Described as being suitable for children between the ages of 6 months to 3 years, this amazing learning center comes highly recommended by the many parents that have purchased it. It has been developed and manufactured by one of the masters of the interactive toy, LeapFrog, who describe it as being "a learning fiesta for your little one". It is in fact an interactive, bilingual activity table (English and Spanish) that engages and entertains your baby for hours, I’m told, with songs, melodies, twinkling lights and real instrument sounds, plus lots of things to spin, roll, slide, open and close. The table plays over 40 songs and melodies so that your toddler stays entertained whilst exploring and learning. The table can also easily switch modes, so that each instrument plays a learning song. The manufacturers claim that it not only helps younger babies to develop the motor skills needed for learning to stand, but that it will provide equal educational benefits for pre-school toddlers as well. At the time of writing, Amazon have the table on offer at a special price, so do take a further look. The product page, accessed via the link, also has a great video which shows just how the table works. I personally think it’s a great Christmas gift for a baby or toddler and offers a tremendous amount for under $40.

A great way to amuse and exercise them at the same time over Christmas, or whenever it’s too cold to play outdoors. One of the top rated toys for this Christmas, Fisher Price say that it “combines the fun indoor activity of video game playing with the physical activity that the great outdoors will give you. Designed for kids ages three to six, the Smart Cycle "physical learning arcade system" is an all-in-one stationary bike, video game console, and educational tool. Your little one will exercise their brain and their body and have loads of fun in the process.” My research shows it to be incredibly easy to assemble and install, as all that’s needed is a Phillips screwdriver and four ‘D’ batteries (which are disappointingly not included). Just ensure that your television is equipped with the red, white and yellow RCA jacks to connect the Smart Cycle.

You can always rely on Fisher Price to produce toys that are fun to use and extremely durable, which is why the brand has appeared twice in this gift category. Now they've come up with a sturdy train set for younger children that will have lasting appeal as they grow, due, in part, to it being made with parts that are designed to be easy for small hands to put together. Boys and girls alike will enjoy hours of fun as they speed along the tracks to the windmill or factory to see them magically operate all by themselves. A great first train set, Fisher Price say that “thanks to the power of your child's imagination, the possibilities are endless.” Recommended for children from 24 months upwards.

If you’re wondering what to get for baby’s first Christmas then look no further than this great activity center which really is the best of the bunch if the customer reviews are anything to go by. Described by the manufacturers, Graco, as “fun that engages their imagination”, the Discover and Play Center was a 2006 AMBY design award winner. With it’s exceptionally durable and well thought out shapes and textures, it introduces your child to colors, animals, nature, language and movement in an exceptionally fun and engaging way. Nine interactive toys also aid in the development of age-appropriate sensory and motor skills. The 360 degree swivel seat helps to build muscle strength and improve balance whilst your child experiences the thrill of physical movement. I am told that this play system also encourages bilingual learning, by introducing basic vocabulary words in a fun and interactive way. Currently on offer at Amazon and, in my opinion, a winning first Christmas gift.

I have to admit that I hadn’t actually heard of this pre-school game before I started researching for this hub, but the reviews I have received whilst doing so have been, quite simply, phenomenal. One of the clear favorites in younger board game choices, this game really does entertain in a fun, educational way that will inevitably make it a family classic. One great customer comment was the fact that the game requires no batteries and makes no noise, which is a welcome change from the usual, popular toddler toys. It engages the pre-schooler, whilst teaching him or her the simples rules and strategies of problem solving through social interaction that will last a lifetime.