There's perhaps no one more fun to shop for than the newest little life in yours. Babytalk magazine's Christina Vercelletto shares some cute and clever ideas.
Will C. More Visual Developer
The Discovery Store has a wonderful line of developmental toys that allow you to input your baby's birthdate so that the toy can preselect age-appropriate activities as your child grows. The Will C. More Visual Developer is an interactive storybook that adjusts its dozens of stories, games, songs and sounds to your baby's stage of development. Just set his birthdate once, and it's ready to take him from newborn (as a crib toy) all the way to age three. Ages 2-36 months, $80, www.discoverystore.com
Design-your-own baby slippers These custom-made slippers are equally cute and comfy around the house or running errands with mom. They're cute, personal, practical and won't bust your holiday budget! The site offers more than 50 different themes, including holiday options like reindeer, skating penguin, snowman and snowflake, and you can pick whatever color combos and styles you want. They have different sizes and soles for crawlers, walkers and runners. Ages 3 months to 4 years, $30, www.preschoolians.com
Babylegs leg warmers
These are a great idea that is practical, fun and unexpected, in adorable patterns for girls and boys. The leg warmers were actually the brainchild of a mom who was looking for something to keep her baby's legs warm when he was suffering from diaper rash! They're also great protection for baby's knees when they're just learning to crawl or they can be worn on the arms. One size fits all, so they'll grow with your kids. Fits babies to size 10, $12, www.craftsburykids.com
Land's End cashmere
Lands' End's new cashmere line for babies includes clothing, accessories and blankets that are super soft and are great quality. It's definitely a splurge, but they have a timeless appeal so items can be passed down from one generation to the next. The line includes coordinating blankets, hats and booties in five soft pastel colors. Ages 0-24 months; sweater: $65, hat and bootie set: $55, pants: $45, blanket: $125; www.landsend.com
Little Leaps Grow-with-Me Learning System
Any toy that gives you extended use is tops in our book. The Little Leaps Grow-with-Me Learning System from Leapfrog has a wireless controller that works with your DVD player to take you and your child through scores of stories and songs. By pushing the chunky buttons, your baby can make things happen onscreen. To change from baby to toddler mode, just flip the controller over. Ages 9-36 months, $40, www.leapfrog.com
Vintage nursery clock
It's a beautiful addition to a baby's nursery, yet few gift givers think about buying them. These are adorable vintage design clocks from Warm Biscuit, and each one has a unique moving pendulum — the fire truck clock has a helmet, the adorable nursery rhyme design has a star and the tea party has a teapot! $89, www.warmbiscuit.com
Chenille blankies
These wonderfully soft blankets from Little Giraffe make great gifts, and they come in unexpected colors beyond the typical pastel pinks and blues. We love the smaller blankie-size chenille version, which retails for $29, and the new super-plush faux fur luxe collection. Chenille blanky (small), $29; luxe blanket, $78; www.littlegiraffe.com
Johnnies Baby Sock Set
Converse high tops for babies! These cute socks will make any outfit just a little bit cooler. Six colors include yellow, red, orange, green, blue and black, and there's also a Jennies set for baby girls! Comes in a cute gift box ready for gift-giving. 0-12 months, $25, www.artebebe.com
Infant Fleece Bearhand Mittens from Magic BeansAdorable and cozy for baby's first Christmas snowfall! These mittens come in a variety of different colors, and are also available in toddler's and kids' sizes. $12, www.mbeans.com
Bling pacifiers We've all seen celeb kids like Apple sporting rhinestone pacifiers. But for parents who don't want to shell out $50 for something that's going to spend half the time being spit out of their baby's mouth onto the floor, Munchkin has introduced a line of more affordable bling pacifiers for only $5 a pack! 0-12 months, $5 (4.99 for a pack of two), www.munchkin.com
“Nightingale Lullaby” Another great gift for a baby that few people buy is a music CD. Especially great is one of soothing lullabies that will ease baby off to dreamland — a bonus for mom, too. We love “Nightingale Lullaby” since it features beloved classic lullabies and new soothing songs that set the scene for calming bedtime rituals with your child. $15, www.songbirdpiano.com