This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine. I remember a time in my life where I felt like every weekend was dedicated to either a baby shower, a birthday party or visiting a friend at the hospital after just delivering her first child. Soon enough during this phase, I’d be welcoming my own bundles of joy, so you can bet that I have my experience in the “baby gifts” department.

Babies Love Toys

Let’s face it: babies and kids adore toys. From simple rattles to mini, electronic cars, our beloved tots can find endless hours of entertainment with them. Whether you’re buying one for your own or for a friend/family member’s child, it’s always good to know the dos and don’ts of age-appropriate toys for both safety and entertainment’s sake.

Is Your Baby Playing With The Right Toy?

• Newborn Stage: 0 To 12 Months: A newborn child will rely on mainly sound and sight for their first few toys. Mobiles are a very popular choice since they are captivating for baby and can be soothing for sleep-time. Rattles, like these rattles from Pebble, are also ideal: they’re soft, will encourage and teach baby how to properly hold and grip, and the gentle sound keeps him/her entertained and captivated. As you can see, our precious Layla Rose absolutely loves her White Donut Rattle!
• Toddler Stage: 1 To 3 Years: Toddlers are incredibly curious beings, taking in the world around them and discovering their surroundings. Toddler toys must be safe and durable. Remember: these little ones are in complete “discovery mode” so they’ll touch, throw, hit and eat just about anything. For stuffed toys, avoid any that use plastic or glass for its details. Instead, eyes, accessories and clothes should be securely sewed onto the toy. Toddlers can be very strong, so one brisk pull can turn a stuffed toy into multiple pieces of choking-hazards. These stuffed animals, like Layla Rose’s believed Large Giraffe, are playful, colorful and are definitely something the toddlers in your life will enjoy. Another popular choice for the 1 to 3 age group is building blocks. They help with hand-eye coordination and precision. They are also a fantastic way to showcase colors, numbers and letters.
• Preschool Stage: 3 To 5 Years: By this age, your child is in full interaction and learning mode. Reading, drawing and writing are skills that they are starting to pick up on. I love these Storybook Characters, like the adorable Medieval Princess Rattle, that make great companions with classic stories when you read your little one their bedtime story. Educational toys that encourage a preschooler to practice their problem-solving skills are also very popular. Puzzles, blocks that snap together, etc. will have them asking questions and will enable them to figure things out on their own.

Gorgeous Hand Knit Toys

Now that you’re all ready to finally make that toy purchase, Pebble is definitely a company worth taking a look at. Pebble toys are hand-made, fair trade and are produced with high-grade, natural material. It all began in 2004 in Bangladesh when founder, Samantha Morshed, decided to start a non-profit organization to create children’s toys. She and twelve young women knit numerous high-quality toys in a spare room. Now, Samatha’s humble beginnings are supplying the world with beautiful and safe children’s products.

Toys aside, the Pebble company is constantly recognized for creating good quality employment for the young and inexperienced women of Bangladesh. Take a look at Pebble’s catalogue so you can get a full look on what they have to offer. Intricate details, sturdy workmanship and most importantly, toys that your young ones will love. I must say, after Layla Rose has loved on her Pebble toys for a while now, they are holding up incredibly well to her hugs, kisses and munching! Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. One USA reader will win a $25 Store Credit At Pebble Toys (on orders of $25 or more)