Toy Guide

Choosing toys for your little one can feel surprisingly overwhelming. The shelves are full of bright colours, lights, and promises of “developmental magic,” but how do you know what’s really worth bringing home? Whether you’re shopping for newborn toys, toddler favourites, or gifts that will keep kids entertained for years to come, this guide will help you find toys that are fun, safe, and suited to your child’s stage.

We’ve pulled together age-by-age recommendations, play tips, and even some sanity-saving storage advice. And because we know parents are juggling budgets and busy lives, you’ll also find options to suit every wallet, plus a few ideas that make gifting easy.

You can explore our full Toys & Gifts range or skip straight to our curated Toy Bundles if you love the idea of ready-made sets.

Toys that Support Baby’s Development by Age & Stage

Every stage of childhood comes with its own kind of play magic. Babies’ development doesn’t stand still, and neither should playtime. As your little one grows, updating toys helps keep them challenged, curious, and learning. It’s often best to retire toys that have been outgrown and introduce new ones that match emerging skills and interests. Here’s what to expect from newborn to preschool and beyond.

0-6 months: discovering the world

In the first six months of life, babies are busy learning how to be in their bodies and connect with the world around them. Their eyesight is still developing, so they’re drawn to high-contrast colours and slowly begin to track movement and recognise familiar faces. Hearing is sharp from the start, and your voice is their favourite sound, while their motor skills shift from jerky newborn reflexes to purposeful reaching, grasping, rolling, and even sitting with support by the end of this stage. Play at this age may look simple, yet it is hugely important because gentle sensory experiences help babies bond, strengthen muscles, and spark curiosity. Soft rattles, crinkle books, tummy time mats, and high-contrast toys are perfect choices, while mirrors offer endless fascination even before babies recognise their own reflection.

Everyday play can be as easy as laying your baby on a tummy time mat and placing a toy just out of reach, encouraging them to stretch or roll, while you sing or talk alongside them. Affordable staples like soft rattles, fabric books, and silicone teethers are easy wins, while a quality play gym or activity mat is a worthwhile investment that will see daily use and can be passed on. When gifting, beautifully packaged newborn toy sets or comforters make thoughtful choices, giving families both something practical and something special to treasure.

7-12 months: movers and explorers

By the second half of their first year, babies turn into busy explorers who can sit, crawl, pull up to stand, and perhaps even take their first steps. Their fine motor skills blossom as they begin using a pincer grip to pick up tiny treasures, and they’re fascinated by cause and effect, turning the simple act of dropping a toy into endless entertainment. Babbling grows into first words, gestures like clapping and waving become regular, and peekaboo never gets old. Toys that support these leaps in learning are especially rewarding at this stage: stacking cups and nesting toys challenge hand–eye coordination, push and pull toys and ride ons strengthen growing muscles, while activity cubes and musical shakers keep curious hands and ears entertained.

Those soft rattles and play gyms were perfect a few months ago, but now it’s time for some exciting toy upgrades to match their growing abilities. Play can be as simple as banging two cups together, building and knocking down towers, or letting your baby drum on pots and pans with a wooden spoon. This is also the age when toy collections start to multiply, so a couple of baskets or an open shelf system helps keep play manageable and makes tidy-up time part of the fun. Affordable options such as stacking cups, soft balls, and shakers are endlessly versatile, while sturdier investments like a walker or activity cube can last well beyond the first birthday. For gifts, toys that encourage movement, from ride ons to push carts to chunky block sets, are always popular and mark the shift from babyhood into busy toddler life.

13-24 months: busy toddlers at play

Life with a toddler is full of energy, curiosity, and a touch of chaos. Toys become essential outlets for all that exploration. Between their first and second birthdays, children develop rapidly, walking and climbing with growing confidence, refining fine motor skills like turning pages or stacking blocks, and expanding their vocabulary almost weekly.

At this stage, toddlers thrive on play that builds independence, problem solving, and imagination. From shape sorters, puzzles, and building sets to musical instruments and pretend play props, each activity helps them explore and learn in new ways. Play also helps toddlers manage big emotions, so toys that let them bang, build, crash, and rebuild are especially valuable.

Keep just a few favourites accessible at once using a simple rotation system to encourage focus and make tidy up time easier. Affordable staples like nesting cups, crayons, or posting boxes can be enjoyed in multiple ways as your child grows. For bigger investments, a sturdy balance bike (from around 18 months), a dollhouse, or a play kitchen can provide years of fun and even be shared with siblings or friends. Birthdays are a perfect time to introduce big kid toys such as magnetic tiles, a drum, or a dollhouse with chunky accessories, combining creativity, learning, and endless play.

2-3 years: pretend play and big feelings

Life with a two year old is a whirlwind of imagination, determination, and plenty of big feelings. At this stage, toddlers are not only running, climbing, and dancing with more confidence, but also beginning to weave stories into their play.

Pretend play takes centre stage as they copy the world they see around them, whether it is cooking dinner in a pretend kitchen, caring for a doll, or fixing things with a toy tool bench. Their fine motor skills now allow for more complex building and puzzle solving, and language grows rapidly as they chatter through their games. Toys that support these leaps are both fun and enriching, with simple construction sets encouraging problem solving and dress up clothes or role play props nurturing imagination and social skills.

For parents, storage can feel like half the battle, as toddlers at this age love to dump everything out at once, so baskets or low shelves make tidying up easier and help children feel involved. Affordable options such as chunky puzzles or matching games are daily winners, while premium picks like a dollhouse or a train set can become the backdrop for endless storytelling. For birthdays, gifts that feel just like the grown ups always go down well, whether it is a toy stroller, a mini tool set, or even a starter art kit that invites a bit of creativity and maybe a little mess.

3-4 years and beyond: imagination and early learning

By preschool age, play takes on new layers of imagination and social connection. Children are often ready to share stories with friends or siblings, take turns in simple games, and enjoy activities that ask for more focus, such as puzzles or early STEM sets. Fine motor skills are becoming more precise, which makes art projects, threading beads, and building detailed block structures even more rewarding. At the same time, climbing, riding, and ball games continue to build strength and coordination.

Active play also expands with toys that challenge balance and movement in new ways. A Kinderboard can be used for rocking, balancing, or imaginative play, while a scooter offers excitement outdoors as children grow in confidence and control. Puzzles, art supplies, and cooperative games are excellent everyday choices that build problem-solving skills, while dress-ups and role-play sets keep pretend play thriving.

For families choosing a special gift, a scooter or Kinderboard is a lasting investment that siblings can share, while a quality puzzle or board game often becomes a favourite for family time. Whatever you choose, toys that invite children to play together, explore new skills, and express creativity will be especially valued at this stage.

Toy Bundles

If picking just the right toys for your child feels overwhelming, our Big Dreams Club Toy Bundles are here to make life a little easier. Each bundle is carefully curated to match a specific age and developmental stage, so you can be confident that every toy inside is both safe and designed to support learning, growth, and play. From newborns discovering their senses to toddlers mastering fine motor skills and preschoolers exploring imagination and problem-solving, there’s a bundle for every stage.

What makes these bundles especially helpful is that they take the guesswork out of toy buying. Instead of juggling a long shopping list or wondering if a toy will actually get played with, you can bring home a ready-to-go set of engaging and high-quality toys all at once. These bundles include a thoughtful mix of open-ended, sensory, and developmental toys, offering variety and longevity without cluttering your home with pieces that won’t get used. They’re also a perfect gift solution for birthdays or baby showers, providing a selection of toys that are tried-and-tested to delight and educate.

Teething Toys

Teething is an exciting developmental milestone, though it can be a tough time for babies and parents. As teeth begin to emerge, usually between four and ten months, babies naturally chew and bite to help relieve gum pressure and discomfort. A safe, well designed teething toy can make this stage much easier.

Teething toys not only soothe sore gums but also support early skills such as grasping, hand to mouth coordination, and sensory exploration. There are many styles to suit different ages and preferences. Soft silicone or natural rubber designs are gentle on tender gums and easy for little hands to hold. Textured surfaces can provide extra relief, and some teethers are designed to be chilled in the fridge (not the freezer) for a soothing cooling effect. Others double as rattles or sensory toys, offering both comfort and entertainment.

Because teething toys are frequently used and mouthed, safety and materials are especially important. Choose food grade silicone, BPA and phthalate free plastics, or unfinished sustainably sourced wood treated only with natural oils or beeswax. Always supervise use, inspect regularly for damage, and follow manufacturer care instructions. Many parents find it helpful to keep a few teething toys on rotation, at home, in the nappy bag, or in the car, so comfort is always close by.

Books

Books aren’t just for quiet moments, they are powerful tools for learning, bonding, and sparking curiosity from the very first days of life. Even newborns benefit from books, especially those with high contrast images, bold patterns, and simple shapes. At this stage, babies are learning to track objects with their eyes, recognise familiar faces, and focus on visual patterns, so a black and white or high contrast board book can capture their attention in ways toys sometimes cannot. Soft fabric books or crinkle textured pages also invite tactile exploration, giving little hands safe sensory experiences alongside visual stimulation.

As babies grow into the 6 to 12 month stage, they begin reaching for, grasping, and mouthing books, so it helps to choose books that are safe and sturdy. Thick board books with sturdy pages, chunky tabs, and easy to clean surfaces allow babies to interact independently, flipping, chewing, and exploring without worry. Lift the flap stories or simple touch and feel textures delight curious fingers while also encouraging cause and effect learning. Peekaboo under a flap is not only fun, it is building early cognitive skills.

From around one year and beyond, toddlers are drawn to books that tell stories, introduce simple concepts like colours, numbers, and animals, or invite interaction. Picture books with repetitive phrases, rhymes, or songs support language development, while lift-the-flap or textured stories encourage pretend play and hands-on engagement. By preschool age, children are ready for more complex narratives, early phonics, and books that ask them to join in by answering questions, spotting characters, or helping to “read” the story themselves.

Books make thoughtful gifts at every stage because they grow with the child, can be enjoyed alone or together, and nurture essential skills from motor coordination to language. For busy households, a small bookshelf or basket in the living area or nursery keeps books within easy reach and encourages daily reading habits. Whether you are introducing your first black and white board book or choosing a picture story for a four year old, the right book for the right stage will not only delight your child but also build skills that last a lifetime.

Bath Toys

Bath time is more than just getting clean, it’s also a valuable opportunity for play, learning, and bonding. The right bath toys can turn daily routines into engaging experiences that encourage sensory exploration, support motor development, and build positive associations with water.

Babies and toddlers are naturally drawn to toys that pour, scoop, float, or stick to the side of the bath. These activities promote cause-and-effect learning, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Simple items like stacking cups, bath books, or squeeze toys can keep little ones entertained while helping them feel calm and confident in the water.

When choosing bath toys, safety and hygiene matter as much as fun. Opt for toys made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials that either drain easily or are fully sealed to prevent mould growth. Regularly rinsing and air-drying toys (ideally in a mesh bag or basket) helps keep them clean and safe for everyday use.

Choosing the Right Toys

When it comes to buying toys, the golden rule is simple: the best toy is one that’s fun, safe, and suited to your child’s stage of development. A toy doesn’t need flashing lights or clever marketing to be valuable, it just needs to meet your child where they’re at and encourage play that helps them grow.

Every great toy starts with great design, and safety is at the heart of that. In New Zealand, toys for children under 36 months must meet strict safety standards, so when you shop with trusted retailers like Baby On The Move, you can feel confident your little one’s playtime is both safe and fun.

It still helps to know what to look out for, as children have a magical ability to play with toys in ways we never expected. Anything small enough to slip inside a toilet roll can be a choking hazard for under-threes, which is why you’ll often see “not suitable for under 36 months” on toys with tiny pieces. It is also best to avoid toys with button batteries, magnets, or long cords, as these can pose serious risks if swallowed or tangled.

Durability matters just as much as design. Flimsy plastics that crack or break can create sharp edges, so investing in well-made toys means they will not only be safer but also last through the rough and tumble of everyday play.

Babies and toddlers explore the world through touch and taste, so choosing toys made from non-toxic, durable materials gives you peace of mind. Wooden toys should be smooth and splinter free, paints and coatings should always be child safe, and soft toys should have stitching that stays strong through enthusiastic chewing and cuddles. Because toys inevitably end up sticky, dropped on the floor, or even dunked in the dog’s water bowl, look for options that can be easily wiped down or washed.

A gentle toy and surface sanitiser like the Dew Toy & Surface Sanitiser 500ml can be handy, it’s non toxic and formulated to safely clean toys and play areas without needing a rinse, making it easier to keep favourite playthings fresh and ready for the next adventure.

Did you know? Every toy we stock at Baby On The Move is carefully selected to meet New Zealand safety standards. That means you can focus on choosing toys your little one will love, without worrying about the fine print.

Bikes, Trikes & Helmets 

As toddlers start walking and climbing with more confidence, ride-on toys are a fantastic way to encourage movement, balance, and coordination. For little ones from around 12 months, options like the Kinderfeets TinyTot Plus Trike/Bike provide a safe and sturdy way to explore movement. From about 18 months, children can move up to the Kinderfeets TinyTot 2 in 1 Trike/Bike, which grows with their developing skills. This is a great way to help burn energy, strengthen muscles, and give children a sense of independence as they discover steering, pedalling, and navigating small outdoor spaces. It is also a good time to introduce a well-fitting, comfortable helmet such as the Nutcase Little Nutty Helmet, which helps little riders get used to wearing protection while keeping their precious heads safe.

By two to three years, toddlers are ready for more advanced ride-on play. The Larktale Scoobi 5 in 1 is a standout choice, transforming from a push trike into a balance bike and beyond, providing years of fun and adaptability for growing children. Wooden alternatives, including the Wishbone 3 in 1 or Cruise continue to support balance, coordination, and active outdoor play, with helmets remaining essential to reinforce safe habits. Introducing these bikes at this stage encourages confidence and independence while complementing other toys that build fine motor skills, pretend play, and problem-solving.

By the preschool years, around ages three to four, little adventurers are ready to zoom, balance, and explore with newfound confidence! This is the stage where coordination blossoms and play becomes more daring, and a little faster too. While many of our bikes and trikes are perfect for toddlers from 12 months up, ride-on toys like the Larktale Scoobi 5-in-1 are a fantastic pick for families who missed the earlier stages or want something that grows right alongside their child. Pair it with imaginative play such as art supplies, dress-ups, and simple board games, and you’ve got the perfect mix of movement, creativity, and giggles.

Smart Toy Choices for Every Home

Not all toys are created equal, and often, the quieter, simpler ones bring the biggest benefits. Open-ended toys such as building blocks, stacking sets, a Pikler arch, or an activity cube grow with your child, offering new ways to play and learn at every stage. That doesn’t mean noisy or electronic toys don’t have value. They can be fun, interactive, and stimulating, but balance is key. Children also need time and space for imaginative, self-directed play, which builds creativity, problem solving, and focus.

Montessori inspired toys are loved for their simplicity, hands on learning, and focus on developing real world skills. You don’t need to follow a full Montessori approach to benefit from its ideas. Even small adjustments, like rotating toys or keeping only a few accessible at a time, can help children concentrate longer, play more deeply, and make tidying up easier for everyone.

For families with multiple children, toys that span age ranges like building blocks, play kitchens, outdoor toys, ride on toys, or a Kinderboard are ideal for shared play and long lasting use. If space is limited or you travel often, look for compact, travel friendly options such as foldable play gyms, nesting toys, or portable art kits. These keep favourite play experiences close by without adding clutter.

Many families today also value sustainable toy choices. Toys made from wood, recycled plastics, or eco-conscious materials provide peace of mind for items that are handled, chewed, and loved daily. At Baby On The Move, we carefully select baby and toddler toys that balance safety, durability, and sustainability, making it simple to shop with confidence in store or online. Explore our full toy range or check out our curated toy bundles to find options that fit your child’s stage, your space, and your values.

Brands to Know

Behind every great toy is a brand that understands how children grow and play. At Baby On The Move, we partner with trusted brands that prioritise safety, quality, and meaningful play, making it easy to find toys you can feel good about, whether you shop in store or online. Below are some of our most loved and popular toy brands, favourites with parents for the way they support real play, real learning, and real life with little ones

Classic World offers high quality wooden toys that encourage creativity, problem solving, and open ended play. Their construction sets, vehicles, and activity toys are built to grow with your child, providing lasting fun and versatility.

Kinderfeets combines active play with sustainable design. From balance boards and swings to the Pikler climbing range, these toys support gross motor development, balance, and coordination while being sturdy enough to last for years.

Lamaze specialises in bright, sensory rich toys for babies and young toddlers. With varied textures, colours, and interactive features, Lamaze toys support grasping, hand eye coordination, and early auditory and visual development.

Hauck Play delivers fun, engaging toys that suit both independent and cooperative play. Their activity sets, ride ons, and interactive toys encourage movement, exploration, and imaginative scenarios for toddlers and preschoolers alike.

Shnuggle Bunnies are soft, tactile companions perfect for snuggles, gentle play, and sensory exploration. Designed with safety and durability in mind, they are ideal for babies and toddlers, providing comfort while supporting early motor and sensory skills.

Featuring these trusted brands in your child’s toy collection can help you match developmental needs, play styles, and home spaces with quality toys that grow alongside them. From newborn comforters and teething toys, through to ride on trikes, bikes, and playful bath toys, the right choices can make a big difference in your child’s development and daily routines.

At Baby On The Move, we’re here to make things a little easier. Proudly New Zealand owned and operated, our team is ready to share trusted advice and help you find the right fit for your little one. Whether it’s your baby’s first toy, a thoughtful gift, or something new to spark play as they grow, you can shop online or in store knowing our range is carefully chosen and trusted by families across New Zealand.