Having a new child for the holidays is one of the most magical experiences a person can have, but while firsts are exciting and memorable, they can sometimes be a little stressful and confusing as well. One occasionally difficult experience is shopping for a baby’s first Christmas gifts. There are so many options to choose from, and an endless parade of advertisements for what to get, not to mention the many suggestions from friends and family, that you may end up feeling significantly overwhelmed. To help make sense of it all, here are some simple and effective shopping tips for a baby’s first Christmas that can make it a breeze, and give you plenty of time to bake cookies for Santa.
There is no need to go crazy with Christmas gifts for a newborn, so indulge a little, but do not break the bank on someone who will not remember it. It is much more important to create a special feeling than to spend extravagantly. So begin your gifting with one item the baby can wear. A onesie, a set of beanies, some new shoes, or some adorable pajamas make an ideal offering in this category. The Dandy Candy Stripe Overalls at LandofNod.com are festive, practical, and affordable, at about $36, while still being a delightful present for the holiday.
Now, of course, your baby will not be reading the book you purchase, but it gives you the opportunity to tell a new bedtime story and regale your infant audience with something fresh and new. Whether you choose a classic, like Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, or something more modern like, If You Have a Hat by Gerald Hawksley, your soothing voice and the fascinating story are sure to make naptime and bedtime come about more smoothly and swiftly.
If there is an item you have been holding off on because it is a bit expensive, not totally necessary, but would make life easier, or is just being released, then now is the time to splurge on a special gift. Holiday sales place expensive gifts within reach, new and improved versions of favorites can be found everywhere, and anything that simplifies your life is a must-have. A new, bigger crib, a high-end stroller with all the features, or an educational mobile of the moment make fantastic presents for your child and yourself. The Britax Chaperone Stroller is almost 40% off at Wayfair.com and can be collapsed or assembled with one hand.
Christmas is ultimately about receiving the things we want, rather than the things we need, and your infant should enjoy this tradition too. Though your child may not yet know what he or she desires, a stuffed animal or educational toy is always a safe bet for success. The Graco Jump ‘N Jive Doorway Jumper comes with a foot-activated musical mat and interactive toys, but the Bumpy Ball is only $12 and makes relatively little noise.