The easiest toddler boy Christmas outfit is a collared shirt or onesie, a pre-tied Christmas bow tie, suspenders, and khakis or dark pants. Red plaid, green velvet and buffalo plaid bow ties are the most popular choices for Christmas photos. Pick a pre-tied bow tie with an adjustable strap, choose comfort over stiff fabrics, and never leave a young child unattended while wearing accessories.
Little boys in bow ties are a holiday tradition for a reason. A tiny Christmas bow tie turns a simple outfit into a photo-ready look for Christmas morning, church, family dinners and the Christmas card. Here are 12 toddler boy Christmas outfit ideas, plus what to look for in sizing, comfort and safety.
What Should a Toddler Boy Wear for Christmas?
A toddler boy should wear a comfortable, festive outfit for Christmas, such as a collared shirt, a Christmas bow tie, suspenders and soft pants. This combination looks dressed up in photos but still lets a toddler sit, crawl and play. Add a cardigan or sweater vest for church or cold weather.
12 Toddler Boy Christmas Outfit Ideas
- The classic red plaid: White button-down, red plaid Christmas bow tie, black suspenders, khaki pants.
- Little gentleman velvet: White shirt, green velvet bow tie, navy pants, brown shoes. Perfect for church and Christmas Eve.
- Buffalo plaid lumberjack: Gray henley or thermal with a collar, red buffalo plaid bow tie, jeans, boots.
- Sweater and bow tie: Collared shirt under a cream or navy sweater, with a tartan bow tie peeking out at the collar.
- Santa's little helper: White shirt, Santa print bow tie, red suspenders, dark pants.
- Gingerbread cutie: Brown or tan pants, white shirt, gingerbread man bow tie. Great for cookie decorating photos.
- Reindeer games: Chambray shirt, reindeer bow tie, brown suspenders, khakis.
- Candy cane stripes: White shirt, red and white striped bow tie, gray pants.
- Christmas morning pajamas: Plaid pajama set with a matching plaid bow tie for the first photo of the day.
- The vest look: White shirt, gray or navy vest, red velvet bow tie, matching pants.
- Christmas lights: Black or navy shirt with a Christmas lights bow tie for evening parties.
- Mini me with Dad: Dad and son wear matching Christmas bow ties in the same plaid or color.
Shop handmade, pre-tied Christmas bow ties and Christmas bow tie and suspenders sets from The Bold Bow Tie in sizes for babies, toddlers, boys and men.
Baby Boy Christmas Outfits and Baby's First Christmas
A baby boy Christmas outfit should be soft, easy to change and simple to take on and off. A collared onesie with a pre-tied Christmas bow tie and suspenders clipped to soft pants gives a dressed-up look without buttons and zippers. For baby's first Christmas outfit, many parents choose a classic red plaid or green velvet bow tie, because those colors look timeless in photos for years to come.
- Choose soft cotton fabrics and avoid scratchy trims.
- Put the outfit on right before photos, and take it off for naps.
- Bring a backup outfit. Babies have their own plans.
Why Bow Ties and Suspenders Work for Toddlers
- Pre-tied bow ties go on in seconds. An adjustable strap means no knots and no struggle.
- Suspenders keep pants in place. Toddler pants slip down constantly, and suspenders fix that while adding style.
- They work with clothes you already own. A bow tie and suspenders dress up a plain shirt and pants.
- They match the whole family. The same Christmas bow tie comes in sizes for babies, boys and dads.
What Size Bow Tie Does a Toddler Need?
A toddler needs a small bow tie with an adjustable strap. The Bold Bow Tie's Small Christmas bow tie fits babies and toddlers from 6 months to 5 years, Medium fits boys from 6 to 12 years, and Large fits teens from 13 years and adults. The adjustable strap lets the same bow tie grow with your child for more than one Christmas.
Matching Family Christmas Outfits With Your Toddler
The easiest way to match family Christmas photo outfits is to choose one pattern and repeat it in a small accessory on every person. Dad and the boys wear matching red plaid Christmas bow ties, Mom wears the plaid as a scarf or hair bow, and the family dog wears a matching Christmas dog bow tie. Everyone looks coordinated without wearing identical clothes.
Tips for Christmas Pictures With a Toddler
- Schedule photos after a nap and a snack. A rested, fed toddler is a happy model.
- Dress your toddler last. Put the bow tie on right before the camera comes out.
- Use window light. Natural light is softer and more flattering than a flash.
- Give your toddler something to do. Holding an ornament, a stocking or a candy cane keeps little hands busy.
- Shoot in burst mode. You only need one perfect frame.
Toddler Christmas Outfit Safety Tips
- Never leave a baby or young child unattended while wearing a bow tie or any accessory with small parts.
- Remove bow ties before naps and bedtime. Bow ties are not intended for sleep.
- Check that the strap is snug but leaves room for two fingers at the neck.
- Keep ornaments, tinsel and small decorations out of reach during photos.