36 fun and practical gifts that new parents will love
Summary List Placement
The best gifts for new parents are practical and fun — stuff they can use to make their lives a little easier during a difficult but rewarding time. They’re bound to love any of these 36 gift ideas, while putting them to good use too.
We’ve got gifts that will help them wake up or get some sleep when they have the chance. There are handy items here that they can use in the nursery or on the road, along with some fun stuff, like mustache pacifiers, that are great for a laugh.
Read on for 36 of the best gifts for new parents:
A safe, easy-to-use nail trimmer
Bblüv Trimö Baby Electric Nail Trimmer, available at Buy Buy Baby, $29.99
Baby nails can get really sharp. And because they’re so small and delicate, they can be intimidating to take care of. This electric trimmer makes it easy to gently cut fingernails and toenails without having to worry about getting them too short. The electric file gently rounds off the rough edges.
Delicious homemade baby food
Baby Brezza Glass One Step Baby Food Maker, available at Buy Buy Baby and Target, from $99.99
Buying baby food by the jar gets expensive, and it leaves you with an ever-expanding pile of empty containers that may or may not be getting recycled. The Baby Brezza solves that by letting you steam and puree your own baby food. It comes with a handy recipe book to get started.
A comfortable seat for baby
Bumboo Infant Floor Seat, available at Buy Buy Baby and Target, $39.99
Made from soft, durable foam, the Bumboo seat helps babies learn to sit upright, starting at three months. Parents will appreciate its portability as well as how easy it is to clean.
A fun way to clean up snot-nosed kids
Frida Baby Nose Frida the Snotsucker, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $15.99
Stuffy noses can make a baby uncomfortable. Since they can’t just go blow it out with a tissue, they need a little help. The Nose Frida Snotsucker looks, well, weird, but it’s safe, clean, easy to wash, and if we’re being honest, it’s kind of fun too.
Cozy moccasins for baby’s first steps
TPMOCS Custom Moccasins, available at TPMocs from $74
Handcrafted at every step of the way by Native American artisans, these beautiful, durable customized moccasins keep baby’s feet comfortable with every step. A portion of all purchases goes toward addressing poverty for Native American communities in need.
A pillow spray to help parents get a good night’s sleep
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, available at Dermstore, $29
Sleep is a tenuous proposition, at best, for new parents, so when they finally get the chance to turn in for the night, this spray will help them fall into a deeper and more relaxed sleep. Featuring a pleasing blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert, the relaxing scent helps a person doze off. One of our reporters swears by it for a better night’s sleep.
A cleverly designed towel that quickly dries and comforts babies
Parachute Hooded Baby Towel, available at Parachute, $29
Getting out of the bath is cold for babies, too, but this this absorbent towel keeps lets you wrap them up to keep them cozy while drying off. The adorable hood adds extra warmth.
A keepsake calendar filled with sweet photos
Artifact Uprising Wood Calendar, available at Artifact Uprising, $25
Parents can’t get enough photos of their newborn. Take some of those photos to create a unique, practical calendar featuring their little one that they can use every day.
An essential supply they can never get enough of
Honest Diapers, available at Honest.com, $10.95/pack
Cloth diapers aren’t for everyone, but these absorbent disposable diapers made from Earth-friendly materials are a good alternative for the eco-conscious. They also feature fun prints, even holiday designs. And to up the convenience factor for busy new parents, the company also has a diapers and wipes subscription box to save money and precious time.
A comfortable and flexible baby sling
Baby K’tan Original Carrier, available at Buy Buy Baby, Amazon, and Target, $49.99
Hands-free carrying is a convenient way to keep baby close that parents will appreciate, whether they’re grocery shopping or talking on the phone. This sling is comfortable for the baby as well as parents. It’s a gift one of Business Insider’s own gives to new parents after having used it with her kids from the time they were born until they were toddlers. You can check out our top picks for the best baby carriers here.
Crib sheets in cute prints
Brooklittles Crib Sheet Sets, available at Brooklinen, from $28.80
From spit up to diaper blowouts, crib sheets have to endure a lot, so it’s essential that there’s always a clean one handy. Parents will really appreciate such a practical gift when they need one. Brooklinen’s line of sheets for little ones feature fun patterns and prints that look great in any nursery.
A baby book parents will actually want to fill out
Lucy Darling Flower Child Memory Book, available at Maisonette, $34.99
Parents always appreciate looking back on the special memories they otherwise might have lost to sleep deprivation during baby’s first year. Jotting down moments to savor won’t feel like more paperwork with this spiral-bound baby book adorned with fun floral patterns. There’s even a place for the baby’s hand and foot prints.
A warm cup of coffee on a cold day
Contigo Autoseal West Loop Insulated Travel Mug, available at Amazon, $17.24
Life with a baby doesn’t pause so parents can rest, so having a little caffeine on hand can be a lifesaver when a parent’s running morning errands on five hours of sleep. This leak-free travel mug keeps drinks hot or cold for up to seven hours, and it comes in 30 colors and a variety of sizes.
An Amazon Prime membership so new parents can order supplies
Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $39
Nobody wants to make an extra trip to the store, especially busy new parents. A Prime membership lets them avoid the hassle, allowing them to order whatever they need and have it delivered instead, in two days.
A full-year subscription is $119. And if they already have a Prime membership, they’ll be able to convert your gift to credit so they can spend the money on anything they need.
A portable gadget for fussy sleepers
Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle, available at Buy Buy Baby, Walmart, Amazon, and Target, $34.99
White-noise machines are useful gadgets to have around because they’re helpful for getting a fussy baby to fall asleep. The Baby Susher plays a real human voice, and it’s easy to use at home, in the car, etc.
A pacifier that won’t keep falling to the ground
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder with Detachable Pacifier, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $14.88
This pacifier features a plush animal that can be detached to make cleaning both pieces fast and easy. You can choose from a variety of animals, including elephant, giraffe, monkey, and seal, that make it easy to find and comforting for babies to snuggle.
A swaddling blanket that transforms their baby into a burrito
Tortilla Baby, available at Uncommon Goods, $48
What’s better than a delicious burrito? A swaddling blanket that looks like a burrito and helps baby sleep tight after a long day.
A warm, embroidered blanket that will last for years
Metallic Star Sherpa Baby Blanket, available at Pottery Barn Kids, $38.99
This cotton jersey blanket with a soft Sherpa backing is great for trekking outdoors when the temperatures drop. In addition to the stars, it can be personalized with the baby’s name or initials.
Socks for tired feet
Gift a Bombas Gift Box, from $65
Bombas’ comfortable gym socks feature a blister tab and cushioned footbeds that wrap feet in luxury. Busy, tired parents will appreciate comfortable socks. Also, Bombas also donates a pair to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.
A jolt of caffeine after a sleepless night
Agaro Free-Dried Coffee (6 cup box), available at Swift Cup Coffee, $15
Instant coffee isn’t what it used to be; it’s actually good now, and that’s excellent news. Tested by our experts, these six individual packets of freeze-dried Ethiopian coffee will give sleepy parents the quick jolt they’re looking for, and all they have to do it add 10 ounces of hot or cold water and stir.
A sleek bassinet that rocks crying babies to sleep
Snoo Rental Gift Card, available at Happiest Baby, from $29.69/week
There’s nothing new parents will appreciate more than a little help with a baby who doesn’t sleep well. Sensing when a baby is tense, the Snoo automatically rocks them to sleep with a gentle motion. There’s also a built-in white noise machine and a swaddle to help calm fussy little ones. Parents can control the bassinet and monitor it via the app. And while the Snoo is expensive, the company has a rental program for a more affordable option.
Bilingual board books for early learning
Canticos Board Books, available at Amazon, from $5.99
It’s never too soon to start learning a second language. These books help by introducing important early words like numbers, shapes, and more in both English and Spanish.
A mustache pacifier
Mustachifier, available on BuyBuyBaby, $9.99
This pacifier will have everyone doing a double take to see if that baby really does have a hipster mustache. And don’t overlook the value of peace and quiet that comes with it too.
A meal kit delivery service so they can cook for themselves
Blue Apron Subscription Gift Card, from $60
Cooking can be an extra hassle for frazzled new parents, but a delivery service like this can make it a little easier to get a healthy, home-cooked meal. Blue Apron boxes come with preportioned ingredients and three easy-to-cook recipes. They’ll get one week of meal kits for $60.
Check out our guide to the best meal kit delivery services, which includes options for special diets.
A gadget to make diaper changes easier
Diapertainment, available at Amazon, $19.99
Diaper changing is much easier when a squirming baby is occupied. This smartphone mount does helps hold a little one’s attention with their favorite short videos so parents can get down to business.
An interactive play mat
The Lovevery Play Gym, available at Lovevery, $140
This activity gym has different learning zones and a range of accessories designed to engage a baby as they grow. Designed by childhood development experts, there are features here for infants as well as toddlers.
A pregnancy journal to track progress and memories
“Expecting You: A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal”, available at Amazon, $13.46
Pregnancy is a journey, and this journal gives new parents the chance to track their memories and experiences. Whether they end up using it as a reference for subsequent children or just as a way to look back on a special time, this keepsake journal makes a timeless treasure for parents.
A portable way to secure babies to their seats
Inglesina Fast Table Chair in Black, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, $69.99
A popular choice for an easy-to-use high chair because of its convenience, the Inglesia Fast Table Chair can be used with any table up to 3.3 inches thick. And it can be used for children ranging in age from 6 months to 3 years.
A 5-in-1 machine to help baby sleep
Baby Dream Machine, available at Baby Dream Machine, $99
On top of smoothing “pink noise” sound that help infants relax, the Baby Dream Machine is also a cool-mist humidifier as well as an aromatherapy machine. It even provides red light and night light therapy with an adorable bear design that will great in the nursery.
The gift of getting some shut-eye
Halo Sleepsack Swaddle Wrap, available at Buy Buy Baby and Target, $21.99
Swaddling helps a baby feel more relaxed, and a more relaxed baby is a better sleeper. This transitioning swaddle features a unique design that allows a baby to be wrapped with their arms in or out, which is important for safety once they start rolling.
An adjustable, washable pillow to ensure a good night’s rest
Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow, available at Amazon, $59.99
Few things help exhausted parents fall asleep faster than a comfortable pillow. This customizable pillow is hypoallergenic and works well for all sleeping positions.
Fun PJs’ for any occasion
Earth Day Baby Zip Sleeper, available at Hanna Andersson, $42
Whether they’re cozying up to watch a parents’ favorite show or settling in for a special holiday, matching family pajama sets are a fun way for families to share an experience. Hanna Andersson makes a comfy set of pajamas featuring everything from holiday prints to dinosaurs to popular characters.
A time-saving food hack parents can feel good about
Cerebelly Pouches, available at Cerebelly, $2.17 each
With organic vegetable-based recipes that babies will love, these handy little pouches are perfect in a meal-time pinch. They’re self-stable, so they’ll last long enough to be around when you need them. Created by a neurosurgeon, this go-anywhere babyfood is also loaded with nutrients that help with brain development.
A smart home device to act as an assistant
Echo Dot 4th generation, available at Target, $29.99
A smart speaker is the perfect nursery assistant. It can play gentle music to help lull babies to sleep or set timers for feeding times. They’re also compatible with a long list of smart home devices, which makes it easy to turn off light or set the thermostat while parents are busy changing diapers.
An Instant Pot for easy meals
Instant Pot Duo 60, available at Amazon, $89
Our favorite Instant Pot includes a number features and functions, from pressure cooking to sautéing. Parents can make delicious one-pot meals for themselves and the baby with just a few easy steps and a lot less cleanup.
Something to soothe and protect baby’s delicate skin
Baby Dove Derma Care Body Wash, available at Walmart, $8.86
Baby Dove Eczema Care Cream, available at Rite Aid, $8.69
Newborns have delicate skin that requires gentle, soothing products to keep them clean and their outer layer soft and hydrated. Developed alongside pediatric dermatologists, Dove’s wash and cream are free of dyes, parabens, phthalates, steroids, and fragrances.
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