TOYS AND GEAR
For a moment of calm: WubbaNub Reindeer Pacifier, $15
A fun stocking stuffer, the reindeer soother is also great for baby’s holiday photos.
For the great outdoors: Cabin Cozy Hat for baby, $16
Warm and adorable: A classic plaid with a cozy sherpa lining.
For baby showers: The Ralph-a-Roo waterproof burp cloth and bag, $18
For those times when you leave the house without a waterproof bag and your baby calls your bluff: An innovative burp cloth that folds up into a convenient, waterproof pouch. Available in more than 20 patterns, it keeps the mess contained, and your diaper bag clean. As its website says, it can also be used as a wet sack, dry sack, and a wipe-the-yuck-off-your-messy-kiddo device.
For an experience that grows with you: Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages chair, $35
This fun, brightly coloured chair lights up with a slew of buttons and flip-up pages, and has a playlist of cheerful learning songs that adapt as your baby, then your toddler, grows.
For the teething builder: B. Ellemenosqueeze soft architectural blocks, $28
These chewable, tub-safe, soft architectural blocks have animals on them to illustrate every letter of the alphabet.
For little fingers: Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag, $20
Bright, colourful, easy to assemble blocks that pack away into a hardy, zippable bag.
For animal sounds: Fisher-Price Little People Fun Sounds Farm, $40
With doors to open and shut, corrals to build, eight songs, animal noises and a barnyard of animals to play with, this evergreen toy will keep your toddler as busy as a real farmer.
BOOKS
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site Sound Book, $25
The bestselling book returns with the sounds of a construction site as it powers down for the night. This playful board book's sound bar plays five distinct sounds.
Alligator Pie Board Book, $11.23
A best-loved Canadian hit, this is a must-have for babies and toddlers on your list.
I Love You Through and Through: board book and plush toy, $12.25
This book could have been maudlin, but instead is just sweet, as a small child affirms his love for his teddy bear. Boxed set includes a snuggly plush teddy bear.