Below we list the 20 best gifts you can give new moms and dads as they welcome a new member into their family.
1. Meal Delivery Service or Prepaid Grubhub/Doordash/Postmates account
This gift idea is first on our list because it's an option that isn't immediately obvious but can make all the difference to a new parent. This baby shower is probably the last time you're going to see the happy couple well rested for a while. Even for those without newborns, preparing dinner can be overwhelming, so you can imagine how helpful it will be to have food almost magically appear at their front door, a true gift!
There are two ways to go for this gift option. You can find a prepared meal delivery service through Yelp or you can set up food delivery service apps like Grubhub, Postmates, or Doordash with a prepaid credit card. Visa has several options so you can bestow your generous gift with a preset limit that you're comfortable with.
2. Laundry subscription or prepaid gift card
Another daunting chore that you can help new parents avoid is laundry. The average person spends 2+ hours per week washing, folding and putting away their clothes. With a new baby in the house, your new parents will need that time for other important things, like sleep!
Rinse picks up, professionally cleans, folds, and delivers laundry to the new parent's door. Rinse offers Rinse Go, a membership that waives delivery fees, as well as gift cards if you want to give the new family a flat amount that they can use on Wash & Fold, Dry Cleaning, and Hang Dry services. One of the best gifts you can give the soon-to-be parents is the gift of never needing to fold a baby blanket or finding and pairing those tiny little socks!
Rinse is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Los Angeles, the D.C. Metro Area, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Austin, New Jersey, and Seattle. If the new parents live elsewhere, often local cleaners also offer laundry pickup and delivery services, which will make a huge difference for the expecting family.
3. Date night gift certificates
Another non-baby baby shower gift that will make your loved one's lives easier are gift certificates for a date night. This means you arrange the sitter (if you're comfortable taking care of the baby, it's great to offer your own services) and an activity. It can be a gift basket for a date night in, or an activity out of the house like a dinner and a movie. The important part is to give the new parents space to be together as a couple and recharge during this new and exciting chapter of their lives!
4. Gifts just for Mom
Speaking of recharging, another great gift option is to make sure that the mom-to-be is taken care after the baby comes. Her life is going to all-baby, all-day so making sure she has something fun that's just for her may mean more than you know in the coming months. Mom gift boxes and gift sets or beauty boxes will be a great reminder that she is a valuable and wonderful adult between naps, diaper changes, and feedings.
You may be thinking, these suggestions don't seem very baby-related. Well, that's because these gifts are meant to take care of the parents so they can take care of their new bundle of joy. But, if you are looking for baby-focused gifts, (we can't blame you, they are the cutest) then the next six ideas on this list may be just the thing!
5. Handcrafted gifts
If you are at all creative, one of the best gifts you can give is a thoughtful DIY gift! There is no cuter project than baby-related crafts and here are a handful of our favorites:
If you're no Martha Stewart, that's fine. Meet Etsy, a magical marketplace of artists where you can pick out the sweetest handmade gifts without having to bust out your own hot glue gun.
6. Helpful baby gifts (with a gift receipt)
Maybe you just want some classic baby gifts for the new little angel. If so, here are the favorites from parents and friends in our office. Consider packaging one or more for a thoughtful gift set.
- Wubbanubs: the cutest pacifiers out there. Once the baby is past the age of a pacifier, you just cut the little creature from the binky and you have a little stuffed animal that they can hang onto.
- DockATots: the well-named DockATot is basically a docking station for a baby. It's a portable cozy place for the baby to rest, play, and bond with loved ones.
- Blooming Bath Lotus: this baby bath makes sink baths easy, safe and comfortable for little one. Plus it's almost impossibly adorable.
- Sleepsack Swaddle: this wearable blanket allows babies to feel contained like when they are swaddled but have a bit more mobility.
- Baby Shusher: a shusher is a nearly magical product to help babies fall asleep and stay asleep.
7. Diaper subscription
This may be the most helpful baby gift of them all. You can give the gift of disposable or reusable diapers so it's worth asking your mom-to-be if she has a preference before you pull the trigger. A baby will go through 6-10 diapers in a day, so helping parents with their diaper needs will be a highly appreciated gift.
8. Cute diaper bag
A great baby shower gift is a diaper bag because they are indispensable once the baby arrives. The best part is that they now make very cute versions of diaper bags so new moms and dads can stay stylish even while toting their little one and 25 diapers around town. A diaper bag carries everything a new mother needs so it's one of her most important possessions in the early months of motherhood. Getting a cute and durable diaper bag is always a thoughtful gift.
9. Gifts to create memories
Your loved one's first year as a parent is going to be a blur of sleep deprivation and pure euphoric love. One of the best gifts new parents can receive is one that helps the new family document all of the sweet moments of their baby's first year like a month blanket, memory scrapbook, or month by month frame.
10. Newborn photography session
You know the new mom best so number 10 is a real judgment call. Some moms may absolutely love a newborn photography session because they can have a tangible reminder of this sweet time, but other moms may find a photography session completely useless. If you're unsure, think back to if the mom-to-be took engagement photos. If she did, then you're in business with this gift and Yelp is a great place to find talented photographers that specialize in baby shoots.
11. A baby milestone monthly blanket
A baby milestone monthly blanket is a thoughtful and practical gift that helps new parents capture the growth and development of their baby month by month. These blankets typically feature a grid with numbers representing the months, allowing parents to place the baby on the blanket and mark the current age with a prop or frame. It's a creative way to document the baby's first year, creating precious keepsake photos that can be shared with family and friends. With various designs and themes available, you can choose one that matches the parents' style or nursery décor, making this gift both sentimental and functional.
12. Pajamas for the baby
Soft, cozy pajamas are a staple for any newborn wardrobe, making them an excellent gift for new parents. Look for pajamas made from breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo to ensure the baby's comfort. Many pajamas come with practical features like footies to keep little toes warm, snap closures for easy diaper changes, and adorable designs that make them even more special. Given how quickly babies grow, parents will appreciate having extra sets of pajamas on hand, and they'll love dressing their little one in something cute and comfortable.
13. Stretch marks cream
Pregnancy often brings about physical changes, and one of the most common concerns for new moms is stretch marks. A high-quality stretch marks cream can be a thoughtful and much-appreciated gift. These creams are specially formulated with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and nourish the skin. By giving this gift, you're not only helping the new mom care for her skin but also offering a small gesture of self-care that can make her feel pampered during a busy and stressful postpartum time.
14. A flower bouquet
A flower bouquet may not be a typical baby gift, but it's a beautiful way to brighten up the home of new parents and add a touch of cheer. Fresh flowers can bring warmth and positivity to the environment, which is especially welcome during the often overwhelming early days of parenthood. Consider selecting a bouquet with flowers that have special meanings, such as lilies for purity or roses for love, to add a deeper layer of sentiment. If you want the gift to last longer, opt for a potted plant or a subscription to a flower delivery service that provides fresh blooms on a regular basis.
15. Back and neck massager with heat
Parenthood can be physically demanding, especially with all the lifting, carrying, and bending involved in caring for a newborn. A back and neck massager with heat is a perfect gift to help new moms unwind and soothe their sore muscles in the postpartum period. These devices offer targeted relief, using a combination of massage nodes and heat therapy to ease tension and promote relaxation. It's a gift that shows you care about their well-being and want to help them find a moment of relaxation amid their busy schedules.
16. A robot vacuum
Keeping the house clean can be a challenge for new parents who are already juggling diaper changes, feedings, and sleepless nights. A robot vacuum is a practical and innovative gift that can be programmed to clean floors on a schedule, navigating around furniture and returning to their charging stations when done. With features like powerful suction, multiple cleaning modes, and compatibility with smart home systems, a robot vacuum can keep the home tidy with minimal effort from the parents, giving them more time to focus on their baby and themselves. Especially if the family is moving into a new home, a robot vacuum is one of the best gift ideas for a housewarming.
17. An ice roller
An ice roller is a versatile tool that offers a refreshing and soothing experience, making it a unique and thoughtful gift for new parents postpartum. This handy device can be used to reduce puffiness, relieve tension headaches, and even soothe skin after sleepless nights. Filled with water or gel, the roller can be stored in the freezer and then rolled over the face and neck for an instant cooling effect. It's a small but luxurious self-care item that can help new parents feel rejuvenated, even when they're running low on sleep.
18. A baby bouncer
A baby bouncer is a lifesaver for new parents who need a safe and comfortable place to put their baby while they take a quick break, do chores, or simply relax for a moment. These bouncers often feature gentle rocking or bouncing motions that help soothe the baby, along with toys, sounds, or vibrations to keep them entertained. Look for a bouncer with adjustable positions, easy portability, and machine-washable fabrics to make it as convenient as possible for the parents. It's a gift that offers both peace of mind and a few extra hands-free moments during a busy day.
19. A blanket doll
A blanket doll, also known as a lovey, is a comforting and cuddly gift that can provide security and warmth to a newborn. These soft toys combine the familiarity of a blanket with the appeal of a plush doll, often becoming a baby's first best friend. Blanket dolls are perfect for nap time, car rides, or just snuggling, helping to soothe and calm the baby. They come in various designs, from animals to simple shapes, allowing you to pick one that fits the baby's personality or nursery theme. It's a sweet and enduring gift that will likely become a cherished keepsake.
20. A nursery bralette
Comfort is key for new moms, and a nursery bralette offers just that. Designed with breastfeeding in mind, these nursing bras are soft, supportive, and easy to use, making them one of the best gift ideas for any new mom's wardrobe. This new mom gift provides easy access for nursing, with features like pull-down cups or front clasps, and are often made from breathable, stretchable fabrics that adapt to changing body shapes. Giving a nursery bralette as a gift shows that you understand the practical needs of new motherhood, while also ensuring that the mom feels comfortable and cared for during this special time.
Make new parents' lives easier with Rinse
When it comes to easing the daily burdens of new parenthood, few services are as helpful as Rinse. Juggling the demands of a newborn leaves little time for household chores, and laundry is often one of the first tasks to pile up. Rinse offers a convenient and reliable solution, ensuring that parents have one less thing to worry about.
Of everything on this list, laundry is one of the first chores to pile up and one of the easiest to hand off. A Rinse gift card lets the family put it toward exactly what they need, and Rinse Go keeps it going after the newborn months. It's one less thing for new parents to think about when attention is in short supply.
