Little luxuries: The best gifts for babies and toddlers
From imaginative play to Fair Isle knits, you won’t go wrong with our edit of the very best clothing, toys and nursery decor for little darlings this Christmas
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
Christmas is special at any age, but it is particularly magical for the under fives. This year, forgo the typical plastic and opt for practical, beautifully presented and responsibly made gifts for babies and toddlers, from timeless wooden toys to adorable knitted clothing. Buy less and buy better with our edit of ride-on toys, imaginative play and educational gifts to expand young minds, to the cutest co-ords and festive sets to cuddle up in all winter long.
Whether shopping for baby’s first Christmas or stuffing stockings for toddlers, these are the best holiday gifts this Christmas 2024.
Winter warmers: The best fashion gifts for babies
‘Tis the season for coordinating cashmere, festive knits and bobble-topped bonnets. Find adorable Fair Isle jumpers, partywear and accessories in some of London’s best childrenswear shops, including La Coqueta in Notting Hill and Pepa London on Elizabeth Street, both favoured by the Princess of Wales. Team cosy jumpers with tartan bloomers by Trotters or sparkling tulle by Konges Sløjd, the sustainable Copenhagen-based childrenswear brand noted for its whimsical illustrations and joyful prints.
Playtime: The best toys for babies and toddlers
As the old proverb goes, a child is not a vessel to be filled but a lamp to be lit. Ignite their imagination with educational wooden toys, which also look utterly charming in one’s living room or nursery. Popular big hitters from Le Toy Van include the fire engine, play kitchen and doll’s house, while Little Dutch’s aqua-toned range of imaginary play and activity walkers are perfect for little minds, created with a Nordic aesthetic. The Kids Concept toy vacuum cleaner might not clean up the crumbs, but it will provide hours of fun on Christmas morning.
Warm and dry: The best puddle suits and outerwear
Prepare for wintry puddles and festive park rambles with these ultra-insulating, stylish and sustainably made suits. Mini Rodini’s rain-resistant overalls in 100 per cent recycled polyester are available in an eclectic range of colours and signature cartoon prints, while Patagonia presents its performance outerwear in miniature, much of which is also reversible. Suits by British label Töastie are padded with eco-down fill and are perfect for winter days. while designs by Danish brand Wheat are beautifully patterned with hand-drawn illustrations, inspired by Scandinavian nature. TinyCottons, Bobo Choses and Liewood are go-to brands for trendy fleeces and all-in-one suits.
Form and function: New baby accessories
Dutch brand Artipoppe raised the game in baby carriers. Its oft-imitated leopard print and velvet designs have been worn by everybody from Emily Ratajkowski to Sienna Miller and Gigi Hadid, and are ubiquitous across London’s family members’ clubs. Marrying design and functionality, they are easy to slip on and adjust, and will carry your baby from newborn to two years. Other covetable high-end baby accessories include the corduroy changing bag by Chloé Kids, Binibamba sheepskin pram liners and bags and Garbo & Friend’s collection of printed footmuffs and changing mats.
Charming extras: Stocking fillers
This season’s best stocking stuffers include wooden construction vehicles by Tildo, Steiff teddies and Konges Sløjd chunky crayons in charming boxes. Raid the Harrods toy department for luxurious extras, while Babi Pur excels in ethical and organic products. And, of course, don’t forget to add the traditional tangerine.
Soothing spaces: The best nursery furniture
Forget the ubiquitous stuffed giraffe (although if you insist, the £4,500 Steiff iteration is available at Harrods) and spruce up your nursery with wooden shelving, braided storage and tufted rugs from Danish brands Ferm Living and Cam Cam Copenhagen. Closer to home, Willa and the Bear is a British brand that designs children’s bedding in Norfolk, which is made in female-run studios in India and Nepal, and its Instagram account is a goldmine for gorgeous nursery interiors. The Vilac Ride On Car Toy is also a perennial favourite for a first birthday.
For some seriously plush nursery inspo, Dragons of Walton Street has been hand-painting nursery essentials for discerning clients for more than 20 years and it counts Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow among its clients. Another celebrity go-to, Andrew Martin’s playful animal-dotted wallpaper and textiles line many a nursery wall across SW3 and beyond.
Read more: The best shops for baby and childrenswear in London
