Setting Shoes with Your Baby or Toddler? 7 Practical Tips
19 October 2026
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Sinterklaas is almost here! And perhaps this year, your little one will get to experience the special Dutch tradition of "setting their shoe" for the very first time. This means children place their shoe by the fireplace or door, often with a drawing or a treat for Sinterklaas's horse, hoping to find a small gift from Sinterklaas and his Piets the next morning. But when should you start this tradition? How often can your child set their shoe, and what gifts should you put inside?
For young children, it's already exciting enough that Sinterklaas and his Piets are in the country. All these new impressions, songs, and traditions make this time extra special. Luckily, setting a shoe doesn't have to be complicated at all. With these 7 practical tips, you can make it a cozy and relaxed Sinterklaas ritual.
You really don't have to set the shoe every evening. For a baby or toddler, once or twice a week is often more than enough. Young children love predictability. If the shoe is filled one morning and stays empty the next, it causes confusion. Therefore, agree on a few fixed shoe evenings in advance, such as Wednesday and Saturday. This way, your child knows exactly what to expect, and it remains a festive moment.
For adults, setting shoes is very normal. But for a young child, it can be quite strange: why is my shoe suddenly by the door, and who puts something in it? So, explain it simply beforehand. For example, say: "Tonight, we'll get your shoe ready for Sinterklaas. We'll sing a song, and tomorrow morning, we'll look together to see if there's a surprise inside!"
Keep the story light and fun. Some toddlers find the idea of someone coming in at night quite exciting. Do you notice your child becoming restless? Then just say that Sinterklaas has prepared a surprise. Don't make it a scary story that keeps your little one awake.
Our tip: do you notice your toddler building up some tension around bedtime? Sing the song and place the shoe right after dinner instead of just before bedtime. This way, peace returns to the house before sleeping.
From what age can you start setting shoes?
There is no fixed minimum age. For a baby, it's mostly a cozy moment for the parents. A baby from 1 year old can already happily participate in placing it, and toddlers increasingly understand what it entails.
How often can a toddler set their shoe?
Once or twice a week is ideal for most families. Fixed days provide clarity and prevent your child from asking every evening if they can set their shoe again.
What if my child finds it too exciting?
Do you notice your child sleeping poorly or being scared? Feel free to skip an evening or place the shoe during the day sometimes. Fun and a sense of security are always paramount.
In 2026, Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands on Saturday, November 14th. From that evening, you can start setting shoes until "Pakjesavond" (Gift Evening) on December 5th. Of course, when your child is ready for it varies for each child.
Our tip: just set the shoe together the first time and keep it simple. You don't need to explain the entire Sinterklaas story yet. This way, your little one discovers how it works in a calm way.
The best part about setting shoes often isn't even the gift, but the cozy moment leading up to it. A fixed ritual gives young children peace and consistency:
Preferably, place the shoe in the same spot, such as by the front door or next to the sofa. Do pay attention to safety: do not place the shoe near a hot radiator or stove, and keep loose ribbons out of reach of curious little hands.
The Sinterklaas period often brings many stimuli. Songs at daycare, costumed people in the shopping center, and sweets everywhere. That's why calm at home is so important.
To keep the shoe-setting organized, we at Broemba have created a free shoe calendar. Together, choose the fixed shoe evenings and hang the calendar in a visible spot, for example, on the fridge. Your toddler can color in the agreed-upon days or place a sticker on them. This way, your child immediately sees when it's time for the shoe again, and you avoid daily discussions.
Do you want to keep things nice and organized this year? Download the free 2026 shoe calendar and choose the fixed shoe evenings with your child.
Are you still looking for a fun, small shoe gift? Discover Broemba's safe teethers.
A shoe gift doesn't have to be big or expensive. For young children, a small surprise is a celebration in itself.
Fun shoe gifts for a baby (1 to 2 years old):
Fun shoe gifts for a toddler (2 to 4 years old):
Always choose toys without small loose parts that could pose a choking hazard. And remember: there doesn't have to be a toy in the shoe every time. A cheerful drawing or a sweet note from Piet is just as much fun.