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When it comes to shopping for babies and toddlers, there’s a very real chance that they’ll love the wrapping as much as (if not more than) the gift itself. But don’t let that deter you, aesthetically minded caregivers and family friends, from finding the perfect present! We’ve rounded up 14 joy-sparking ideas for the 3-and-under set that will help inspire their rapidly developing passions and budding love for good design—from beautiful floral-print textiles for snuggling newborns to customizable climbing structures for little ones who are already on the move.
For the Small-Space Dweller
Active-play toys can get bulky and take up precious square footage—but not these minimalist wonders. The indoor-outdoor swing and ergonomic rocker (both made using wood from responsibly managed forests) fold up or pack down for easy storage when not in use.
Baby u0026 Toddler Swing by Solvej
The Tot
Foldable Rocking Horse by Plan Toys
The Tot
For the Old-School Creative
Plant-based playdough created by a preschool teacher that’s dyed with beets, turmeric, and other all-natural ingredients (in case they sneak a bite) makes for a captivating stocking stuffer. While a lo-fi turntable that plays 10 classic kids’ songs is the antithesis to all the screen time—and a portal straight back to parents’ analog days.
Music Box Record Player by Fisher-Price
Amazon
The Dough Project 3-pack
The Dough Project
For the Newly Arrived
Instill an appreciation for gorgeous textiles at a (very) early age with these botanical patterned beauties: an heirloom-quality quilt screen-printed by hand and an infant lounger covered in the Arts and Crafts–era classic pattern Strawberry Thief by William Morris (available starting November 9).
Yellow Weaver Baby Quilt
Safomasi
Strawberry Thief Deluxe+Dock
DockATot
For the Mini Mover and Shaker
Have the kids began scrambling up the sofa, balancing on the coffee table, or constantly adding on to their epic fort? Gift them a modular climbing structure in fun colors you can mix and match yourself, or a builder’s station where they can dream up whole new structures.
Happy Moon Transformable Pikler Climber Set, Etsy (starting at $315)
Compact Nordic Workbench by Small Foot
Amazon
For the Cozy Nester
Fun decor pieces that could easily pass for grown-up design—like this witty handwoven wool rug and voluminous chair with back book pocket and option to personalize—is an invitation for kids to make a statement when shaping their interiors.
Fawn Rug, Cold Picnic (starting at $135)
Jane Goodall Collection Geo Block Small Nod Chair
Crateu0026kids
For the Little Host
A modern wood dollhouse encourages imaginative play and doubles as a sweet piece to hold your wee one’s favorite objects. (Bonus: It can be stored flat.) And this line of earth-tone bowls, cups, and trays only looks like covetable sculptural ceramic—it’s actually made of break-proof silicone and easy for small hands to grasp.
Tiny Inka Tableware Collection by Oyoy, Burke Decor (starting at $21)
The Modern Dollhouse
Homi Baby
For the Retro Lover
A fun dose of nostalgia takes a night-light and balance bike from standard issue to extra-special (and gift-worthy). Both are designed with wood and meant to stay in the family for the long haul—your little one might pass them on to their little ones someday.
Scooter Balance Bike by Jano
Amazon
Robot Lamp by Little Lights
Maisonette