25 gifts all new moms and dads will appreciate
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Everyone loves a new baby. While most people spend all their time oohing and aahing over the little one’s adorable chubby toes, you can also let the parents know that you’re thinking of them, too.
These gifts — all of which help make the whole parent gig go a little smoother — ultimately have new moms and dads in mind (even if some of them are for the baby, too).
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Bestselling gifts for new parents
1. The Dad Hoodie
The Dad Hoodie
The Dad Hoodie $88.00 at The Dad Hoodie
He might not want to carry around the diaper bag, so he’s absolutely going to try to stuff his pockets full of everything he needs. Make it easier on him with this hoodie. The great basic grey or navy hoodie has inner pockets hold a slew of baby’s essentials, including bottle, diapers, wipes, and even a sippy cup. The form and functionality of this garment are totally brilliant.
2. Vintage Wood First Year Frame
Vintage Wood First Year Frame
Vintage Wood First Year Frame $69.00 at Pottery Barn Kids
If they're going to be the parents who take the cutest monthly photos of their baby (complete with well-planned outfits, backgrounds and props), let them bring their visions to life with this custom frame that shows baby’s growth and development (and all their cute smiles) from birth until age 1.
3. Baby-To-Love Easy Up Portable Travel Booster Seat
Baby-to-Love Easy Up Toddler Booster Seat
Baby-to-Love Easy Up Toddler Booster Seat $29.99 at Amazon
This travel booster seat is right for babies starting at age six months (when they could sit in a conventional highchair), but it’s fabulously lightweight and looks better at your table than most other booster seats. It’s also super easy to wipe down, which is everything. This gift tells them: Here’s one thing that will make leaving your house to take a weekend trip easier. You’re welcome.
4. Daily Harvest Gift Box
Daily Harvest Gift Box
Daily Harvest Gift Box $75.00 at Daily Harvest
A smoothie sounds so easy — before you have kids. After, the task of chopping a banana and measuring out milk can seem too big of a chore. That’s why these are amazing for hungry new parents (they will forget to eat sometimes). All they need to do is fill the cup with their milk of choice, dump the whole thing in a blender, whirl and then pour it back into the original cup. The whole process takes two minutes (because that’s really all they have).
5. Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $129.99 at Amazon
Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $149.95 at Williams Sonoma
Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $169.95 at Walmart
Make mornings a bit more pleasant for the new parent in your life with this coffee maker. It heats up quickly so there’s no lag time on the brew. Plus it tastes great and Nespresso has a capsule recycling program, so they don't have to worry about waste.
Keepsake gifts for new parents
1. Baby Board Book
Baby Board Book
Baby Board Book $40.00 at Artifact Uprising
Slyly ask them for their newborn photos and then create a 20- to 40-page baby board book that they’ll cherish forever. They'll go through it time and time again. When their baby goes to kindergarten, then prom, then college. Best of all, the board book pages are designed to take a beating, so it’ll last all those years.
2. The Story of You Baby Book
The Story of You Baby Book
The Story of You Baby Book $99.00 at Artifact Uprising
Only buy this if you’re comfortable watching them melt into a pile of emotional goo, because the happy tears are about to flow. Parents can fill out this photo journal during all of baby’s firsts and milestones. It’s extremely well-made, thoughtful, and beautiful to display.
3. Wooden Block
Wooden Block
Wooden Block $42.50 at Pottery Barn Kids
This is one baby block they’ll cherish and keep forever. Each block is customized with baby’s name, date and time of birth, birthplace, stats (weight, length) and initial. It’s so sweet and makes for the perfect piece of nursery décor.
4. Minted Photo Pillows
Photo Pillows
Photo Pillows $44.00 at Minted
For a sentimental gift, give this customizable photo pillow. Made with luxe fabric, parents will love the feel and the look of this thoughtful gifts.
Baby gifts for new parents
1. Elephant Baby Faux-Fur Critter Hooded Towel
Elephant Baby Faux-Fur Critter Hooded Towel
Elephant Baby Faux-Fur Critter Hooded Towel $44.50 at Pottery Barn Kids
Parents already think their baby is the cutest thing in the world, but they'll love how adorable their little one looks wrapped up in this cozy towel after a bath.
2. Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine Night Light & Time-to-Rise
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine Night Light & Time-to-Rise $59.99 at Amazon
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine Night Light & Time-to-Rise $59.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine Night Light & Time-to-Rise $59.99 at Target
Great for babies and parents alike, this sound machine doubles as a night light. Not only will they be able to block out noisy neighbors so their little one can sleep soundly, but the soft light will be a big help for parents during late-night diaper changes.
3. Nested Bean Footie
Nested Bean Zen Footie Pajama Classic
Nested Bean Zen Footie Pajama Classic $37.99 at Amazon
They probably have all the cute footed PJ’s they can dream of — but they don’t have a Nested Bean. These PJ’s have lightly weighted pads near the baby’s heart that are designed to calm and soothe him or her to sleep. Gifting them the promise of better sleep (these fit ages 3 to 6 months) might be the best present of all.
4. Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm
Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm
Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm $9.99 at Amazon
Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm $9.99 at Target
Baby Bum Natural Monoi Coconut Balm $9.99 at CVS
Baby massage is a fantastic way for parents to bond with the baby — not to mention, it’s incredibly soothing to newborns. This coconut oil and shea butter balm is gentle enough for a baby's skin. They can also use it to soothe diaper rash.
5. Magnetic Me Footie
Magnificent Baby Magnetic Me Modal Footie
Magnificent Baby Magnetic Me Modal Footie $36.00 at Amazon
There is nothing more frustrating than wrestling with onesie snaps at 3 a.m. (especially when it's the third diaper change that night). Show them that you understand and gift them this onesie, which has an absolutely genius magnetic closure. And if you can make one tiny thing a bit easier, well, that means a lot.
6. Solly Baby Wrap
Solly Baby Baby Wrap
Solly Baby Baby Wrap $65.00 at Nordstrom
Solly Baby Baby Wrap $65.00 at Solly Baby
There are so many baby carriers on the market. Many have a weight requirement (so parents have to wait to use them) or are so confusing to tie. The Solly solves all those problems: It’s lightweight, soft, and so, so beautiful. It can be used from birth up to 25 pounds. The company says that it reduces infant crying by 43%. Whether or not that’s the case for the new parents, who can really know for sure — but what it will do is help free up their two hands so they can finally get something done around the house.
7. Diapertainment
Diapertainment: Make Diaper Station Safer; Clear Phone Stand for Diaper Changing Station
Diapertainment: Make Diaper Station Safer; Clear Phone Stand for Diaper Changing Station $19.99 at Amazon
Diapertainment is a game changer for parents. When their baby is being a bit difficult during diaper changing time, simply pop a phone into the clear holder attached to the wall and play a child-friendly video. They'll be instantly distracted, giving mom or a dad the chance to change them without fuss.
Unique gifts for new parents
1. Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker $89.99 at Amazon
Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker $149.99 at Target
Instant Pot Smart 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker $89.99 at Best Buy
They may not have the time to make all their favorite dishes, but this will help make the process easier. They can quickly cook meat, soups, rice and more with the touch of a button. The best part? It can connect to Alexa, so they can start the cooking process with a simple command when their hands are full.
2. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager $64.95 at Amazon
Holding their bundle of joy all the time can lead to some serious neck and back aches. That's why they're sure to appreciate this massager. The heating functionality and deep-kneading nodes will make them feel like they're at the spa, even if they haven't left the house in months.
3. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream $9.99 at Sephora
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream $17.23 at Amazon
They may be running on fumes, but no one will be able to tell when you gift them this brightening eye cream. Both mom and dad can use it to relieve dark circles and soothe puffiness.
4. Safari Animal Succulents
Safari Animal Succulents
Safari Animal Succulents $19.99 at 1800flowers.com
If you live far away from the new parents but still want to send them a congrats, skip the flowers and go for greenery that will last a long time. While it seems almost inconsiderate to get them another something they have to take care of, succulents are low-maintenance and can withstand a little bit of neglect. It comes in an elephant, rhino or giraffe planter — or a pack of three.
5. Bella Electric Tea Kettle
Bella Electric Tea Kettle
Bella Electric Tea Kettle $39.99 at Amazon
Yes, they’ll probably be living on coffee, but afternoon tea can help them de-stress. This electric tea kettle boils water in a flash, doesn’t require turning on the stove and is equipped with an automatic shut-off (so if they forget about it because of a diaper blow-out, no problem). Don’t forget to gift them some great tea, too.
6. Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek
Milk Mini Lip + Cheek
Milk Mini Lip + Cheek $15.00 at Sephora
Milk Mini Lip + Cheek $15.00 at Milk Makeup
All she wants to do is look a little bit put together. The spit-up stains on her shirt don’t help achieve that goal, but a lip and cheek tint can. She can quickly swipe this on (available in coral and dusty rose shades) for an instant glow. Yes, mama.
7. AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test
AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test, Ethnicity Estimate, AncestryDNA Test Kit, Health and Personal Care
AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test, Ethnicity Estimate, AncestryDNA Test Kit, Health and Personal Care $59.00 at Amazon
AncestryDNA: Genetic Ethnicity Test, Ethnicity Estimate, AncestryDNA Test Kit, Health and Personal Care $59.00 at Walmart
Help the new parents find out their precise ethnicity with this DNA kit. Not only will it help them pinpoint where their family is from, it can also provide them with a chance to find living relatives through DNA matching. This gift could end up expanding the family tree!
8. Weighted Blanket
Layla Weighted Blanket
Parents tend to be stressed, which is why this weighted blanket is perfect for new moms and dads.
9. NutriBullet Baby
NutriBullet Baby
NutriBullet Baby $68.00 at Amazon
NutriBullet Baby $59.99 at NutriBullet
NutriBullet Baby $59.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
This handy blender lets new parents puree fruits and veggies to make their own natural baby food right at home. The blender comes with several storage containers so you can make large batches and save some for later.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
39 fun toys and books your 1-year-old will love this holiday season
35 newborn essentials that all parents have on their wish list this year
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This article was originally published on Nov. 14, 2018.
