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With a brand new grandchild, you may not be wondering what baby gifts to buy.  After all, half the fun of being a new grandparent is buying all those cute outfits and stuffed animals! And while I don’t want to discourage you from having fun, I do want to suggest some gift options that will be more useful and make their parents much happier.

The following baby gifts are all gender-neutral, so whether you are looking for gifts for a granddaughter or gifts for a new baby boy, you’ll find just the right thing. Just make the time to ask their parents what sorts of gifts will be welcome and what they'd like to avoid. Respecting their wishes as you shop will make for much happier holidays! (Read this post to find out what else parents want you to know about celebrating the holidays!)

​Lovevery 
If I could equip every baby with one kind of toy, it would be a subscription to Lovevery. Lovevery toys are designed by child development experts to give children the best play experiences for their developing brains. Toys are made of sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton and baby-safe plastic. They offer both age-appropriate subscription boxes  and single gift items like a 5-star rated play gym that will entertain baby for a full year. My grandchildren love them, and I'm consistently impressed by the quality and play potential for each piece. Get your grandbaby started here.

Custom photo book
Babies adore looking at pictures of faces, and what could be better than the faces of the people who love them? Pinhole Press creates high-quality board books out of the photos you send them. You can customize the text on every page, so the book you order is as special as your grandchild. It’s a great way to help your grandchild know you if you are at a distance. Order one here. 

Parent-Child Classes 
One of the best gifts you can give is a set of parent and child classes, sometimes called “Mommy and Me”. There are classes in music, swimming, yoga and more, all designed to help your new grandchild develop age-appropriate skills and strengthen the bond between parent and child. They are also a great way for new parents to meet other families. Check with your grandchild’s parents to see if they would enjoy something like this.

Books 
Yes, babies need books, too. Reading to your baby or toddler builds listening, memory, and vocabulary skills crucial to communication. There are so many wonderful books for this stage of life! Colorful pictures and simple storylines are key. Some of our favorites are The Very Hungry Caterpillar ,  everything by Sandra Boynton, Moomins, Babies, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Photography Session
Hiring a professional photographer to capture these precious days is a gift for everyone. To find a photographer near your grandchildren’s family, search on Photo Sesh. 

College fund 
I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift to give your grandchild than the chance at a college education. Start a fund now and contribute to it regularly, and the dividends it pays will be far beyond financial.  Consult with a financial expert to find the best way to invest in your part of the world.

When you look beyond the toy aisle in your local big-box store, you’ll find gifts for young grandchildren that will enrich their life and relationships. And aren’t those the best gifts?