There’s nothing quite like seeing Christmas through little eyes, the twinkle of fairy lights, the crinkle of wrapping paper, the sparkle of excitement as every new sound and shape feels like magic.
For babies and toddlers, play is how they learn about the world. The best Christmas gifts at this stage are more than just adorable; they’re meaningful. They help little ones develop early skills, explore their senses, and build confidence, all while having fun.
Whether it’s a baby’s first Christmas or a toddler’s second, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautifully made, long-lasting toys that promise hours of joy and learning.
From soft rattles and peekaboo friends to classic wooden treasures, these gifts make the season bright.
Sensory Fun for Little Explorers
Play is all about discovery in the early months. Every sound, colour, and texture is something new to explore. The best sensory toys are soft, safe, and full of gentle surprises to keep curious minds engaged.
Footfinders and Wrist Rattles Set
Babies love playing with their feet, and this delightful bootee and wrist set turns that curiosity into giggles. Brightly coloured bugs rattle and crinkle with every wriggle, encouraging movement and body awareness. Machine washable and made from soft fabrics, they’re comfortable enough for hours of footfinding fun.
Frog in a Box
A soft and friendly take on the classic jack-in-the-box, this charming toy introduces babies to peekaboo play. The adorable frog pops out to surprise them again and again, helping little ones learn anticipation and cause and effect. Its bright colours, squeak and crinkly textures make it a true sensory delight.
Hide & Squeak Eggs
A firm toddler favourite! Lift the lids to reveal colourful chicks, match their faces, press to hear them cheep, and sort them into the right egg spaces. This clever toy combines colour recognition, shape sorting, and fine motor play, all wrapped up in a fun egg box.
Why they’re great: Each toy helps babies build early coordination, encourages sensory exploration, and brings endless smiles, all while being soft, safe and designed for tiny hands.
Bathtime & Beyond: Splish, Splash, Smile
Bathtime doesn’t have to be all bubbles and towels; it can be one of the best times for playful bonding.
Bubble Blowing Whale
Make every bath a mini adventure! Pour a few drops of bubble bath into the whale’s spout, press him under the water, and watch as he joyfully spouts bubbles. This cheerful toy floats, separates for easy drying, and encourages sensory curiosity through water play.
Why they’ll love it: It turns an everyday routine into a moment of wonder, perfect for babies who love to splash and toddlers who can’t resist bubbles.
Colour, Creativity & Coordination
As babies grow into toddlers, play becomes more purposeful. They start stacking, hammering, mixing colours, and drawing. These toys spark creativity while helping little hands develop coordination and control.
Peacock Colours
This clever wooden peacock teaches colour mixing in the most magical way. Each feather features a translucent coloured window that can be layered or fanned to show how colours combine. It is a beautiful keepsake toy that introduces early science and art concepts in one.
Rabbit Stacker
A classic stacking toy with a twist! Crafted from FSC-certified wood, this gentle pastel rabbit has soft felt ears, a bobtail, and a curved base for a playful wobble. It is perfect for building coordination and problem-solving skills.
Happy Faces Hammering Bench
Peekaboo play meets cause-and-effect learning. Toddlers will love hammering the bright, smiley pegs and watching them pop back up again. Made from durable wood with clever see-saw mechanics, it’s a wonderful way to strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Toulouse Lap Trec Drawing Board
A mess-free magnetic sketchpad that’s ideal for travel or quiet time. Draw, stamp, and wipe clean to start all over again — endless creative fun for little artists-in-the-making. Its soft, padded back makes it comfortable to use anywhere, even on long journeys.
Why they’re great: Each toy encourages imaginative play, problem-solving, and creativity — all without screens or batteries.
Toys for Toddlers on the Move
As little ones start crawling, cruising and walking, the best toys are those that support their newfound independence and keep them safely exploring.
Activity Walker
This timeless wooden walker combines sturdy support with an engaging activity centre. It features everything from spinning cogs and mirrors to a mini abacus and matching blocks. It’s ideal for helping toddlers build confidence on their feet while encouraging fine motor development. There’s even a tray at the back so Teddy can hitch a ride!
Poppitoppy
Press down on the smiling character’s head and watch colourful balls pop, jump, and bounce inside. This simple yet mesmerising toy teaches cause and effect while offering hours of giggly fun.
Why they’ll love it: Movement, colour, and sound all come together to build confidence and coordination — and they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even realise they’re learning.
Choosing the Perfect Gift
When choosing Christmas gifts for babies and toddlers, it helps to think about play value, longevity, and safety:
- Longevity: Look for toys that will grow with them — something a baby can explore now and still enjoy as a toddler.
- Sensory variety: A mix of textures, colours, and sounds keeps play interesting and supports different stages of development.
- Safety & quality: Always check age suitability, choose trusted brands, and opt for sturdy materials like wood and soft fabric.
At Mulberry Bush, we carefully select toys that tick all three boxes. Each one is designed to bring joy, nurture early learning, and stand the test of time — because the very best gifts are those that get played with again and again.
Small Gifts, Big Memories
The joy of gifting at this age isn’t just about what’s inside the wrapping paper — it’s about the moments that follow. The first giggle at the frog popping from his box. The tiny hands patting the whale to make bubbles. The proud steps behind the walker.
These are the memories that make Christmas magical, for both children and grown-ups alike.
If you’re looking for something special this festive season, explore our full range of Baby & Toddler Toys for more inspiration. From soft sensory sets and bath toys to timeless wooden keepsakes, every toy is designed to bring laughter, learning, and love to your home this Christmas.
