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.
PlayTab lets you build a unique experience packed with fine motor challenges, visual fascination, cause-and-effect discoveries and more. This PlayTab Essentials set comes pre-loaded with six tiles - Sweeper, Latch Mirror, Gears, Trackball, Color Wheel, and Switches - but there are more for customers to collect and switch out as they like. There are buttons that squeak, colorful balls that roll through a maze, a dial that clicks from one to ten, squiggly tabs to flip back and forth.They all magnetically snap onto the tablet any way you want. Or, you can just throw a few in the diaper bag, or even stick them to the fridge! The classic activity board becomes more versatile and more open-ended with PlayTab.
Keep baby entertained while out and about with our sweet Kangaroo & Kookaburra Stroller Toy. Crafted with a soft cotton knit texture, it features a gentle jingle and easily attaches to prams, car seats, or play gyms-ideal for keeping your little one engaged during outings or at home.
Keep your little one entertained when out and about with our gorgeous Mini Market stroller toys. Our Pineapple & Cherries is made from polyester plush and features a soft rattle to enhance the play experience. They attach easily to any stroller/pram hood, bumper bar, or even baby's play-gym or car seat.
Keep baby entertained when out and about with our sweet dinosaur stroller toy. Made from cotton knit materials and featuring a soft jingling rattling, they attach easily to any stroller/pram hood, bumper bar, or even baby's play-gym or car seat.
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.
