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Having a baby at Christmas is so exciting. If they are under one this will likely be their first one, which is amazing. As parents, you want to make it extra special. That is understandable. But it is easy to go a little overboard with it. A baby who is one or under is likely not going to understand what is going on. In fact, the whole day could be very stimulating as they want to not miss out on anything. However, while there will be so many things going on during the day, gifts can often be a sticky point. You want to give them everything, of course, you do. But sometimes a few simple ideas can make the whole day special, without the huge expense and facade that comes with it. So if you have a baby under one here are some gifts and ideas to help make it fun for them. 

A few gifts that you know they will be interested in 

Many babies develop a keen interest in something and mostly it is to do with a TV programme that you will have put on for them. No matter what you say before having a baby, they do end up watching a little and whether it is Peppa Pig, Cocomelon, or something else, you may want to buy a few gifts associated with that programme. This is for recognition as well and you know they will have an interest in it. 

Puzzles and books are always a good idea 

There are two things that will always be well received by babies and that is puzzles and books. They are great for stimulation and they are also excellent gifts to have. If your family is struggling with a gift then one of these could be an ideal suggestion. There are wooden puzzles that are a great investment as well as baby board books. It helps to encourage recognition and eventually first words. 

Make Christmas dinner fun for them 

If your child is under six months, you may be worried about the Christmas dinner and making it interesting for them. So get a highchair if they can sit in it, or a chair that is comfortable for them and make it fun. Let them explore toys and be part of the day. You could try some sensory with the food. Get a plastic freezer bag, and add sensory items such as mashed potato or a carrot, obviously cooled down. Seal it and then let them explore holding the bag, with supervision, of course. There are other sensory activities you could try. If they are eating food, then prepare their own dinner for them and let them have fun exploring the food and eating it. Seeing others eating will be a great way to help them lead by example. 

Personalised t-shirts and bibs for special pictures 

Chrismas is the ideal time to go a little overboard with personalised items. A t-shirt or babygrow saying first Christmas, a bib that says first Christmas dinner. It is such a lovely way to commemorate the occasion, and a first Christmas is so special. This could also create some wonderful picture opportunities that you can take. You can pick up many ideas on how you can personalise items for the big day, or make a few purchases from some small businesses that you find online. From pyjamas to tops, you are bound to find something that you like. 

The wrapping and boxes will be played with just as much

Would you believe that your baby may find more pleasure playing with the boxes and the wrapping paper? But it is true. So don’t worry too much about the gifts and maybe create a sensory activity out of boxes and wrapping paper. Keep back some boxes and wrap them up and let them have fun and explore the boxes and paper instead. This will take the pressure off you and your baby will have so much fun. 

Capture the moments 

Finally, make sure that you take the time to capture the moments. Set up a camera and try and capture some natural shots. Also, make sure that you are in the pictures. You can be so guilty of taking lots of pictures and then looking like you weren’t even there. Take time to be in the pictures and grab some family shots. These will be memories that you look back on in years to come. 

Hopefully, these suggestions will help you to enjoy your first Christmas together as a family.