A Gentle Guide to Gifting for Little Ones
Image by Suzy Ultman
Gifting for a baby or young child is such a meaningful gesture. Whether you’re a grandparent, godparent, aunt, uncle, or close friend, choosing something for a little one is your way of saying: I’m celebrating this moment with you. You may have noticed that some families gently steer toward wooden toys rather than plastic ones. If so, here’s a warm guide to help you choose something that feels joyful, thoughtful, and aligned with their approach.
Why Many Families Lean Toward Wood
For many parents, the preference for wood isn’t about being rigid, it’s about how the toy lives in a child’s world.
Wooden toys tend to:
Feel warm and sensory in little hands
Be durable enough to last through multiple stages
Encourage imagination rather than flashing lights and sounds
Age beautifully instead of breaking or being quickly outgrown
Be passed along to siblings or other families
Plastic toys often entertain quickly. Wooden toys often grow with a child. It’s less about saying “no” to something, and more about saying “yes” to longevity, simplicity, and open-ended play.
What Makes a Wonderful Wooden Gift
If you’d like to choose something that aligns with this philosophy, these are often well-loved options:
A wooden rattle or teether
Stacking rings or shape sorters
Open-ended blocks
Wooden animals or figurines
A simple pull toy
A timeless picture book
When in doubt: natural materials, simple design, and room for imagination are a beautiful guide.
When You’re Unsure
The most thoughtful thing you can do is ask.
A message like:
“I’d love to choose something they’ll truly use. Do you have any suggestions?”
is always welcome.
Many families are happy to share a small wishlist or guide you toward something that fits their child’s stage.