At this time of year, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts and preparing for some very special time with our loved ones. If Christmas is part of your celebrations, we hope this little gift guide can lend a helping hand. Whether it's your bub’s first Christmas, your toddler’s second encounter with Santa, or you’re buying a gift for another child, here are some gift suggestions to nurture their development.  

Age 0-6 Months

Sensory toys

• Soft, textured blankets 
• Rattles with varied sounds

Baby gym/play mat 

• Colourful mats with hanging toys for tummy time 

Teething toys

• Soft, BPA-free teething rings 

Age 6-12 Months

Stacking toys

• Stackable blocks or rings for hand-eye coordination 

Musical instruments

• Soft maracas or a baby piano for auditory development 

Bath time toys

• Floating toys to make bath time fun and encourage motor skills 

Age 1-2 Years 

Shape sorters

• Toys that encourage problem-solving and fine motor skills

Push and pull toys

• Wooden animals on wheels or pull-along toys for mobility

Board books

• Interactive or textured books to promote language development 

Age 2-3 Years

Art supplies

• Non-toxic crayons and colouring books for creativity 

Building sets

• Large, easy-to-handle blocks for imaginative play 

Play kitchen sets

• Simple kitchen toys to encourage role-playing and social skills 

For all the grandparents looking to treat their grandchildren during the holidays, we recommend personalised gifts such as custom made blankets or name puzzles (these will be cherished for years to come). Experience gifts such as a membership to a local zoo or aquarium are also wonderful ideas. Lastly, there are a range of monthly subscription boxes featuring age-appropriate toys and books, which can be really helpful for ensuring the present is designed for their age and developmental stage. From the entire LittleOak team, we hope you found these suggestions helpful, and that you have a magical time with your loved ones, however you choose to celebrate this time of year. 

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LittleOak has been nourishing children for many years and feeds millions of infants, babies and children across the globe each and every day, in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. In the US, we're proud to have our FDA compliant Toddler Drink available for families.