feature BABY GIFTS
Given with love
Celebrating a new life is a joyful occasion, and gifts for babies are a cherished way to mark significant milestones from baby showers and births to christenings, first birthdays, and festive holidays. These thoughtful tokens are often chosen by close family, friends, and even colleagues, each gift carrying with it the giver’s excitement, love, and hopes for the little one’s future. From the practical to the sentimental, baby gifts take many forms. Essentials like clothing, blankets, and bibs are always appreciated, while toys that encourage early learning, for example rattles, teething rings, and soft fabric books all spark curiosity and comfort in equal measure. Plush and soft toys, in particular, hold a special place in many hearts; not only are they cuddly companions for baby, but they often become treasured keepsakes well into childhood. Aurora World’s Creative Director, Alanna Slocombe would agree, telling Nursery Today “Nursery plush holds a special emotional connection, it’s much more than just a toy. It offers comfort, familiarity, and supports early sensory development.” Adding “Those precious moments shared between a baby and their parent, sibling, or grandparent while playing with a soft toy are priceless and help create lasting memories. From soft textures that soothe to characters that inspire imagination, plush plays a vital role in a child’s early world.” Licensed plush toys featuring beloved characters from storybooks, films, and TV also prove especially popular. As Rainbow Design’s Senior Brand Manager Zara Hynes comments “Nostalgia drives connection, and connection drives sales. Soft toys
naturally bring the ahhh factor, but characters found within the nursery sector are not only irresistibly cute but many have stood the test of time, playing a key role in childhoods of previous generations.” For many gift givers, these characters are a bridge between generations, evoking fond memories of their own childhoods and allowing them to share a piece of that nostalgia with the newest member of the family. Keepsake items also remain timeless choices. Personalised blankets, engraved silverware, or baby handprint kits create mementos that grow in meaning over the years. Meanwhile, eco-conscious trends are shaping the nursery market, with organic cotton clothing, sustainably sourced wooden toys, and ethically made soft toys gaining momentum among parents who value both beauty and responsibility. Ultimately, whether the gift is chosen for practicality, sentimentality, or pure cuddle factor, the act of giving is as much about the emotions of the giver as it is about the joy of the recipient. Every blanket, teddy bear, or storybook is more than just a present - it’s a gesture of love that becomes part of a child’s first memories and furthermore, the gift category can bring additional footfall instore or clicks on websites!
Best bunnies
These plush bunnies are part of the Simply Scandi range, ideal for small hands to carry and suitable for 12 months old and beyond Cuddle up to these floppy-eared Rabbit Plush toys. Available in a large or small size, these sensationally soft plush rabbits are perfect for toddlers to wrap their arms around. Adorably dressed in striped t-shirts, these white fluffy bunnies feature patterned yellow feet and ears to keep little ones engaged. The cute rabbit teddies have smiling, friendly faces to help children recognise emotions and develop empathy skills. As children roleplay with their soft toys, they will learn how to look after their teddies and communicate well with others. Burrow these soft rabbit plushies into a cot or child’s bed as a cosy nighttime comforter, or keep in the playroom for hours of imaginative play. Parents can be assured that these Rabbit Plush toys are safe to snuggle up to as the toys are made from premium-quality and environmentally-friendly GRS Certified materials so that little ones can enjoy years of plush playtime. Part of Bigjigs Toys’ Simply Scandi range, these plush toys are ideal for small hands to carry and squish them everywhere they go for maximum comfort. The Rabbit Plush Toys make a great gift for any child from 12 months old and beyond.
TEL: 01303 212691 help@bigjigstoys.co.uk | bigjigstoys.co.uk
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13/08/2025 13:57