Gift Ideas for an Eight Month Old

The best gifts are those that are thoughtful and exceed the expectations of the person you are trying to please. When buying a present for a baby, though, if you don't know what the parents want or need for the child, you may be unsure of what to buy. Clothes are a safe option, but if you want to find something the baby will respond to, buy a gift that encourages the child's development.

  1. Emotional Development

    • Between 8 and 12 months, a baby begins to tell the difference between the familiar and unfamiliar as she also becomes more self-aware. Buy a baby photo album made of vinyl or cloth with resealable sleeves or pockets into which parents can slip photographs of themselves, siblings, grandparents and caregivers for the baby. The photo album will strengthen the baby's memory skills and provide something familiar when a parent is away. To heighten the baby's self-awareness, find a baby-appropriate mirror. Mirrors for babies are typically shatterproof and encased in plastic for safe and easy handling.

    Motor Development

    • The motor skills of recently mobile and inquisitive babies begin to develop around this age. Soft, brightly colored blocks are gentle toys that encourage the baby to build, tap objects together and develop his gross motor skills. Babies also love giant puzzles, stackable cups or shape-sorters that capture their attention and encourage the lifting and replacing of items in holes or slots. Classic toys like the ring stack fill a baby's need to grab, lift and chew.

    Cognitive Development

    • Eight-month-old babies are curious. They want to touch and pick up what is in their sight, and to place objects in their mouths. Appropriate toys for this age capture attention, hold attention spans for the few minutes it can be held, and often make noise. Busy boards or busy centers help babies learn that they can make noises, turn and move objects, and open little doors and drawers, creating the connection between reaching for an object and manipulating it. Age-appropriate plush toys or baby dolls are also ideal gifts for babies who want to pick up objects and find comfort in something familiar.

    Social Development

    • Infants at this stage of development are bonded to their parents and family. Board, cloth or vinyl books allow a baby to explore the pages and sit with a parent who reads to her while pointing out and repeating the names of objects. Books encourages parents to create bonding opportunities with their baby, creating the routine of reading a book before bedtime and providing comfort and love.

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