There's a stage in everyone's life where things shift and suddenly you find yourself with the weight of life-altering responsibilities. No, we're not talking about becoming a parent. We're talking about becoming the cool aunt, the favourite uncle, the biggest bestie of the crew's newest member, and the realisation that you have a brand new human to shower with love and buy pressies for.
We also know that time flies and suddenly your new bestie is turning three, and then six and that means a whole new world of gift options to choose from. Rest easy, because we've wrapped up some top bub, toddler and kid gift ideas so you can relax and enjoy the fairy bread at the next birthday party without lingering pressie stress.
Newborns
The Nail Snail
Price: 19.95
Looking at a newborn, it’s hard to see how they could cause any damage to themselves or others. But, look a little closer and on the tips of their fingers and toes are a series of tiny razors just waiting to knick their own delicate skin—and those of their nearest and dearest. Welcome, The Nail Snail, a super gentle and easy-to-use tool that trims bub’s nails without fuss. Buy one here.
HUXBABY starter pack
Price: $139.95
This cute kit will take bub from snooze to snacks, straight through to a cool summer fit perfect for meeting all the extended friends and fam. Buy one here.
ErgoPouch Cocoon Swaddle Pouch
Price: 39.95
This super cosy cocoon is made from organic, sustainable and ethically sourced fibres which help to regulate body temperature and reduce the risk of overheating, offering a comfy environment for quality sleep (for everyone). Buy one here.
Tinnitots Wooden Pikler Triangle
Price: $289
This pressie ticks a heap of good-gift boxes. Made with tactile timber, this frame is great for encouraging the newest member of the family to find their legs and get to know the world from a vertical perspective. Plus the colours are just downright cute. Buy one here.
Hape Wonder Walker
Price: $159.55
Once bub is upright, they’ll want to start exploring and this super cute wonder walker is perfect for navigating the wobbly world under a little one’s feet. Plus, when they’re tuckered out from exploring they can enjoy the bright colours and tactile extras that make this multipurpose gift a winner. Buy one here.
Nature Baby Gingham Sunhat
Price: 39.95
It’s never too early to slip, slop, slap and this gingham sunhat ticks the box on both cute and functional. Buy one here.
Very Hungry Caterpillar Book And Toy
Price: $25
Go one up on a classic book with this set that lets the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar grow wings and leap from the page with this plush caterpillar toy. Buy one here.
Toddlers
Nordic Kids Wooden Coffee Machine Set
Price: $55
It’s never too soon to learn how to make your own professional brew. This adorable wooden coffee machine is the perfect place to start. Buy one here.
Mess-Free Magic Painting
Price: $15
All the benefits of painting and experimenting without any mess or marked walls to clean up afterwards? Yes, really. Buy this truly magical gift here.
Counting Our Country by Jill Daniels
Price: $11.90
Not only is this bilingual counting book by First Nations artist Jill Daniels a treat for growing eyeballs, but it will also get little brains growing. Each double-page spread features the name of the animal in Ritharrnu, Jill’s Indigenous language, and in English.
Crocs
Price: $54.95
The only thing cuter than Crocs is baby-sized Crocs. With endless colours and personality, these minis are a perfect fit for exploring bubs. Buy them here.
R.M. Williams Baby Booties
Price: $149
Splurge on this gift for your fave new bub. These mini Aussie icons are sure to last through generations of tiny feet. Buy them here.
Bounce Multipass
Price: $43 - $170
If littlies have everything they need, an experience is a great gift. Spend quality time and strengthen their motor skills all in one go with a Bounce Multipass. Buy one here.
EverEarth Ramp Racer
Price: 39.95
Physics and fast cars combine in this timeless classic for growing minds. Buy one here.
Bello Let’s Go Fish Game
Price: $34.99
Bub might not be up to card games yet, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play Go Fish. This literal mini-fishing game is great for hand-eye coordination and tactile learning. Buy one here.
Jellycat Soother
Price: $38.99
Soft, cute and comforting. These Jellycat Soothers will be bub's best friend any time you’re taking a break from duties in that number one spot. Buy one here.
Koala Touch-Sensitive Rechargeable Led Night Light
Price: $34.99
Remember when you were scared of the dark? This cute koala night light will ward off The Boogie Monster for your newest bestie. Buy one here.
3—6 Years
Bluey Monopoly Junior
Price: $31
A modern icon meets a classic icon with this Bluey and Monopoly Junior mash-up. It's sure to create hours of memory-making quality time. Buy yours here.
Bright Child Bath Crayons
Price: $16.99
For the little one who likes to get creative—and the parents who like to clean as they go. These water-soluble crayons are great for bathtime entertainment with the ease of wiping straight off surfaces (and little limbs). Buy them here.
iCando Deluxe 5in1 Activity Easel
Price: $149.99
Once your littlest mate is more confident on their feet, an easel is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. Buy one here.
Wonderstuff Walkie Talkies
Price: $39.99
Tell secrets, play pranks, or pretend you're exploring a different planet. These walkie talkies pose endless possibilities for the imagination. Buy them here.
HipKids Balance Bike
Price: $129
If you know a toddler who prefers two wheels to four, this gift will help develop their balance in no time. Buy one here.
Bello Carnival Guitar
Price: $49.99
Go down the path of Jimmy Barnes and help to raise the next generation of musos with this tiny tot-friendly guitar. Buy one here.
6 And Up
The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia's First Peoples by Corey Tutt
Price: $26.25
Get curious minds whirling with this exceptional illustrated science book that explores everything from bush medicine and bush trackers and introduces kids to many amazing scientists, both past and present. Buy it here.
Build Together Lego Set
Price: $169.99
Let imagination, problem solving and creativity run free with the classic block-building kit. Add to an existing collection or be the first to introduce this iconic toy (and maybe gift mum and dad some good house Crocs to avoid the inevitable rogue Lego foot pain.) Buy one here.
Fort Building Kit
Price: $64.55
Save the dining room chairs for meal times with this purpose-built fort-building kit. With 111 pieces, the architectural options are endless. Buy it here.
Theatre Tickets
Price: Variable
This pressie is a double whammy because you can treat your parent mates to some kid-free time while giving the kids a colourful and captivating theatre experience. With a stack of options from musicals like Mary Poppins and Cinderella doing the rounds—and dedicated children's theatre companies around the nation—there's no shortage of options to pique your little mate's fancy.
Atlas Subscription Box
Price: Varying prices
The gift that keeps on giving, this science-based craft box subscription will transport curious minds around the world and keep their hands busy for hours. Buy one here.
Image credit: G'Day Baby, Tinnitots, Nature Baby, Gifts Australia, Crocs, R.M. Williams, Jellycat, Amazon, Wonderstuff, HipKids