A year ago, my two best friends had their first babies and I was completely clueless about what to buy them outside of the typical diapers and wipes. Do I get my friends an educational children’s book or stick to packs of onesies? Do kids still care about Leapfrogs? In my first year as an “auntie,” I quickly learned that babies are mini busybodies who just want to have fun (and shut down as soon as Paw Patrol appears on the TV) and parents just want anything that’ll make their lives just a little easier. So with Christmas on the horizon, I polled a few parents to find out what’s on their wishlist this season. Ahead, the 20 best gifts parents and kids will love.
NogginStik Developmental Light-up Rattle
amazon.com
$20.99
There’s a reason this is at the top of every parents’ wishlist: This device has an adorable smiley on one side that helps babies engage and switches colors when its whacked against literally anything.
Infantino 3-in-1 Grow with me Activity Gym and Ball Pit
amazon.com
$59.39
$49.88 (16% off)
The loud, bright, and contrasting colors are enough to keep your baby distracted and serves different purposes as your baby grows. It’s a great play mat for newborns and is roomy enough when you’ve got an active toddler on your hands.
Soft Fabric Over Closet Rod Hanging Storage Organizer
amazon.com
$34.99
After chasing a little one around for hours on end, the last thing anyone wants to see is an untidy room. What’s best about this organizer is the varying compartment sizes, including small shelves for bibs and wipes, and bigger shelves for blankets and stacks of diapers.
14k Gold Bracelet
nordstrom.com
$315.00
Start her jewelry collection off right with a simple, yet elegant gold bracelet. The bracelet fits snug so you don’t have to worry about it getting lost or breaking off during playtime.
Premium Ultra Soft Organic Bamboo Baby Hooded Towel
amazon.com
$30.95
$20.95 (32% off)
You only want what’s best for the baby in your life and this blanket is not only super soft and absorbent, but it’s made with 100% organic bamboo and cotton to protect the baby’s skin.
Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Bodysuits
amazon.com
$24.99
$18.35 (27% off)
“We have enough bodysuits”—said no parent, ever.
Double G Logo Diaper Bag
nordstrom.com
$1,390.00
She will be the envy of every mom in the changing room thanks to this designer diaper bag.
Bouncer Balance Soft, Cotton/Jersey, Dark Gray/Gray
amazon.com
$199.99
A great soother for colicky babies and a game-changer for moms who need to get chores done.
Thick Baby Crawling Cushion Non-Slip Toddlers Mat
amazon.com
$65.33
The rubber grips on the bottom prevent the mat from slipping and is light enough to pack for road trips to grandma and grandpa’s house.
Bright Beats Franky Beats Bat & Boogie
amazon.com
$18.68
The songs will eventually drive you crazy but hearing your little one recite them word-for-word will melt your heart.
Baby Bandana Drool Bib Set of 8 for Girls
amazon.com
$19.95
Keep baby nice and dry in these cute bibs.
Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome
target.com
$54.99
Now baby can snooze in the shade at a picnic or beach with this handy pack and play.
Baby Food Maker Chopper Grinder
amazon.com
$105.20
Because baby deserves more than processed foods with harmful chemicals.
Lakeshore Getting Ready to Write Gumball Grab
amazon.com
$50.17
Perfect for practicing color names, sorting, and counting.
Educational Insights Design & Drill Activity Center
amazon.com
$31.99
A fun game for the whole family!
Kidi Star Music Magic Microphone
amazon.com
$29.99
$25.02 (17% off)
Living room entertainer now, The Voice winner years from now.
Magna-Tiles Clear Colors 100 Piece Set
amazon.com
$119.99
Adults will also enjoy.
Hooded quilted metallic shell jacket
net-a-porter.com
$215.00
And the award for flyest kid on the schoolyard goes to…
Swift Run Sneaker
nordstrom.com
$50.00
Every kid needs a pair of comfortable, versatile sneakers that can take them from school to the park.
Mini Sol shirred floral-print cotton dress
net-a-porter.com
$125.00
A dress you’ll actually want for yourself.
Assistant Editor
Nerisha is the assistant editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty and fashion.