Inside: Trying to find the best Christmas gift for a 9 month old? We’ve rounded up unique, quality baby gift ideas that will last and be enjoyed for months (or years) to come.
Buying gifts for babies can be super fun, but also stressful. What do they already have? What will they actually play with? What do they even need?
Some of these questions are easier to answer when it’s your own sweet babe you’re buying for. But when I’m choosing gifts for my niece and nephew, for example, it can take a little more detective work.
Over time, I’ve learned that simple is usually better when it comes to what I buy for my own littles.
A few buying “rules” I tend to follow are:
- Basic prints and solid clothing pieces that can mix and match
- Books over digital devices
- Quality toys that spark creativity, over the latest plastic gadget
I’ve tried to stick to these concepts when it comes to buying gifts for others, too. Intentional planning helps to narrow down the options fairly quickly!
Simple Christmas Gifts for 9-Month-Olds
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Bottom Line: If we’re being honest, 9-month old babies can be entertained with pots and pans and cardboard boxes. They don’t need all the bells and whistles.
It’s honestly such a sweet stage.
So if you’re overwhelmed trying to choose the perfect Christmas gift for a 9-month old, put down the Target holiday catalog, and take a look at these simple ideas instead.
(If you’re a parent of a 9-month-old, this list is can be great to forward to the grandparents, who sometimes struggle with buying too many gifts.)
You Might Also Like: 17 Fun Things to Do With a 9 Month Old (They’re On the Move!)
1. Long Sleeved Onesies
Long-sleeved onesies were so handy when my kids weren’t quite potty training.
I preferred soft organic cotton, along with their coordinating cotton pants.
2. Robeez Shoes
Nine-month-olds are busybodies, and shoes and socks don’t stay put. In the cooler months, I was a huge fan of Robeez shoes!
They gave them a little bit traction while learning to stand, were easy to get on and off (no velcro or straps required), and kept them from pulling off their socks.
3. Footie Pajamas
If I’m honest, my babies practically lived in Carter’s one-piece pajamas like THESE.
NOT having to coordinate outfits and FEWER items in the laundry is always a win.
4. Board Books
The Dr. Seuss boxed set is a great beginner set for babies. Sandra Boynton books (see our favorites) are also fantastic.
We also had several touch-and-feel books like this one that were favorites into the toddler years.
Related: Top 40 Board Books for Babies Under One
5. Wooden Push Walker
Personally, I prefer the super simple walkers that babies can pile things into and push their stuff around the room.
THIS one has a beautiful minimalist aesthetic, and THIS one is from the classic Red Flyer company.
6. Wooden Activity Cube
These cubes were beloved in our house, and they make a great gift for 9 month olds and toddlers, too.
The best part is it’s one piece and can be moved from room to room with you! B. Toys has a great one, but THIS one is cool, too.
7. Wooden Stacking Rings
So simple, and so entertaining for little ones. This one is a really budget-friendly option.
Related: Top 12 Minimalist Baby Toys (for Under One and Beyond)
8. Wooden Blocks
Out of all the toys my kids have had, simple wooden blocks with many different shapes were one of the most popular.
They learned simple motor skills as babies, then built big towers as they grew.
THESE alphabet blocks are another great choice, if you want to get blocks with letters.
9. Teething Toys
The silicone and wood teethers are a nice, natural option for babies.
10. Oball Rattles
Babies of all ages seem to love THESE rattles which have holes to allow them to grasp the toy easily.
11. Crinkle “Tissue” Box
THIS “tissue” box is a unique gift idea for 9 month olds (and older). It’s a sensory experience and an activity that all littles will love.
Plus…it could save your tissues.
12. Press and Go Cars
These simple, baby-friendly cars are so cute and easy to use.
13. Shape Sorter
The classic shape sorter can keep babies busy for long periods of time, and helps with motor skills development.
14. Pull String Toy
This is a fun, easy-to-grasp toy for older babies and toddlers. Best of all, no separate pieces to lose!
15. Busy Board
I bought one of these for my niece for Christmas, and it was a huge hit.
It makes a good on-the-go activity for car trips, too.
Related: Planning a Long Car Trip with a Baby? Here are 10 Tips for a Quieter Ride
16. Bumpy Ball
Balls of all kinds are one of the most practical gifts for babies (and honestly, kids in general).
THIS bumpy ball is easy for tiny hands to hold.
17. Crawl Through Tunnel
These tunnels are SO simple and fun for babies and toddlers. They collapse for easy storage, too.
Our favorite is from IKEA.
18. Climb and Crawl Blocks
Create your own play center at home with THESE soft foam blocks. (And avoid the germs and snot at the mall play center.)
Just make sure there’s room to store these, as they do take up some real estate!
19. Mirror
What baby doesn’t love mirrors? They’re perfect for not just tiny babies, but crawling babies, too.
Encourage exploration while they giggle over their own reflection. Make it a permanent feature in your play room or area.
(Do make sure to secure the mirror wherever you decide to put it. Babies will definitely push on it.)
20. Personalized Name Puzzle
Wooden puzzles are a lasting gift that can be enjoyed for years, and THESE puzzles are particularly cute!
21. Soft Flash Cards
THESE Zoo Alphabet Cards are a fun gift idea for 9-month-olds that allows them to stack the cards and focus on the pictures.
As they grow, they can start to associate the letters with the animals.
22. Balance Bike
THIS little bike is recommended for one-year-olds, and it’s a really fun gift for babies who are starting to stand and walk.
Related: The Absolute Best Outdoor Toys for One-Year-Olds
23. Mealtime Supplies
At nine months, babies are exploring new foods and silicone suction bowls (these colors rock!) are a blessing to have for the high chair.
They won’t keep the actual food off the floor, but at least the bowl is stationary!
Spoons, sippy cups and snack cups also make useful gifts.
24. Handmade Blanket or Quilt
If you’re crafty, why not create a special handmade gift? A larger blanket that fits a toddler-sized bed can be a thoughtful, practical keepsake.
For those who don’t have mad sewing skills (that’s me) — check out THESE soft personalized blankets on Etsy.
25. Diaper Subscription
Diapers are a huge expense for parents in the first few years of a baby’s life.
If you really want to help a mom out, consider a non-toxic diaper subscription such as Every Life.
26. Snack Subscription
Snack subscriptions for yogurt melts or Once Upon a Farm – an excellent organic snack company that can be rather pricey – can make a great gift.
27. Stocks or 529 Donation
We all know that 9-month-olds don’t even know the point of Christmas yet.
You can always skip the physical gift and choose stock or a 529 donation, instead. That way future baby can reap the benefits for their future education or home purchase one day!
Related: 17 Newborn Christmas Gift Ideas (Because Buying a Gift is Fun)
Simple Gifts. Big Thanks.
Remember, when you’re searching for gifts for a 9-month old, simple always rules the day.
In my experience, the flashy, noisy plastic gifts will get played with far less than the simple, classic toys like the ones on this list.
Practical items like clothing and blankets are always appreciated, too. Don’t overthink it, just keep it simple.
The most thoughtful gifts are those that are useful, don’t require much storage, and don’t overstimulate the whole family. (If you know, you know.)
Happy shopping!
Read Next: 29 Clutter-Free Christmas Gifts for 1-Year-Olds (Minimalist Mom of 5 Approved!)
Brandi is a mom of four who can usually be found in the kitchen, the garden, or under a pile of laundry somewhere. She writes about faith, family and homemaking at Chicken Scratch Diaries. You can catch her most recent posts on Pinterest.