Christmas shopping is one of those tasks that leave us mixed with emotion, wanting to get just the right gift for each person on the list, yet not wanting to break the bank. If you have baby girls on your list, then you may be feeling like falling into the same old baby doll trap. But, here are seven ideas for the baby girls on your list that don’t include dolls.
Gender Neutral Gifts
If you really don’t know the child that well, this is your safest gift option. Gender neutral gifts such as books, blocks, and snuggly stuffed bears are a good way to meet your gift giving obligations without purchasing something that may not mesh with the child’s personality.
Athletic Options
Contrary to the old saying, not all girls are dressed in pink and want to play house. Depending on the age of the baby this may be more difficult than some other gift options. Consider a year membership to Gymboree or some type of organization that works on the child’s motor skills and then wrap a sporty little outfit in the box with the gift certificate.
Stretch Their Brain
It’s never too early to stimulate a child’s brain. Check into one of the many learning toys on the market. There are toys for all ages that will stimulate brain growth and aid in their development.
Homemade
Baby’s may be too young to truly understand the sentiment behind homemade gifts, but if you give a baby a one of a kind homemade stuffed animal, or cozy blanket, they will find the sentiment in it all on their own. For most of us some of our fondest childhood snuggle friends and memories were simple homemade gifts that we drug around for decades.
Movement Toys
Once a baby becomes mobile there is no stopping them. Consider some type of walker or push toy that helps the child in their physical development. Just remember they don’t walk for long before they are running and you are trying to keep up with them.
Creative Outlets
Children are never too young to learn how to create things. Again, be conscious of age appropriate safety limitations, but think about getting the child one of the many age appropriate arts and crafts kit toys on the market. This could be something as simple as a fasteners blanket that teaches them how to tie shoestrings, and button buttons, to something more advanced like coloring books and washable crayons. Avoid the scented crayons for younger age groups however, since they will not have a sense of food versus smells like food.
Entertainment
Consider getting the child one of their favorite movies, or books. Reading to your child at an early age helps stimulate their minds ability to form sounds and read. Some shows meant for toddler age children such as “Baby Einstein” are great gifts that engage young children in music, reading, and adventure entertaining them while they learn from a very early age.
The most important thing to remember when buying a gift for a baby girl is to keep in mind the child’s age, and possible interests so that you can give them a gift that is not only safe for them to handle, but something they will cherish for years to come.
