sweet face, cozy fabrics, and gentle music and vibrations to keep kids calm while traveling (or even at home). Caregivers can set any of the four music and vibration settings, plus utilize the volume control and the 10-minute timer. The electronic module is removable, making the hedgehog machine washable in case of spills, drops, or other accidents.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


EVI SMART BASSINET

Shopping for new parents who are also techies? The Evi Smart Bassinet from TruBliss is the perfect high-end gift. More than a standard close-to-the-bed sleeper, this bassinet boasts state-of-the-art technology to help calm and put baby back to sleep — afterall, new parents need all the help they can get. It features unique motion, light, and sound features and connects to smart devices including Amazon Alexa and Google Home for hands-free support. The contemporary design is simple and beautiful, with a premium-structured fabric sleeping area and a solid wood base in a walnut finish. It also comes complete with a padded, vinyl-covered foam mattress pad and two ultra-soft, fitted bamboo sheets. There’s even a large storage basket beneath the sleeping area, perfect for storing swaddles, blankets, and anything else parents need within arm’s reach. The bassinet can help lull fussy babies back to sleep with auto-glide side-to-side movements and adjustable speeds, ambient light with brightness control, and calming nature and womb sounds or guitar lullabies and classical music.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: TRUBLISS
  • MSRP: $399.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SENSE & GROW SENSORY TISSUE BOX

Perfect for keeping kids engaged and developing fine motor skills like pulling, sorting, and crinkling, this fuzzy, weighted tissue box comes complete with six cotton crinkly tissues, and six sheer tissues, six tulle tissues, a cotton crinkly tissue, a felt crinkly tissue, and a corduroy crinkly tissue. The box itself is super bright and colorful, and the tissues feature different colors, patterns, and textures. Babies can practice pulling the tissues out while working to improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Best of all, the Sense & Grow Sensory Tissue Box comes with a guide to sensory play that teaches caregivers all about why sensory play is important for babies and toddlers and gives inspiration on how to utilize the toy for maximum impact.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


DELUXE KICK & PLAY PIANO GYM

Whether babies are lying on their backs, practicing those tummy time skills, or learning to sit up, this musical, super bright play gym will keep them busy. This Fisher-Price classic is new and improved and features vibrant colors, baby animals, and lots of musicality. This packed-with-play-value mat features an adjustable toy arch, repositionable and detachable piano toy, four baby animal toys, and a large clip-on mirror. The piano has light-up keys and four different electronic modes and helps introduce babies to colors, shapes, and numbers. And, parents will love that the mat is fully machine washable. It’s even available in two different color palettes: green or pink.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


BABY GUND SLEEPY EYES OWL SOOTHER

Nothing matters more in the early newborn days than everyone getting as much sleep as possible! Help out new parents with this sweet, soothing owl plush pal. The animatronic bird features sleepy eyes and plays soothing sounds and tranquil melodies. It also has gentle lights to help relax baby. Caregivers can customize their baby’s sleep routine with two modes, including 20 minutes of continuous music that shuts off automatically to help babies sleep peacefully in silence.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


LEAF GROW

This little swiveling seat is packed with value. Perfect for newborns, babies can relax and stay safe thanks to the three-point harness and three recline positions. It also features a removable toy bar complete with three neutral-colored plush toys. This seat is free from motors, batteries, cords, and noise, providing an unplugged, soothing experience for little ones. A gift that lasts for years to come, the Leaf Grow transitions from an infant swivel seat to a toddler seat and can safely hold up to 130 pounds. The modern, minimalist design is perfect for any room in the house, and the certified organic insert ensures that only high-quality fabrics come in contact with babies and toddlers.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: NUNA
  • MSRP: $299.95

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


4 PLUSH BABY SOFT RATTLE SET HAND GRAB SENSORY TOYS

True newborn toys are hard to come by, and this one hits every mark for baby and for new parents. This set includes four plush baby rattles, each with a unique animal design. The soft cotton is gentle on baby’s skin and the bright colors help develop eye tracking skills. Babies can also squeeze each rattle for fun sounds. The rattles attach to the outside of the house, or they can be stored inside and taken on the go. Plus, caregivers can throw them right in the wash for easy cleaning.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


BABY WHOOZIT

This sensory toy is perfect for on-the-go and can connect to a stroller, high chair, or play mat. Baby Whoozit is a double-sided toy complete with seven high-contrast arms with many hidden noise makers including rattles, squeakers, and crinkle paper that will perk up little ears. It even features multiple shapes and colors for learning fun. Babies will love the smiling face on one side and a high-contrast pattern on the other. With hidden features to discover, babies can peek under Whoozit’s squeaker nose to reveal a hidden mirror.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


BOHO CHIC LUXE DEVELOPMENTAL GYMINI

Not your average play gym, the Boho Chic Luxe Gymini features a double-padded activity mat that will blend in beautifully with natural home decor. It comes with a standalone wooden arch that’s captivating for little ones in the early days when they’re lying on their backs, and also when they’re in the sitting/crawling stage. The Gymini features an incredibly thoughtful design with 20 different developmental activities. The six included toys can hang from the arch or attach to the mat, or parents and caregivers can remove them and take them on the go. Babies will love the koala hug doll, baby-activated musical sloth, giant rattling kicker leaf, dreamcatcher mirror, and more. When babies are engaged in tummy time, the textured crinkly leaf will keep them stimulated.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 0+
  • Manufacturer: TINY LOVE
  • MSRP: $99.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


MATCH & ROLL SHAPE SORTER

Wooden toys are big with parents and caregivers who are looking for playthings made from sustainable, safe materials, and Melissa & Doug is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to classic toys made from quality materials. This brightly colored wooden shape sorter represents a playful twist on a classic toy. Babies can drop more than a dozen different vibrantly colored wooden shapes through the color-matched holes, then roll the drum along, open the lid, pour out the shapes, and start all over again. An early-learning powerhouse that encourages color and shape recognition, manual dexterity, spatial relations, sorting skills, and problem-solving, this shape sorter is a great skill-builder and developmental toy, not to mention it will look pretty darn cute on display.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SWADDLE AND HEADBAND SET

For new parents, these adorable swaddle and headband sets are the perfect gift for those “welcome baby” hospital photos, or just an at-home Instagram photo session. Made from Posh Peanut’s signature Päpook viscose from bamboo, these moisture-wicking swaddles are breathable, lightweight, stretchy, and extra-large — just look at all that fabric! Parents can also use these 44x44-inch swaddles as stroller blankets, nursing covers, or receiving blankets, and the larger size ensures they will still be in use even as baby grows. And a big bonus: they are machine-washable and dryer-friendly.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


WINKEL

Part rattle, part sensory toy, and part teether, the Winkel is 100% fun. This zany-looking toy features colorful loops that are made from soft, pliable plastic, making it easy for baby to grasp and hold. Caregivers can even pop it in the refrigerator and use it as a soothing teether as babies get older. It’s got a rattle safely encased inside, giving baby that auditory stimulation, too. We love a toy that does it all!

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


SILICONE AVOCADO TEETHER

Avocados are so in right now. This super cute avocado can help soothe the pain of teething. The silicone teether features a soft, textured design that comforts baby’s delicate gums. It also provides stimulus to the lips and tongue to keep baby engaged. Each teether is sized to be easy for baby to grasp and hold, helping develop motor skills. This simple must-have makes a great stocking stuffer.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 3 MOS+
  • Manufacturer: NUBY
  • MSRP: $7.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


ROCK ‘N ROLLER PIANO

Little ones can use the included mallet for melody-making fun as they create their own tunes on this colorful piano. They can also flip to the other side and spin the wheels for more fine motor play.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR WOODEN TRAIN SET

Bring the World of Eric Carle to life with this wooden toy that easily doubles as a beautiful piece of nursery decor. The charmingly detailed train set includes three wooden train cars and colorful blocks and animal-shaped pieces, including a lion, a bear, an elephant, and a caterpillar. Babies and toddlers can stack the pieces onto the train pegs, and practice colors and sorting skills as they get older. The train cars connect together and feature real rolling wheels so kids can pull them along. This classic play toy will help kids with motor skill development and even help encourage them to crawl.

Fast Facts

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


COLORFUL & SENSORY STATION

This activity table comes with seven interactive features, including 1-2-3 buttons, a butterfly book, a light-up piano, a ball drop, and more. Features music, lights, and educational elements to encourage motor skill and sensory development.

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 6 MOS+
  • Manufacturer: BATTAT
  • MSRP: $29.99

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.


NINTENDO GAMEBOY SILICONE TEETHER

‘90s kids, rejoice! Bumkins designed a Gameboy you won’t cringe over when a baby puts it right in their mouth. The Nintendo Gameboy silicone teether is made from flexible silicone that’s perfect for when baby needs some soft pressure on their gums. It provides some teething relief (especially when chilled) while allowing your baby to explore shapes. Meanwhile, you’ll be experiencing some serious nostalgia. Made from 100% food-safe silicone and free of petroleum-based plastics or toxic chemicals, parents and caregivers can safely boil the teether to sterilize it, or wash it in the dishwasher (top rack).

Fast Facts

  • Ages: 3 MOS+
  • Manufacturer: BUMKINS
  • MSRP: $12.95

Buy It Now

The Toy Insider participates in affiliate programs that may generate revenue for the site when a purchase is made through the links below.