What do you buy an 8 month old for Christmas?!

[Sofiegiraffe]

Not an AIBU sorry - just need some inspiration please! Thank you

Books, a nice keepsake or ornament for the tree and then just things baby will actually need in the coming months. It's one of the few times socks for Christmas is acceptable imo.

Both of mine got a smart trike.

If it's someone else's 8 month old I would buy the noisiest toy I could find!

Nothing! Something for parent instead

Each of our DC got a personalised Christmas stocking to hang up (which they both still use). If it's your first child and there are no other kids present, fill it with only useful stuff and/plenty of balled up tissue paper ;o)

They will get loads of age appropriate toys and tat from everyone else so probably get one quality thing that will last and they will grow into - like a nice set of wooden building blocks or something.

They didnt need anymore toys to further their development, they had plenty from friends and relatives

The issue with leaving it up to friends and relatives is that you often end up with things that are inappropriate (e.g clothes/toys for the wrong age range). It’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what you might want or need for their current stage so you can make suggestions if asked, and if there’s something in particular you know you want baby to have, getting it yourself.

@chesirecat99 had it I think! A bottle of port or whiskey that you can put by and re gift for their 30th birthday/Christmas

(Disclaimer: I am a massive planner aheader)

Books! So many lovely board books out there for babies and toddlers.

Clothes that she'll need anyway.

Not much! Some fun Christmas outfits.

The stuff you would normally buy them - a small cuddly, flannels, books etc. My elder daughters first Christmas she was exactly that age and the only thing she was faintly interested in was a spoon that came with a weaning set…

@SleepingStandingUp

We said in advance that Santa doesn’t get much for babies as they don’t really need anything, we let the older sibling give one gift idea ‘for Santa’ to bring baby. Then we just got a few nice books, clothes, hat and a couple of toys. A new sippee cup, bubble bath. Exactly, so you don't get nothing, which is what the post you quoted was talking about. No token or practical presents.

Yes I’m actually agreeing with that poster that you need to get something for the baby from Santa if you have older kids, that’s what we did - but no need to match the amount of pressies the older ones get.

@NormanStangerson

The people saying nothing, reminds me of that Christmas episode of The Royle Family when Dave and Denise made their baby a ‘farm’ out of empty loo rolls.

🤣🤣

@JumperandJacket

OP, there's a good thread about gifts for 8 month olds here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/4365876-8-month-old-baby-Christmas-gift-ideas?pg=2 - might be useful.

Thank you I'll have a look. Lots of really great ideas on this thread too - thank you all!

Yeah nothing really ! My baby will be same age this year and my parents are gonna pay for her swim lessons and my sister is getting us a year long zoo pass ! Much more practical and things she will enjoy!!

My dad is also gonna get her a little gardening set so she can help Gil do the gardening when she’s a little bigger

But won’t be getting her any toys or anything

We got our grandson a new chair that converted from a babies bouncer to a toddler rocking chair, a full set of Peter rabbit books, some stacking cups, a stieff bear and we put some money in premium bonds for him. Oh, and his favourite present, which he still seeks out now, a £1-99 teething ring from B&M

I gave this to the grandkids for their first Xmas, they adored it and played with it for years.

If it's your own, nothing.
As a gift, clothing in size 1yr - 18 months is good

@JumperandJacket

If you do want to get a toy, I'd suggest Tomy hide and squeak eggs. Doesn't look like much but always a huge hit with the under ones.

Agreed.

We bought a toy kitchen and plastic food/utensils. We had tea parties from about the age of one - ie simply pretending to drink. We got years and years of use from that

OP I think you are we’re not getting the answers you wanted as you have phrased your initial post as struggling what to buy for Christmas. Whereas you then say you actually want some ideas for developmental toys which is a completely different question. I think PPs have covered that now.

What I find with the younger babies and toddlers is they become ready for certain types of toys throughout the year as they are hitting milestones, so I don’t wait until Christmas if I want them to have a particular developmental toy. Hence why I wouldn’t then get them loads at Christmas, just a few bits.

Not much. A couple of soft toys with loose wrapping paper they can rip off. Cute clothes. Board books.

We got a few chunky cars, shape sorter and ball pit from what I can remember. Also a steering wheel that attached to the push chair but not sure what age that was for so may have kept it until DC were older

They don't know or care, but you do and it's part of the fun of christmas.

That being said don't spend much and get toys with extended play value. A musical.inatrument set. Halit do a lovely one. My first birthday band I think it's called.

Big rain maker.

Jack in the box

Grimms rainbow

Shape sorter

Decent blocks and a walker trolley

If you want to spend more and have the space we have a mini soft play set i got second hand that's loved. Great when they're crawling.

@TempName01

OP I think you are we’re not getting the answers you wanted as you have phrased your initial post as struggling what to buy for Christmas. Whereas you then say you actually want some ideas for developmental toys which is a completely different question. I think PPs have covered that now.

What I find with the younger babies and toddlers is they become ready for certain types of toys throughout the year as they are hitting milestones, so I don’t wait until Christmas if I want them to have a particular developmental toy. Hence why I wouldn’t then get them loads at Christmas, just a few bits.

I want ideas for an 8 month old appropriate to their development and I plan to give them at Christmas. So essentially it's both.

Where have I said I'm not getting the answers I wanted? I've had loads of v helpful suggestions and added lots of them to my list already!

@2bazookas

I gave this to the grandkids for their first Xmas, they adored it and played with it for years.

Oh wow. This is the cutest thing I've ever seen 🥰

Cute xmas outfit, 1st Xmas bauble, tequila and maybe a soft toy. Nothing major!

8 months are beginning to learn new things like talking, crawling, walking etc. Definitely something that can help encourage this!
Maybe a jumperoo, a Walker, a toy car to sit on and push along, an interactive book to learn to letters / words etc!