Royal presents: A history of gifts

They might have bigger budgets, but royal families buy and receive nursery toys much like many of us. Stuffed animals, dolls, tea sets, and rocking horses have been staple items in British royal nurseries over the generations. Take a look at a few royal favorites, courtesy of a new exhibition called “Royal Childhood” opening July 2014 at Buckingham Palace.

Princess Margaret poses with a Parisian doll.

Velvet shoes worn by Prince Albert Edward, Queen Victoria's eldest son, when he was eight months old in 1842.

Wooden wheelbarrow in the shape of a dog, used for generations by royal children.

Silver-gilt Lily Font used for royal christenings, dating back to 1841.

Two Parisian dolls belonging to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

A toy horse on wheels that Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret played with in the 1930s.

Princess Elizabeth poses with a Parisian doll.

Silver filigree rattle given to the infant Prince of Wales (the future George IV) in 1763.

A pink tea set in the shape of a rabbit belonging to Princess Elizabeth.

A set of Nine-pins belonging to Princess Elizabeth.

The two-year-old Princess Elizabeth with her wicker pram on the grounds of her childhood home in London, 1928.

A velvet "walking suit" belonging to the future King George V, circa 1867.

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on a rocking horse in 1932.