Best Toys For Babies

How to Choose the Best Toys for Babies in 2026

When selecting baby gifts and searching for the best gifts for a baby, focus on safety, sensory engagement, and developmental appropriateness. American Toy Store's guides make it easy to find toys that meet rigorous safety standards while providing meaningful stimulation. Look for soft textures, high-contrast colors, and gentle sounds that capture a baby's attention. The Tactile Flashcards - Montessori Learning set offers varied textures that help babies develop their sense of touch while learning about everyday objects.

What Skills Should Toys Encourage for Babies?

During the first year, babies experience tremendous growth across all developmental areas. Toys should support sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination, cause-and-effect understanding, and early motor skills like grasping, reaching, and eventually sitting and crawling. Comforting toys also play a vital role in emotional development, helping babies feel secure. The Pink Mouse - Kaloo from France is crafted from the softest velour and presented in a beautiful gift box, making it an ideal first cuddly friend that supports both sensory exploration and emotional comfort.

What Are the Best Toys for Babies Approaching Their First Birthday?

When shopping for gifts for babies turning one, remember that children at this age are in a significant developmental transition period. They're becoming more mobile, more curious, and more interactive with their surroundings. Toys that grow with them work wonderfully during this stage. American Toy Store recommends items that bridge the gap between infant play and toddler exploration. For continued developmental play, check out our best toys for 1 year olds collection to find age-appropriate options as your little one grows.

What Are Unique Toys for a Baby Who Has Everything?

For the baby who seems to have everything, consider exploring specialized categories that offer something different and memorable:

Learning Toys for Babies
Visual & Imagination Toys for Babies

Gifting Guide: Best Gifts for Babies

Finding the best gifts for babies requires understanding what truly benefits little ones at this foundational stage. American Toy Store has curated a selection of items that combine safety, developmental value, and pure delight. From soothing nightlights that help establish healthy sleep routines to textured toys that engage curious hands, each item in our collection has been chosen with care. The Wheels on the Bus Sound Puzzle plays six verses of the beloved song, combining auditory stimulation with early problem-solving as babies learn to match the colorful pieces.

Picking a Birthday Gift for a Baby

A baby's first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating with a truly special gift. Consider toys that will remain engaging for months to come as your little one develops new skills. Items that encourage standing, cruising, or early walking are excellent choices, as are toys that introduce simple cause-and-effect concepts. The Twilight Turtle Starry Nightlight projects constellations onto walls and ceilings in soothing colors, creating a magical bedtime experience that babies and parents alike will treasure throughout the toddler years and beyond.

Good Christmas Gift Ideas for a Baby

The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to select meaningful baby gifts that create lasting memories. When considering best gifts for a baby, think about items that will bring joy during the festivities while supporting ongoing development. Soft plush toys make excellent companions for cozy winter days, while sensory toys keep curious minds engaged during family gatherings. American Toy Store offers gift wrapping services to make your present picture-perfect under the tree, and our selection ensures you'll find something special that grows with baby well past the holiday season.

Buying Gifts for a Baby: Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping for babies can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Below, we answer some of the most common questions parents and gift-givers have when selecting toys for the littlest ones in their lives.

What's a Good Budget for a Gift for a Baby?

Quality baby toys at American Toy Store range from affordable sensory items to premium keepsake gifts. For everyday gifts, plan to spend between $15 and $35 for items that combine excellent craftsmanship with developmental benefits. Special occasions like first birthdays or baby showers might warrant spending $35 to $60 on a memorable gift that will be treasured for years. The most important factor is choosing something safe, engaging, and appropriate for the baby's current stage of development.

What Is a Typical Baby Like?

Babies go through remarkable changes during their first twelve months. Newborns primarily eat, sleep, and observe the world around them, gradually becoming more alert and interactive. By three to four months, most babies can track objects, smile responsively, and begin reaching for toys. Around six months, sitting becomes possible, and everything goes straight to their mouths for exploration. By their first birthday, many babies are crawling, pulling to stand, and perhaps taking first steps. Throughout this journey, the Tactile Animals - Montessori Learning set supports development with colorful animal puzzles and textured cards that grow with baby's abilities.

What Are Babies Into?

Babies are natural explorers who delight in discovering the world through their senses. High-contrast patterns and bright colors capture their attention, while varied textures invite them to touch and feel everything within reach. Sounds fascinate them, from gentle lullabies to crinkly fabrics. They love faces and enjoy interactive games like peek-a-boo. As they grow, cause-and-effect toys become favorites, teaching them that their actions produce results. Social interaction is incredibly important too, as babies thrive on gentle play and warm engagement with caregivers.

Do Baby Boys and Girls Tend to Like Different Toys?

At the baby stage, developmental needs are remarkably similar regardless of gender. Both baby boys and baby girls benefit from sensory exploration, soft comfort objects, and toys that support motor skill development. While some parents may have preferences for certain colors or themes, American Toy Store encourages choosing toys based on developmental appropriateness and individual baby interests rather than gender expectations. For more targeted browsing, you can explore our best toys for baby boys and best toys for baby girls collections, though you'll find significant overlap in what engages and delights babies at this age.