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  • Writer's pictureSophie Schillaci

2020 Gift Guide for Babies 0-12 Months

Updated: Nov 24, 2020



Looking for the best gifts to give the littlest loves in your life? Below, I've curated my top picks for the season (and everyday) across all budgets, with a special emphasis on supporting small businesses and pieces that will stand the test of time.


I hope you love them as much as I do! xx


 

Don't forget to shop my other

2020 GIFT GUIDES:

 

Photo courtesy of "Crossing T's"

Baby's First Ornament:


Crossing T's, $26


Shop small for this stunning piece that will adorn their Christmas trees for life. Each piece is hand crafted in Boston via Crossing T's Calligraphy.


I've personally gifted these to so many new babies (and newlyweds). They are ALWAYS a show stopper.


Take note: Items are painted and shipped in small batches, so order early. Current turnaround time is 2-3 weeks.


Tori makes tons of beautifully-lettered, customized gear, so be sure to follow her on Instagram for more gifting inspo. (Follow Tori on Instagram: @Crossing_Ts)


 
Photo courtesy of "Little Wild"

Beautiful Basics:


Little Wild, $26-34


A mama-owned small business based in California, Little Wild's mission is all about giving back to mama earth and families in need.


Each piece is ethically produced in Los Angeles with all organic materials. Plus, every purchase helps plant a tree. It's the season of giving, so why not choose a gift that gives back? (Follow LW on Instagram: @shoplittlewild).


My Everyday Picks for Colton:

I call it the triple threat -- the jogger ($32), the boxy tee ($26) and the pullover ($34).



Five-month-old Everly wearing M+A's On-the-Go one-piece in "Sealed With a Kiss"

Monica + Andy's On the Go One-Piece, $24


One of my favorite brands to shop for everyday, special occasions and gifting, M+A. has adorable and organic pieces to suit any size, style or season. My favorite item for baby is easily their On the Go One-Piece, which both of my kids have lived in until they couldn't squeeze into them anymore.



Four-day-old Colton wearing Lou Lou's Knotted Gown in "Ezra"

Lou Lou and Company, $34 - $78


I didn't discover this brand until my second baby, but I. AM. OBSESSED.


Colton, above, is wearing their "Ezra" print and coordinating hat from their "Ultimate Newborn Bundles" ($78), which includes a knotted gown, swaddle blanket, hat and no-scratch mittens. (Their swaddle blanket is the best one on the market that I have found.)


Their real MVP for itty bitty babies is the Knotted Gown. It's made of some of the softest fabric I've ever touched and the darling buttons + tie bottom make dressing baby a breeze, even when they're sleeping. (No need to ever put it over their head or disturb their sweet, curled up legs.)


Consider this: Ordering coordinating sets for a sibling or sizing up in matching Tops + Bottoms.



Image courtesy of elfin

Hand Embroidered Baby Tee, $46


This customized tee is one of a series of options from LA-based small biz elfin los angeles, which offers hand-embroidered pieces for babies, toddlers and mamas.


Treat the whole family with a sweet matching set!





 

Pajamas:


Colton and Everly wearing LS's "Watercolor" collection

Little Sleepies, $29.99


The coziest PJs with a cult following, you can't go wrong with Little Sleepies.


For babies, I love the zippies with fold over cuffs on the hands and feet. If you're looking for a matching set with a sibling (or the whole family), their two-pieces will easily become a bedtime staple.






Colton loves his "Dinos at the Disco"

Dinos at the Disco Gift Set by MiLOWE, $70

***ON SALE FOR $55***


Another "shop small" option from the Los Angeles-based ladies of MiLOWE Kids. Their complete gift set includes this dreamy soft and cozy zip-up, a matching hat, lovey, and coordinating board book. One and done shopping!


Shameless plug: They did an interview with yours truly for their parenting hub, The MAG, back in March. Read it here.




 

Shoes

Colton looks so sweet in his Freshly Picked Oxfords

Soft Sole Moccs by Freshly Picked, $59

***40% OFF SALE***


Little babies don't need much in the footwear department, but buying them one neutral (or cute patterned!) pair can go a long way.


Everly lived in two pairs of cute little moccs (one pink and one gold) all the way up until she could walk.


Colton's oxfords, pictured here, are the only shoes he has worn in his 8 months here on earth. They are easy to slip on and off, with lots of wiggle room for growth, and look oh so cute.


Find discounts at the link below!


 

Play

Everly pictured with a selection of her Lovevery Play Kit toys

The Lovevery Play Kits, Prices vary


If you're looking for thoughtfully created playthings to stimulate their brains, consider enrolling in the Lovevery Play Kit subscription service. Every few months, a new box of Montessori-inspired and developmentally appropriate toys, books and puzzles will be shipped right to their home. Play Kit subscriptions begin for children as young as three months and extend all the way to three years.


Everly has been receiving Lovevery's Play Kits for her entire life thus far, and has loved every single one.



Sensory Balls, Blocks and Buddies, $19.99


For a grow-with-you option, babies will love to explore the different shapes and textures with their hands and, let's be honest, mouths.


Tip: Keep these toys in the playroom, not the bathtub, to keep them in good shape for years to come. Baby will keep coming back to stack the blocks and explore the different shapes and balls as they grow.




A friend peeks through Everly's tunnel at her first birthday party

Crawl Through Play Tunnel, $23.95


As soon as baby can crawl, it's a great time to help them explore their place in space with a tunnel. See them take it all in from outside and inside the tunnel, crawling all around and through to you on the other side! This can also be a great gift for siblings to play with together.




Image courtesy of Loulou Lollipop

Soft Silicone Teether, $26


Love these adorable teethers from Loulou Lollipop, which also come in cute little food shapes like sushi, macarons and donuts.




Colton with Sebastian the Lamb

Cuddle and Kind Dolls, $55-75


I've started a tradition in our home of gifting each of my children one mini Cuddle and Kind doll at Christmastime, and one full-sized doll on their birthdays.


The dolls come with a bit of a price tag, but I feel good about their heirloom quality and the fact that they are providing ethical employment with a living wage for skilled artisans in Peru, along with providing meals for children in need. Another gift that gives back!



Image courtesy of Manhattan Toy

Wee Baby Stella/Fella, $24


Dolls are wonderful for teaching both girls and boys about their bodies, taking care of siblings and empathy for others. It's never too soon to start their collection! Babies love to look at other babies.


What's especially wonderful about the Wee Baby Stella/Fella dolls is that offer a diverse variety of skin tones and can be totally customizable.




Image courtesy of Amazon

Stacking Cups, $14.99


Stacking toys are a staple for any babe's playroom. These ones from mushie include little shape cutouts for water play and the colors are aesthetically pleasing for any decor.







Image courtesy of Amazon

Enchanted Silk, $19.94


Another staple for the playroom that will provide open-ended fun for years to come. (At two, it's still one of Ev's favorite playthings.)


This one from Sarah's Silks is handmade with natural silk and non-toxic, environmentally safe dyes.




Flip Fish Toy, $11.90


This Melissa & Doug toy hits the sensory motherlode with squeaking, crinkling, multiple textures, bold facial features, bright colors, and hidden pictures located under the scales.





Baby Whoozit, $16


Whoozit is another classic sensory experience suitable for newborns and up. For both my kids, this was the very first toy they fell in love with.


(And it was a gift from the incredible Nanny Connie! Thank you!)


 


Feeding

Everly "learning" how to use her utensils!


First Foods Set by ezpz, $34.99


This set is a must-have for anyone starting solids.


It's dishwasher safe, comes in a variety of colors, and is developmentally appropriate for tiny fingers and mouths as they learn to self feed. The full set includes one bowl, two spoons and one cup.






Image courtesy of Amazon

Sleeved Bib, $13.95


Anyone who has fed a baby knows why these full-sleeve bibs are the real MVPs.


The Bumkins brand comes in cute basic styles and Disney prints, too! Wash them in the sink or pop them in with the laundry for easy cleanup.


 

Books



A few favorites from our home library and wish list.

Click each link below to shop.




 

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