Erin A.

You’d think that with a vast selection of toys at our disposal, it would be easier to find some toys your baby would actually play with! 

There’s no doubt, buying toys for babies is hard. There are so many factors at play: age, mental development,  personality types, safety concerns, and, of course, cost. 

So, don’t feel bad if you’re feeling a little out of your game. When my daughter was a baby I wasted so much money on toys she didn’t even look twice at. My goal is to help you avoid that situation altogether. 

In this post, we’re going to talk about the best toys for babies under 1 and list out a few infant toys to avoid (because trust me, that’s just as important!). These toys are pretty awesome because not only are they entertaining, but they are also great tools to improve your baby’s development. 

A little skeptical?

Don’t worry. I’ll walk you through exactly how they help your baby too. That way, once you reach the end of this post, you’ll feel pretty confident that you’re buying the best baby toys for your little one.

One last thing: Since we’re so close to Black Friday, I thought you might like a little help organizing your upcoming purchases. If you’re planning on buying the bulk of your infant toys on Black Friday, definitely download your copy of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Planner. It can definitely save your sanity as well as your money!

RELATED POSTS:

• Having a Baby on a Budget…Without Going Broke
• The Best Baby Items to Buy on Black Friday
• How to Save More Money at Amazon’s Black Friday

What Are the Best Toys for Infant Development?

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions

As adults, our motor and sensory functions are fully developed. I think we take for granted just how fresh and new everything is to babies.

Take a hairbrush, for example. We pick up a hairbrush, run it through our hair, look over the finished product, and go on our way.

A baby, on the other hand, might grasp that hair brush, become amazed that her fingers can actually hold it, revel at its texture and the bristles coming out of it, wonder how it would feel in her mouth or think about what to do with it. If she manages to swipe the hairbrush across her head, she’ll be absolutely wowed by that new sensation, and then become ridiculously excited about the sound it makes when it hits the floor after she figures out how to let go of it.

Everything is new to babies. Everything is wonderful.

So, when you’re searching for infant toys, remember to slow down and try to get into your baby’s brain a little. What things naturally hold his interest? What overstimulates him (for the toys to avoid).

This is just a rough guideline, but here are a few things you want to consider when buying the best baby toys:

• Sensory: You want to stimulate your baby’s senses, especially sight and touch.
• Safety: This is probably basic knowledge, but it’s worth mentioning. As your baby grows, you’ll find that he will put everything in his mouth. Make sure toys aren’t choke hazards and that the material is kid-friendly (containing no harsh chemicals).
• Cost Effective: Don’t feel bad for buying an inexpensive toy or going resale.
• Developmentally Appropriate: Buying a rattle for your 9 month old just isn’t going to cut it. Likewise, buying a baby laptop for a 3 month old is going to be overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ll help you figure out what’s right for your baby.

Baby Toys to Avoid

Before we dive into the best baby toys of 2019, we should really take a moment to discuss what shouldn’t be on your shopping list.

In 2017, Amazon’s sold over $650 million dollars worth of infant toys. Parents are spending a lot of money on toys for their babies and, honestly, it doesn’t always pay off. Many toys are marketed to parents as tools that are necessary to boost their baby’s mental or physical development. So, loving parents jump in and are disappointed by the results.

I really want to help you avoid this situation so you can use your hard-earned money on worthwhile investments.

Now, the toys below are not the worst things ever. Having said that, most won’t do your baby any favors developmentally, are expensive, and are typically WILDLY popular (so everyone is probably telling you to buy them). 

My goal is to help you decide what toys are appropriate for your kid. So, take the next bit of information with a grain of salt and keep it in mind while you’re toy shopping.  

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A post shared by Erin | Mom + Baby Blogger (@raising.babies.confidently) on Oct 18, 2019 at 4:56am PDT

Toys with Bright, Flashing Lights

You’ve probably already heard that electronic toys are not good for babies. However, I don’t think the problem is that the toy is electric,  so much as it contains components that may be detrimental for your baby. 

Let’s start with bright lights. 

Remember that your baby is taking in a lot of new information at once. Toys with bright lights force your baby to adjust to not only colors, shapes, and light at the same time, but also changing elements as well. 

Bright, flashing lights on electronic toys can very quickly lead to overstimulation.

If you’re totally new to the concept of overstimulation, it’s a sensory overload that causes your baby to disconnect, become very fussy, and can even temporarily ruin his sleep.

Aside from this, bright lights really don’t have any developmental benefits.

Loud Toys

Babies are extremely susceptible to hearing damage.

That’s not a worry-wart, new mom fear either. A baby’s ear canal is under-developed and much narrower than an adult’s. So, any loud noise that might be damaging to an adult, is doubly so for an infant.

We are actually suffering from a child hearing loss epidemic right now. Research indicates that children are suffering from permanent hearing loss due to household items, including toys. What’s more concerning, The Sight and Hearing Association found out that the most damaging toys were actually infant toys!

All that to say, when you’re shopping for toys, try putting it next to your ear. Babies love putting their heads next to toys (which increases the decibels entering their ear canal and their risk). If the toy is overwhelmingly loud for your ears, it’s not a good fit for your baby.

Also keep in mind that loud toys can cause overstimulation.

Hand-held Devices

At this age, babies need tactile stimulation and parental interaction. Several studies have found that any screen time (ANY) is not only unbeneficial to a baby’s language and mental development, but can actually be detrimental until about 18 months. At this point, up to an hour of screen time is considered okay.

For some of us, this isn’t easy to hear. I mean, I get it. You have multiple kids, you’re running around the house just trying to get dinner ready, and the television keeps your kids somewhat occupied.

Life happens. This advice isn’t meant to mom-shame. Just keep in mind that, for now, hand-held devices or any screen time is not a good use of your money and won’t do your baby any favors.

Toys Containing BPA 

BPA is becoming a serious concern, especially with infant toys when the damage could be long-term and very dangerous. 

Let’s back up.

BPA stands for bisphenol A. It’s a chemical that is used to create resins and plastics. It’s found in basically everything now. Water-bottles, cups, food containers…everything. Even infant toys.

Scientists have linked BPA with hormonal and neurological problems, child obesity, and even cancer.

Many, many infant toys are now BPA-FREE (manufacturers almost always post this on the packaging). The biggest culprits you’ll want to look for are household goods you let your baby play with (such as water bottles) and cheap toys. 

Once again, this guideline isn’t meant to scare you or make you think that toys containing BPA are awful. Simply keep this in mind and try to keep objects with BPA out of your baby’s mouth. 

Saucer or Mobile Bouncers

Baby bouncer/saucers/walkers are wildly popular. In fact, that’s my baby in the picture above. I used the bouncer to keep my daughter entertained while I showered, cooked, or cleaned. 

Having said that, research has also found that extended use of these toys can actually lead to hip dysplasia and can hinder your baby’s ability to learn how to walk. If you decide to use a baby saucer, just try to limit your baby’s use. 

The Best Baby Toys: Before You Buy, Consider DIY

When you’re looking at the best toys for babies, you’ll find the best results with the simple objects that stimulate their curiosity. 

That’s why some of the best, most stimulating toys you can try are actually household items. When your baby sees you “playing” with these items, that naturally piques his curiosity. Also, unlike toys that have a specific function, your baby can explore household items and exercise her creativity.

Obviously, when you use household items as toys, make sure they are age-appropriate and safe. Here are just a few items you can try:

• Tissue paper
• Pots and Pans
• Laundry Basket
• Pillows
• Baby wipes container (put a washcloths inside and you’re good to go!)
• Measuring Cups/Drinking Cups
• Kitchen Utensils

Alternatively, if you’re extra crafty, you can try making your own toys, like in the video below.

Best Baby Toys for 0-6 Months

Okay, so let’s talk age-appropriate toys you can buy. 

One of my favorite baby development books of all time is the Wonder Weeks. The  Wonder Weeks, explains your baby’s current developments and activities you can try to help him along (if you don’t have this book and their app, you NEED to. It explains so much!). 

The Wonder Weeks says that, during your baby’s first 3-4 months, he probably won’t be too interested in toys. After all, the world is completely new. He’s probably more interested in just getting adjusted to to that. 

After the 4 month mark, your baby will probably show some more interest. Look for toys that gently stimulate his developing senses, especially sight, taste, and basic motor skills. Focus on patterns, gentle noises, and interesting textures. 

Your baby is still pretty young, so you’ll want to take it slow. A simple toy goes a long way.

Soft Books

Babies love soft books. They love the texture, bright patterns, and while they still can’t flip pages yet, they love grabbing on to the pages and gnawing on them. It also familiarizes babies with the concept of reading. 

Sensory Balls

Following the same concept, sensory balls are one of the best baby toys you can buy. Not only does  it help your baby explore his sense of touch, but it can help him understand cause and effect (he drops the ball, it bounces), and shapes. 

Any ball that has a decent amount of texture, large enough that it won’t be a choke hazard, and made from BPA-materials will do.

The Boppy Pillow

If you’re a breastfeeding mama, I hope you have a boppy in your home. It is truly one of the best investments you can make. 

Not only is the boppy a must-have for breastfeeding, but it’s an awesome tool to assist with tummy time, sitting up, and even a few playtime activities.

Activity Mats

An activity mat will probably be your baby’s first real toy.

Not only will it provide a safe, clean surface for your baby to practice tummy time, but its usually loaded with dangling goodies for your baby to play with. Don’t worry about getting one that has a net to “keep your baby in.” Most likely by the time your baby can roll and crawl, he’ll be over activity mats anyway.

Note: Activity mats are another great item you can check your local resale shop for!

Rattles

Rattles are honestly a staple of babyhood and there’s a reason why! Babies are completely fascinated by the sound they make, plus the right rattle can be a perfect teether. 

This particular rattle really checks off all the boxes. It’s cheap, has a clear case so your baby can watch the pebbles toss around, BPA-free, and makes a perfect teether. 

Floor Mirror

You really can’t go wrong with a mirror. It’s just completely fascinating! Your baby has no clue that the other cutie-pie he’s seeing is actually him. 

The only suggestion I can make is to get a non-breakable one, just in case. 

Two-Handed Teethers or Grasping Toys

Somewhere between 2-4 months, your baby will realize that he can control his hands. When this exciting time hits, two-handed toys will completely fascinate him. 

Selecting grasping toys is pretty easy; you’re following the same concept as rattles here. You want it to make gentle noises, be bright and colorful or somehow visually engaging, and safe for baby to gnaw on.

Best Baby Toys for 6-12 Months

By this point, your baby has pivoted from a primarily internal focus to exploring the world around him. Not only that, but he’s probably mobile! You’ll want to find toys or objects that stimulate these new skills. 

Toys at this age should be a little more complex, but still not overwhelming. And most of all, these toys should stimulate maximum interaction–your baby’s and yours. Let your baby explore, but interact and comment on his discoveries.

Push Button Toys 

Push button toys help teach cause and effect. The concept is similar to a baby cell phone or laptop (when baby pushes the button, it lights up), but a push button toy is more engaging because it has physical results (like a puppy popping up out of nowhere).

Building Blocks

In my opinion, this is one of the best baby toys you could ever buy. Early on, your baby will be fascinated with simply stacking the blocks (she may not be able to interlock them yet) or moving them from one container to another. 

As she grows, they can be multifunctional educational tools. In fact, I purchased some baby building blocks around 6 months and now we are using them to build cool structures, learn about colors and numbers. 

Touch and Feel Books

So, touch and feel books kind of offer the same concept as soft books, but on a whole other level.

Touch and feel books usually depicts animals with life-like fur or other textures. At this point, your baby may have enough control over his little fingers to actually turn the pages. These books improve vocabulary, language skills, and offer a unique bonding experience for you both. In fact, my daughter (now 2) and I read feely books together almost every day. They are well worth the investment. 

Note: I bought a few feely books on Amazon, but I scored the best deals at my local Goodwill and consignment sales. 

Activity Cube

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, get yourself an activity cube. I love activity cubes because they can teach your baby so many different skills and really grow with your baby. Activity cubes typically focus on tactile sensations, creating noises, and helping your baby explore different cause and effect scenarios. 

Having said that, I do have a couple gripes about activity cubes: 1. They can be very expensive. If you happen to be reading this near Black Friday, you might catch one for a great price. Usually, though, they can be pricey. And 2, most activity cubes are stationary. For the adventurous mobile baby, this can translate to boredom real quick.

Water Toys

Honestly, water toys are kind of a necessity. When your baby starts taking baths, the water and your enthusiasm will be enough to entertain him. Soon though, he’ll want to explore. 

Water toys help him experiment with the texture and movement of water and how objects interact with water (such as floating vs sinking). You don’t have to get fancy here, just focus on toys that allow him to experiment with these elements, such as cups, strainers, squirters, fans, and boats. 

If your baby is young, you might also try bath finger puppets. They will really appreciate the texture and colors!

Musical Toys

Miniature musical instruments can help improve your baby’s motor functions, hand-eye coordination,  and sound recognition. Plus it can bring out the virtuoso in just about any baby.

Anything that makes cool noises (pianos, xylephones, tamberines, chimes) are a good fit for babies as long as they are made from safe materials, not a choke hazard, and aren’t too loud. 

I absolutely love this slide out xylophone set because it’s ridiculously multipurpose, well-made, and allows your baby to experiment with sound without having to worry about his ear drums bursting.

Puzzles

Okay, full disclosure, I have a love-hate relationship with baby puzzles and this is why: if used correctly (and selected wisely), a baby puzzle can be one of the best baby toys you purchase. If not, it can be a total waste of money.

I am not a fan of basic alphabet puzzles. They are difficult for babies to use and babies grow bored of them quickly. I do, however, like the puzzles that include bulkier objects that either include a letter or number and a helpful picture (like the one pictured above). Right now, these puzzles will help your baby explore his hand-eye coordination skills and help with shape recognition. Later, it can be a powerful tool to teach your toddler the alphabet or his numbers.

Push and Pull Toys

Remember how I said that walkers can be one of those dangerous toys you should avoid? Well, they can also be a really fun toy as well, if you find the right one. We bought my daughter this walker when she was around 11 months and she still uses it to this day (I think it’s the perfect combination of an interactive and electronic toy). 

I would only recommend these toys if your baby is already walking or if you’re nearby and available to assist. 

In Conclusion: Buy the Best Baby Toys for Your Baby’s Unique Interests

Okay! Hopefully now you’re feeling pretty confident with your selection of toys. You know the best toys for 0-3 months and the best baby toys for 6-12 months. Most of all, you know why you need to focus on these toys and how important it is to cater to your baby’s rapidly expanding development. 

Once again, while these toys are awesome and will definitely keep your baby entertained, keep in mind that interaction with you is the best developmental tool. So, verbalize what he’s doing. “Oh, when you push this button a kitty comes out!” and encourage him to explore how he wants to, not necessarily how the toy is supposed to be used.

Did you like the toys on this list? Is there a specific toy you’ve been thinking about purchasing but aren’t quite too sure about? Let me know below!

Don’t forget! Black Friday is coming up. This sale can make or break your wallet. I highly suggest reading my articles below and downloading your free Black Friday Shopping Planner to ensure that you actually get the best deals 😉

Have fun!

RELATED POSTS:

• Having a Baby on a Budget…Without Going Broke
• The Best Baby Items to Buy on Black Friday
• 5 Simple Hacks to Save More Money at Amazon’s Black Friday

We all know that baby stuff isn’t cheap. Cribs, strollers, baby clothes, diapers (all the diapers)… Is it any surprise that the average American spends over 200,000 on their kid before their 18th birthday?

As a new or expecting parent, you know how critical Black Friday is. It’s he sales event that can either leave you glowing from all of the money you just saved or flat broke.

Becoming a parent completely revolutionized the way that I shopped Black Friday and I can’t wait to share these tips with you.

You’re about to learn what baby items to buy on Black Friday, which purchases you should stay the heck away from, and key ways you can save more money (and even make money) on your purchases.

To help you organize your purchases, I’m also including a handy Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping planner. This should help you keep track of all your necessary purchases. You can grab it below.

Alright, mama! Let’s start saving some money!

RELATED POSTS: 

• How to Have a Baby on a Budget…Without Going Broke
• Best Deals on Amazon for Baby and Kids
• 10 Baby Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

3 Things You Need to Know Before Shopping Black Friday

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions

Saving money is one of my favorite past times. Maybe it’s because I grew up dirt poor, maybe it’s because I worked retail for 5 years and I despise sales tactics. In any case, I’ll happily spend a half hour researching ways to save on a single, small purchase. 

If you’re like me and desperately want to buy more and spend less, there are a few things you should know before we dive into the best baby items to buy on Black Friday.

Make a List and Stick to It

Going Black Friday shopping unprepared is like going to the grocery store without a grocery list. You end up meandering around the store and purchasing whatever looks good. If you don’t make a list and budget for your purchases, you will spend more money than you want to. 

If you have the budget, focus on the products you need now and 6 months in the future (in about 6 months you’ll see more major sales).

If you’re a new or expecting mom, you should consider what baby or maternity items you will need in the near future. For example, if you’re in your second trimester, now’s the time to buy maternity clothes or snag that crib for a great price.

If you’re having/raising a baby on a budget and not sure what items you need, check out my free baby on a budget planner. It lists off the items you need for pregnancy, postpartum, and for you baby. Plus it comes with some handy budgeting worksheets and trackers I think you’ll love.

RELATED POST: The Baby on a Budget Planner

Sign Up for Newsletters and Memberships Now

Once you’ve figured out what you need, you should position yourself to get the best deals. Sign up for your main targets’ newsletter. Newsletters will undoubtedly send you exclusive coupons for Black Friday. 

If you’re planning on participating in Amazon’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, now is the time to take advantage of their 30-day Amazon Prime trial so you receive free shipping and exclusive discounts.

If at all possible, don’t wait until the week of Black Friday. Many retailers are offering pre-Black Friday sales (Amazon included) to encourage more sales.

Be Wary of “Good Deals”

Otherwise known as the retail trap! 

The retail trap is the reason why you see $5 movie bins or $2 cases of lip balm right next to the checkout. Black Friday is lined with amazing deals that will tempt you and make you spend more than you would’ve. That’s why preparing a list is so important!

You should also watch out for expensive brand-name items that are steeply discounted.

For example, if you were thinking about purchasing a high-quality, off-brand baby carrier for $40, but you see an Ergo Baby carrier that’s $50 off (but still $150), you might be tempted to spend a little extra simply because it’s a good deal.

If your goal is to purchase name brand items for a good price, then by all means, take advantage of these sales. BUT, if you want the least expensive products, try to resist these tactics.

Where to Shop

Almost every store has some kind of deal on Black Friday. My top list of stores is below. I’ve been following these stores because I’ve seen the best baby items to buy on Black Friday and they usually offer top-quality products for the best price.

Having said that, don’t forget to think outside the box. Resale stores also have massive sales on Black Friday. If you’re good with buying used baby gear or clothes, definitely check out your local Once Upon a Child or consignment stores.

My Top Stores for the Best Baby Items to Buy on Black Friday:

• Amazon (Black Friday and Cyber Monday)
• Baby Earth (A baby gear website that features premier brands like Stokke and Hauck)
• Buy Buy Baby *
• Carter’s *
• Kohl’s 
• Walmart
• Target
• Shutterfly (if you’re planning on making baby announcements, holiday greeting cards, or baby shower invitations)
• Old Navy * (a must if you’re pregnant! They have great deals on baby clothes as well)

*You may be able to shop exclusively online

SHORT ON TIME? PIN IT!

Best Baby Items to Buy on Black Friday

1 Car Seats

Black Friday usually means you can save between 20-40% off on car seats. This is one of the best baby items to buy on Black Friday, so definitely make sure you do your research on your prospective models beforehand.

My favorite places for shopping car seats include Buy Buy Baby (during sales), Walmart, Amazon, and sometimes Target.  If during your research you find a specific model you’re interested, it wouldn’t hurt to check the manufacturer’s website as well.

Chicco, Britax, Graco, typically have the best discounts during Black Friday. Maxi Cosi will most likely have sales too, but I’ve only seen their carseats discounted at 15% OFF.

Check back later for great car seat deals!

2 Strollers

Since we’re dealing with the same manufacturers, this concept really applies to strollers as well.

Having said that, if you don’t care about name-brand strollers, you can find jaw-dropping deals at Amazon. In fact, as I’m writing this, I’ve already seen $99 strollers thanks to Amazon’s Holi-Deals campaign. 

The best Amazon deals usually come in the form of Lightning Deals and they are usually gone within minutes. 

(If you have no idea what I’m talking about, head on over to my post about Amazon’s Black Friday event so you can learn how you can take advantage of Lightning Deals).

RELATED POST: 5 Simple Hacks to Save More Money at Amazon’s Black Friday Event

Stay tuned for great stroller deals!

3 Baby Carriers

Once again, Amazon usually offers the best deals on off-brand products.

However, brands like Lillebaby and Ergobaby carriers offer great deals on their website and sometimes at brick and mortar locations like Target or Buy Buy Baby. On Amazon though, I’ve seen them as much as 75% off.

Visit Later for Awesome Baby Carrier Deals

4 Clothes (Resale and New)

On Black Friday, Carter’s usually offers storewide 50% off plus incredible deals on booties, socks, small items like that. Generally, you can expect the same from Buy Buy Baby. 

But if you think these prices are cheap, you need to check out your local resale shops. Gently-used baby clothes are usually discounted 25-50% off retail prices. During Black Friday sales, retail shops usually offer an additional discount or BOGO deals. 

5 Diapers

Black Friday is the perfect day to stockpile diapers. Pampers has already announced 30% off Pampers Swaddlers Diapers. I’ve seen a few diaper deals in-store, but so far Amazon holds the best deals, especially when you’re an Amazon Family member and you combine offers with their monthly subscription services.

6 Baby Accessories

If you’ve been thinking about changing diaper bags or snagging a stroller organizer, Black Friday is definitely the day to do it. My favorite places to shop include Buy Buy Baby and Amazon. Amazon offers accessories from smaller, upstart brands that offer the steepest discounts. 

For example, Baby Charm, the only stroller bag I use (which has effectively replaced my need for a bulky diaper bag), is planning on having a 50% off sale on their diaper bag. I’ve never seen this bag marked down so low and I can’t recommend it enough. 

Upcoming Baby Accessory Deals

Baby Charm Stroller Organizer: 50% OFF!

7 Baby Video Monitors and Baby Movement Monitors

Baby video monitors are one of the best baby items to buy on Black Friday, however, you could also spend a lot of money here if you’re not careful.

Every year, Amazon offers very, very inexpensive baby monitors. So, if your goal is to buy the cheapest baby monitor on the market, that’s the place to go. However, not all baby monitors are created alike. Beware of off-brands that may or may not be reliable. 

Typically, the bigger brands also offer discounts. 

Check Back Later for More Baby Video Monitor Deals

8 Cribs

Expect the best prices on cribs, aside from clearance events. Wayfair, Amazon, Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Walmart are my favorite places to shop for cribs on Black Friday. 

9 Resale Toys 

In 2017, Amazon sold over $650 million in infant toys alone. It’s no secret that parents love buying their babies toys. Many parents think they need to purchase toys to encourage developmental learning. Or they feel bad that they don’t know what the heck to buy their baby, so they buy anything that looks cool.

 The thing is, unless you have a specific item that you’re looking for, you really need to be careful about buying infant toys on Black Friday. Your budget can disappear in a heartbeat. 

To save money (and avoid shiney object syndrome), check out your resale shops. Most resale shops offer discounts on their toys (between 20-30%), which can rival even Amazon’s Lightning Deals. 

10 Swings

Fisher Price and Graco are notorious for having incredible deals during Black Friday events. Last year, Amazon and Buy Buy Baby were the clear winners.

Stay tuned for more Baby Swing Deals!

Final Tip: You Can EARN Money on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

What if I told you that you can EARN money on Black Friday? This hack is so easy and it literally takes seconds of your time.

When you’re Black Friday shopping, you’ve got to use Ebates or Ibotta.Any purchases you make with these apps can earn real cashback.

Sign up for Rakuten (Ebates)

Rakuten is an online affiliate of a lot of retailers. When you use their link to make your online purchases, Rakuten makes a commission off your sale (at no charge to you). Then, they give you a portion of that commission back via cashback. That’s real cashback, by the way. As in, they send it to your PayPal account where you can do whatever you want with it.

If you’re shopping mostly in-store, you can link your debit or credit card to your Rakuten wallet. Then, when you make qualifying in-store purchases, you’re still able to earn cashback.

I know what you’re wondering: how much do you earn?

Rakuten typically ranges from 1-12% cashback, but it really depends on the retailer and item you purchase. Still, on Black Friday, that can add up fast. I’ve earned well over $100 from Rakuten without even thinking about it.

You can sign up for Rakuten here and receive $10 cashback. 

Ibotta

If you’re shopping in-store, Ibotta may have some good deals for you. Basically, once you make qualifying in-store purchases, you scan your receipt into the Ibotta app. Ibotta then provides your shopping information to retailers for market research. Then, they give you cashback for qualifying items.

It’s pretty easy to earn money with Ibotta because the cashback is pretty generous and there are several qualifying items. I also love that you can sync your membership cards so Ibotta can automatically detect your purchases.

If you’re shopping online, Ibotta is similar to Rakuten. You simply log into the app, find your retailer, click the link (which redirects you to the retailer’s website) and you make your purchases as usual.

When I signed up, I earned a $20 bonus credit. Definitely worth it! To join, just click here!

Stay Tuned for More Black Friday Baby Deals of 2019

As we draw nearer to the sales, I’ll update this page with the best baby items to buy on Black Friday. In the meantime, I hope this post has given you somewhat of a game plan.

Definitely bookmark or pin this page. You’ll need it later!

By reading this post, you’re already ensuring that you find the best deals. If you need a little help organizing, don’t forget to download your copy of the Black Friday Shopping Planner.

If you happen to be a pro at this whole Black Friday shopping thing, I would love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite tips? Did you find these tips helpful? Let me know below!

RELATED POSTS: 

• Baby on a Budget: How to Have a Baby When You’re Broke
• 5 Simple Hacks to Save More Money at Amazon’s Black Friday Sale
• 10 Must-Have Baby Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re a new mom, this holiday takes on a completely new light. After all, it’s your baby’s first Christmas! Everything is new, exciting, and completely Instagram-worthy.

For my daughter’s first Christmas, I really wanted to give her something special. We had plenty of toys (not that she used them), and I felt like her first Christmas present should be more meaningful than something we’d simply toss aside in a couple months.

Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you feel the same way.

In this post, we’re going to look at the sweetest, most meaningful baby’s first christmas gift ideas. And these aren’t just any Christmas gifts! These are the kind of keepsakes your baby will keep forever and cherish always.

RELATED POSTS:

• What to Do When Your Baby Has the Flu
• 20 Meaningful Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Baby

10 Memorable Gift Ideas to Celebrate Baby First Christmas

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.

Snow Globe

Look, I know snow globes are a bit of a cliche, but there’s a reason so many people love them! When you flip a snow globe over and watch that glitter descend to the bottom, there’s no cozier feeling in this world. 

Buying your baby a snow globe to commemorate his first Christmas is a great idea. Babies love watching snow globes (obviously supervised) and when you buy one with a tune, you can make it a part of his bedtime routine.

You also have so many options to choose from. The snow globe pictured above is from Amazon, but if you really want to get into personalized options, Etsy is the perfect place to shop.

Baby’s First Christmas Book

Did you know that you can buy your baby a personalized Christmas book? Not only is this one of my favorite Christmas gifts for babies, but it’s such an amazing tradition to start. You can go for a Christmas book that is specifically designed for first Christmases, or you can purchase one that you can read year after year.

Lovie

Your baby may not be able to sleep with his lovie now, but it’s still a great time to find him one. A lovie isn’t any old toy you’ll take to the Goodwill when your baby outgrows it. This is something she will always keep carefully tucked away in a memory box.

Personally, I love lovies that are personalized, like this one from Amazon.

Custom Rocking Chair

For my daughter’s first Christmas, she was gifted a rocking chair. Obviously, she wasn’t able to use it for quite some time, but it’s now a gift that she loves and plays with regularly. 

Rocking chairs are another one of those baby’s first Christmas gift ideas that last for a lifetime! It’s just impossible to give it up. Plus, when your baby outgrows her rocking chair, she can use it for her tea parties!

Onesie

Buying a simple onesie that says “My First Christmas” is pretty much a rite of motherhood. And you know what, when you’re searching endlessly for Christmas gifts for babies under 1 year, there is nothing wrong with going basic!

A few of my favorite places to search for these onesies include Amazon, Etsy, and Carter’s.

Ornament

This is another one of those traditional baby’s first christmas presents you don’t want to miss. Every single year your baby will see his ornament. In fact, he may even pass it on to his kids later.

If you love personalized, we purchased a beautiful customized wooden snowflake ornament for my daughter’s first Christmas on Etsy. It was less than $20, and it’s still absolutely stunning.

SHORT ON TIME? PIN IT!

Time Capsule

You’ve heard of time capsules, right? Some parents start a time capsule for their baby’s first birthday, and then have their child open it on their 18th birthday. 

So, going off that idea, what if you created a time capsule to commemorate his first Christmas? It could include his first ornament, little baby mittens, a ticket to his first light show, etc. This is definitely one of the more unique baby’s first Christmas gift ideas out there, but it has the potential to be so precious that you may want to consider it! 

A Christmas Outfit

I’m sure I don’t have to pull your arm to consider this Christmas gift! Christmas outfits are perfect for baby’s first Christmas Eve service, family photos, and of course, Christmas dinners with the fam. As much as I love Amazon, my go-to place for buying the absolute cutest baby outfits is definitely Etsy. You will go nuts once you start searching.

Stocking

If you choose the right stocking, there’s a pretty good chance your baby will use it well into adulthood and even after he becomes a parent himself. If that’s your ultimate goal, I would purchase a full-sized stocking with his name embroidered on it. Alternatively, you could buy a baby stocking like this one, and keep it around as a simple baby’s first Christmas gift.

Christmas Countdown

This is another one of those Christmas gifts for babies that translates into a timeless family tradition. A Christmas countdown calendar is usually wooden centerpiece that your baby can play with as he grows. Some families choose an advent calendar, while others celebrate the 12 days of Christmas.

Alright! Those are my baby’s first Christmas gift ideas! Is anything sticking out to you? Honestly, sometimes choosing a gift for a baby can be a little perplexing. My advice is to stay away from toys and really focus on finding gifts that celebrate his first Christmas. That way, you won’t have to worry if your baby “likes it” or if you’ll be throwing it away in a couple weeks when he outgrows it.

Now that you hopefully have a few gift ideas in mind, I hope you’ll check out our post, 20 Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Baby. These ideas go beyond seeing Christmas lights or Santa. They’re the stuff memories are made of!