The earliest years go so quickly, and the gifts that tend to matter most during this time are the ones that grow with a child rather than getting set aside after a few weeks. Wooden toys that feel beautiful in small hands, board books that get read a hundred times, an activity cube that reveals new challenges as babies develop — these are the gifts that become part of daily life rather than the playroom floor.
Our collection for babies and toddlers brings together toys, books, and musical instruments chosen for lasting quality and genuine play value. Here are nine of our favourites for children from birth through to around two years — and often well beyond.
First Toys: Shape Sorters, Stackers, and Activity Toys
The toys that work best for babies are those that offer just the right kind of challenge — satisfying to master, open-ended enough to keep revealing new possibilities as children grow. Lanka Kade make two beautiful wooden shape sorters that do exactly this: the Sealife Wooden Shape Sorter — chunky sea creatures in rubberwood that fit through corresponding shaped openings — and the Dinosaur Shape Sorter for families who prefer a Jurassic theme. Both are made from responsibly sourced rubberwood with non-toxic finishes, perfectly sized for small hands, and the kind of toy that gets reached for daily through the toddler years. For something with even more to discover, the Just Bee Kids Wooden Mini Activity Cube packs bead mazes, shape sorters, and spinning elements into one beautifully made wooden toy — the sort of thing that reveals new challenges at every stage of development and sits as happily in a living room as a nursery.
Sealife Wooden Shape Sorter by Lanka Kade
For a more substantial centrepiece gift, two pieces stand out. The Tender Leaf Toys Rainbow Tunnel — graduated wooden arches in a gentle rainbow gradient, finished with water-based stains — is one of those rare toys that grows with a child across years rather than months: babies stack and nest the arches, toddlers build bridges and tunnels, preschoolers incorporate them into imaginative worlds. It's the kind of piece that never gets relegated to the back of the cupboard, and beautiful enough to become a genuine keepsake. The Classic World Kitchen Walker takes a different approach to longevity — starting life as a sturdy wooden walker with adjustable wheel resistance for those first wobbly steps, it transforms into a complete play kitchen with turning knobs, opening cupboard doors, and food storage as children grow into toddlers. One gift, two distinct phases of play.
Rainbow Tunnel by Tender Leaf Toys
Books and Blocks
Board books are among the most enduring gifts for babies — read hundreds of times, returned to again and again, and deeply woven into the routines of early childhood. 100 First Words from Nosy Crow is a particularly lovely example: vibrant real photography organised by theme — food, animals, toys — that invites pointing, naming, and those first precious attempts at speech. Sturdy board book construction means it genuinely withstands the enthusiasm of early readers. For something that bridges books and building, the Uncle Goose Nursery Rhyme Blocks are in a category of their own — made in the USA from sustainable Midwestern basswood, perfectly weighted for small hands, and printed with whimsical illustrations and snippets of classic rhymes using non-toxic inks. The kind of toy that becomes a genuine heirloom.
Nursery Rhyme Blocks by Uncle Goose
Musical Toys
Babies respond to sound and rhythm from very early on, and a well-made musical toy offers something electronic alternatives simply can't — genuine acoustic sound, beautiful materials, and the direct satisfaction of cause and effect. The Just Bee Kids Stripe Wooden Guitar is light enough for small hands to hold and carry, produces pleasant authentic tones, and invites the kind of exploratory strumming that introduces babies to rhythm and volume in the most natural way. For something equally engaging but with a dinosaur twist, the Classic World Dinosaur Xylophone produces clear, accurate notes from smooth, easy-to-strike bars — sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic playing, and a genuine introduction to melody and coordination.
Stripe Wooden Guitar by Just Bee Kids
The best baby gifts are the ones that earn their place in daily life — reached for again and again, growing more interesting as children develop, and built well enough to pass on. Browse our full range of gifts for Under 5s, or explore by category: wooden toys and gifts for toddlers aged 1–2.
We offer premium gift wrapping using FSC-certified, sustainable paper in a choice of designs, with each gift expertly hand-wrapped in plastic-free packaging. Add a personalised message and we can send directly to the recipient — perfect for new baby gifts that arrive ready to delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range are these gifts suitable for?
This collection is curated for babies from birth through to around two years, with many pieces — particularly the Rainbow Tunnel, shape sorters, and Uncle Goose blocks — lasting well into the preschool years. We've included specific age guidance in each product listing.
Are these toys safe for babies?
Every toy meets rigorous UK and EU safety standards. We prioritise non-toxic finishes, age-appropriate sizing, and durable construction. Many items carry FSC certification for sustainably sourced wood, and all are free from small parts unsuitable for young children.
Will these toys really last?
Yes — we choose wooden toys built to withstand daily play and last through multiple children. The rubberwood used by Lanka Kade and Tender Leaf Toys, and the basswood used by Uncle Goose, are both particularly durable. Many of these pieces are genuinely the kind of toy that gets passed down.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes — we offer premium gift wrapping using FSC-certified, sustainable paper in a choice of designs. Each gift is hand-wrapped in plastic-free packaging with a personalised message, and we can send directly to the recipient if needed. You can add gift wrapping at checkout or find out more on our gift services page.
Can you help me choose the right gift?
Always happy to help. Use the live chat on the website or email hello@haliburtons.com and we'll suggest something tailored to the child's age and stage of development.
