A baby's birth and christening are occasions when we want to give something special, yet practical. A toy is one of the most popular gifts – as long as it suits the baby's age. Here is what to choose and what to look out for.
How to choose a gift for a baby
Before you decide on a specific toy, ask yourself a few questions:
- How old is the baby? For a birth, toys suitable from 0 months are best. A christening often takes place a few months after birth, so you can choose something for a slightly older baby.
- Is the toy safe? Look for CE marking, age information and sturdy construction without small detachable parts.
- Do the parents already have it? If possible, ask what is still missing. This helps avoid duplicate gifts.
- Will the gift be used? The most appreciated items are those used every day – at home, on walks and when travelling.
Gift ideas for a new baby
A sensory cuddly toy
A soft cuddly toy is a classic newborn gift. The Bunny sensory cuddly toy is 35 cm tall, in pastel colours, with protruding tags and soft corduroy arms. A more colourful option is the 35 cm Lion sensory cuddly toy with a variety of textures – soft plush, corduroy details and colourful tags. Remember that cuddly toys are for supervised play – a baby's sleeping space should be free of soft toys.
A musical toy
A musical toy is a gift that parents often use during the evening wind-down. The Hedgehog sensory musical toy combines soft plush, different textures, colourful details and plastic rings with a gentle tune. You will find more ideas in our cuddly and musical toys category.
A small rattle as an extra
If you are looking for a small gift or an add-on to a bigger present, a light rattle works well. The plush Monkey rattle has a cheerful face, bright colours and different textures, measures 11.5 × 6 cm and weighs 12 g – easy to take along in the pram or a bag.
Christening gift ideas
A christening often takes place when the baby is already a few weeks or months old. By then, babies observe their surroundings more closely and usually start to show interest in toys they can look at, touch and eventually grasp.
A sensory cube
A multi-activity cube is a gift that usually stays with a child for a long time. The Montessori sensory cube with a mirror and zip offers a different activity on each side: teethers, a mirror, a zip, crinkly elements, dangling parts and colourful patterns. It can go in the pram, cot, on a play mat or in the car.
A sensory book
A soft book is a gift for the whole baby stage – first for looking, then for "reading" together. The My First Book sensory book has colourful illustrations, high-contrast elements, varied textures and crinkly parts. See our other sensory books too.
A gift "for later"
If you want your present to last longer, you can add something that will be useful once the child is older. Our wooden toys category has ideas for older little ones – before buying, check the recommended age on the product page and let the parents know from what age the toy is intended.
A set instead of a single toy
Putting together a small set is a great idea: a cuddly toy, a rattle and a book, or a musical toy with a pram hanging toy. Such a gift gives parents several things they can use right away. Find ready-made inspiration in our gift sets category, and more toys for the youngest in Montessori for babies.
At Plushyk you get 10% off when you buy 3 toys, so a set you put together yourself can work out cheaper.
A gift from godparents, grandparents or friends
What to choose often depends on your role in the family. A few suggestions:
- Godparents – often combine a keepsake with something practical. Alongside a traditional gift, a toy the baby can use in the coming months works well, such as a sensory cube or a book.
- Grandparents – may consider a bigger set that completes the baby essentials: a cuddly toy, a musical toy and a pram hanging toy.
- Friends and extended family – a small but thoughtful gift, such as a rattle or a soft book, is usually just as welcome as a big present.
Whatever you choose, add a short card with your wishes. Years later, it can be as precious a keepsake for the family as the gift itself. If you are buying together with other guests, agree beforehand who brings what – so the baby receives several different, useful things instead of several similar toys.
What to watch out for when choosing a gift
- choose toys with CE marking and clear age information,
- avoid small parts that could come off,
- check whether the toy is easy to keep clean,
- if the gift has a strap or ribbon, it should be firmly sewn on and designed for safe attachment,
- include the shop details with the gift – useful if the parents want to use the 14-day return right.
It is also worth reminding parents of the basics: toys should be checked and washed regularly, and a baby should never be left alone with them.
Ordering a gift from Plushyk
At Plushyk you will find Plush&K toys and other products for babies. We ship from our warehouse in Poland – orders placed by 13:00 leave the same business day, which helps when the celebration is close. Delivery within Poland is free from 80 PLN, and we ship to EU countries for 59 PLN.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most practical gift for a newborn?
Items that parents can use from the first weeks usually work best: a pram hanging toy, a musical toy, a soft book or a contrast toy. It is a good idea to ask beforehand what is still missing.
What can I buy for a christening besides a traditional keepsake?
A toy suited to the baby's age, such as a sensory cube, a cuddly toy or a book, is a nice addition to a keepsake. It is a gift that will be used every day.
Can I send the gift directly to the parents?
Yes, you can enter the parents' delivery address when ordering. We ship within Poland and to EU countries.
Is a cuddly toy a good gift for a newborn?
Yes, as long as it is suitable for children from 0 months. Remember, though, that a cuddly toy is for supervised play, not for sleeping in a baby's cot.
