Whether you are celebrating your own baby boy’s birthday, or have been invited to share in the joy of another little man in your life, it can be difficult to know what to bring for a gift. Girls like dolls and frilly clothes, but boys have a reputation for being hard to buy for. Actually, that isn’t the case at all. There are plenty of options to choose from. In fact, your biggest challenge will be narrowing down the choices. What are the top baby boy gifts? How can you ensure that your gift is memorable and original?

Handmade is Hip

There was a time when handmade was not very popular. Luckily, society has made a complete turnaround, largely due to the plethora of online forums that provide an outlet for high quality, handmade fare. Places like Ebay and Etsy showcase beautiful gift ideas for the baby boy in your life. These options are highly favored by celebrity moms. If you are skilled yourself, you can recreate your favorite listing, using your own personal touch.

Keep Them Moving

If little boys fit into any mold, it’s the one of activity. Boys just like to go! Many of the top baby boy gifts tap into this energy, providing your little man with toys and activities that stimulate that active and energetic part of his personality. Boys like anything that rolls and makes noise. For a first birthday gift, it’s your job to pay attention to quality and safety. Wooden toys with natural finishes are worth the investment. These are not only safe for babies who still chew, but will stand up to use and abuse for quite some time.

Presents with a Purpose

Another category of top baby boy gifts are those that are useful. These aren’t always the most interesting gifts in the mix, but they are often the most appreciated. A baby boy is likely inundated with toys on his first birthday, but still has plenty of other needs that can be met. If you are not the parent, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for suggestions as to what the little man needs. A pair of quality shoes, clothing or even a new coat can be a great choice.

Bath-time Enjoyment

By the time a little boy hits their first birthday, they have spent a lot of time bathing. Most babies love taking a bath. Tub toys are some of the top baby boy gifts for one-year-olds. With recent safety concerns, it’s imperative to purchase tested products. Heat can cause toxins to release quicker and at a higher rate. Always double check tub toys for lead testing and phthalates.

Don’t Forget Books

Studies show that children who regularly share reading time with a parent find it easier to learn to read. While your baby boy is much too young to grasp the complicated aspects of the written word, now is the time to set the foundation for mastering this necessary skill. Books are magical- even babies feel this. For a top baby boy gift, look for hardback books with beautiful illustrations and engaging text. Many parents make purchasing a special book a tradition, with their collection of special books growing as their child does.

For any gift-giving occasion, there will always be choices to be made. Your gift should be age appropriate, engaging and appreciated. By paying attention to these top baby boy gifts, you can be sure that whatever you present will be a favorite for both the parents and that special baby boy.