Finding the perfect gift for a baby is a challenging task. There are no guarantees. Instead, you’ve simply got to roll the dice and hope for the best. Or at least, that’s the way that it can feel. But in reality, there are a handful of important things that you can keep in mind as you search for the best baby gifts. And though these things won’t ensure that your present becomes the gift to end all gifts, it will at least tilt the odds ever so slightly in your favor.
While finding the perfect baby gift may feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. On the contrary, it can be even more fun shopping for a newborn than an adult. After all, there are dozens of possibilities. And if the parents haven’t had children before, then they likely have myriad things they need. So, let your creativity run wild!
The Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas for 2023
1. Diapers and Wipes Subscription
This Diapers and Wipes Subscription from The Honest Company is a must-have for any new mom and baby! These adorable and safe diapers come in custom prints and get delivered to your front door! The monthly bundle includes seven packs of super-absorbent, hypoallergenic, and clean diapers plus four packs (72 ct.) of durable, plant-based baby wipes. This will definitely be mom’s favorite gift!
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2. Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror
You might think that keeping an eye on your new baby while driving would be an impossibility. But not so with the Brica Cruisin’ Baby In-Sight Car Mirror. With this handy mirror, you can help a newborn’s parents out of this problem, allowing them to always have one eye on their precious angel and another on the road. And the mirror even has a screen panel that has a cartoon character dancing all the time to keep that baby engaged and entertained (and minimizing any tears).
It’s worth noting that this is an auto-sensing mirror, so it switches off automatically when not in use to save on battery. Also, it is a crash tested product making it safe both for the parent and the baby.
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3. How to Build Your Baby’s Brain by Dr. Gail Gross
Every parent watches their baby enter into this world with a near infinite supply of hopes and dreams. They look at their new bundle of joy and see possibilities… perhaps one day they’ll be an artist or president or a genius. There’s no doubt that the parents you know who are expecting feel the same way about their expected little one. And now, you can help them make the most of these early years by cultivating an environment where their little one will be most likely to succeed and reach his full potential.
This book has been written by Dr. Gail Gross, a world renown child psychologist. This book includes proven techniques which begin showing an impact as soon as they are applied, making it the perfect gift choice for any newborn’s parents.
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4. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Puppy
Learning is always easier when it’s accompanied with fun, especially for babies. That’s why this soft, lovable stuffed animal is such a powerful learning tool. It combines the appeal of a stuffed animal with compelling opportunities for complete sensory engagement. As a result, a baby can learn and play at the same time. It would give him basic knowledge chunks which would help him generate his curiosity towards learning and make him a quicker learner.
This is a quality product made up of extra-soft material, with the youngest of babies in mind.
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5. Bright Starts Teethe & Read Play Book
How wonderful it is to find a gift that can help both a baby’s physical and mental development. This teethe and read play book can do exactly that, helping a child get acquainted with little chunks of knowledge and increasing his love and curiosity towards books.
This is a completely safe product for any baby that offers colorful illustrations which will surely attract him.
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6. Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle Gift Set
Anyone who’s had a newborn understands the sleeplessness and deep concern that can come from a colicky baby. If your baby drinks too quickly and gets air into his stomach, it can lead to him having colic, gas, and even acid reflux. That’s why it’s so important to find bottles that guard against this danger. Fortunately, this anti-colic bottle by Philips is a completely child safe product, that can give your baby nutrition without causing him harm. If you know that baby’s mother won’t be exclusively breastfeeding, an anti-colic bottle is an absolute necessity. And there’s a good chance that no one else will think to give her one.
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7. Baby Elephant Musical Stuffed Animal
Wouldn’t it be great if you could provide every baby with a friend who would stay near him all the time, play music for him, and soothe him into a deep sleep, whether at night or in the afternoon? Now you can with this musical elephant stuffed animal. After being wound up, it will play ‘Rock a Bye Baby’ and quietly move its head back and forth, providing baby with a soothing sound and motion to watch. And since it’s made from an incredibly soft material, it won’t irritate baby’s skin if it winds up in the crib with her.
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8. Taco Tuesday Finger Puppet Book
If you like thinking outside the box and you know that the mom or dad to be is a fan of taco Tuesday, then this finger puppet book is an absolute must! And it’s even more so when you remember the way reading to a child helps boost his cognitive development. In other words, this is a win-win-win. The book’s rhyming patterns will accustom baby to the sound of language. Its built-in finger puppet will offer a more interactive experience than traditional books. And story time is bound to turn into a mor exciting and enjoyable experience for child and parent with the help of this book.
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9. What Should I Wear Soft Book
Just because she’s a baby doesn’t mean that she can’t learn and begin to develop cognitively. That’s why it’s so important to make reading an essential part of your day, from the moment a baby is born. And this soft book contains many fun activities that your baby can do with interest, providing a fun time for parent and child alike. It can be a great tool to engage your baby in some interactive, cognitively stimulating play.
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10. Bear Bodysuits
Although onesies and bodysuits probably shouldn’t be the first gift on your list of possibilities, we’d be remiss if we completely left them off – especially since they’re just so cute! These Gerber bodysuits are absolutely adorable, with bear and outdoor designs covering them. Although these are geared toward baby boys, there are similar ones available that are more girl-themed and still others that fit the gender-neutral bill. Though they might not be the only gift you purchase for an expectant friend, there’s no doubt that they can make an extra (darling) gift to ensure baby is well dressed during his first year.
And rather than purchasing newborn sizes, you might want to consider going with a 3-6 month or larger size since mom and dad will likely get a low of newborn outfits, especially if this is their first child.
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11. The Everything Baby’s First Year Book
Parenting is incredibly difficult, replete with near limitless number of opportunities for failure. And yet, it’s a job that has to be done, day in and day out, whether a parent wants to or not. Fortunately, no one has to do it all on their own. And getting effective books on the subject can be a huge help to anyone who’s struggling to know what to do next. This is why this book is such a great tool in the hands of any young parent.
This book includes important facts and information proven by research and studies. It gives 100% accurate and working solutions for perennial parenting problems, making it one of the very best gifts you can gift to a newborn’s parents.
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12. Baby Bum Born to Explore: Travel Gift Set
Baby’s skin isn’t quite the same as mom and dad’s. The lotion, shampoo, and hand sanitizer that seems perfect for you can cause baby to break out in a rash. That’s why it’s so important to find hygiene products that are specifically geared toward infants and newborns. And Baby Bum produces some of the best baby hygiene products on the market. This set includes a bottle of baby lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, and an adult lip balm. This makes it one of the best options for any new parent who’s looking to explore infant hygiene products.
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13. Bright Starts Jammin’ Jungle Gift Set
During the first year or so of a baby’s life, they spend hours taking everything in – the sights, the sounds, the feels. This is why toy sets like this are so popular, they engage baby in a complete sensory experience, offering opportunities to make noise, chew on things, and watch colors and lights. In addition to providing visual and aural engagement, one of the included teethers gently vibrates, soothing baby’s gums during the painful, teething months. This is a great option for anyone who wants to find a gift that’s visually appealing and practical.
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14. Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller
The vast majority of quality strollers on the market today are upwards of $100. So, you may be surprised to discover that this convenient stroller is well-made, durable, available in several colors, and less than $50. All of that makes it an ideal gift for any new mother or father who’s just getting used to the idea of toting a child around everywhere they go. Help them make the transition with ease and style by picking up the Summer 3Dmini Convenience Stroller for them and their new baby.
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15. Baby Wrap Carrier All-in-1
One of the first things that new moms and dads need to get used to is the idea that baby likely won’t be happy merely sitting on the floor. He’ll want to be near his parents, especially the younger that he is. But most parents don’t have the time to simply sit and hold their newborn for hours on end. Work still needs doing. Dishes need cleaning. And floors need vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping. Fortunately, with a baby wrap carrier all-in-1, mom or dad can maintain mobility while keeping baby comfortably at their side. And since this carrier is designed to be as versatile as possible, you can hold baby in a variety of ways, maximizing comfort levels. All of this makes it a great option for any first time parent.
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16. 4moms mamaRoo 4 Bluetooth Enabled High-Tech Baby Swing
There are baby swings and then there’s this baby swing. And between the two is a Grand Canyon’s worth of difference. When most people think of a baby swing, they think of a simple piece of cloth stretched over a couple of bent metal rods with a bit of cusion to keep baby comfortable.
This high-tech baby swing takes that to a completely different level. Not only does it offer five completely different motions and speeds, it’s Bluetooth enabled so you can control every aspect of it from the convenience of a mobile phone app. And since it has both built-in sounds and an easy way to connect MP3s, you have a limitless library of sounds to soothe your baby with.
In short, this is the Cadillac of baby swings – and its price makes that clear. But you won’t find a better one. And if you can go in with several other friends, it may be well worth the trouble – especially to the lucky baby who gets it.
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17. Fisher-Price Coffee Cup Teether
While any baby will appreciate this coffee cup teether, the child of an avid coffeeaholic will really appreciate it. Or at least his parents will. And since it doubles as a rattle and a teether, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get a gift that kills two birds with one stone.
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18. SwaddleMe Pack of Swaddle Blankets
Every newborn needs swaddle blankets. They’ll make them feel safe and secure, keep them warm on chilly nights, and ensure that they sleep as long as possible. Although a young parent may think that a simple blanket covering them will work just as well, get them a pack of these, let them try them out, and watch as they change their mind. They’ll be able to experience the difference as they watch their baby sleep far longer than they otherwise would.
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19. Johnson’s Cotton Touch Soft Newborn Gift Set
Newborns have hygiene needs that are different from adults. Their skin and hair tend to be more sensitive. They’re prone to reacting to abrasive material and chemicals. In other words, you can’t just use the same soap for yourself and for a newborn. That’s what makes this gift set such a great find. It includes the skincare essentials that every newborn needs, formulated to be as sensitive as possible. And since it contains full-size and travel-size bottles, it’s convenient whether going out or staying in. This is a great gift choice if you want to help the new parent in your life get started on the right foot.
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20. Baby Healthcare Kit
This is a great gift for any parent who wants to help keep their baby healthy and happy. It includes the tools needed to prevent and treat problems like diaper rash, upset stomachs, fever, and more. This set contains saline spray, a nasal aspirator, gas relief drops, fever and pain reducer, gripe water, and butt paste ointment. And every item is completely safe for newborns. While this gift might not you win any awards for the most exciting gift, it will definitely come in handy over the course of the baby’s first year. And his parent will thank you when she wakes up in the middle of the night with a fussy and uncontrollable baby.
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21. Munchkin Hello Baby Gift Basket
If you aren’t sure what to get for the new parent in your life, you can’t go wrong with Munchkin’s Hello Baby Gift Basket. This includes some of the most essential products that every new parent needs as he begins his parenthood journey, from a snack dispenser to spoons and cups, even a rubber ducky. This truly is the essential gift basket for a new parent.
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22. Baby Chronicles by Dania Lebovics
The first few years of a baby’s life are filled with milestones and major memories. But if you don’t do something to record all of those moments, they’ll quickly pass and be forgotten. One of the best ways to hold on to those important occasions is to record them so you can go back and remember them for years into the future. That’s where the Baby Chronicles comes in. This book allows new parents to begin recording all of the most important moments in their newborn’s life, from before the birth all the way to preschool. Designed to be a keepsake that can be held onto and passed down, this is a great gift choice for the parent of any newborn.
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23. Baby Bath Kneeler
For parents of young children, bath time can be a real pain. Literally! You either have to kneel on the hard bathroom floor and lean over into the tub to give your baby a bath, try to fit them into the sink one body part at a time, or go through the hassle of pulling out a baby bathtub. With the baby bath kneeler, that’s no longer the case. Simply place it on the floor next to the bath and kneel on its comfortable cushion. This takes the pain out of bath time. And it’s a great choice for any new parent who hasn’t yet learned the hurt that comes with trying to give your newborn a bath. Keep them from ever knowing it by picking up this convenient bath kneeler.
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24. Baby Trend Secure Infant Car Seat
One of the first things that every new parent needs is a secure and convenient car seat. In fact, most hospitals won’t even allow you to leave the hospital until you can show them the car seat that the baby will be leaving in. If you want to give a newborn gift that will be appreciated more than you can imagine, this infant car seat is the way to go. It’s stylish, comfortable, and has a removable seat so that the new parent can easily take their sleeping baby inside without waking him up.
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25. Hospital Gift Set
If you know someone who’ll be having a newborn girl in the near future, this gift option may be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a two-piece set that includes a beautiful, soft muslin blanket with floral designs along with a matching stretchy headband bow. It’s designed to swaddle a new baby. And it’s perfect for capturing memorable photographs in.
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26. Philips Avent Soothie
Anyone who’s spent time around a dissatisfied, upset baby knows how the constant crying can wear on a person. Fortunately, most babies can be soothed by using a simple pacifier which gives them something to chew and suck on. That’s why this may be the simplest – and yet most beneficial – gift of all.
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27. Elephant Hooded Towel
Towels are one of those things that are essential for all of us. We all need to take baths, no matter how old or young we are. And yet, they aren’t one of the first things people think of when it comes to buying a baby gift. This is why they can make a really great unique gift for a newborn or one-year-old. At that age, parents are still looking for items that are practical, since they’ve likely been bombarded with plastic toys and too-cute onesies. So, a soft, absorbent hooded towel that’s got personality can be a breath of fresh air.
And though this link is connected to a towel that’s designed to look like an elephant, you can find hundreds of other options out there. So, no matter who the child is or what his parents are interested in, there’s a unique hooded towel out there waiting for them.
28. Plush Animal Chair
Stuffed animals are great. They’re cute, cuddly, and they can stand in for a pillow in a pinch. But babies are often inundated with stuffed animals during the first few years of their lives. At some point, when a parent sees another stuffed animal, they just want to yell, “No!”
That’s what makes these animal-shaped plush chairs so great. They still give off that stuffed animal vibe, but they’re much more practical than their smaller counterparts. And since they’re large enough for a toddler to sit in, the child you’re buying for will be able to enjoy this unique gift as they grow older.
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29. A Pillow Pet
Pillow pets are a great option for anyone who wants a gift that’s fun – but practical. They’re also perfect for babies because a parent can use them as something soft to lay their sleeping child’s head on. And as the child grows, the pillow pet can become less of a pillow and more of a stuffed friend. This makes them ideal for growing with a baby, and that’s the hallmark of a good baby gift. Perhaps the best thing about pillow pets is the wide variety of options they come on. You can find both licensed characters as well as more generic animals and more. This makes a pillow pet a great choice when looking for a unique baby gift.
30. Quantum Computing for Babies Board Book
Everyone wants to get their baby started out in life on the right foot. And part of that involves reading to them from a very early age. There are dozens upon dozens of board books and other infant books you could choose for a baby boy or girl. But if you want to go the utterly unique route, you should consider picking up a STEM-oriented one like ‘Quantum Computing for Babies.’ This is a great example of a gift that’s practical – and highly unique. And if you’re not sure about the quantum computing subject, there’s a whole host of other ‘Baby University’ board books that offer fun, cute looks at deep subjects.
31. Fisher-Price Taco Tuesday Set
Rattles and teethers are a dime a dozen. So, it might surprise you that we’ve included this set (a teether, a rattle, and a set of clackers) on a list of the most unique baby gifts. But once you see them, you’ll quickly understand. After all, you don’t see a rattle shaped like an avocado, a teether shaped like a taco, or clackers shaped like a lemon and lime every day. Any parent who loves taco Tuesday won’t be able to get enough of these classic toys with a fun, modern spin. And if tacos don’t grab you, consider looking for other baby toys that are packaged in attention-grabbing, unique ways.
32. Bark & Sand Naturalist Teething Necklace
The first year of a baby’s life is filled with lots of gnawing, chewing, and teething. Anyone who’s had a child know that one of the first thing a baby will do after spotting something new is put it in his mouth. And there’s a good reason for that: growing new teeth is painful and chewing offers a little bit of relief. That’s what makes this stylish necklace such a unique and practical gift. It will provide a baby with something constant to chew on that’s safe and convenient. This is one of the few gifts that the baby will appreciate more than his parents.
So, when searching for the best baby gift, make sure to keep the following in mind…
Be practical
Choose something that’s practical and not merely decorative. It’s easy to find a cute outfit or precious stuffed animal and let the look dictate whether you buy it. Don’t make that mistake. Odds are, if you’re only buying something because it looks ‘cute’, then it won’t last long.
Just ask any parent who’s been there before. Over 90% of the ‘cute’ stuff they get is either thrown away, given away, or left in a box somewhere in the attic. So, choose something that has some real practical value rather than merely being something that they’ll put on a shelf for a month or two.
Now, this doesn’t mean that ‘cute’ gifts are off the table. There are some great gifts out there that are immensely practical while being visually appealing. The key is not letting the look determine the purchase alone.Think of the child – and the parents. Just as it’s easy to let the look of a gift be the deciding factor when making a purchase, there’s also a temptation to only think of the child. But more than a few relationships have been hindered by choosing a gift that a child loved, but that his parent despised. And think about it. When purchasing a gift for a baby, it’s the parent who will largely have to use, deal with, and benefit from it. So, while it may technically be the baby’s gift, if his parents hate it, there’s a good chance it’ll end up in the donate pile.
Think outside the box
If you’ve been a parent, then you likely know how many bottles, onesies, and pacifiers you end up having after the average baby shower. Occasionally you’ll get something a little more unique but most people just go for the low hanging fruit.
So, if you’re buying a gift for someone else’s baby, give them what you would want! Think outside the ‘cute outfit’ box. Look for the kind of gifts that will surprise, please, or meet a bottomless need (like diapers or wipes). But whatever you do, don’t buy another set of bottles.
Consider the possibilities of pre-made gift sets
Everybody loves gift sets. Instead of leaving you with one big item, they offer a whole host of things to enjoy. If you want to go this route, you can spend hours browsing online sites, coming up with a great mix of gifts to make up a gift bag, and shopping at your local big box stores. Or you could just buy a gift set that’s already been put together. So, when you’re looking for gifts, don’t discount the possibility of taking advantage of a premade gift set.
FAQs
If I have no idea what to get, where should I start?
If you need to buy a baby gift for a friend or coworker and you genuinely have no idea where to start, it’s probably wise to ask whether they have a gift registry. Many expectant parents create a gift registry of the things they need the most, especially if this is their first child. If they don’t have a gift registry, you may want to ask whether they’ve maintained an Amazon wish list or something similar. Though this isn’t technically a registry, it could give you some good ideas for gifts you might purchase.
If they don’t have a registry or wish list, you should think about the parent, the baby, and the potential needs. Depending on how close you are to them, you may have heard them mention a particular item they could use. And if you’ve thought through all that and still have no idea of what they might want, it would probably be best to opt for a gender-neutral item that’s practical. Even if you decide to settle for something as bland as diapers or wipes, at least you can be confident that they’ll benefit from it. Better that than something that they immediately toss into storage – or worse.
If I decide to get onesies or other outfit, what size should I buy?
It might seem like the only logical answer to this question is: Buy newborn. But that’s not necessarily the best answer. If the person you’re buying for is going to have a nice baby shower, there’s a good chance she’ll end up with more newborn outfits than she can use. So, you may want to opt for some 3-6 month clothes (or even older). That way, once the baby grows out of their newborn clothes, they’ll still have some clothes to choose from.
Should I consider going in with others on a larger gift?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to buy a gift for someone and you have mutual friends who will also be purchasing gift for them, it makes perfect sense to consider going in on a larger item together. That way, you’ll be able to give a something that’s more substantial and potentially useful. But if you do decide to pitch in and purchase a larger gift, it’s a good idea to be absolutely positive that it’s something that’s wanted and needed. Or, at the very least, ensure that wherever you purchase it from has a reasonable return policy so they can exchange it if they’d like.
What else should I consider before purchasing a baby gift?
There are a handful of things that you should always consider when choosing a baby gift. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll increase your odds of choosing the right gift…
- Functionality. As we’ve already noted, style isn’t everything. And just because a gift seems to look the part, it doesn’t mean that it’s a great option. Instead of focusing exclusively on appearance, make sure you think about how well it will function, how practical it is, and whether it meets the needs of baby and parent.
- The Season. Although this especially applies to clothes, a variety of gifts could be affected by the season that the baby is born in. You don’t want to get a summer baby lots of long-sleeved onesies that won’t fit him when winter hits. Likewise, a winter baby wouldn’t be able to do anything with newborn clothes fit for a beach vacation. So, be sure to keep the season and time of year in mind when choosing a gift.
- Fabrics. Whether you’re thinking of getting a onesie or a play mat, you should always consider the fabric that’s being used. Avoid nylon, polyester, and other fabrics that may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Instead, look for items made from 100% cotton and other gentle fabrics such as azlon from soy and rayon from bamboo.
Picking the Perfect Baby Gift
Getting just the right gift is seldom easy. And that’s true whether you’re buying something for a coworker, family member, or even a spouse. After all, there are a near limitless number of options to choose from…
Will you buy something that they need? Or something they’re likely to want? Will you look for a personalized gift? Or go the more generic route? You may even wonder whether you should bother with a gift at all or just buy a card and put some cash in it.
And if buying a gift for an adult, who can actually give you an idea of what they may or may not want, then buying a gift for a baby is even more difficult. After all, you can’t ask a baby what they need… or want… or much of anything else. And any parent who’s had a child for long at all will tell you that sometimes you think you’ve found the perfect gift only to discover that he’d rather play with the toy’s box than the toy itself.
Whether you end up picking a gift basket filled with various essential bath items, a plush toy that he’ll cherish for years, or a carrier that will free up mom and dad to get work done while staying close to their baby, by keeping the above principles in mind and browsing the options we’ve laid out… you’re sure to find a gift that shines.
And at the end of the day, it’s important to always remember that it’s the thought that counts. Even if you don’t pick the most perfect gift your friend or her baby’s ever received, there’s no doubt that they’ll both appreciate all of the thought and care you spent choosing it.