Perfect package

Baby gifts are not only heartwarming gestures but also significant revenue drivers for nursery retailers.

Thoughtful presents hold a special place in the hearts of parents-to-be and gift-givers alike. First time parents can have huge wish lists of items they would like to have once their baby is born, which is why the gift category is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Any gift giver wants their gift to make an impact, they want something that delivers a certain ‘wow’ factor. As with most things a lot lies in the presentation and packaging of a product which can be a key trigger for many when making a purchase. A great gift idea presented badly will struggle to succeed, but a great gift idea with great presentation is sure to be taken to the till.

Baby gifts are often chosen with care and consideration, reflecting the sentiments and well-wishes of the giver. This emotional aspect contributes to the significance of these items and can also foster brand loyalty. When a nursery retailer offers a curated selection of high-quality baby gifts, it establishes itself as a destination for those seeking memorable and meaningful presents.

The variety of baby gifts available also contributes to their appeal. From adorable clothing and soft blankets to educational toys and keepsake items, the range of options allows retailers to cater to different preferences and occasions. This diversity increases the likelihood of customers finding the perfect gift for any baby-related event, whether it’s a baby shower, christening, or birthday.

Packaging can also play a pivotal role in shaping the perceived value of a gift. A gift with beautifully designed and well-crafted packaging adds an additional layer of value which can make the recipient feel valued and cherished.

In essence, the allure of baby gifts for nursery retailers is multi-faceted. They not only contribute to revenue generation but also elevate the retailer’s brand image, foster emotional connections, and create opportunities for repeat business. The packaging, variety, and alignment with trends collectively can make baby gifts a compelling and profitable category for nursery retailers.

Extensive range ideal for gifting

Toynamics UK & Ireland’s portfolio offers an extensive range of baby toys across their different brands, covering a range of price points and skill development features.

Skip Hop’s Playtime range is action packed to keep both babies and toddlers entertained with teethers and rattles, to crawl toys, and walkers. The Bandana Buddies come in a variety of fun characters that babies will love, the soft toy and teether features different sounds and textures for baby to explore their senses. It also easily attaches to a stroller/carrier or car seat for multi-sensory play at home or on the go. The newest addition to the Bandana Buddies is the Kangaroo and Joey. Hape’s range of infant toys is continuing to expand, with colourful and developmental toys, designed to encourage babies to discover and develop their senses. New for 2023 is the Montessori Mirror Shape Puzzle features 3-shapes with mirrors that slot back into their place, the mirrors develop self-recognition in babies, as well as fine motor skills. Also new for 2023 is the Rattle & Roll Toy Car, perfect for babies learning to crawl, the rattle noise is made when the car is pushed, teaching cause and effect, as well as encouraging them to crawl. Both products are made from Japanese rice, are BPA-free, soft to the touch and eco-friendly, the perfect baby gift.

Tel: 0116 4785230 | sales@toynamics.co.uk

Coffee Break

Nursery Today takes a break with Rainbow Designs Director of Product, Creative and Marketing Services Alys Dawson to find out her thoughts on the gifting sector.

Do you feel we are experiencing a desire for more gender neutral gifts at the moment?

While there is still a desire for pink and blue toys and gifts consumers now don’t assume that pink is for girls and blue is for boys. However, even with gender reveal parties being very much on trend, the neutral colour palette is very much in demand when it comes to nursery décor, gifts and toys. For example, our new Animal Adventure Safe and Soft range offers a selection of soft toys in baby blue, pastel pink as well as a pale grey tone.”

What makes the perfect baby gift in your opinion?

Babies form special bonds with first toys, which help them to feel safe and secure as they learn and grow, so these early gift purchases have a lot of meaning. There are many aspects that contribute to making the perfect baby gift, and consumers today are looking for something that is contemporary but will stand the test of time, that is safe, comforting and will support their child’s development. For many of us, story book characters from our early years have had a lasting impact, and this is because, in many cases our parents, and even grandparents, grew up with these adored characters so they formed an important part of our childhood bedtime story routine. At Rainbow, we specialise in bringing these adored characters off the pages of these classic storybooks and into the arms of the children who cherish them, so they can enjoy plenty of cuddles and comfort at bedtime whilst listening to their favourite stories.”

Are consumers seeking baby gifts that work well in the nursery with regard to decor?

Many baby gifts are purchased with nursery décor in mind, and when it comes to the nursery, parents tend to work to a particular colour palette or character themes such as Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. Ranges like our Guess How Much I Love You plush and wooden collection of toys, with its neutral colour palette, offers plenty of choice when it comes to gifting.

Do you feel consumers are seeking gifts that have ecofriendly credentials?

Absolutely. Eco-friendly and sustainability is a consumer focus that is only going to continue to build, so products that offer and meet these requirements are becoming more and more important. The children of today are more educated about the current climate than generations before them and are becoming more very much more passionate about conservation and sustainability, which is fantastic, and this is filtering through to parents, grandparents and gift buyers.