Are you heading to a baby shower soon? Nobody wants to be the guest who gifts a giant teddy bear that just gathers dust in the corner. You want to give something the parents will actually use and cherish.
So, how do you choose the best newborn baby gifts? What makes a present stand out?
We’ve navigated the baby shower circuit more times than we can count, so we’ve learned a thing or two about what parents really need. We are here to share that wisdom and make your shopping process a breeze. We’ll highlight our top 25 newborn baby gifts and offer some tips on what to skip.
- Inhibits mold growth
- Variable humidity control
- Features a projector screen
- Organic cotton fabric
- Six-pack bandana bibs
- Trendy and fashion-forward
- Made from organic materials
- Soft, lightweight, minimalistic feel
- Machine washable
- World-renowned and best-selling author
- 32-page book
- Affordable
- Ergonomic
- Food grade silicone
- Adorable and high quality
- 100% cotton
- 12 designs to choose from
- Thick and absorbent
How To Choose Newborn Baby Gifts
Let’s be real: babies are expensive. As much as the parents-to-be might say they don’t need anything, everyone needs the essentials. Here are a few categories to consider when shopping for a newborn:
Clothing
If there’s one thing we know about parenthood, it’s that babies are messy. From diaper blowouts to spit-up incidents, baby clothes take a beating. New parents can never have too many backup outfits on hand.
Keepsakes
Memory books and personalized items are incredibly sweet. Most parents are too exhausted to think about buying these for themselves until it’s too late.
Gifting a keepsake means you’re providing something they can cherish for a lifetime. Some families even display these at high school graduation parties years down the road.
Toys and Books
Toys might seem unnecessary for a tiny newborn, but development happens fast. Here are some features to look for:
- Sensory toys: Look for items that crinkle, light up, or have varied textures. In the first few months, babies see high-contrast black and white best, so monochrome toys are great.
- Board books: As the baby grows, they will learn to grab everything in sight. Board books are sturdy enough to withstand gnawing and tearing.
- Teethers: These soothe sore gums and come in endless cute designs. Some even have a rattle attached for extra entertainment.
- Activity mats: These are larger gifts, so check the registry to avoid duplicates. They provide a safe, soft space for the baby to play and explore overhead toys.
Gift Cards
Don’t underestimate the power of a gift card. They might feel impersonal, but they are a lifesaver when parents need to buy diapers or formula at 9 PM. They help alleviate the ongoing costs of raising a child.
Product Reviews
We’ve rounded up the top newborn baby gifts to help you win the baby shower.
Vicks Starry Night Humidifier
Congestion Buster
This humidifier is a game-changer when a baby gets congested or needs a little comfort in the dark. It’s a cool mist humidifier featuring a slot for Vicks VapoPads, which release soothing vapors to help open nasal passages.
It doubles as a starry night projector, displaying a calming moon and stars show on the ceiling in changing colors. It is an excellent tool to help lull a fussy baby to sleep.
Cleaning is straightforward, and it uses wicking filters to help inhibit mold growth. Note that the manufacturer recommends the baby be at least 14 pounds before using the menthol tabs.
Vuminbox Baby Girl Bandana Drool Bibs
Drooling in Style
Let’s be honest; teething babies are drool machines. Stylish drool bibs save the baby’s outfit from being soaked and help prevent uncomfortable neck rashes.
We love this set because it includes six bibs, and each one has a bonus teether attached to the bottom. They are adjustable to fit newborns through toddlerhood and are crafted from soft organic cotton for maximum comfort.
As You Grow Modern Memory Book
Guaranteed To Last
There is nothing better than a keepsake a child can look back on when they’re older. This linen-wrapped memory book is gender-neutral and features acid-free pages to record milestones from pregnancy all the way to kindergarten.
The book is organized into clear sections and includes a pocket to store physical mementos. While the baby won’t appreciate it yet, parents will love having a designated spot to document those fleeting moments.
Snuggle Me Organic Newborn Lounger
Best Gift for Relaxation
As much as parents love newborn snuggles, sometimes they need their hands free. This lounger hugs the baby’s body, helping them feel comfy and secure. It is lightweight, machine washable, and made from GOTS-certified organic material.
This product is intended for supervised lounging only. It is recommended for newborns up to 9 months old or until the baby starts trying to roll over.
Welcome Little One Board Book
Best Book for Welcoming Baby
If you want to give something sentimental, check out this board book. It features beautiful illustrations and a sweet rhyming poem that promises the baby a lifetime of love and protection.
There is a dedication page inside where you can fill in the baby’s name and birth stats, turning a simple storybook into a cherished keepsake.
Manhattan Toy Winkel Teether
Work Those Hands
This colorful loop toy is perfect for helping a baby work on their grip and dexterity. The plastic loops are soft, pliable, and BPA-free, making them safe for gumming. It also has a center cube that rattles when shaken.
This teether is a classic for a reason and has won several awards, including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award.
Baby Monthly Milestone Blanket
Documenting Baby Milestones
If the parents-to-be love Instagram, this is the gift for them. This milestone blanket serves a dual purpose: one side tracks growth by weeks, and the other by months. It comes with two frames to circle the numbers for photos.
When it isn’t picture time, the soft fleece material makes for a cozy tummy time mat or stroller blanket.
Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit
Essential Newborn Remedies
This might not be the flashiest gift, but it is definitely one of the most practical. This kit includes medicinal essentials for common ailments, including saline spray, a nasal aspirator, gas relief drops, butt paste, and gripe water.
Gripe water is a mix of herbs like ginger and fennel that helps soothe gas and colic symptoms. Everything in the box is paraben-free and void of artificial dyes.
Baby Elefun Silicone Teether
Because Teething Sucks
There is nothing sadder than a teething baby in pain. Teethers help massage sore gums, keeping the baby calm and parents sane.
This elephant-shaped teether comes in blue, pink, and turquoise. It features five different textures and bristles that babies love to chew on, and it can even double as a first-stage toothbrush. It is made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone.
Baby Aspen Bathrobe
After-Bath Snuggles
If you want to gift a bathtime item, this robe is a serious winner. It fits babies 0-9 months and comes in six adorable animal designs, including a shark in pink, gray, or blue.
The thick terry cloth is 100% cotton and super absorbent. The hood helps keep the baby’s head warm immediately after leaving the tub.
Baby University ABC’s Four-Book Set
For Future Scientists
If the parents-to-be love science, this book set is a perfect fit. It includes four sturdy board books covering the ABCs of Space, Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
The content might be complex, but it simplifies big concepts for little minds. It grows with the child, moving from simple alphabet recognition to actual science education.
The I Love You Book
A Sweet Read
Todd Parr’s books are known for their bright, bold colors and simple messages. This silly yet heartfelt book will be a favorite well into toddlerhood.
The text reminds children that their parents love them unconditionally, even when they are crying, making a mess, or hiding the car keys.
Safety 1st Deluxe Health Kit
Safety First
For the ultimate practical gift, grab this 25-piece health and hygiene kit. It comes with everything needed for grooming neatly packed in a carrying case.
It includes nail clippers, files, a comb, a brush, a toothbrush, a thermometer, and more. There is even an emergency contact card for parents to fill out and keep handy.
Skip Hop Silver Lining Playmat
Gender Neutral and Aesthetically Pleasing
Activity mats are a staple for development. This oversized mat features a gender-neutral cloud theme that looks great in any living room.
It features hanging toys like a mirror, a rattling star, and a squeaker to keep the baby engaged. The fabric is plush for comfort, and it includes a cloud-shaped pillow to help support tummy time.
Baby Quote Socks
Best Novelty Gift
Novelty gifts add a bit of fun to the pile of practical items. These baby socks are adorable and hilarious. The pack comes with four pairs, each featuring a different funny saying on the soles.
They are gender-neutral and soft enough to keep sensitive feet cozy.
Baby Swaddle Sleepsack
Swaddle Me Comfy
Newborns have a startle reflex that can wake them up, so swaddling is a must. Many hospitals use and recommend this sleep sack because it is safer and easier than loose blankets.
The 100% cotton fabric is breathable and warm. Parents just zip the baby in and use the Velcro wings to secure the arms. It makes those 2 AM changes much faster.
Baby University Four-Book Set
Future Scientist: Part Two
This is another fantastic set for intellectual parents. It introduces babies to Quantum Physics, Rocket Science, General Relativity, and Newtonian Physics.
The text is simplified, and the illustrations are high-contrast and vibrant. It is a fun way to expose a baby to new concepts while helping their eyesight develop.
ProHouse Baby Headbands
Fashionista Baby
These headbands are perfect for styling up a little one. They are small enough for a newborn but stretchy enough to grow with the child for years.
The pack includes sixteen wraps in various colors, so there is always a match for any outfit. The soft nylon material ensures they won’t leave marks on the baby’s head.
DC Comics Justice League Bodysuit Set
For Hero Babies
Got a superhero fan in the family? This set includes five baby bodysuits, each featuring a different Justice League character. They make for excellent photo ops.
The cotton-poly blend is breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable. Plus, they are fully machine washable for easy care.
Knit Swaddle Snuggle Sack
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
This thick-knit sack is ideal for winter babies or families in cooler climates. It has a cozy, sweater-like texture and comes in 10 colors. The wooden buttons and hood give it a classic, warm look.
It fits babies from 0 to 6 months and opens easily for quick access or diaper checks.
Burt’s Bees Baby Trial Set
Best Bath Gift
You can never go wrong with consumables. This trial set includes travel-sized bottles of shampoo/wash, lotion, rash cream, oil, and soap.
Everything is pediatrician-tested and tear-free. The small sizes are perfect for the diaper bag or for parents who want to test the brand before buying full-sized bottles.
Amazing Baby Transitional Swaddle Sack
For the Tiny Baby
This transitional swaddle sack is crafted from 100% cotton. It is incredibly stretchy and designed to fit babies from 0 to 3 months old.
The best part? There is no Velcro, snaps, or zippers to fiddle with. It is just soft, stretchy fabric that keeps the baby secure and comfortable.
Dodo Babies Pacifier Clip & Teether
A Baby Must Have
This combo pack is a smart choice for teething relief. It includes animal-shaped teethers in soft colors like pale pink, gray, and blue.
The attached clip is a lifesaver, preventing the pacifier or teether from hitting the dirty floor. It easily attaches to clothing or car seat straps, making it perfect for travel.
Noggin Stick Rattle
Baby’s First Sensory Toy
This rattle is widely considered the “ultimate sensory toy.” It lights up in red, blue, and green to encourage visual tracking and has high-contrast colors on the base.
It features different textures, a mirror on the bottom, and a rattle sound. It’s fantastic for keeping a baby’s attention during tummy time. It also includes a parent guide with tips on how to use it for development.
Nursery Night Light
Keep the Monsters Away
This silicone night light offers three modes and changes colors with a simple tap. It provides a soft, dim glow that allows parents to check on the baby without waking them up fully.
It is made from non-toxic, washable silicone and has a built-in battery, so you can move it around the room without worrying about cords.
What To Avoid When Choosing Newborn Gifts
Yes, bad baby gifts exist. You don’t want to be the person who gifts something inconvenient, unsafe, or just plain annoying. Here are a few things to skip.
- Baby sleepers with buttons: This might not seem like a big deal, but it matters when parents are trying to change a diaper in the dark at 3 AM. Stick to zippers or magnets.
- Formula: Unless the parents explicitly asked for a specific brand, avoid this. Many parents breastfeed, and those who use formula often have very specific dietary requirements or brand preferences.
- Elaborate outfits: Frilly dresses and mini tuxedos are cute, but babies rarely wear them. They are uncomfortable and usually get ruined by spit-up immediately.
- Controversial items: Avoid anything that pushes a belief system or style the parents haven’t approved. This includes religious items or clothing with “sassy” slogans they might find tacky.
- Newborn-sized clothing: Babies grow incredibly fast. Some are even born too big for newborn sizes. Stick to 0-3 months or 3-6 months so they get more use out of it.
- Unsafe materials: If you buy a rattle or teether, check the label. Ensure it is BPA-free, non-toxic, and free of phthalates.
- Teething jewelry: The FDA advises against teething necklaces due to choking and strangulation risks. Stick to handheld teething toys instead.
FAQs
What Can You Do For People Who Have Just Had a Baby?
The best gift for new parents is practical support. Bring them a hot meal, offer to run errands, or pay for a cleaning service. If you prefer a physical gift, stick to essentials like diapers, wipes, or a food delivery gift card.
What Should You Bring to a Friend’s House With Newborn?
Bring food. New parents often forget to eat. A casserole, a basket of snacks, or a coffee run will make you their favorite visitor. Also, keep your visit short unless you are there to help clean or hold the baby so mom can shower.
When Can Visitors See a Newborn Baby?
This depends entirely on the parents. Some welcome visitors immediately, while others want a few weeks to bond and recover. Always text first, ask for a convenient time, and never visit if you are even slightly sick.
Is it OK to Give Money For a Baby Gift?
Absolutely. Cash or contributions to a college fund are incredibly practical. New parents have endless expenses, and money allows them to buy exactly what they need when they need it.
Is it Better to Send a Baby Gift Before or After Birth?
Sending the gift before the birth (usually for the shower) helps parents prepare the nursery. However, sending a gift after the baby arrives is also perfectly acceptable, especially if it is personalized with the baby’s name or birth date.
How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Gift?
Spending depends on your relationship with the parents. Co-workers or acquaintances typically spend $20-$40, friends spend $40-$80, and close family members often spend $100 or more. Group gifts are a great way to buy a big-ticket item without breaking the bank.
Should You Buy Off the Baby Registry?
Yes, sticking to the registry is the safest bet. Parents spend hours curating these lists based on what they need and have space for. If you want to go off-registry, choose something small and sentimental, or include a gift receipt.
