Buying toys for babies is often a trying task for some, mostly because the selection is so large.  Most people want to buy toys that will help teach babies something - educational toys for babies or learning toys for babies are popular. 

There are certainly many to choose from, from simple to slightly more complex, yet all seem to have some sort of educational value, even if it is a toy to help develop baby’s manual dexterity.

It seems that most toys for babies aim to help build motor skills and hand control.  Some go so far as to help encourage a baby to crawl.

Which are the best?  Well, look no further for great gift ideas for babies!  You can’t beat Amazon for great selection and prices, as well as terrific customer service.  Also, many items offered are eligible for free Super Saver Shipping – just spend $25 on eligible products to get free shipping!

I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular baby toys.  If you’re looking for Christmas gifts or gift ideas for other occasions, such as a baby shower gift or a first birthday gift, check these out:

• These extremely lightweight blocks by Baby Einstein are covered with animal images that are realistic, fun textures, and graphic designs that will capture baby's attention. Age recommendation: 3 months and up.

• This baby gift set from Sassy includes the Touch and Tune Cow and Moon, which plays the cow jumped over the moon song, and the Fascination Station, which is a colorful spinning wheel that contains additional spinning shapes.  Note: some people complain that the suction cup doesn't always hold, but I've always found that getting the suction cup wet first really helps.
• The Spin-tacular Play center also can be attached to a high chair or stroller tray with it's suction cup bottom to allow your baby play and push around the twirling beads and balls.

• Baby will have a lot of fun following this Critter as it pops up plastic balls and plays music.  Age recommendation: 9 months and up.
• The Pelican will call out the shape, color, and number in English, Spanish, or French when the right block is placed in its beak. Age recommendation: 6 to 36 months.
• This great Play House Gym can be folded into sitting mode, laid flat for tummy time, or when folded up completely it becomes a soft dollhouse.  The mat is double sided fro twice the fun!  Age recommendation: 0 to 24 months.

• Manhattan Toy makes great toys that are adorable and durable.  These Snuggle Pods make terrific first dolls - the baby is tucked into a removable satin-lined pod.  Helps foster early development of nurturing skills; baby will love tucking and toting his or her Snuggle doll. 

• These You & Me Mirrors are adorable, with one side a colorful animal face, the other a mirror. It is also an easy-to-hold rattler. Age recommendation: 0 to 6 months.
• Babies love to grasp tags and all babies seem to love Taggies products. This camera toy makes a shutter-clicking sound when its button is pushed. The lens is mirrored so baby can see herself smile for the picture!
• Your baby can snuggle up to this mirror. It's cute and cuddly and reflects your baby's cute face where its face should be. Age recommendation: 0 months and up.

• Manipulating this wooden Wiggling Worm Grasping Toy, which shifts shape, helps babies with hand control. Age recommendation: 6 months and up.
• My First Pops & My First Snaps are a modern take on the classic pop beads. Push and pull activity helps develop motor skills and dexterity. Both sets come in stackable jars. Age recommendation: 6 months and up.

• This puzzle stacker also comes in a mini version. The interlocking pieces add an extra layer of fun to the traditional stacking toy. Age recommendation: 18 months and up.
• Fisher Price has been making toys that make kids happy for 50 years! Little People is a huge favorite and this Play 'n Go School is no exception - it's a great starter playset. Age recommendation: 1 year and up.
• Beginning walkers can practice their new skill while pulling their duck friend and its cart with a play egg that's a two piece puzzle. Age recommendation: 18 months +.
• The Blocksters Block Spot is a portable busy box and blocks in one; a great concept!  Age recommendation: 1 year and up.