8 Brilliant Non-Toy Gifts for Baby

Just what do you buy for a baby outside of a board book or the same ole’ little toy? Here’s a list of thoughtful presents. Your family asking for hints? Send this article to them before the holidays!

Enrichment Classes: Ask baby’s parent what classes they would like to take? ASL? Gym? Music Together? I teach a combo of world languages, ASL, music and sensory play. But academics are not what we’re really aiming for with babies even in my own classes- fun and friends are key. Social learning and parent connection are the greatest joy money can buy. If baby is not born yet or just born, the family may enjoy breastfeeding drop-in groups, newborn groups etc.

Snacks: Make baby a delectable treat. Babies can eat real food with real spices and it doesn’t have to start with purees.  Homemade sweet potato crackers. Apple butter without sugar. Carrot muffins. Dried Apple Teething Rings. 

Books: The classic gift that endures the test of time. Board books are wonderful but don’t be afraid to buy “older kid” books so that they can be enriched with real literacy. Used books? Hand me down books? All good!

A Potty: Did you know that babies can crawl onto a potty and use words and signs to communicate potty needs by 10 months? Besides peeing in them, potties are fun to climb and read a book on. As a potty coach for 10mo and up, here’s my favorite inexpensive one: The Potty Pod Basix.

First Art Supplies: First art experiences can happen much earlier than preschool! Artsensorykitchenmemesupplies can be enjoyed with the hands, feet and all the senses. Glob paint is safe, gluten-free, sugar-free and just sticky enough to be really interesting. It’s more of a water-color consistency once mixed. Get a big, long roll of paper for baby to just go crazy on!

DIY Sensory Tubs: Make your own sensory kit to gift to baby. A big, shallow tupperware, some organic lentils, quinoa, cups for water play, possibly some silica-free, preservative-free sand.  Some bulk items in bags, some bowls and supervision will also do just fine!

Parenting Classes:  The Parent of the baby you love might want some help in the arena of gentle and effective discipline, communication, how to cloth diaper, how to use various baby carriers or infant CPR, baby massage. Ask the parent what they are interested and beloved baby will reap the benefits! You can even find some of these classes online, like my gentle discipline, potty savvy and sleep savvy online programs.

Membership: To the local children’s museum or play center? To the aquarium? To the pool! Botanical Gardens? Ahh..the gift of getting out of the house!

Love,

Moorea     www.SavvyParentingSupport.com 

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Visit Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama to find out how you can participate in the next Carnival of Natural Parenting!

Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:

(This list will be updated by afternoon December 9 with all the carnival links.)

• I Want to Buy All of the Things — The Economama discusses whether there’s a way to buy all of the baby stuff she desperately wants for her daughter without spoiling her.
• The “Collectors” and the “Concentrators”: How Children React to Lots of Presents — Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., at Parental Intelligence discusses two types of children who receive gifts: the “Collectors” who rip open the wrappings on their their presents and love to count them and the “Concentrators” who spend endless time on each gift ignoring the array of presents around them.
• The Joy of Giving and Receiving — Ellen at Life With Lucien shares her three-year-old son’s new favorite toy for imaginative play.
• Books: Best Present Ever! — Holly at Leaves of Lavender discusses some of the many reasons why books are the ideal gifts for little ones.
• 10 DIY Gifts You Still Have Time To Make — A roundup of 10 DIY gifts that don’t take much time to make from Doña at Nurtured Mama.
• Pumpkin Gingerbread Loaves – A Delicious Holiday Gift — Jennifer at Hybrid Rasta Mama shares one of her favorite recipes to make and give during the holidays. This Pumpkin Gingerbread Loaf is much anticipated by her friends and loved ones. Learn how to create this delicious gift from the heart!
• Christmas gifts for dreamers — Tat at Mum in search shares her favourite books and resources that have helped her get inspired and move forward towards her dreams this year.
• Natural parent’s baby shower registry — Since she had everything already for baby #3, Lauren at Hobo Mama is amusing herself by building a list of essentials and a few fun fripperies for a natural-parenting nursery.
• Gifts of love — Charlie at PeelingClementines recalls her favourite Christmas gift of all time and thinks about how to add this magic to her little one’s first Christmas.
• The Gift of Letting Go — Dionna at Code Name: Mama has discovered that when you’re a perfectionist, sometimes the best gift is simply releasing yourself from self-imposed expectations.
• Montessori Inspired Gifts for Babies and Toddlers — Rachel at Bread and Roses shares gift ideas that were a hit with her son last year and what’s on her wishlist for this year.
• Giftmas Ideas for Kids — Momma Jorje offers an original gift idea that hasn’t been overdone and is good for the kids!
• Favorite CDs for Babies and Toddlers {Gift Guide} — Deb Chitwood at Living Montessori Now shares her family’s favorite CDs for babies and toddlers, some of which were favorites of her children and are now favorites of her granddaughter.
• The Birthday Turned Christmas Wish List — That Mama Gretchen forgot to share her birthday wish list this fall, but she’s still wishin’ and hopin’ a present or two will arrive for Christmas!
• 8 Thoughtful Non-Toy Gifts for Baby — Is your family asking for hints for presents to give baby? Moorea, guest posting at Natural Parents Network, offers this list of ideas that won’t overwhelm your little one with toys.

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