Becoming a grandmother is truly one of the highlights of my life! Daphne is our first grandchild and a baby girl is a novelty for Mark and I after raising three boys! And, like most grandmothers, I do love to spoil our sweet granddaughter! I can’t believe she is now 14 months old! So, I thought I’d share some of the best baby gifts we purchased for her first year! And, the items in this collection are things that both Daphne and her parents appreciated!
We’ve also purchased some handmade items from Etsy that I’ll share with you in another post. But, for today, these are all items that you can find on Amazon, which makes it so easy to purchase. The most expensive thing on the list is $135, but many are under $50! My hope is that you’ll use this as a resource if you need a baby gift for a shower or if you’re looking for something for your own baby or a grandchild!
These are some of the gifts I purchased for our first grandchild that are parent and baby approved! I feel confident in recommending them!
Welcome, Baby! — Pink Bellyband Edition — A place to capture every miracle and milestone of baby's first year.
This is the baby book that I purchased for our granddaughter. It could easily be for a boy or a girl and I love the layout and graphics.
Pearhead Love at First Sight Sonogram Frame, Baby Ultrasound Frame, Baby Shower or Christmas Gift for Expecting Parents, White
I purchased this sweet little frame for Josh and Sarah after they had their first sonogram. A great little gift for the expectant parents!
The Ollie Swaddle (Lavender) -- Helps to Reduce The Moro (Startle) Reflex -- Made from a Custom Designed Moisture-Wicking Material--No overheating--Size Adjustable for All Months of Babies
In those early days, getting baby to sleep is so important! This swaddle did the trick for Daphne. It's easy to use because of the velcro closure and grows with baby. And, it's made with stretchy, moisture wicking fabric so baby doesn't get too hot.
CUDDLE + KIND Avery The Lamb Little 13" Hand-Knit Doll – 1 Doll = 10 Meals, Fair Trade, Heirloom Quality, Handcrafted in Peru, 100% Cotton Yarn
If you aren't familiar with Cuddle and Kind, the dolls are hand knit by artisans in Peru and are heirloom quality. For each doll purchased, the company provides 10 meals for children in need. I purchased the small Cuddle and Kind Lola the Llama doll as a baby shower gift. And, each month of Daphne's first year, Sarah has taken a photo of Daphne with her Lola the Llama doll. Then, for Daphne's first birthday, I purchased the Stella the Polar Bear in the larger size. Yes, these dolls are pricey. But, the quality is superb and I love the company's mission. Here's a link to get 20% off: Click for 20% Off Your First Cuddle & Kind Purchase
The Teething Egg Teether Bundle - Made in The USA - The Original Egg Baby Teether - Includes The Grippie Stick & Eggshell Protective Case (Baby Pink)
I purchased this teething egg for Daphne's first Easter. She was about four months old. She loved this teether too and it comes with a lanyard and clip to attach to clothing. And, it also comes with the grip stick that makes it easy for baby to hold the egg. It's a great Easter basket gift for a teething baby!
Pride & Prejudice: A BabyLit® Storybook (BabyLit Books)
A lot of baby showers are asking you to bring a book instead of a card. It's such a great way to start a little library for a new baby. The "Baby Lit" books are small board books based on the classics in literature. I purchased Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, The Secret Garden, and Les Miserables for Daphne. But, there are so many to choose from! Here are a few that would be great for boys: Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Moby Dick, or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center: Interactive Play Center with 3-Stage Grow-with-Me Functionality, 4m+, Silver Lining Cloud
When I had my babies, we had walkers and then with my last, it was an exersaucer! But they don't hold a candle to this activity center that we got for our granddaughter. The base adjusts for height of the baby and the seat spins so the baby can play with all of the toys. And, when the baby is older, it transforms into an adorable toddler table.
Mary Meyer WubbaNub Infant Pacifier ~ Lily Llama
Where were these WubbaNub pacifiers when I had my babies??? They are great for little hands to cling to and large enough to find when they are dropped!
Baby GUND Animated Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal Baby Toy Plush, Gray, 12"
This is a fan favorite at our house!!! Daphne has loved this animated elephant from day one! We got it when she was about six months old and she would laugh and be so animated when it played. The ears flap as it sings "Do Your Ears Hang Low" . And, it also plays peek a boo with baby. So adorable!
Baby GUND Animated Flora The Bunny Stuffed Animal Plush, Cream, 12"
This is the bunny version! It is identical to the Baby Gund Elephant, but a bunny! If you are buying for a baby girl, this one is adorable! It would also make a great first Easter gift!
Jozeit Canvas Swing Hammock Seat Chair with Cushion - Beige Bear Ear Decor, for Kids Baby Toddler Children
We got this swing when Daphne was about six months old. It's very well made and can be taken apart and washed if needed. We had it on our screen porch in the summer and fall months, but recently Mark hung it from the ceiling in our downstairs family room! As soon as Daphne gets here, she wants to go downstairs to swing! I'll also share the straps we used to hang this swing.
Rhino StrapMate Tree Swing Straps Hanging Kit – Two 4ft Strap, Holds 2800 lbs (SGS Certified), Fast & Easy Way to Hang Any Swing – Outdoor Swing Hangers (Black)
These are the straps we used to hang the canvas swing. They are very sturdy and well made.
Of course, I’d love to hear what you think of my picks for best baby gifts for the first year! And, if you have any personal experience with any of these products, please share in the comments!
Vickye Massey
My granddaughter was a preemie and had a good bit of irritability for the first several months. There were times when NOTHING would sooth and amuse her except for Flappy the elephant! A great gift for a little one.
Doreen Cagno
It’s the BEST!!!
Darlene
These are adorable, but my days of little ones are over. Grandchildren range from fourteen to my granddaughter who will be 25 this year. Maybe some great grandchildren some day. I hope, they are busy trying to get their lives started now.
Lori J Leeper
What a great list! I’m definitely going to check some of these out!