Gift ideas for a baby’s first year
A new baby brings a wave of kindness. Friends, colleagues, neighbours and relatives back home all want to send something. That is lovely, but it can also mean five bunny rattles and no one thinking of nappies in the next size up.
Babies change fast. What fits at birth is too small within weeks, and toys that seem dull to us are fascinating at three months. The best gifts are simple, safe and useful for longer than a moment.
If you live abroad, there is another layer. Grandparents and friends in other countries may want to send a parcel, and shipping can take time. A shared list helps everyone see what is still needed, wherever they are.
Ideas by type
Price guide: € = up to about 20 euros · €€ = about 20 to 60 euros · €€€ = more than 60 euros. Prices vary by shop and change over time.
First toys
In the first months, babies explore with their eyes, hands and mouth. Soft, washable and easy-to-grip toys work best.
- Soft fabric book€Crinkly pages and high-contrast pictures keep young babies interested, and it goes in the washing machine.
- Grasping toy or rattle€Choose one that is light, easy to hold and made in one piece, without small parts.
- Play mat with hanging toys€€Useful for tummy time and lying on the back; check that the arches stand firmly.
- Stacking cups€Cheap, simple and used for years: in the bath, in the sandpit and for stacking later on.
Clothes in a bigger size
Almost everyone buys newborn clothes. Parents are often more grateful for sizes they will need in six or nine months.
- Bodysuits in size 74 or 80€–€€Babies grow out of the small sizes quickly, so a bigger size is rarely wasted.
- Baby sleeping bag€€Check the size and the warmth rating for the season, and ask what the parents already have.
- Warm hat and mittens€Belgian and Dutch winters are damp and windy, so these get plenty of use.
- Soft-soled shoes or booties€Nice for keeping little feet warm before walking; real shoes come later.
Care and everyday things
Not glamorous, but used every single day. Many parents quietly hope someone will think of these.
- Hooded bath towel€A towel with a hood keeps a baby’s head warm after the bath.
- Muslin cloths€You can never have too many: for burping, as a light blanket or a sunshade.
- Nappies in the next size€–€€Agree on a size and brand with the parents first, as preferences differ.
- Bibs that are easy to wash€Handy once solid food starts, around the middle of the first year.
Books and languages
Many expat families raise their children with two or three languages. Books are a gentle way to support each one.
- Board book in the family’s home language€Relatives abroad can find these easily locally, and they post well because they are flat.
- Bilingual picture book€–€€A simple book in, say, English and Dutch or French helps with the language of daycare.
- Nursery rhyme book with songs€Parents can sing the rhymes they grew up with, wherever they live now.
- Photo book of family faces€€Babies love faces, and it helps them recognise relatives they only see on video calls.
Help for the parents
Sometimes the best baby gift is really for the parents, especially if family lives far away.
- Homemade meals for the freezer€Ready meals in the first weeks are worth more than another cuddly toy.
- An afternoon of babysitting€Write it on a card with a date, so it actually happens.
- Contribution to a larger item€€–€€€A car seat, cot or pushchair is easier when several people chip in together.
- Voucher for a baby photo shoot€€–€€€A nice idea for families who want pictures to send to relatives abroad.
🚫 What to avoid
- Toys with small parts, loose buttons or long ribbons: anything a baby can put in their mouth needs to be safe.
- Lots of newborn clothes: they are outgrown within weeks and most parents already have plenty.
- Strongly scented care products: a baby’s skin is sensitive, and many parents prefer to choose these themselves.
- Big items without asking: a pushchair or cot is a personal choice and takes up space in often small flats.
- Heavy or fragile parcels from abroad: shipping is expensive and slow, so a light gift or a contribution is often easier.
Safety
Toys for children under three should have no small parts that could cause choking. Check the age label on the packaging and look for the CE marking on toys sold in Europe. Be careful with toys bought elsewhere, as labels and standards may differ.
Avoid cords and long strings, small magnets and button batteries. If a toy uses batteries, the compartment should be closed with a screw. When in doubt, a simple soft toy or a book is always a safe choice.
💡 How to avoid duplicate gifts
- Ask the parents if they have a list. Many families make a birth list, and it saves everyone guessing.
- A shared list on Huglist lets relatives in different countries see what has already been bought, without needing an account.
- If you are sending something from abroad, tick it off as soon as you order, not when it arrives, so nobody else buys the same.
- Agree within the family who gives what: grandparents the bigger item, friends the smaller things.
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