Practical Christmas gifts for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers

Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and… toys that might end up forgotten under the sofa by New Year’s Day. If you’re on a mission to find gifts that won’t just collect dust, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re shopping for babies, toddlers, or pre-schoolers, practical gifts can be the best.

Just wanted to give you a heads-up that this guide includes items I’ve been paid to feature, PR samples, and affiliate links that earn me a small commission. All opinions are my own, and I wouldn’t include anything I don’t think would make an lovely gift for someone. Jen x

Why Practical Gifts Make Perfect Sense

Let’s face it—practical gifts aren’t just about functionality. Parents love them because they solve everyday problems, while kids enjoy them because they are new, it’s a win-win!

Any parent knows that toddlers are very specific about the cup they will drink out of, the shape of their sandwich and the outfit they wear. This just goes to show whether you buy them a £10 outfit or a £100 play set they will probably love it! If you are on a budget then for little ones practical gifts is definitely the way forward.

Gifts for Babies

Baby Björn Feeding Set

First on our list is the BabyBjörn Feeding Set—a must-have for any baby starting to wean. This set includes a bib, spoon, and bowl, all designed with those tiny hands (and inevitable messes) in mind. The ergonomic design supports easy self-feeding, promoting independence and mealtime fun.

Parents will appreciate the clean-up-friendly design and dishwasher-safe parts. Whether you are buying for your own child or as a gift for a baby you know they are sure to make use of the set.

This set is £29.90 from BabyBjörn.

Graco Sway ‘n Grow

A Graco Sway ‘n Grow is more than just a seat; it’s a throne fit for your little king or queen. Offering both comfort and versatility, this chair adapts to various stages of growth, from birth to 4 years. The swinging capability is suitable up to 1 year or 11kg however the stationary chair is suitable up to 4 years (or 18kg)

Safety is paramount, and Graco delivers with secure harness systems and sturdy build quality. It can be operated using Bluetooth so you can even stream songs baby likes directly to them in their seat.

At £180 from Graco it isn’t the cheapest gift but it will last them up to 4 years and is a special gift they (and their parents) will love. Due to the cost I would suggest it is probably a gift best for parents to buy for their own child unless you have a high budget!

Memory-Making Gifts

Want to give a gift that tugs at the heartstrings? Memory-making gifts like handprint decorations create lasting keepsakes. Not only do they capture precious moments, but they also provide a fun and interactive activity for both parents and children.

Imagine a tree adorned with tiny handprints, each representing a moment frozen in time. These gifts become cherished memories, treasured long after the decorations are taken down.

This selection are from the Pearhead Range and each of the ones shown are £9.99.

Christmas socks

Cute baby Christmas socks from Blade and Rose make a lovely gift and are useful too because let’s face it what baby needs toys?

Blanket

A lovely blanket always makes a nice gift and you never know it might be the one that a baby never leaves anywhere and becomes attached to. This gorgeous one with a mandala design is from Blululi and is unique and a lovely gift idea.

Gifts for Toddlers

Baby and Toddler Safe Beanbags

Who knew lounging could be so stylish? Baby and toddler safe beanbags offer a comfy place to relax, read, or play. Soft and supportive, these beanbags are perfect for snuggling up with a favourite book or toy.

Easy to move and clean, they fit seamlessly into any room. Plus, their vibrant colours and fun patterns make them as appealing as they are practical.

Backpack

A cool backpack for kids from LittleLife is a great gift, the toddler ones have reins on which is perfect for little wanderers! This LittleLife Lion backpack is £18.99.

A coat

Kids love new clothes that they like the look of so why not buy them a new coat, this one is available in ginger biscuit (orange), lynx (mustard sort of colour),navy, or magenta (bright pink) and for ages 1-7. At £130 from Helly Hansen it isn’t a cheap coat but it is amazing quality with a detachable hood, Duck feather and duck down, and perfect for winter.

Highchair

A highchair is a staple in any toddler’s life, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. Look for designs that are easy to clean, adjustable, and safe. A quality highchair not only supports mealtime but also encourages little ones to join the family table.

Parents will love the convenience of a well-designed highchair, while toddlers will enjoy the view from their elevated perch. It’s a dining essential that grows with the child, making it a wise investment.

Gifts for Pre-schoolers

Pre-school Drinks Bottle

Every little adventurer needs hydration, and a drinks bottle is just the ticket. Designed for small hands, these bottles are leak-proof and easy to carry, perfect for playdates or park visits.

Parents will appreciate the minimal mess, while toddlers will love the independence of sipping on their own. Available in various colours, they encourage healthy drinking habits without the fuss.

This bottle is available from Amazon for £19.99.

Audiobooks from Voxblock

Fuel your little one’s imagination with audiobooks from Voxblock. These captivating stories take children on magical journeys without the need for screens. Perfect for bedtime or quiet afternoons, audiobooks promote literacy, listening skills, and creativity.

Parents will appreciate the screen-free entertainment, while kids will love losing themselves in enchanting tales. It’s a gift that keeps giving, providing endless hours of adventure and learning. Check out the range of books and players available at Voxblock.

The audiobooks can be chosen for all ages so it is definitely a gift that will last them for years.

Building Sets

Encourage creativity with building sets that challenge young minds. These sets offer endless possibilities, encouraging problem-solving and spatial awareness.

From simple blocks to Duplo, building sets cater to various skill levels, making them suitable for pre-schoolers of all ages. Parents can join in the fun too. Toys like this encourage imagination and help make this gift fun every time it is used.

Art Supplies

Unleash your child’s inner Picasso with a set of art supplies. From crayons to paints, art supplies offer endless opportunities for self-expression and creativity.

These gifts inspire imagination and provide an outlet for emotions, all while improving fine motor skills. Parents will love displaying their child’s masterpieces, making art supplies a gift that enriches both the home and the heart.

Shoes

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of gifts for young children, shoes can actually make a great, practical present. Not only do they serve a functional purpose of protecting their little feet, but they can also be stylish and fun.

When choosing shoes for toddlers and pre-schoolers, look for options that are durable, comfortable, and provide proper support for their developing feet. Consider the child’s favourite colours to add an extra touch of excitement to the gift.

It is always important to get good fitting shoes that are well made for growing feet so I recommend Start-Rite where the below shoes are from. They are always good quality and made well.

Choosing what to buy

When selecting practical gifts, consider both the child’s interests and developmental stage. Look for items that offer value, versatility, and safety. Don’t be afraid to ask parents for input, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness!

Remember, the greatest gift is the joy of shared moments. Whether it’s building blocks together or listening to a favourite story, these shared experiences create lasting memories that outshine even the fanciest toys.

Has this given you any more ideas? Let me know in the comments below