The 12 Best Gifts for New Parents: Thoughtful, Practical, and Must-Have Ideas
Exploring parenthood, one gift at a time!
Becoming a new parent is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences I have ever experienced. As friends or family members, finding the right gift to celebrate this life-changing moment can be tricky. You want to choose something thoughtful, practical, and meaningful, but where do you start? Whether you’re shopping for a baby shower, the holidays, or simply as a “thinking of you” gift, I’ve put together some of the best gifts that new parents will truly appreciate.
Cooking with my little chef in tow!
New parents often struggle with juggling baby duties and other daily tasks. A hands-free baby carrier can be a lifesaver! It allows parents to keep their baby close while still having their hands free to do things around the house or even enjoy a walk. Look for carriers that offer back support and are adjustable so both mom and dad can wear them comfortably.
Our Pick:
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier — This is the carrier my wife and I were gifted, and we love it! Whether we’re just around the house, going for a walk or hike, or even out shopping. It has been amazing. The versatility of this carrier makes it a perfect gift for new parents, offering comfort and ease no matter the activity.
A mountain of diapers, ready for action!
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
I know, I can already hear it: “Diapers? Really?” 100 times yes! You absolutely cannot have enough diapers or wipes as a new parent. I almost thought of putting this at number one because, trust me, I never imagined how many diapers and wipes we would go through. They’re practical, they’re essential, and they’re always appreciated. A solid and safe go-to. Whether it’s a small pack or a bulk box, this is a gift new parents will really be thankful for.
Keeping a watchful eye on our little one!
Peace of mind is priceless for new parents, and a smart baby monitor provides just that. These monitors allow parents to check on their baby remotely through their smartphones, giving them the freedom to move around the house while still keeping an eye on their little one. There are plenty of options, from high-tech to budget-friendly.
High-Tech Option:
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor tracks sleep patterns, breathing, and provides HD video and two-way audio, giving parents a complete sense of control.
Budget-Friendly Option:
Safety 1st 360 Smart Baby Monitor offers great features like remote viewing and two-way audio, all at a more affordable price, making it a fantastic gift without breaking the bank.
Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels
I can’t even begin to praise how nice a white noise machine can be. Sleep is often a luxury for new parents, and anything that helps the baby sleep soundly is worth its weight in gold. When your little one is really sleepy and only getting fussier, it can be difficult to calm them down and help them fall asleep. Ours has been a game changer—not only does it help comfort our baby, but it also helps him sleep well. Gone are the days when the sound of our dog’s collar (or my chatting while gaming in the living room…) would wake him up. In fact, he started making it from 8 pm to 6 am when he was just 2.5 months old! Maybe we were just lucky, but I think white noise really played a role.
We personally use our Amazon Alexa, because we already have them and it has been great. Although I have read about some of the perks of a dedicated white noise machine and when we get a chance, we will be getting a Hatch white noise machine.
Our Pick:
The Hatch Baby Rest combines a night light, sound machine, and time-to-rise alert in one, making it a versatile addition to any nursery. After reading many articles before my son’s birth. I came to the conclusion that the Hatch would be our best bet in the long run.
Tiny prints and big memories!
Every new parent loves capturing the early moments of their child’s life. A personalized keepsake like a custom baby blanket, engraved photo frame, clay print molds, or baby’s first-year memory book can help preserve those precious memories forever.
Our Picks:
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
With sleepless nights and busy days, the last thing new parents want to worry about is cooking. Maybe it was just something my wife and I struggled with. We were gifted meals and Doordash gift cards and I didn’t realize how nice that would become. A meal delivery service can take the stress out of dinner time, offering ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door.
A baby swing can provide much-needed relief for parents when they need to soothe their baby or simply have a few moments to themselves. Swings that mimic natural motions, like rocking or bouncing, can help calm even the fussiest babies.
Our Picks:
Dreaming big and reaching for the stars!
We have the Graco Simple Sway Swing, it was gifted to us and it’s been awesome. Our son loves to gaze up at the stars!
Another option is the 4moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing is designed to move like parents do, with multiple motion settings and smart features.
Photo Courtesy of Jaye Haych
Baby bottles are a must-have for both breastfeeding and formula-feeding parents. With so many options available, finding bottles that help reduce colic, are easy to clean, and mimic the natural feel of breastfeeding can make feeding time smoother. It’s a practical gift that will definitely be put to good use.
Our Pick:
The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles are an excellent choice. They’re designed with a breast-like nipple to help with a natural latch and reduce colic, making feeding easier for both baby and parents.
Adventure awaits with our trusty diaper bag!
A diaper bag backpack is an essential piece of baby gear that parents will use daily. Modern diaper bags offer stylish designs that don’t scream “diaper bag” while providing all the space and compartments needed for baby essentials. Some even have pop-out changing stations, which I love! The backpack style is especially convenient, allowing parents to keep both hands free.
Our Pick:
The Kuwani Diaper Backpack is not only stylish but also practical, with tons of pockets, insulated bottle holders, a cushioned changing station, and a USB charging port.
Photo Courtesy of Waldemar
Books are a gift that keeps on giving, sparking imagination, and creating bonding moments between parents and their little ones. Whether it’s a classic storybook or a personalized baby book, reading to your baby helps with their development and creates lasting memories. A collection of baby books is a gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Our Pick:
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown is a timeless classic that every baby’s bookshelf should include. Or, for something more personalized, consider I See Me’s personalized children’s books, where the baby’s name is woven into the story.
Odor control at its finest!
Changing diapers is one of the less glamorous parts of parenting, and a diaper pail can make this task a bit more bearable. These pails help seal odors and make diaper disposal easier, which is a huge help when you’re dealing with messy situations multiple times a day.
If you want to read more about different Diaper Pails, I have a post covering just that. Best Diaper Pails of 2024
Our Pick:
The Aroma Room Automatic Sealing Diaper Pail is a bit of a splurge, but it’s a high-tech option that automatically seals each diaper in an odor-blocking bag, making it a great gift for tech-loving parents.
Photo Courtesy of elliot verhaeren
When in doubt, a gift card is always a welcome choice. New parents often have specific needs that arise after the baby arrives, and a gift card to their favorite store can allow them to pick up exactly what they need, whether it’s more diapers, baby clothes, or even a much-needed coffee.
Our Pick:
Consider a gift card from Amazon, Target, or even a local coffee shop they love—it’s simple yet practical.
Celebrating the joy of parenthood!
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for new parents, the key is to think about what will make their lives easier and more enjoyable during those first few hectic months. Whether it’s something practical like a diaper subscription or something more personal like a customized keepsake, these gifts are sure to be appreciated and used daily.
New parenthood is an adventure full of ups and downs, and your thoughtful gift can help make the ride a little smoother. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the parents themselves what they might need—after all, a gift they’ll actually use is the best gift of all.
What gift ideas would you add to the list? Let me know below!
