On gifts for babies and toddlers, 0–2
Gifts for the under-twos answer to a stricter authority than taste. Every item in this division is graded for ages 0–2 by its maker and checked against the CPSC recall list before filing. Any caution worth knowing is on the card. Beyond that, the Department favors things that survive teething, washing and being thrown from a high chair: sensory toys, play gyms, soft companions and the occasional indulgence for the parents. The edit is reviewed each cycle and refreshed as better candidates arrive.
Jolly Approved
Sesame Street Tickle Me Elmo Giggle Max
An 18-inch Elmo that laughs, flaps his arms and talks when his belly or feet are tickled. Made for Tickle Me Elmo’s 30th anniversary. Takes 4 AA batteries, included.
Thirty years in service. Still ticklish.
Jolly Approved
Ms. Rachel Surprise Learning Box
A soft fabric box with six plush pieces to pull out, squeeze and name. No batteries. Supervise play with the small plush pieces.
Six soft surprises. Unpacked, repacked, unpacked again.
Jolly Approved
Itzy Ritzy Bitzy Tunes
A small musical sensory toy from Itzy Ritzy’s Bitzy line. Takes 2 AAA batteries, included, behind a screwed door.
Small, musical and very easily located.
Jolly Approved
Etta Loves Colour Changing Bath Book
A waterproof sponge bath book designed with artist Camille Walala. The pages change colour when wet. Bath time with an adult present. Dry fully after use.
Changes colour in the bath. Bath time, extended by request.
Jolly Approved
Step2 My First Picnic Basket
A wheeled picnic basket with a 29-piece play-food set and a water-resistant blanket. Loose play-food pieces. Supervise under-twos.
Lunch is served. Mostly to the dog.
Jolly Approved
Nuby Boogie Buggy 3-in-1
A lightweight foam ride-on that converts between scooter, push walker and caster board. Holds up to 44 lb. Ride-on: flat ground, away from stairs, adult close by.
Three vehicles. One driver. No licence required.
Jolly Approved
Gathre Wooden Activity Walker
A wooden push walker with adjustable wheels, a bead maze, xylophone, shape sorter and toy basket. For babies who pull up to stand. Flat floors, away from stairs.
First steps, taken in some style.
Jolly Approved
Stapelstein Rainbow Set
Six stackable stepping stones and a balance board for climbing, balancing and open-ended play. Supervise climbing. Stack no more than three high.
Stepping stones today. A mountain range by Thursday.
Jolly Approved
Piccalio Climber Pikler Triangle Set
A folding birch climbing triangle with a reversible ramp for climbing and sliding. Certified to ASTM F963 and holds up to 132 lb. Back-ordered; ships end of October. Supervise climbing.
Climbing, sanctioned. The sofa is relieved.
Jolly Approved
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
A pedal-free balance bike with a steel frame, padded seat and flat-free tyres. Seat and handlebar adjust without tools as the rider grows. Use with a helmet and adult supervision.
No pedals, no stabilisers. Considerable speed.
More for ages 0–2
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What "Jolly Approved" means
Every product here fits its maker's age rating for this division and has been checked against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database, along with the brand's recent recalls. Any caution worth knowing is on the card. The Department works from public information from manufacturers, retailers and the CPSC, and re-checks the edit every cycle; last reviewed .
Looking for a gift for a newborn, a six-month-old, a first birthday or a two-year-old? This edit covers climbers, balance bikes, cause-and-effect toys, walkers, bath books, musical toys and pretend play, each graded for ages 0–2 and checked against the CPSC recall list.