Top 10 Toys and Gifts for Infants

Infants change so quickly that it's hard to find toys and gifts that will make them happy for very long. During the first few months, babies don't even play with toys, and when they do develop an interest in toys, their little hands aren't able to hold onto anything very big. The following toys make great gifts for babies of about 3 months old because they can grow with the baby for a few months or become a classic playroom addition.

1. Lamaze "Stretch" the Giraffe Soft Toy

   Soft to the touch and vivid to look at, Stretch the Giraffe will provide hours of entertainment for young babies. Stretchy legs, crinkly fabrics, teething toys and clacking rings all combine to create a toy that baby can use through several developmental stages. Ribbon segments sewn on the toy are great for older babies to touch and pull, too.

2. Manhattan Toy Cirque du Soleil Zing-a-Ding Soft Rattle

   Part of Manhattan Toy's gorgeous Cirque di Soleil baby toys line, this soft rattle has enough vibrant color and patterns to hold baby's visual interest, while the soothing rattle sounds give baby a reward for learning to shake it. Silky ribbons around the base of the rattle also provide something to touch for older babies with better control of their fingers.

Vendor's Site

3. Lamaze Grip and Grab Rattle

   The interesting shape of this angular rattle will keep an infant's attention for quite a while. Bright colors on the edges add visual interest, and tiny beads inside the clear rattle sections are fun to watch and hear. Nubby center sections feel good when baby reaches teething time, too.

4. Tiny Love Lady Fish Toy

   This cool fish toy can be suspended from baby's play gym or bouncer bar, or even a crib rail, so that baby can reach and bat at it as an infant, and then learn to play with it more as an older baby. The fins rotate and make a fun clicking sound, and a teether tail feels good to babies who are cutting teeth. Bright colors and lots of textures make Lady Fish pleasant to look at, too.

Manufacturer's Site

5. Infantino Peek, Rattle and Teethe Toy Set

   Baby can explore the colors, patterns and textures of this soft blocks set right from the start and then learn the classic "stack and knock over" baby game as toddlerhood approaches. Shapes inside the peek-a-boo blocks also make sounds for additional excitement.

6. Sassy Butterfly Rattle and Teether

   This rattle set is easy for tiny hands to grasp, so it's a great toy for even the youngest infants. The set includes five of Sassy's wonderful rattles, each in a different shape. Some of the rattles have clear sections with colorful balls inside, some have softer teething sections, and some have plastic rings around them for extra sight and sound stimulation, but all of them feature Sassy's signature bright-colored spots and stripes. Cute, inexpensive and easy to stash in a diaper bag for travel!

7. Discovery Toys Buzzy Buddy

   This soft velour bee has crinkly wings that are fun to touch, and when you stretch out the bee's body, it buzzes and wiggles as it shrinks back together. A rattling tail and bright-colored patterns on the body add interest for babies.

Manufacturer's Site

8. Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Activity Toy

   The soothing aquatic color theme of this Baby Einstein turtle toy is a nice change from brighter baby gear. The friendly turtle character from the Baby Neptune DVD features a soft teether, sliding beads, a soft flip-book and a baby-safe mirror so baby can discover his or her own face. Pushing the turtle's tummy makes classical music play.

9. Infantino Movers and Shakers Toys

   Musical toys that move across the floor will entertain baby whether he or she is old enough to chase the toys or not. Available in several animal character versions, these toys are also fun to hold. The bodies or heads are big enough for babies to grab, and the tails, horns, ears and other extras add tactile enjoyment.

10. Infantino Surfboard Tummy Time Mat

    Since doctors suggest that babies sleep on their back nowadays, parents are encouraged to let baby spend "tummy time" on the floor in order to develop neck muscles and control and avoid flat spots on baby's head. This cute tummy time mat from Infantino is shaped like a surfboard and has a water- and toy-filled window that baby can look at and touch during playtime. An included pillow helps baby stay in position.