The holidays are just around the corner and you're looking for that unique, adorable yet practical baby gift. There are oodles of captivating products on the market today but it can be hard to find that special gift that you're truly proud to give. All new moms like a little bit of razzle-dazzle but we also want products that are useful, enriching, and that we don't have a dozen of already.

Here is my Top 8 Must Have List to give you some inspiration this holiday season:

1) Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling
This beastly bowling set features 6 plush pins with weighted bottoms and a silly stuffed ball to knock them down. Babies will love the various textures and improve at the game as they grow.

Available at Kiddytown and other baby retailers across North America.




2) Haba Eney, Meeny, Miny Zoo! Building Blocks

These Eney, Meeny, Miny Zoo! blocks are vibrant, creative animal shapes that encourage baby to work on developmental milestones such as grasping and stacking. The set includes 25 pieces made of beech wood. 

Available at Baby en Route and other baby retailers across North America.  


3) MiniGeeks Star Wars Baby Pants

For a local handmade option, MiniGeeks offers durable cool couture for your little geeks. From Doctor Who, to Transformers, to Settlers of Catan, these custom printed cotton pants will be a great addition to any baby's wardrobe. 

Available online on Etsy or at Ottawa's Comic Book Shoppe on Clyde Avenue. 

4) Pearhead Baby Prints Photo Frame

This modern white frame is a great way for parents to cherish their newborn's tiny prints. It comes with two clean-touch ink pads so making the impressions is quick and easy—Music to our busy parenting ears!

Available at Snuggle Bugz and other baby retailers across North America. 


5) Wee & Charming Baby Charm Blanket

Another special keepsake and time saving gift is the Baby Charm Blanket. Parents collect and attach the Wee Charm milestone ribbons to the blanket calendar using the hook and loop fasteners, recording baby's first moments forever. 

Available online or at Ottawa's Boomerang Westboro on Richmond Rd.



6) Skip Hop Explore & More Owl Rolling Push Toy

A new twist on an old favorite, these push toys have always been popular with babies just learning to walk. Encourage and reward this momentous milestone by giving a vibrant owl that waddles along while his bead-filled-belly clicks and clacks.

Available at Fab Baby Gear and other baby retailers across North America.

7) Manhattan Toy Company Treetop Adventure

This wood activity center can really grow with your baby as she achieves different milestones. It features 4 quadrants with colourful gliders and bead runs for baby to manipulate and explore.

Available at Snuggle Bugz and other baby retailers across North America.

8) TinyLove Kangaroo Changing Time Toy

Anything that will distract baby during a diaper change is a welcomed gift. This cute kangaroo comes with a universal detachable connector and holds a crinkle book and easy grasp teether for your wee one to play with.

Available at Clement and other baby retailers across North America.