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
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Baby play gym in Navy Fawn with a kick-activated toy piano (2 music settings, volume control) and 5 movable toys: teether, clackers, rollerball, crinkle toy and mirror. Machine-washable mat, from newborn to toddler.
You'll get years of use out of this grow-with-me jumper by converting it into a standing activity center for toddler play (pssst… there's a toy storage bag included, too!). In jumper mode, our 3-position height adjustable bouncy pad lets baby jump for joy at just the right height. The seat pad rotates 360 degrees for easy access to all the toys and activities. The electronic frog activity center for baby makes playful ribbit sounds and plays music, with light-up lily pads to delight your baby's eyes and ears. As baby grows, remove the bouncy pad and create a standing play table. Easily swap out the baby seat for our toy storage bag to help keep play sessions tidy and your toddler's favorite toys within reach. Babies and toddlers will love the 7 interactive toys in this Playful Paradise fashion, like the dragonfly spinner and snail self-discovery mirror. With a space-saving pondscape packed with activities, entertaining your growing kiddo is just a walk in the park!
This motion-activated toy grows with your child from baby to preschool with 4 modes of learning and fun to inspire musical exploration, number and shape learning, sensory discovery, and movement. Opus comes alive and plays 4 songs from the Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers series - "Octopus Hide & Seek," "Feeling Curious," "Still Learning," and the "Jellyfish Wiggle". Touch a soft arm in Tummy Time Mode to see Opus light up, spin, and sing. In Sit & Play Mode, baby can learn numbers, colours, and shapes as Opus spins. In Chase Mode, Opus moves away from baby or toddler by sensing obstacles, encouraging crawling or walking to catch Opus. Once caught, he rewards with a celebratory song! Dance Mode brings the party to all ages as Opus teaches opposites and plays music. Designed for children aged 3 months to approx. 5 years.
Playgro Baby Sports Balls are a fun stroller toy for babies who enjoy movement and sound. The textured hand clips easily attach to prams, car seats and capsules, keeping them close when you're out and about. The set includes 3 sports-themed balls that wiggle, rattle and shake to encourage reaching and grasping. Different sounds and textures support auditory, visual and tactile exploration, and each ball is sized for small hands to hold. The textured clips can also be used as teethers for sore gums. A playful gift idea for babies who enjoy sensory toys at home or on the go.
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.
