ys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activi

When my first baby was born, I was inundated with lovely gifts. I was sure I would never have to buy her a thing again! With the gift giving season almost upon us, I thought we would take the next few columns to look at some suitable gifts for children from new born to school age. It can be difficult to think of good gifts, especially if your children are not at the same stage of development.

Gifts for Babies 0-6 months

Newborn babies often get the most gifts but are not in a position to actively use them. If you are buying for a baby, select something that they will get use of for a good period of time. Try some of the following:

· Mobiles – ones that hang from the ceiling or attach to a cot. The best are either black and white for very young children (To provide contrast in shape) or with well thought out out colour choices to stimulate the brain.

A friend made her own very professional looking one by selecting a range of little soft toys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activi

children from new born to school age. It can be difficult to think of good gifts, especially if your children are not at the same stage of development.

Gifts for Babies 0-6 months

Newborn babies often get the most gifts but are not in a position to actively use them. If you are buying for a baby, select something that they will get use of for a good period of time. Try some of the following:

· Mobiles – ones that hang from the ceiling or attach to a cot. The best are either black and white for very young children (To provide contrast in shape) or with well thought out out colour choices to stimulate the brain.

A friend made her own very professional looking one by selecting a range of little soft toys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activi

n a position to actively use them. If you are buying for a baby, select something that they will get use of for a good period of time. Try some of the following:

· Mobiles – ones that hang from the ceiling or attach to a cot. The best are either black and white for very young children (To provide contrast in shape) or with well thought out out colour choices to stimulate the brain.

A friend made her own very professional looking one by selecting a range of little soft toys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activi

re either black and white for very young children (To provide contrast in shape) or with well thought out out colour choices to stimulate the brain.

A friend made her own very professional looking one by selecting a range of little soft toys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activi

ys from a bargain shop. She hung them on a circular peg hanging also purchased at the bargain shop (I think it was originally meant for delicates!) After adding some ribbons and decorative ornaments, it looked pretty and inviting.

· Activity Centres. – These can be quite expensive but if you select well, you can find one that takes your child right through to toddlerhood. Material ones can be stored away easily, and are more pleasant to touch. Activity gyms that hang over them during floor time are also good. Make sure you select one that you can add your own toys onto if you want to get great value for money. If you are on a budget, these activity centres are easily available second hand in good condition.

· Books are a great gift at any age. At this age, select books with simple pictures and perhaps little to no words to use during floor time. The Tana Hoban black and White books are good for this age group. Books that include textures are also popular. Choose board books the child can handle and chew themselves, or material books they can feel.

· A mirror will keep your baby entertained for hours. Select a plastic one for safety. Use it in your mat times

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