The Ultimate ‘Shop Local’ Christmas Gift Guide for Babies and Toddlers
Wish your little one a Merry Christmas with one of these beautiful gifts from a local brand or business.
We’ve done a gift guide for māmā, now it’s the kids’ turn. From new pyjamas and beach toys to mud kitchens and arts & crafts, there’s something to suit everyone and every budget.
It can be tricky to know what to get your kiddies, especially if you feel like they already have everything they’ve need. But let’s be honest, they don’t need much, which is why we’ve been thoughtful about what products to include in this list.
We’ve made a note of the age group each gift is suitable for – just be sure to use your own judgement before giving your baby or toddler something that is recommended for an older child. Also, everything listed is from a Kiwi brand or business so you can proudly shop local for the festive season.
Meri Kirihimete!
Joybox Pikler Triangle Climber, $349.
Perfect for: 0-8 years.
A Pikler triangle, like this NZ made one, is an ideal present for all ages (yes, even from a young baby!) as this open-ended toy can be used in a variety of ways – hang ribbons for them to crawl through like a tunnel, place a blanket over the top to make a fort, and encourage them to advance their gross motor skills by pulling up, and climbing up and down the rails.
Play It Forward Magical Potion Mix, $12.
Perfect for: 2 years +
An ideal gift for the little one who loves to make a mess, Play It Forward’s magical potion mixes fizz and bubble when you add water to provide a delightful sensory experience.
Kinderfeets Tent, $189.99, from Little Mash Boutique.
Perfect for: 2 years +
Christmas is the perfect time to get your toddler a ‘big ticket’ present that will bring joy for years to come, like this Kinderfeets Tent crafted using sustainable New Zealand pine wood and 100% organic cotton fabric. Expect plenty of books to be read, dolls played with, and whimsical adventures had within the walls of this tent.
Little Mash is a Hamilton-based and online boutique stocking premium toys, gifts and clothing from brands such as Kinderfeets, Crywolf, Nature Baby, G. Nancy, Woolbabe and many more, so if this gift doesn’t quite tickle your Christmas fancy, you’re sure to find something else in the store that your child will love.
Navy Baby Messy Play Extension Kit, from $28.
Perfect for: 6 months +
If your baby is at the ‘pots-and-pans’ stage of play (if you’ve been there, you’ll know what we mean) this kit from local heuristic play company, Navy Baby is a wonderful gift for Christmas. These items can be used for sensory activities at a young age, enjoyed on their own, or added to an outdoor mud kitchen for maximum messy play.
Pretty Childish Busy Book, $95.
Perfect for: 3 years +
Keep your toddler engaged and busy for hours with this fun book from Pretty Childish. It comes with five fabric pages filled with activities but you can buy additional pages to keep them entertained for even longer. It’s an especially great option if you have some car or plane travel planned over the Christmas holidays.
Slinki Malinki’s Christmas Crackers by Lynley Dodd, $19.99.
Perfect for: All ages
From Lynley Dodd’s bestselling Hairy Maclary and Friends series comes a special Christmas story featuring the mischievous Slinki Malkini. Young ones will delight in hearing this story, no matter their age.
Nature Baby Poncho Towel, $59.95.
Perfect for: 12 months +
Great for afternoons at the beach, Nature Baby’s seasonal poncho towel comes in a festive cherry or pear stripe this year and the quality is as beautiful as ever. It even has a handy pocket at the front for safe keeping of the inevitable shell collections. A must-have if you’re doing want/need/wear/read this Christmas.
Happy Tribe Sea Creatures Bucket Set, $65.
Perfect for: 12 months +
Made from 100% food grade silicone, these non-toxic, BPA-free beach toys come with six adorable pieces in the set, including the ever-popular bucket with a handle and a classic spade. All delivered in a mesh carry bag so you don’t lose any of the pieces, hours of fun in the sun will be had with this set.
The Woodlands Aotearoa Collection, $95.
Perfect for: 12 months +
Featuring a tui, maui dolphin, kowhai tree and kiwi, this gorgeous native wooden figurine set from The Woodlands is a must-have for imaginative play. Each of their pieces are made from sustainable wood and hand-painted with natural, plant/mineral- based paints that are VOC free so you know they’re safe for children to enjoy.
Honeysticks Colouring Set, $78.27.
Perfect for: 12 months +
Lovingly made in New Zealand, Honeysticks is one of our go-to brands for arts and crafts delights as their products are made with 100% natural, food-grade ingredients. This pack – appropriately dubbed the full honey pot – truly does have everything you little one could need, including a pack of Honeysticks Originals Crayons, Bath Crayons, Bath Drops and Toddlers Colouring Book.
Anihana Bubble Bath, $14.99.
Perfect for: All ages
If you’re short on Christmas stocking ideas, this delicious raspberry and vanilla bubble bath mix is a sure winner. Handmade with child-safe ingredients, it smells so delicious you’ll be hard pressed to get your child to hop out of the bath – a great problem to have, if you ask us! The packaging is totally plastic-free and home compostable too.
Petite Eats Silicone Baby Teething Ball, $21.99.
Perfect for: 0-6 months
It can be tricky to find a Christmas gift for a little pēpi but these teething balls are our top pick as they’re practical, aesthetic, and sure to get hours of use. Made from 100% food safe silicone, they’re easy for baby to grip on to and can simply be washed in the dishwasher as required.
Woolbabe Merino & Organic Cotton Summer Pyjamas, $59.95, from The Sleep Store.
Perfect for: 12 months +
Many families like to give pyjamas each Christmas and this year our pick is without a doubt the summer set from Woolbabe. There’s a range of patterns like golden sunshine (pictured), as well as Tekapo stars, tide stars, dusk stars, and the new red and white striped, rata. Plus the sizes go from 1-5 years.
