35 Best Gifts for Babies 2021

If you’re looking for just-a-little-something, these teethers offer a lot in a small package. They’re made of BPA-free silicone, and they have a bumpy texture for babies to feel. Ages 0+

Each of these three cactus plants comes with a base (each with a different facial expression), a mid-section and a flower, and babies can stack and mix and match them however they like. A hidden magnet on the inside of each piece keeps the stacks from falling over. Ages 0+

Give babies an early start on loving their veggies! Not only is this carrot stuffy soft, it has a handy velcro strap to keep it secure. Ages 0+

It’s a boost for baby’s ego and brain, as babies can practice a puzzle that features the letters of their names. Each of the letters is approximately 4″ tall, so it also looks striking on a shelf.

RELATED: The Top Baby Registry Items You Need in 2019

Buy a board book bundle from the Brave + Kind bookshop, and the booksellers there will select a range of both chunky and soft board books and throw in a crocheted rattle or wooden teether. You can choose the size of the bundle: four books ($50), six books ($75) or eight books ($105). Ages 0+

This rattle doesn’t just make noise — it lights up, is covered in different stimulating textures and has a friendly face to stare at. For parents who want to follow along with their baby’s development, it also comes with a guide that lists how babies should be using it as they go from week to week. Ages 0+

RELATED: Best Baby Shower Gifts for Lucky New Moms and Dads

Make bath time extra-adorable with these cute hooded towels, which come in more than two dozen animal designs. Choose something classic like an elephant or lamb, or go for something trendier like a flamingo, fox or unicorn.  

This book comes with 12 pre-formatted letters and writing prompts. Parents fill them out during that precious first year, and then deliver them when the child is all grown — just like a time capsule.

This adorable, unisex elephant bodysuit is made from certified organic cotton, and the design is made with a water-based fabric ink that’s heat-set so it doesn’t run. It comes in five colors and is perfect for future hand-me-downs.

Finally, a soft friend they can play with in the bath! Kids can also use this friendly face as a washcloth as they get older, and it comes in other animals, including a shark, unicorn, hedgehog, frog, lion, elephant and hippo. Ages 0+

Can you find a happy baby? Hint: It’s the one looking back at you. Ages 0+

Turn on this veg, and it’ll play “beetbox” sounds as it rolls around on its own, encouraging little ones to crawl after it. It’s part of Skip Hop’s “farmstand” line of toys, which also includes other fun fruit-and vegetable-shaped developmental toys. Ages 3 months+

This snuggly friend is for babies — but it’s secretly a gift for parents, too. The SNOO bear is a white noise machine inside a stuffed animal. It makes six soothing sounds for 30 or 60 minutes, and then “pays attention” for another three hours and starts the noise up again if the baby starts to fuss. Ages 0+ (not to be placed in cribs until 1 year)

This toy is part of Manhattan Toy’s Wimmer-Ferguson line of baby toys, which feature black-and-white and high-contrast patterns that really grab a baby’s attention. Each side of this cube has some kind of surprise, including ribbons to grab, rattles to shake and a bungee-like elephant trunk. Ages 0+

There’s a reason The Very Hungry Caterpillar remains a favorite, even after 50 years — kids and babies just love Eric Carle’s illustrations. Now, they can take them along with this key toy, which also clips to a stroller for easy access. Ages 0+

A baby’s morning routine can be just like their grown-ups’ this this pretend-play set. It includes a coffee cup that teether, a donut that rattles and a crinkly “newspaper.” Other Fisher-Price pretend sets can match the parents’ interests, like the “Baby Biceps” fitness gift pack (which comes with a baby kettlebell!), an “Eat Dessert First” set with macarons or a Taco Tuesday set with an avocado rattle. Ages 3 months+

If you know the color scheme of the baby’s room and his or her name, you can get a kid-sized easy chair that’ll be a favorite for years to come. The slipcover zips off for easy cleaning.

Moms have been known to buy this set for themselves, because they know it comes with everything they’ll need to get started, including short- and long-sleeve bodysuits, footed and harem pants, kimono bodysuits, kimono tops, baby gowns, swaddle blankets, hooded towels, washcloths, burp cloths, crib sheets and changing pad covers. The set also comes in a rose colors or black-and-white color if you prefer those to solid white.