When my friends started having babies, I quickly learned that shopping for a 2-month-old is totally different from buying for a 1-year-old. At this age, babies are just starting to notice the world — they’ll stare at your face, follow a bright toy with their eyes, and calm down when they hear a gentle sound. So the best gifts are the ones that gently wake up those little senses without overwhelming them. Here’s what I’ve given (and what parents have thanked me for the most).
1. Soft Cloth Books
Those little fabric books with the bold black-and-white or high-contrast patterns? Absolute winners. They’re drool-proof, washable, and babies go cross-eyed staring at them (in a good way). I always pick the ones that crinkle or have a little tag sticking out — parents say their babies love grabbing those tags.
2. Crib Mobiles
A slow-moving mobile above the crib can keep a fussy baby entertained for ages. I look for the ones with soft felt animals or simple shapes and quiet music — nothing that sounds like a carnival. Bonus points if it has a wind-up mechanism so parents aren’t hunting for batteries at 3 a.m.
3. Play Gyms & Activity Mats
The play mats with the arches and dangling toys are pure gold. At two months, babies are starting to bat at things and love looking at themselves in the little mirror. I’ve seen babies spend twenty straight minutes just staring and kicking — that’s basically a parental vacation.
4. Musical Toys & Rattles
Anything that makes a gentle jingle or plays a lullaby when squeezed works wonders. I usually go for the ones you can clip to the car seat or stroller — parents can move them wherever the baby is melting down that day.
5. Bath Toys (Yes, Already!)
You’d be surprised — even at two months, babies enjoy a couple of soft squirters or stacking cups in the tub. Parents tell me it turns the evening bath into something they actually look forward to.
6. Plush Loveys
A small, super-soft lovey (the kind with a little animal head and a blanket body) often becomes baby’s first “friend.” I always check that it’s machine-washable because… well, babies.
7. Gentle Night-Light Toys
Those little animals that glow softly when you press them are perfect for middle-of-the-night feeds. They give just enough light for parents to see without fully waking the baby.
8. Newborn Gift Baskets
When I can’t decide, I put together a small basket: a board book, a rattle, a lovey, and maybe some cute socks. Parents love it because everything actually gets used.
9. Something Personalized
A blanket or onesie embroidered with the baby’s name always makes the new parents tear up a little. It’s the one gift they’ll keep long after the baby has outgrown everything else.
10. Early Teethers
Even though teeth are still months away, many 2-month-olds are already chewing on their fists like it’s their job. A soft silicone teether or one you can chill in the fridge is a lifesaver for sore gums.
Bottom line: at this age, skip anything with tiny pieces, loud noises, or batteries that die in a week. Go for soft, washable, and simple. Parents are exhausted, and a thoughtful, actually-useful gift feels like a big hug.
Trust me — pick any of these, and you’ll be the friend/aunt/uncle/coworker they still talk about years later. Happy gifting!
Author: S. Quill
See also:
150+ Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old Girl
150+ Gift Ideas: What to Get a 2-Year-Old Boy
110+ Gift Ideas for a 2-Year-Old Child
