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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. There are so many options out there and we can’t just buy them everything (even if we want to!).
With that in mind, we decided to come up with a guide of our favorite books, toys, clothes, and of course, some feeding-related gifts for the 2023 Holiday season! We’re also including gifts for moms or new moms-to-be and stocking stuffers for infants and toddlers.
Table of Contents
Holiday reminder
We also want to acknowledge that times are hard right now and we know that a lot of families are struggling. So 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. Plus, we’ve included lots of ideas in this 2023 Holiday gift guide, at various price points, so choose what works for you at this time.
We’ve included an easy-to-spot ranking system for the price of each item. 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.
Tips for gifting without the mountain of toys
Our favorite tip for staying within a budget, or for those who are sick of the never-ending clutter from toys, is to follow the “want, wear, need, read” strategy. I’m not exactly sure where it started, but this is 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.
Now, some families may feel like that’s not enough…and again, do what works for you! But, honestly, kids (particularly babies and young toddlers) can become 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! So, if you can only afford (or want) to get your baby or toddler a couple of presents this year, don’t stress or feel guilty – that’s just enough for them!
That said, let’s get started shopping for the holidays with our favorite gifts for 2023!
Best gifts for babies
Again, we’re going to show you 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
We love these as a fun option for your baby! 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 (above) is suitable from 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 liek 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!
These are really wonderful subscription play kits. They’re delivered every 2-3 months and are tailored to your baby or toddler based on their age. They also have some wonderful toys available on their site too! For me, this is a want and a need because they aren’t just for playing. They teach your babies and toddlers SO much too, which is why I really feel they’re a must-have. We wanted to provide you with an example of all the things they add to these boxes (because it’s a lot!). We looked at “The Senser Play Kit” for ages 5-6 months, which includes things like a spinning rainbow, magic tissues with a box, play socks, a rainbow ball, and more! They also include a play guide for that age range.
These are quite possibly the softest stuffies ever, that are perfect for cuddling and come in various sizes. With endless character options, you’ll definitely be able to find something they’ll love!
Designed in collaboration with a pediatrician (and one of the only activity centers approved by occupational therapists), this baby activity center supports a “whole body” approach to play and learning. Their unique Discovery Window lets baby see their feet while they play to learn cause and effect – plus – those feet get supported by the platform so there’s no unsafe bouncing action!
We like to opt for teethers like the ones pictured above. The soft, longer shape is perfect to help desensitize your baby’s gag reflex (great for beginning solids). We’ve also got a whole list of other options available in our Amazon shop, so check those out too.
A great idea for developing fine and gross motor skills is a busy board! The one pictured above can be folded up for travel (which we recommend because it’s perfect for keeping them occupied on the go).
Gifts babies need
Everything you need to keep baby’s more important memories and keepsakes organized in one place! From the blanket you covered them in to their first tooth! It includes 50 labels, 9 drawers, 8 vertical files, initials for personalization, envelopes and a birthday survey.
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!
Babies are messy!! There’s no way around it – it’s going to happen. Might as well manage it with a full-coverage bib like this one! It fits up to 3 years old, so it’s perfect for toddlers too, and doubles up as an art smock for any crafty projects you might get into over the Holidays!
This is a great option for your baby just starting solids because these have the best suction of any plate or bowl we’ve tried! And your baby is probably going to play with their bowl, try to move it, try to throw it, so trust us – you need good suction.
Gifts for babies to wear
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.
These are the cutest and warmest little bootie for babies to wear all winter! They come in 6 different colors and are super stylish. Most importantly – baby won’t be able to kick them off their feet!
These thick, ribbed knit pom hats will keep your baby extra warm and cuddly and go great with baby winter clothes. Whether it’s a festive Christmas outing, your little angel will look fabulous in these beautifully designed, unisex winter hats.
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 and makes the perfect gift for inside a Christmas Eve Box* (especially on baby’s first Christmas!).
*This is something Amy, our Marketing Manager does – a special treat, Christmas pajamas, and a book wrapped up to open on Christmas Eve and enjoy as a family!
This set of board books will be a hit with any baby (and toddlers too!). They’re fun to read and have bold images perfect for catching the attention of busy little ones.
Babies love staring at the faces of other babies – trust me, your little one will be fascinated!
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.
Such a sweet option for little ones – it’s never too early to plant the seed that your baby can be whoever they choose and reach whatever goals they set for themselves!
As mentioned previously, books with high contrast (ie. black and white images or patterns) are great for babies. This book is specifically made with that in mind so it’s sure to be a hit with your little one!
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? Well, 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
Amara smoothie melts ($)
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!
Use code LITTLEEATER for 15% off your order!
Pouches are another good choice for a nutritious “treat” for babies. They’ll love them because they’re a pouch, and you’ll love the nutrition available in these Serenity Kids options!
Rice rusks are a classic store-bought option for babies these days. We recommend taking a couple of packages out of the box and putting them right in the stocking.
You can even lightly spread on a bit of sunflower or peanut butter to eat Christmas morning if baby is getting antsy for breakfast and others are still opening their gifts.
Toys or other options
Babies need an open cup for when they’re ready to start solids, and this one fits perfectly in a stocking! The one pictured above is one of our favorites. They’re the perfect size for your baby’s tiny hands (hence the name) and made of food-grade silicone.
Bath toys are always a great option for stocking stuffers. We particularly like how bright and colorful these buckets are, as well as their tiny size for fitting in stockings. Baby can fill them up, dump them, pour them into each other – or just use them to splash around!
What we love about these bath toys particularly is that they have holes for water to drain completely out allowing them to dry and preventing the development of mould over time.
We’ve got a whole list of dietitian and speech language pathologist approved options available in our Amazon shops! We like to opt for teethers like the ones pictured above. The soft, longer shape is perfect to help desensitize your baby’s gag reflex (great for beginning solids).
Best gifts for toddlers
We know that every toddler has different likes and interests. For the 2023 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
The Nugget ($$$$)
This is the gift that every toddler wants, and they don’t even know that they want it! It’s also what every parent wants, and I’ll explain why. The Nugget is a play couch; it provides children with hours and hours of entertainment. Allowing them to exercise both their physical and creative muscles, so to speak. From building forts and castles to slides and towers. Your children will be entertained (without you – see how it’s good for parents too), and they’ll burn some energy – that’s a win-win.
Play Kitchen ($$-$$$)
This is the gift that every toddler wants, and they don’t even know that they want it! It’s also what every parent wants, and I’ll explain why. The Nugget is a play couch; it provides children with hours and hours of entertainment. Allowing them to exercise both their physical and creative muscles, so to speak. From building forts and castles to slides and towers. Your children will be entertained (without you – see how it’s good for parents too), and they’ll burn some energy – that’s a win-win.
Again, they may not know to ask for this, but trust me, it belongs in the want category! I’ve never seen a toddler who isn’t fascinated by toys that mimic regular adult tasks. They just love watching what we do, and doing it themselves!
Now, this could definitely be found at various price points, so it’s up to you as to how much you want to spend. It doesn’t need to be fancy! We’ve put a couple of favorites in our Amazon shop for you to check out below.
Crayons or Coloring Supplies ($)
Lego duplo ($$-$$$)
Lego is a classic gift option for most kids. While your toddler is likely not ready for regular Lego kits, Lego Duplo has slightly larger pieces and comes in kits with their favorite characters. There are lots of options to choose from, pick your toddler’s favorite characters and it’s sure to be a hit!
Gifts toddlers need
Thermos Funtainer ($)
The Thermos Funtainer is one of our favorite water bottles! Easy to clean, spill-proof, and keeps their drink cold. PLUS, they’ll love it because you can get almost any character on it. From Elsa to Paw Patrol to Peppa Pig – we’ve seen so many options! A great gift idea to go with a plate set, or fits perfectly in a stocking as well.
Construction, Dinosaur, or Garden Fairy Plate and Utensil Sets ($)
The Holidays don’t always have to be about toys – choosing a set like this one means that you’re getting something functional that’s useful to have, AND they won’t even realize that because it’s so much fun too! Perfect for bringing some food play into everyday meals with a picky eater.
Kitchen utensils ($)
The Holidays don’t always have to be about toys – choosing a set like this one means that you’re getting something functional that’s useful to have, AND they won’t even realize that because it’s so much fun too! Perfect for bringing some food play into everyday meals with a picky eater.
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
Apron ($)
Gap Pajamas ($)
My favorite place to buy kids’ pajamas! They’re comfy, fit true to size, and come in various licensed designs. With multiple Disney and Marvel options, you’re sure to be able to find something your toddler will be excited about. They also have great Holiday print options for Christmas morning! This is a Holiday tradition for us. My boys love getting these every year, and kind of expect them at this point!
H&M Clothes ($)
My favorite place to buy kids’ pajamas! They’re comfy, fit true to size, and come in various licensed designs. With multiple Disney and Marvel options, you’re sure to be able to find something your toddler will be excited about. They also have great Holiday print options for Christmas morning! This is a Holiday tradition for us. My boys love getting these every year, and kind of expect them at this point!
This is another store that carries a lot of licensed options your kiddos will love! I especially like to grab winter hats and mitts, or underwear and socks from here. The price is right and I could always find my kids’ favorite characters on these when they were younger. Hint: If you have a Paw Patrol loving kiddo – you need to check out their selection!
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.
Bear stays up for Christmas ($)
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.
The wonderful things you will be ($)
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.
