Play is such a big part of how babies and toddlers develop both their brains and their personalities—and their toys progress with them, presenting different challenges and amusements. Here are some of our fave fun, developmental, and cute toy picks.
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Jiggypotomus by Kiddopotamus
The Jiggypotamus toy by Kiddopotamus will make any little one smile and giggle! Your child will love how this toy can shake across the floor and make noises when tapped or if you clap in its presence. Plus, the sound and motion features are designed to engage babies to crawl. $19.99, buybuybaby.com -
Organic Octopus Rattle Baby Toy by Estella NYC
Organic and hand-knit in Peru, this 100 percent cotton rattle by Estella NYC will make the perfect gift for any sea creature-loving baby. This sweet little octopus is part of Estella’s new Beach Bum collection and features a soothing rattle sound and eight fun tentacles for baby to grab onto. $16, estella-nyc.com -
Rocking Owl Stacker by Skip Hop
Local brand Skip Hop’s Rocking Owl Stacker will be a hoot of a gift for your growing kiddo (ages 0-1)! Little ones can practice motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they stack up the parts of their new buddy. The beads and detachable parts entice the baby to shake and roll, building dexterity. $16, skiphop.com -
Organic Lion Rattle by My Brooklyn Baby
Hand-printed in Brooklyn, this rattle from My Brooklyn Baby is crafted with non-toxic and water-based ink and organic cotton fill. This adorable and baby-safe rattle features a cute lion’s face in the front and a lion’s tail in the back. Can we hear a roar? $18, mybrooklynbaby.com -
Crinkly Raccoon Travel Toy by Tiny Love
Meet Crinkly Raccoon from Tiny Love! This smiley critter is designed specifically for babies, as its crinkly body helps to stimulate newborns’ tactile sense and to develop their fine motor skills. It’s lightweight and has a clip, so you can attach it to your stroller as a new take-along friend! $6.99, -
Elephant Egon Mobile by HABA
Let Egon the elephant and his friends on this cute mobile by HABA lull your newborn baby to sleep as they dance the night away. Babies will be entertained in their cribs or while laying on their changing tables and stimulated by the colorful, moving animal crew made from wood and polyester. $24.99, habausa.com -
Crawl N Go Snail by Yookidoo
The Crawl N Go Snail by Yookidoo is an interactive toy with lots of different activities for babies to enjoy. Activate the seven-piece stacker toy by pressing on its tail—then watch it turn and spin as it rolls along. This fun, all-in-one toy will help develop motor skills, teach cause and effect, improve eye-hand coordination, and more! $24.99, babiesrus.com -
Magnatron FUTURE Set by Tegu
Travel into the future with Tegu’s Magnetron FUTURE Set (for ages 1 year and up)! The set comes with 32 pieces (including 14 unique shapes, a charging plug, solar panels, and magnetic wheels) featuring print graphics and beautiful hardwood eco-friendly panel blocks. This simple yet exciting toy will last in the family for generations and unlock your child’s imagination and conceptualization skills. $100, tegu.com -
Tambourine & Maracas Gift Set by Fisher Price
Tambourine & Maracas Gift Set: Fisher-Price’s Tambourine and Maracas gift set is a perfect present for babies ages 3 months and up. The tambourine has a roly-poly base which makes it easy to play with and a mirror in the middle for peek-a-boo games. The maraca has easy-to-grab handles and soft fabric pom-poms. This interactive toy will strengthen sensory and gross motor skills while providing an abundance of joy. $14, fisher-price.com -
Rocking Sheep by JoJo Maman Bébé
Rocking Sheep: Your child (ages 12 months and up) will cherish this super-soft, woolly rocking sheep from JoJo Maman Bébé (a popular UK-based retailer which recently launched in the States). It has a padded seat for a comfortable ride and a sturdy wooden frame and handles. The sweet sheep will surely become your kiddo’s new favorite friend. $139, jojomamanbebe.com
