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.
A soft spiral toy that attaches to prams and car seats. The woodland-themed, multi-patterned spiral features soft white clouds at both ends, touch tags, adorable woodland animals and a mirror hanging from colourful ribbons. Baby can reach out to grab the soft textured fox and bunny faces or the bear with mirror for interactive play and visual exploration. Soft toys and comforters should be kept out of your baby's sleep environment until they are over 7 months.
A gentle tug on the leaf sends this giraffe stretching, as its body expands and slowly contracts to a 60-second melody. Designed to help support fine motor skills, visual engagement and an understanding of cause and effect, it offers interactive play in a simple, engaging way. Made from a variety of soft fabrics, it invites tactile exploration, while the bright colours and friendly design capture baby's attention. An included link makes it easy to attach to prams, strollers or carriers for play at home or on the go. Suitable for newborn +.
Playgro Pals Wrist and Foot Finder Rattle Pack™ is the ultimate sensory starter set for playful discovery from head to toe - now with 3 handy link clips for on-the-go fun! Designed to help bub find their hands and feet, the soft, stretchy socks and adjustable Velcro wristbands feature bright colours, gentle rattles, and playful characters to encourage movement, visual recognition and cause-and-effect learning. The included link hand clips are easy for little hands to grasp, double as textured teethers, and are perfect for attaching toys to prams and carriers. With soft fabrics and tactile ribbons, this adorable pack is bursting with fun ways to wriggle, reach, chew and explore!
Meet Roary Lion Twirly Whirly™ - a handy on-the-go pram toy that keeps playtime within reach. Designed with Velcro straps, Roary wraps securely around your pram or carrier bar to help prevent slipping or dangling out of reach. Made with a mix of fabrics including soft jumbo cord and tactile ribbons, this cuddly lion features a gentle rattle, crinkle sounds and a chewy teether for sore gums. With bright colours and multiple textures, Roary adds extra sensory play to outings while helping reduce dropped toys.
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.
