In short: For toddlers, choose fewer gifts that suit their age: a rattle, teether or play arch for babies, sensory and bath toys at 6–12 months, first-steps toys at 1–2 years, a balance bike or backpack at 2–3 years and pretend play from 3. Check the CE mark and age label; under 3, avoid small parts, button batteries and magnets.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 28 September 2026
Across Europe, December brings gifts more than once: in many countries St Nicholas visits on 6 December, and at Christmas it is Father Christmas, Santa or the Christkind who leaves presents under the tree. For a toddler that quickly adds up to a pile of parcels, and for parents to the question of what is really worth buying. This guide lists Christmas gift ideas for babies and toddlers by age (from birth to 3 years and beyond) in four price bands, with products from our range, toy-safety rules and suggested order dates.
How we chose the gifts
- Age: we followed the manufacturer's age label in the product description (e.g. 0 m+, 10 m+, 3+).
- Budget: under €20, €20–50, €50–100 and over €100 (regular prices at the time of writing; offers and stock change).
- Usefulness: toys a child will use for months and gifts that make life easier for parents come first.
Christmas gifts for babies (0–6 months)
Babies explore with their eyes, hands and mouth. A gift should be light, easy to grip and easy to clean.
| Budget | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| under €20 | Little Dutch wooden rattle Fairy Garden | solid wood, water-based paint, 3 m+, EN 71 compliant |
| under €20 | Mushie No-Drop sensory teether | food-grade silicone, inner handle for small hands, 3 m+ |
| under €20 | Evibell milestone blanket | for monthly photos – a gift parents love |
| €20–50 | Little Dutch wooden play arch Fairy Garden | 3 soft toys with different textures, 0 m+, EN 71-1-2-3 |
| €20–50 | Jollein wooden baby gym | wooden frame for floor play, 0 m+ (hanging toys sold separately) |
| €50–100 | Evibell puzzle play mat 120 × 180 | soft surface for tummy time |
| over €100 | Evibell reversible TPU play mat 140 × 200 or Leander Matty changing mat | a bigger item the family uses every day |
Gifts for 6–12 months
In the second half of the first year babies sit, grasp and pass objects from hand to hand. Toys with textures, mirrors and shapes work well, as does a first feeding set.
| Budget | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| under €20 | Little Dutch sensory cube Forest Friends | soft cube with different textures and a mirror, 0 m+ |
| €20–50 | Little Dutch playpen activity book | attaches to playpen or cot, mirror and teething ring, 0 m+ |
| €20–50 | Mushie shape sorter cube | builds hand–eye coordination, 10 m+ |
| €20–50 | Mushie Cupcake bath toys | 4 silicone cupcakes for the bath, 10 m+, dishwasher safe |
| €20–50 | Done by Deer first meal set Foodie | suction bowl, cup and spoon for first meals |
| €50–100 | Little Dutch wooden activity walker | a gift to grow into: 8 activities, for first steps from 12 months |
| over €100 | Leander Louie high chair | from around 6 months (once sitting unaided), tested to EN 14988 and EN 71-3 |
Gifts for 1–2 year olds
Toddlers start walking, stacking, pulling and pushing. Toys that get them moving and simple wooden toys are the best bets.
| Budget | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| under €20 | Little Dutch bath ball track | three tracks with suction cups for the bathroom wall, 10 m+ |
| €20–50 | PolarB wooden activity train | stacking, threading and sorting, 18 m+ |
| €20–50 | Little Dutch wooden Noah's Ark | 30 pieces for pretend play and first words, 18 m+ |
| €50–100 | Little Dutch wooden activity walker | support for first steps, 12 m+ |
| €50–100 | KikkaBoo Flash 5-in-1 tricycle | from 18 months to about 4 years, 5 modes, 3.9 kg |
| over €100 | KikkaBoo Trix 2 8-in-1 tricycle | 10–48 months, 8 modes, manufacturer states EN 71-1, -2 and -3 |
Gifts for 2–3 year olds
At two, independence kicks in: a first balance bike, their own nursery backpack and books to read together.
| Budget | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| under €20 | Done by Deer straw bottle 350 ml or activity books | handy for nursery and outings / shared reading |
| €20–50 | Done by Deer kids' backpack 4 l | padded straps, chest buckle, name label |
| €50–100 | KikkaBoo Lanser balance bike | 2–6 years, adjustable seat; add a helmet |
| €50–100 | KikkaBoo Flip 5-in-1 tricycle | 1–5 years, from push trike to balance bike |
| over €100 | KikkaBoo Trix 2 as a joint family gift | usable up to 48 months |
Gifts for 3 years and up
Three-year-olds love pretend play, crafts and stories. Toys labelled 3+ may contain small parts, so keep them away from younger siblings.
| Budget | Gift | Why |
|---|---|---|
| under €20 | Little Dutch sticker book Jim & Friends | 24 pages and 12 sticker sheets, 3+ |
| €20–50 | Little Dutch wooden picnic set | 31 pieces in a basket, FSC-certified wood, 3+ |
| €50–100 | Little Dutch wooden dolls' house S | portable house with furniture and two dolls, 3+ |
| over €100 | personalised gifts or a gift card | a keepsake with the child's name, or free choice for parents |
When you don't know what to choose
- Personalised gifts: with the child's name they become a lasting keepsake – personalised gifts. Production takes a few extra days.
- Gift card: the digital gift card arrives by email right after payment, so it works as a last-minute gift too.
- Wooden and Montessori toys: simple and durable – see wooden toys and Montessori-inspired. For more on choosing by stage, read our guide to Montessori toys by age.
More ideas: Christmas collection, first birthday gift ideas and baby shower gift ideas.
Toy safety: what to watch for with toddlers
- CE mark and age label: toys sold in the EU must meet the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC (to be replaced by Regulation (EU) 2025/2509). An age label is a safety warning, not a difficulty rating.
- Small parts under 3: give toys marked "not suitable for children under 36 months" only to older children.
- Button batteries: found in light-up toys and musical cards. If swallowed they can cause serious internal injuries within hours – if you suspect it, call 112 immediately.
- Magnets: keep small magnets out of reach; several swallowed magnets can attract each other inside the gut.
- Cords and ribbons: gift ribbons and long cords do not belong near a baby; never tie a teether to a cord.
Less is more
In a study of 36 toddlers aged 18–30 months, children played longer and more creatively with 4 toys than with 16. Agree on one bigger joint gift with relatives, rotate toys and give time too – a day out or baking Christmas biscuits together.
When to order so gifts arrive on time
Under our shipping policy, in-stock items are dispatched within 2 working days of payment confirmation; international delivery usually takes 2–10 working days. Carriers are busy in December, so we suggest:
| Occasion | Suggested order date |
|---|---|
| St Nicholas' Day (6 Dec) | by the end of November |
| Christmas (24/25 Dec) | by around 10 December |
| Personalised gifts | at least a week earlier |
Dates are approximate and not guaranteed. They do not apply to the digital gift card.
FAQ
How many gifts does a toddler need?
One to three well-chosen gifts are plenty, especially if St Nicholas brings something too. Too many toys at once scatter a child's attention.
What is a good Christmas gift for a 1-year-old?
An activity walker for first steps (12 m+), a bath toy, a wooden stacking toy or a tricycle that grows with the child.
What should I buy a 2-year-old?
A balance bike or tricycle, a nursery backpack, a wooden pretend-play set (such as Noah's Ark) or books.
Which toys are not suitable for under-3s?
Toys with small parts or an under-36-months warning, toys with unsecured button batteries and toys with small magnets.
When should I order Christmas gifts?
For delivery across Europe, around 10 December; for St Nicholas' Day by the end of November; personalised gifts a week earlier.
Sources
- Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys
- Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 on the safety of toys
- NHS – Baby and toddler safety
- CAPT – Button batteries
- Dauch et al. (2018): The influence of the number of toys on toddlers' play
- Product data: product descriptions in the Evitas shop.
This content is for information only. Always follow the manufacturer's age label and warnings.
