What Should I Buy for My Grandchild?

You want to give something meaningful, useful and tasteful, without overstepping. That's not always easy.

This guide is here to help.

For newborns (0–3 months)

At this stage, babies need very little but what they do need, they need constantly.

Think: warmth, comfort and things that will need to be washed repeatedly.

What's actually useful:

  • Soft blankets (merino or cotton as they are breathable and gentle)
  • Changing mats (for at home or on the go)
  • Simple wraps or swaddles
  • Soft hats (newborns lose heat through their heads)
  • Hand-knitted cardigans and socks (pullover sweaters can be hard to get on)

Our suggestion: A New Zealand merino blanket, it's soft, breathable, and gets better with use. For a prem baby, we have the perfect merino hats in small sizes. Warmth for those early weeks and months.

What you can skip:

  • Newborn shoes (they look sweet, but babies don't need them until they're walking. Soft socks are far more practical)
  • Fancy outfits (families often receive so many as gifts and like to buy the odd one themselves)
  • Too many toys (newborns can't focus on them yet, save it for later)
Explore our Newborn Collection

Little ones to spoil? We know you'll want to buy them everything. What matters is that it's useful, made well and chosen with care. That's the gift that gets loved and appreciated.

For babies (3–12 months)

This is when babies start exploring with their hands and mouths. They're moving more, sitting up, and becoming curious about textures and sounds.

What's actually useful:

  • Teething toys (simple, safe materials like wood, silicone or natural rubber)
  • Cloth books or board books
  • Bibs or dribble cloths (lots of them!)
  • Spill protection (for both change time and food exploration)

Our suggestion: Our waterproof 'Nudie Mat' - it is a versatile spill resistant, portable mat that is a life saver during nappy changes, outings or snack time.

What you can skip:

  • Battery-operated toys with flashing lights (they're overstimulating and break easily)
  • Bath toys that can't be fully dried (anything with a hole that traps water will grow mould)
  • Complicated outfits with too many fastenings (or at least make sure you know the correct size!)

Explore our Baby Collection

The best gifts aren't always the ones that are greeted with fanfare.

They're the ones that get used, loved and kept for the future.

For toddlers (1–2 years)

Toddlers are walkers, climbers, and explorers. They're testing boundaries and learning through play. What they need most is freedom to move, simple toys that spark imagination and clothes that can handle mess.

What's actually useful:

  • Open-ended toys (blocks, stacking cups, simple dolls)
  • Books with sturdy pages
  • Practical clothing (comfortable, washable, not too precious)

Our suggestion: A hand-made toy that sparks their imaginative play. Something they can carry everywhere, that smells like home, and that can be washed when it inevitably gets grubby.

What you can skip:

  • Complicated toys with lots of plastic parts (they'll get loads of these at birthday parties and it will drive their parents mad!)
  • Clothes with delicate fastenings or materials (toddlers are hard on clothes, choose durability over prettiness)
  • Too many toys at once (toddlers do better with less, it helps them focus and use their imagination)
Explore our Toddler Collection

For big explorers (3+ years)

By now, they're talking, running, and developing strong preferences. They're learning through pretend play, helping with tasks, and asserting independence.

What's actually useful:

  • Pretend play items (play food, toy kitchen tools, dolls)
  • Art supplies (crayons, paper, washable paints)
  • Beautifully Illustrated Children's Books
  • Clothes they can put on themselves (elastic waists, slip-on shoes)

Our suggestion: A hand-made apron for helping in the kitchen, or toy baby carrier for nurturing imaginative play.

What you can skip:

  • Electronic toys (they limit creativity and don't hold attention for long)
  • Overly themed merchandise (characters are everywhere. Simple, timeless items have more staying power)
  • Too many choices (a few well-chosen toys are better than a playroom full of clutter)
Explore our Big Kids Collection

Made in small batches, by hand

Every piece from Hank & Co is crafted in our small atelier in Wanaka, New Zealand. We don't mass-produce, we make limited runs of thoughtfully designed items, each one stitched, knitted, or sewn with care.

This means our pieces cost more than mass-market alternatives and they're made to last far longer. It's slow fashion for the smallest people in your life.

Learn more about how we work