Gift Ideas For Kids Of All Ages

A Shopping List That Keeps You Prepared During Party Season

(CBS)  Many parents know the last-minute rush of shopping for a child's birthday party. The editors at Real Simple magazine suggest setting up a gift closet, stocked with age-appropriate gifts for all ages.

It's the second installment in our week-long series of Simple Solutions, from the magazine's special family issue. Kris Connell joined The Early Show with tips on how to stock up on great gifts for every kid on your list.

Newborn to 1 year:
During the first three months of life, a baby will enjoy colorful toys and pictures, as well as listening to soothing music. Connell says to look for activity quilts, stuffed animals without button noses or eyes, bath toys, soft dolls without small parts, baby swings, and cloth books.

Some specific suggestions:

Bath soaks: erbaviva, $30. For those early baths, these baby washbags are filled with organic oatmeal, milk powers, and mandarin. They're perfect for sensitive newborn skin. www.erbaviva.com

Sound cube from Latitude Enfant, $20. This pillowy cube holds six popout shapes filled with things that make noises like squeaking and crinkling. www.momastore.org

Flash cards from Wee Gallery, $14. Educational toys like these graphic cards often captivate babies. www.sparkability.com

"Olivia" by Ian Falconer, $8. For chubby little hands, try the board book version of the popular children's story. www.amazon.com

Ages 1 to 3:
By age 1, a toddler will engage in more active play that includes running, jumping, climbing and exploring. Toys that can be used in these activities will be preferred, as well as toys for building basic structures.

Some specific suggestions:

Pull toy from Vilac, $25. This toy is beautiful in its simplicity: no big sounds or lights, it is a wooden toy that kids will love to roll around. ABC Carpet and Home, 212-473-3000.

PJ's from Kiwi Industries, $54. These cotton pajamas are cute and a welcome relief from the market-driven Dora and SpongeBob PJ's. www.entertainingelephants.com

"How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, $16. This is a beautiful book with great illustrations, a tale of dinosaurs that mope and sulk their way through their bedtime rituals.