• This age range explores the world of texture and shape by bringing objects to their mouth so it's important to check age recommendations before purchasing a gift.
  
  

• To support early motor skill development, tummy time helps babies lift their heads and engage with their surroundings. Their developing eyesight is drawn to high contrast colours and patterns.
  
  

• By 3 months, babies can roll from tummy to back, respond to sounds, and reach for toys. Soft toys that crinkle, squeak, or jingle provide excellent visual and auditory stimulation.
  
  

Gift suggestions: tummy time mat, play gym, newborn rattle or squeaker, squishy ball, or fabric book.

• Infants begin to perceive more shades of colour, smile at their reflection in the mirror and recognise familiar faces. Playing games like peek-a-boo teach object permanence, learning you still exist even when they can't see you.

• They learn to grasp objects with both hands, shake them and bring toys to their mouth. A sensory toy with sounds can make a child aware of their hands while a tactile toy introduces different texture.


• From 6 months their tiny teeth start growing through their gums. An ideal time to gift a textured teether for relief and sensory exploration.

Gift suggestions: soft floor mirror, a toy with different textures, objects that make sounds, soft silicone blocks or a teether.

• From 6 months they grab, shake or drop objects and by 12 months, learn to stack blocks on top of each other. Problem-solving toys like a shape sorter teach cause-and-effect while helping with shape identification.
  

• They make noises that sound like exclamations and enjoy bouncing or dancing. They will start repeating sounds they hear or gestures they see.
  

• A comforting object like a doll or security blanket are designed to help child develop skills of confidence and transition from dependence to independence.

Gift suggestions: activity centre, stacking tower or blocks, shape sorter, problem-solving toys or a cuddly comforter.

• In this milestone a child is either crawling or taking steps to walking. They curiously experiment by pushing, pulling or throwing objects around them.

• Interactive or creative toys allow a 1-year-old to explore their interests, learn to focus on a task and play together with another person.

• The exploration can continue into bath time, where toys can support cognitive skills with a fun splash while bonding with a parent.

Gift suggestions: toys to push, pull and stack on the floor, a walker, art & craft, a musical instrument or bath toys

• By 24 months, they can scribble on paper, use switches and press buttons. Toys recommended for this age are designed to keep hands busy to stimulate young minds and increase cognitive learning.


• Gifts to encourage pretend play open the opportunity to interact alone, alongside others and spark imagination, developing important social and creative skills.


• Busy toddlers begin to run, jump and actively explore their world. Having a ball for them to reach for and kick back or an outdoor activity can help develop their gross motor skills.

Gift suggestions: puzzles, lego duplo, interactive toys, an outdoor activity, pretend play kitchen, tools or a doll house.