Wishlist on Christmas
Every year the same thing happens. A grandparent asks what the baby wants for Christmas, and the honest answer is “a nap.” So I wrote the list I would send. Here are 20 wishlist on Christmas ideas for babies and toddlers, sorted by age, with safe picks for the first year, gifts for ages one and two, practical things that get used, and a few experiences. At the end is a short note on how to share the list so relatives actually follow it.
How to build a Christmas wishlist for a baby or toddler
The trouble with a baby wishlist is that the baby cannot write one. So the parents end up guessing what a one year old might want, and relatives end up buying whatever looks cute in the store. That is how a house gets a loud toy, a giant plush, and three of the same rattle.
The fix is to build the list around what the child will use in the next six months. A baby who is just learning to sit needs different things than a toddler who is learning to climb. If I were sending a list to family, I would write the child’s age in the first line and group the ideas by that, so nobody has to guess.
It also helps to keep the list short. Eeshan and Vihaan would be thrilled with a pile of boxes, but a short list of eight to ten things, with one big item and a few small ones, is easier to follow and easier to store.
| Age | Good wishlist picks | Leave off the list |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | Soft books, play mat, rattle, teether | Anything with small parts |
| 6 to 12 months | Stacking cups, board books, sturdy blocks | Toys with long cords |
| 12 to 24 months | Push toy, shape sorter, chunky puzzles | Small magnets, button batteries |
| All ages | Next size clothes, diapers, experience gifts | Crib bumpers, pillows, soft bedding |
Wishlist ideas for babies under one
For the first year, the best gifts are simple. Babies learn through their mouths and hands, so look for things that are safe to chew, shake, and look at.
- Soft cloth books. High contrast pages hold a newborn’s attention, and they are safe to chew.
- A play mat. A padded mat with a few hanging toys gives tummy time a purpose. Pick one that wipes clean, since it will get spit up on. Our guide to sensory activities for infants shows ways to use it.
- A silicone teether. Choose one made of a single piece, with no parts that can come loose. Put it in the fridge, not the freezer, for sore gums. Wash it after every drop.
- A chunky rattle. A rattle with a wide handle is easy for small hands to hold. Check that it is too large to fit in a baby’s mouth in full. Wipe it down often, since it will be dropped. Skip any with loose beads inside.
- A soft stacking set. Fabric blocks are quiet and soft, and they make a good first toy for sitting. Eeshan and Vihaan would both knock the tower over before it was done, which is the whole point of it.
Wishlist ideas for ages one and two
Toddlers want to move, pour, stack, and carry things. Pick gifts that let them do all four without a parent hovering over every second.
- A push toy. A sturdy wagon or walker helps a new walker keep balance, and it is something to hold. Pick one that does not tip when a toddler leans on it. Weighted bases are safer than light ones.
- A shape sorter. Chunky shapes in big holes build hand eye coordination without frustration.
- Chunky wooden puzzles. Pick puzzles with big knobs and only a few pieces. Hand them over at the right age, not before, or they just become a pile of chewed pieces.
- A DIY busy board. A board with latches, switches, and knobs holds a toddler’s interest for a long stretch. Our guide to DIY busy board ideas shows how to make one for less than a store bought version. Check every latch and screw before it goes to a toddler.
- Sensory bottles. Sealed bottles with glitter, water, or beads are calm and fun to shake. You can find ideas in our sensory bottles guide. Seal the lids with strong glue, and check them often.
- A set of board books. Pick sturdy books with short sentences and bold pictures. Our list of words 1 year olds should know pairs well with them for reading together.
Practical gifts that get used
Some of the best wishlist items are not toys. They are things the family would buy anyway, and a relative can cover them without any guessing.
- The next clothing size. Put the current size and the size they will wear by spring. Babies grow fast, and clothes in the wrong size are the most common gift problem.
- Diapers and wipes. Include the size and the brand you use, and a link. It is a dull gift that every parent is glad to get.
- A fitted crib sheet. Spare sheets save you on a bad night.
- A growth keepsake. A height chart or a memory box, started this year, becomes more meaningful every Christmas. Eeshan and Vihaan would measure each other against the door, so I would pick a chart that hangs on the wall.
- A hooded towel and bath toys. A towel in the child’s size, plus a few simple bath toys, is a safe, useful set. Skip bath toys that trap water inside, since mold can grow in them.
Experience gifts for a baby or toddler
Experiences take no storage space, and they work well for relatives who live far away or who prefer not to buy toys.
- A zoo or aquarium membership. A year pass turns a rainy weekend into an outing, and it grows with the child.
- A music or movement class. A short series of baby and parent classes gives the child something to look forward to.
- A swim class. A parent and child swim class is a good first step toward water comfort. It is not a substitute for supervision, since drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, according to the CDC.
- A photo session. A short family session turns Christmas into a keepsake.
How to share the list with family
Send the list early, in November, so relatives have time to order and nothing arrives at the last minute. Keep it in one place, with the child’s age, sizes, and a few links. A shared note works as well as a registry.
Say what you do not need, too. A line like “we have plenty of toys and clothes, but we would love board books and a meal” is clear and friendly. If you want to steer away from big noisy items, say so plainly and offer an alternative.
Finally, leave room for a surprise. Add a line that says “anything on this list, or a book you loved as a kid.” Eeshan and Vihaan would be happiest with a mix of the two, and so would the person who bought it. For the parents’ own list, see our guide on what to ask for as a new parent for Christmas.
Frequently asked questions about a Christmas wishlist for babies and toddlers
What should I put on a baby’s Christmas wishlist?
Soft cloth books, a play mat, a teether, a rattle, board books, the next clothing size, and diapers are all good picks. Choose items that are safe to chew and have no small parts.
What are good Christmas wishlist ideas for a one year old?
A push toy, a shape sorter, chunky puzzles, board books, a DIY busy board, and sensory bottles suit most one year olds. Check each item’s age label.
How many gifts should a toddler’s Christmas wishlist have?
Eight to ten items is plenty. Include one larger item, a few small ones, and a couple of practical gifts such as clothes or books.
How do I share a wishlist with family?
Send the list in early November. Include the child’s age, sizes, and links, and say what you do not need. A shared note or a registry both work.
What should I leave off a baby’s Christmas wishlist?
Leave off toys with small parts, loose batteries, magnets, long cords, and anything that breaks safe sleep rules, such as crib bumpers, pillows, and plush bedding.
Are experience gifts good for toddlers?
Yes. A zoo membership, a music class, or a swim class does not add clutter and gives the child something to look forward to. Always supervise closely near water.
If I were sending the list today, I would put a play mat, a set of board books, and the next clothing size at the top. Eeshan and Vihaan would ask for the loudest toy in the store, and I would politely leave it off. A short list, sent early, is the kindest thing you can do for the people who love your kids.
