Best Baby Gifts for the 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.

I purchased this sweet little frame for Josh and Sarah after they had their first sonogram. A great little gift for the expectant parents!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

These are the straps we used to hang the canvas swing. They are very sturdy and well made.