An activity toy gives a baby bright colours, sounds and textures to discover, keeping little hands busy through the early months.
A baby activity toy suits a baby who is starting to reach, grab and shake, so it fits a newborn visit, a baby shower or a first birthday. Check the age range on the listing, how many things there are to do, whether it plays sound, and how easily it wipes clean.
Gift ideas
A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.
3-stage activity centre for babies and toddlers from 4 months with a 360° rotating seat, musical toys, lights and sounds, that grows into a play table.
Support your baby's developmental milestones with the Baby Einstein Farm Explorers Jump & Learn Barnyard 2-in-1 Jumper. With 15+ activities and a rotating seat, your little one can explore the farm in every direction using this interactive jumper and detachable barn toy. Help improve fine motor skills with 7 farm-themed, multisensory toys including a sun bead chaser, tractor toy, apple rattle, rotating windmill, chicken bead chaser, 3D musical barn, and carrot teether toy. The removable barn piano lights up and plays 60+ melodies and sounds, rewarding your baby's jumps as they strengthen their legs and learn cause-and-effect. The jumper adjusts to 4 heights to grow with your baby, while the barn toy detaches to teach colours, numbers, and animal names, and can be used for floor play. Designed with a stable base, durable straps, and easy-to-clean materials, including a seat pad that's simple to remove and clean.
Activity table for babies with a piano, drum, guitar and French horn. Piano keys teach numbers and colours, and it switches between English, Spanish and French. For ages 6 to 36 months; weighs 2830g.
Support your baby's curiosity with the Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers Curiosity Cove 2-in-1 Activity Jumper. The 360-degree rotating seat lets your little one access toys, lights and sounds from every direction as they jump and play. With 3 play modes, baby can explore melodies and be introduced to colours and numbers in 4 languages - English, French, German and Spanish. Songs and lights respond to movement, and the removable electronic Neptune the Turtle toy can be used for floor play or when you're out and about. The jumper adjusts to 4 height positions to grow with your baby and is suitable from 6 months to 1 year, or up to 11kg. The seat pad is machine washable for easy cleaning.
A baby activity toy suits a baby who is starting to reach, grab and shake, usually from a few months old. It is a cheerful gift for a baby shower, a newborn visit or a first birthday, and it is one that grandparents and friends can pick up easily.
It also suits parents who want something to hand over for a few minutes of play while they get on with the day.
What to look for in a baby activity toy
Age range. The listing gives the age the toy is made for. Match it to the baby, not to the day it is opened.
Things to do. Look for rattles, textures, mirrors, buttons or a squeak. A toy with lots to try keeps a baby curious for longer.
Sound. Some play music and lights. Others are quiet. Parents will have a view on this.
Easy to hold. Small hands do better with a toy that is light and easy to grip.
Cleaning. A toy that wipes clean or washes well lasts longer.
Playing together. Toys that sit on a table, hang from an arch or clip on to a pram suit different moments in the day.
When a baby activity toy is the wrong gift
A baby who has outgrown the age range on the box will not be interested. A family with a crowded toy basket may prefer one good gift to three small ones. If you don't know the baby's age, read the listing and choose a toy for the age they will be, not the age they are.
Frequently asked questions
What age is an activity toy for?
Each listing gives its own age range, and the range differs between toys. Match it to the baby, and choose for the age they will be when it is opened. If you are unsure, ask the parents.
What makes a good activity toy for a baby?
Look for a few things to do in one toy: textures, a rattle, a mirror, buttons or a squeak. It should be light enough for small hands, and it should clean up easily after being dropped or chewed.
Should an activity toy make sounds?
It depends on the parents. Music and lights hold a baby's attention, but they can be wearing at home. A quieter toy with textures, rattles and mirrors is an easier gift if you don't know how the family feels about noise.
