5 Things I Bought My Bestie’s Baby

Meet Dinah. When I was 11 years old, I walked into the first day of my 6th grade classroom terrified to talk to anyone. It was my first day at a parochial school and I was frozen. “Hey. Sit here” she said, holding her hands over the formica/metal combo desk in front of her. And with that, a lifelong friendship was born. We stayed friends through high school (mostly) and stopped talking during college, only to reconnect after the passing of her father (an amazing man – a whole separate article could be done about James, who was probably a secret agent). Anywho from 11-17, 20-now, we’ve been best friends. And the greatest evolution to watch has been when she announced she was pregnant. Via whatsapp.

Let’s get one thing straight: when your best friend has a baby, you’re not just gaining a tiny human to spoil—you’re gaining a responsibility. A responsibility to be the cool aunt/uncle who shows up with the best gifts, the most thoughtful toys, and the kind of presents that make the parents go, “Wow, you really get it.”  

So, when my bestie announced she was expecting, I knew I had to step up my game. No rattles or onesies from me. Oh no, I went full-on developmental guru, eco-conscious shopper, and toy connoisseur. Because if I’m going to be this kid’s favorite person (sorry, Dinah), I’m going to do it right.  

Here are the five things I bought for my bestie’s baby, along with places you can find them! 

1. Pastel Wooden Rainbow Tunnel – Grimm’s

Let’s start with the obvious: this thing is gorgeous. The pastel rainbow tunnel from Grimm’s is like a Montessori dream come true. It’s not just a toy; it’s a statement piece for the nursery (and let’s be real, my bestie’s Instagram feed).  

But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this toy is a powerhouse for development. For a newborn, the high-contrast pastel colors are visually stimulating, helping to develop their eyesight. As the baby grows, the tunnel becomes a tool for crawling through, stacking, and exploring spatial relationships. It’s open-ended, which means it grows with the child—something I know my bestie will appreciate when she’s knee-deep in diaper changes and sleep regressions.  

Plus, Grimm’s is a company that values sustainability and craftsmanship. Their toys are made from sustainably sourced wood and finished with non-toxic stains, so I can feel good about giving a gift that’s safe for the baby and the planet.  

2. My First Root Children – Board Book by Sibylle von Olfers  

If there’s one thing my bestie is going to need, it’s a break from reading Goodnight Moon for the 47th time. Enter My First Root Children, a charming board book that introduces little ones to the changing seasons through whimsical illustrations and gentle storytelling.  

This book is perfect for a newborn because it’s sturdy enough to withstand tiny hands (and inevitable drool). As the baby grows, the rhythmic text and beautiful artwork will help develop language skills and a love for storytelling. And let’s be honest, it’s a nice change of pace for my bestie, who’s probably already memorized every word of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  

The book is published by Floris Books, a company known for its commitment to high-quality, imaginative children’s literature. It’s a gift that nurtures both the baby’s brain and my bestie’s sanity.  

3. Colored Wooden Waldorf Building Blocks  

Every baby needs a set of building blocks, but not just any blocks will do. These colored wooden Waldorf blocks are the crème de la crème of stacking toys. Made from natural wood and painted with non-toxic colors, they’re safe for teething babies and perfect for tiny hands to grasp.  

Developmentally, these blocks are a goldmine. They encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving as the baby learns to stack and balance them. As the child grows, they’ll use the blocks for imaginative play, building everything from towers to tiny cities.  

4. Organic Floppy Brown Teddy Bear – Senger  

Every baby needs a lovey, and this organic floppy teddy bear from Senger is the perfect choice. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s soft, cuddly, and free from harmful chemicals. It’s the kind of toy that becomes a lifelong companion, offering comfort during naptime, bedtime, and everything in between.  

For a newborn, the bear’s soft texture provides sensory stimulation, while its floppy design makes it easy to grasp. As the baby grows, the bear will become a source of security and comfort, helping to develop emotional resilience.  

Senger is a company that prioritizes sustainability and ethical production, so I can feel good about giving a gift that’s kind to both the baby and the planet. Plus, it’s machine washable, which my bestie will appreciate when the inevitable spit-up happens.  

5. Hannah the Bunny – Cuddle and Kind 

Last but certainly not least, I had to include Hannah the Bunny from Cuddle and Kind. This handmade doll is not only adorable but also incredibly meaningful. For every doll purchased, Cuddle and Kind provides 10 meals to children in need. That’s right—this bunny is cute and charitable.  

Hannah is perfect for a newborn because of her soft, huggable design. As the baby grows, she’ll become a companion for imaginative play, helping to develop social and emotional skills. And let’s be real, she’s so cute that even my bestie might want to cuddle her.  

Cuddle and Kind’s mission to fight childhood hunger is something I can get behind. By giving this doll, I’m not just giving a toy—I’m giving meals to children who need them. It’s a gift that gives back, and that’s something I’m proud to support.  

Final Thoughts

These five gifts are more than just toys; they’re tools for growth, comfort, and imagination. They’re also a reminder that even in the chaos of new motherhood, there’s room for beauty, sustainability, and a little bit of fun.  

So, here’s to my bestie, her adorable baby, and the beginning of my reign as the cool aunt/uncle. May these toys bring joy, development, and maybe even a few moments of peace. And if not, well, there’s always wine.