Baby’s First Christmas: Should You Buy A Newborn Presents At Christmas?

As the Christmas season approaches, parents can find themselves in a bit of a predicament, wondering whether they should buy presents for their newborns.

This conundrum can bring about various emotions and raise questions like, will the child remember, should guests just give gifts to the parents instead, and should parents invest in toys for their child’s future?

This article will share advice, insights, and a sprinkle of festive fever as you navigate your baby’s first Christmas.

A Newborn’s Christmas Conundrum

Gifting a newborn a Christmas present can be seen as a challenge for some, with it being a decision that takes some consideration. Some think there’s no need for it while others like the idea of building a tradition from birth. Here are some varying opinions:

Social and Societal Pressures

On one hand, society will typically nudge parents towards purchasing presents for their little one’s first Christmas. The pressure to capture adorable moments and share them on social media adds another layer of expectations, making it more difficult for those in financial hardship. However, some argue that they enjoy buying gifts for others, more than receiving them.

Take this one experiment by Harvard researchers from 2008: They went up to random people in public places and gave them either $5 or $20. They gave two options, either spend the money on themselves or others by the end of the day. The researchers took the participants’ baseline happiness levels, and then in the evening registered the change in happiness for each of the four groups.

Their findings reinforced the spirit of Christmas: Those who spent on others were happier than those who spent on themselves.

Moral Dilemma

Some parents feel a moral obligation to buy gifts, thinking they might feel guilty for not contributing to their baby’s first Christmas or might miss a key part of their child’s day. However, many rightfully say, it’s best to just find a hand-me-down item as babies cannot and will not appreciate their gifts.

Waste of Money

Then there is the argument about whether it is a waste of money. After all, babies will not be able to remember their first Christmas gifts, so is there a point in adding financial strain?

Odd Hogg raises valid points that babies typically have everything they need, they do not understand Christmas nor the value of gifts, and that gifts for newborns add an expense to everyone’s budget when in fact it is not necessary as the parents will be the ones to open the gifts. This is why some parents do not get involved with the hassle of shopping for their newborns.

Why you should buy Christmas presents for a newborn

Well, Christmas is the time to spread joy, laughter, and love. Parents will probably feel more excited about having their first Christmas with their newborn and may want to keep that memory alive in a variety of ways.

Create everlasting memories

The first Christmas will be extra special for parents compared to the baby. If parents choose to give the baby a Santa’s outfit and buy them a present bigger than their body, this will leave the family with oh-so-adorable photos to look back on.

Creating traditions

Having your baby’s first Christmas gives parents the opportunity to begin their own family traditions. This may change what kind of presents everyone shares on Christmas or how they are shared. Parents may even plan the day out to include different activities, a photoshoot, games and so on. These traditions can be followed throughout the years and passed down generations, so think big.

Gift something they will treasure

Parents also have the choice of gifting something special, a sentimental present that children can keep with them forever. Some valuable gifts include a special blanket, outfit, bracelet, a photo, or soft toys that children can cuddle with for many years to come. Look out for more ideas with our collection of newborn baby gifts.

Worried about going overboard with your shopping list? We have you covered, read more on ‘How Many Presents Should You Get A Child for Christmas?’

Christmas presents for a newborn

Presents can come in a variety of forms, some gifts can be specifically for your baby – whether to help their development, enhance their joy, or something for the parents to assist in raising the little one. Yes, parents can gift themselves and include it as a newborn gift (after all, we can’t fit in the pushchair) and if gifting to a family with a newborn, perhaps something that the grownups need to help with looking after baby will be more appreciated. To understand more about your child’s development and shop for age-appropriate gifts, have a read of ‘A Guide To Your Baby’s Developmental Milestones.’

0 to 3 months

At this stage, your baby may be in the preliminary stages of learning to smile and laugh. Physically, they will begin to explore the world with their eyes, playing on their tummy, wiggling their arms and legs around, and some can hold a toy when given to them.

Playmats for babies can be a good starting place, with play gyms, teethers, rattles, newborn sensory toys, and soft toys all being great safe and sensory options for this age.

3 to 6 months

You may now notice your child’s personality starting to shine through. They are now able to interact with toys well and are starting to explore everything with their mouths.

We recommend investing in toys to assist their fine motor skills such as ball pits to enhance creativity while encouraging development, baby musical toys to boost sensory development and learning.

6 to 12 months

This is a wonderful phase, watching as your little one starts to crawl, stand, sit, roll around, and start to take those first little wobbly steps.

This is an exciting time to share more learning and development toys such as baby walkers, shape sorters, and baby activity toys. Each will aid in key development whether cognitive, physical, or social. To explore more toys to aid physical development, look no further.

Summary

In summary, a baby’s first Christmas is a wonderful memory to hold dear to our hearts and is special for anyone involved – whether the family, parents, or the baby. Whichever path you choose this Christmas season will be an everlasting memory and full of heart-warming family moments. Be sure to explore newborn baby gift ideas if you ever feel stuck.

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