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The holiday season is upon us! Either you’re just beginning your shopping, are already done, or maybe you’re the “wait until Christmas Eve to start” kinda person. One thing’s for sure though, deciding what to buy for your kids, especially before they’re able to tell you what they want, is not always easy.
With that in mind, we curated a gift guide of our favorite books, toys, clothes, and of course, some feeding-related gifts for the 2024 Holiday season! We’ve also included more gifts for moms or new moms-to-be – can’t forget about you! Plus, stocking stuffers for infants and toddlers.
Table of Contents
Holiday reminder
We know that times are hard right now and that a lot of families are struggling.
Maybe your Holiday gift budget isn’t what it normally would be…that’s okay! Kids truly appreciate this time of year for the magic and joy of the season.
That said, we tried our best to include many gift ideas at various price points so that you can find something that works for your life and your budget. Or use it to inspire you!
We’ve put an easy-to-spot ranking system for the price of each item right beside what the item is.
One dollar sign ($) means the gift is under $50, two ($$) means it’s between $50 and $100, three ($$$) means it’s between $100 and $200, and finally, four ($$$$) means that it’s over $200.
The best tip for shopping for kids
If you’re trying to put a stop to the endless clutter of toys that takes over your house after the holiday season, or want to keep the budget down this year – this tip is for you!
Follow the “want, wear, need, read” strategy. We don’t know where this started, but here’s the jist….
- Get them something they… want
- Something to… wear
- Something they… need
- And something to… read
That’s it! Four gifts. One thing to cross off every category and call it a day.
Some families may feel like that’s not enough…and again, do what works for you!
We love this for keeping things minimal, granting their wishes, staying within budget, and honestly, kids (particularly babies and young toddlers) are easily overwhelmed by a huge stack of presents.
The noises from the excitement and unwrapping, the visual stimulation of looking at all of those gifts with bows and shiny paper… it’s A LOT!
Babies and toddlers can become easily exhausted by it all, PLUS – the wrapping paper and boxes are what steal the show as the best gifts anyway!
Whether you want to buy more gifts, make homemade advent calendars – or do store-bought – or if you can only afford (or want) to get your little one a couple of presents this year, don’t stress! Every family is unique and you know exactly what works best for yours!
That said, let’s get started shopping for the holidays with our favorite gifts for 2024!
Best gifts for babies
These are just some of our favorite picks for each category of want, need, wear, and read because the possibilities are endless! This should give you some good ideas to fill your list, or at the very least, get you started!
gifts babies want
The Grow with Me swing (above) is suitable for children 0- 5 years old (or a max of 65 lbs.). It’s available in 4 timeless colors that effortlessly compliment your nursery or play haven.
These swings are not just about style; innovation is woven into every stitch. Designed to evolve with your child, this swing adapts, ensuring cherished playtimes throughout their journey, from infancy to exploration.
The High Back indoor swing (right) is suitable for 6 months to 4 years (or max. 55 lbs) and offers a greater level of support for younger babies working on stability.
Choose from 35+ colors, patterns, and rope options that are sure to complement any aesthetic. Enjoy the natural touch of stylishly woven materials, offering captivating design and eco-friendly safety. Creating joyful moments with swings that ensure every second is filled with laughter and care.
Don’t forget to check out their teethers, loveys, and swing accessories while you’re browsing too! They’re perfect if you’d like to stay at a lower price point ($) but love their vibe. The mushroom teether or stacking cups make great stocking stuffers for your little one!
Gifts babies need
If you’re getting ready to start solids, or even if you’ve already started, the Holidays are the perfect time to grab a new high chair for your baby.
We really love this option because it has all the features we look for, plus it grows with your child and can be used up to approximately 200 lbs. It is a bit pricier, but maybe you could get all the grandparents to split it!
Gifts for babies to wear
kyte baby sleepers & sleep sacks ($$)
These are some of the softest sleepers and sleep sacks we’ve ever seen! They’re made of bamboo which makes them perfect for babies with eczema or other sensitivities. Plus, it makes them very breathable so babies can stay warm – but not sweating – all winter long.
The sleep sacks come in various TOG options (this describes the weight and therefore the warmth of the sleep sack). Be sure to check their guide to ensure you’re grabbing the right one based on how warm or cool you keep their nursery at night.
Books for babies to read
We want to first acknowledge that we are by no means experts in what books will help with development, or what themes to look for in kids’ books. These are just some of the books that the parents at My Little Eater enjoy and say are very popular with their littles.
They’re mostly shorter board books that are easy reads with bright, colorful pictures, perfect for the developing minds of little ones.
If you’re looking for expert recommendations on books, here are a few of the accounts we love!
- @hereweeread
- @inclusivestorytime
- @theconsciouskid
- @weetalkers – not specifically a book account, but as pediatric speech-language pathologists, they’ve always got great ideas for books that help with language development.
This is a classic book to have in the collection (whether you like to do Santa gifts or not). It really speaks to the magic and beauty of the Holiday season.
Christmas Eve Gift
The Night Before Christmas makes the perfect gift for inside a Christmas Eve Box (especially on your baby’s first Christmas!).
If you’ve never done one of these before, this is something that our marketing manager, Amy, told us about because she does it for her children. She wraps up a new pair of Holiday pajamas, a sweet treat (for babies and toddlers under 2 a pouch works great!), and a Holiday book to read before bed on Christmas Eve.
Indestructibles are one of the best inventions for babies to date. If you’ve ever had a teething baby chew on a board book you know exactly what we mean. This series is full of great options that are made of special material that won’t rip or tear, is non-toxic, and can even be washed!
This particular option is great for introducing them to different fruits (this actually counts as exposure and helps them get used to various fruits so when they appear on their plate they recognize them). Plus, it has black and white patterns throughout which babies love.
Baby stocking stuffers
We know that stocking stuffers for infants can be tricky because a lot of the traditional gifts are candy or treat-related. And many of those aren’t safe for babies to eat quite yet, plus we recommend avoiding added sugar until at least 2 years of age.
So what’s a parent to do? Check out these amazing ideas for your baby’s first stocking stuffers! We’re starting with our favorite “treat” for baby’s stocking (not really a treat but they’re so yummy they might as well be!).
Food or "treat" options
These Organic Smoothie Melts by Amara are a great option! Amara Yogurt Smoothie Melts have 0g of added sugar and a simple, clean list of whole food ingredients. They are one of our favorites and a top recommendation we give to parents all the time.
Your baby will love the taste, and you can feel good about letting your baby snack on them while opening gifts!
Toys or other options
Best gifts for toddlers
We know that every toddler has different likes and interests. When we updated the 2024 Holiday gift guide, we wanted to provide you with lots of options so that no matter what your toddler is loving these days, you’ll find something for them.
What toddlers want
Again, they may not know to ask for this, but trust me, it belongs in the want category! I’ve never seen a toddler who isn’t fascinated by toys that mimic regular adult tasks. They just love watching what we do, and doing it themselves!
Now, this could definitely be found at various price points, so it’s up to you as to how much you want to spend. It doesn’t need to be fancy! We’ve put a couple of favorites in our Amazon shop for you to check out below.
Gifts toddlers need
Have you heard us say that getting your toddler to help in the kitchen is one of our many recommendations for managing picky eating (or preventing it)? Help them feel excited about joining you to cook by getting them their own mini-set of kitchen utensils!
Gifts for toddlers to wear
Books for your toddler to read
Once again, these are some of the favorites from the My Little Eater family. We tried to pick different subjects and characters to appeal to the various ages and most popular toddler themes. Hopefully, you’ll find something your little reader will enjoy – or it will spark some ideas!
Wonderbly ($)
We love Wonderbly! They have so many options for personalized stories, your kiddo is sure to love being a main character in one of these fun adventures.
Toddler stocking stuffers
If you’re looking for ideas to help round out the endless chocolate and candy cane supply that’s usually taking up space in your child’s stocking, look no further. We’ve got you covered with some practical stocking stuffers for toddlers! We even have some “treat” options that your kiddos can enjoy and you can feel good about too.
Food or “treat” options
nomz Organic Bites ($$)
These are a favorite pre-packaged snack of ours! Well-balanced, with no added sugar so you can feel good about letting your toddler tear into these first thing Christmas morning. They’re so delicious your toddler won’t even realize they aren’t a special holiday “treat”.
Use our coupon code to save 15% on your next purchase. Simply add MYLITTLEEATER15 at checkout to redeem.
Skout bars ($)
These are a favorite pre-packaged snack of ours! Well-balanced, with no added sugar so you can feel good about letting your toddler tear into these first thing Christmas morning. They’re so delicious your toddler won’t even realize they aren’t a special holiday “treat”.
Use our coupon code to save 15% on your next purchase. Simply add MYLITTLEEATER15 at checkout to redeem.
These are some of my favorite bars for toddlers! They’re so delicious and their nutrition is much better than a lot of other options on the market. There are so many flavors to choose from – or sample a few!
Toys and other options
Sticker sheets ($)
Such a simple option but one that is sure to be a hit with any toddler! Go for holiday themed stickers or grab some with their favorite Disney characters, Bluey, Paw Patrol – did we miss any toddler faves?
Bonus – it keeps them busy after opening gifts so you can relax for a minute and catch your breath!
Food Picks ($)
Such a simple option but one that is sure to be a hit with any toddler! Go for these holiday themed stickers where you can create your own character, or, grab some with their favorite Disney characters, Bluey, Paw Patrol – did we miss any toddler faves?
Bonus – it keeps them busy after opening gifts so you can relax for a minute and catch your breath!
Utensils ($)
Socks and Underwear ($)
Are you even a parent if you don’t do this? Tell me my kids aren’t the only ones to get some necessary replacements in their stockings!
There are so many places to grab these, and it’s really probably personal preference, but Gap and H&M have really cute options for young kids, as well as Amazon of course.
Socks (superhero): Amazon CA/Amazon US
Socks (animals): Amazon CA/Amazon US
Underwear (princess/rainbow):
Underwear (trucks/dinos):
Best gift ideas for moms
We all know that moms often end up at the bottom of the priority list. And while I hope that doesn’t happen during holiday seasons, we wanted to make sure we included some great gift ideas for moms – because it can’t always be about the little ones.
If you’re a mom reading this thinking “I wish I’d get gifts like these!”, use the share buttons at the bottom of the page to send a not-so-subtle hint to whoever needs it. You’ll probably find that they’re thankful for the ideas!
Itzy Ritzy Mini Backpack Diaper Bag ($$)
We love the versatility of this bag! The Mini Backpack Diaper Bag by Itzy Ritzy® is the perfect size to grab and go for quick outings or when you only need to bring along the essentials. BUT – don’t let the size fool you because it has eight pockets (four internal and four external) and a matching changing pad. You can still pack diapers and wipes, and have room for all those snacks you can’t leave home without! Plus, it has Itzy Ritzy’s signature rubber feet that protect the bottom of the bag from dirty surfaces or wear and tear.
The mini option is our favorite as a gift because most moms have a big, fits-everything diaper bag, but it’s really not always needed. Especially as your baby gets older, having a cute mini-bag like this allows you to be hands-free without carrying something too cumbersome. Trust us, that’s a necessity when chasing a busy toddler! And it’s stylish enough to double as a purse when the need for a diaper bag passes.
Use code LITTLE15 for 15% off* your first purchase! Don’t forget to shop their other products while you’re there – from pacifiers and teethers to cross-body bags and packing cubes – they have an amazing selection!
Personal Shopping Experience ($$$)
This is a really fun one – get her the gift of a personal shopping experience! Many moms struggle with not feeling like themselves, or with dressing their postpartum bodies. Having the experience of a stylist doing this for them is so much fun and a huge confidence boost! We personally love the team over at Charly Goss Style Inc. and they offer both virtual and in-person options.
24 Hours of Freedom…I Mean Relaxation ($$$-$$$$)
This is a really fun one – get her the gift of a personal shopping experience! Many moms struggle with not feeling like themselves, or with dressing their postpartum bodies. Having the experience of a stylist doing this for them is so much fun and a huge confidence boost! We personally love the team over at Charly Goss Style Inc. and they offer both virtual and in-person options.
Give her the gift of a good night’s sleep, a meal at a restaurant with no kid’s menu (or room service), and maybe even a spa treatment (the ultimate luxury). The main gift here is that you’re recognizing that she needs a break – and that she deserves one. It doesn’t have to be a week-long vacation, just a night at a local, or nearby, hotel. 24 hours kid-free! Let her hit the refresh button and you take care of things at home.
New Robe and Slippers ($-$$)
These are the perfect present for moms to get cozy and feel really pampered with. Great for staying comfy on Christmas morning, or for lounging around on weekends. A must-have for every mom! Your price point will vary depending on where you buy, but we like these Amazon options below.
Kindle ($$)
These are the perfect present for moms to get cozy and feel really pampered with. Great for staying comfy on Christmas morning, or for lounging around on weekends. A must-have for every mom! Your price point will vary depending on where you buy, but we like these Amazon options below.
For the mom that loves to relax with a good book – pair it with their fave bottle of wine (if they drink) and they have all they need for a relaxing night when the kids are in bed.
To show just how well you know them, fill it up with some books by their favorite authors – you get this right and they’ll be floored by how thoughtful this gift is!
Perfect stocking stuffers for moms
This may seem like another difficult task for your partners, but it can actually be pretty simple! Give this list of ideas to your partners and thank us later!
The best stocking stuffers are a mixture of treats you wouldn’t buy yourself (or that you only get this time of year) and things you truly need to have replenished. Partners might need to do some snooping, so start paying attention and taking notes.
- Favorite makeup brands/items (replenish mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, etc.)
- Favorite nail polish color (or a gift certificate for a manicure)
- A face mask or cooling eye mask
- New moisturizer, hand cream, face cream, etc.
- Bath bombs, shower fizzes, or bubble bath
- Custom jewelry (think a necklace that says “mama” or something with their children(s)’ names or birthstones)
- Favorite chocolate
- Favorite bottle of wine
- Wine glass or coffee mug (think #1 mom or something cheeky and very “them”)
That should be enough to get started – don’t leave a mom to fill her own stocking either. Be prepared, Moms deserve to feel special this time of year too!
Best gifts for new moms or soon-to-be moms
Maybe you have a sibling or close friend who recently had a baby. Instead of just showering them with baby gifts, find something special that shows you’re noticing the season of life they’re in now, that you’re there to support them, and that they still matter too. Trust us, they’ll get lots of baby things, but they may not get something that makes them feel seen and special (and that’s where you come in!).
My Little Eater Baby Led Feeding Course ($$)
Feeding is one of those milestones that gives parents a lot of anxiety. That’s why we offer our courses as gifts! Yes, it’s not really traditional but you’re setting them up for success with feeding. This will help them be able to enjoy a really fun milestone with their new baby while feeling confident instead of stressing over it. And what better gift is there than that?
Hello Fresh Subscription ($)
It’s another non-traditional idea, but parents love anything that makes their hectic day-to-day schedule a whole lot easier! If you can gift them a food delivery option for a week or two, so that ready-to-prepare recipes just show up at their door, you’ll be taking a huge load off their shoulders.
Local Cleaning Service ($-$$)
It’s another non-traditional idea, but parents love anything that makes their hectic day-to-day schedule a whole lot easier! If you can gift them a food delivery option for a week or two, so that ready-to-prepare recipes just show up at their door, you’ll be taking a huge load off their shoulders.
I feel like this is a no-brainer for a new parent – the gift of a clean house. No one wants to be worrying about dusting or vacuuming the house when there’s a new baby to snuggle! Get them a coupon or gift voucher, something they can redeem when they’re having a particularly difficult week(s).
Little Z’s Sleep Course ($)
Why not treat a parent in your life to the gift of sleep? Seriously, Becca from Little Z’s Sleep is amazing, and if you know someone struggling with this, she’s wonderful to work with! We suggest making sure they’re the sleep training type before gifting one of her courses, but you know your friends and family best.
Happy Holidays!
That’s all for my 2023 Holiday gift guide! Truly the ultimate guide on Holiday presents for your baby, toddler, and any new parents in your life. Find even more of my top choices in the Best 2023 Holiday Gift Guide section of my Amazon stores.
I also want to take a moment to say that I love giving the gift of experiences! Coupon books of their favorite activities they can cash in anytime, a season pass to the zoo, dance lessons, etc. These aren’t gifts that will take up a lot of space under the tree (or that we can add to a 2023 Holiday gift guide), but they’re just as special and can lead to year-long enjoyment!
Your baby likely won’t remember how many presents were under the tree, even your toddlers won’t pick up on this, but they will remember how much fun they had going to the beach or zoo with you.
Hope you find something for everyone on your list and that this season is filled with holiday cheer for you and your family – Happy Holidays!!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
EDWENA KENNEDY, RD
Founder and lead Registered Pediatric Dietitian at My Little Eater Inc., creator of The Texture Timeline™, and mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eaters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
EDWENA KENNEDY, RD
Founder and lead Registered Pediatric Dietitian at My Little Eater Inc., creator of The Texture Timeline™, and mom of two picky-turned-adventurous eaters.
