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The holiday season can be both the best and worst of times for new parents. Whether their little one is on their way or the couple is celebrating with their baby, this wonderful time of year is bound to look and feel a bit differently for them, and for you: After all, a new bundle of joy to love means another name to add to your holiday shopping list.
But while it’s natural to want to spoil your family’s new addition, keep in mind that shopping for new parents doesn’t translate to shopping solely for the baby. Every parent deserves to feel loved and pampered this time of year, especially new parents navigating this next chapter of life. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for new parents that will help them feel supported as they embark on the journey of parenthood.
Bloomingdale’s
Stokke Steps™ Bouncer, available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Buy Buy Baby, $209
Of course, new parents love to snuggle their newborn in their arms, but those same arms grow tired after a while. The Stokke Steps Bouncer mimics that same loving, cradling motion babies know and love, giving Mom or Dad’s arms a rest and the opportunity to get tasks around the house done, cook a meal, take a shower, or just sit by themselves for a second.
Headspace
Headspace Subscription, available at Headspace, from $38.99 for 3 months
Becoming a new parent can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be difficult. Gift the new parents on your list some Hheadspace via the guided meditation app that can help them quiet their busy minds and instill some calm in the chaos. The regular mindful routine will help them feel more grounded in their day-to-day, relax in challenging moments, and get better sleep (even if they’re only clocking in a few hours a night).
Amazon
“A Year of Us: A Couple’s Journal” by Alicia Muñoz LPC, available at Amazon and Target, $10.03
Oftentimes when a couple becomes parents, their romantic relationship takes a backseat. Help them keep the fire alive with this sweet journal by Alicia Muñoz, a licensed professional counselor. The book contains a year’s worth of questions for couples to answer and is a great way to keep new parents connected during this new chapter.
Amazon
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Dream Machine, available at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Hatch, $69.99
Help them score the sleep of their deprived dreams with the Hatch Dream Machine. The night light serves as a sleep trainer for babies, toddlers, and almost-big kids, helping them get into a routine and helping parents clock in the snooze time they so desperately need.
Amazon
Babymoov Duo Meal Station Food Maker, available at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Macy’s, from $139.95
We’ve tried a number of baby food makers over the years and this is the only one worth the price. It features a steamer stack so they can prepare food for the baby (or meals for themselves) and a powerful blender for making purees. The steamer portion also functions as a bottle warmer, defroster, and sterilizer for pacifiers, small toys, or bottle parts.
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Grubhub gift card, available at Amazon and Grubhub, from $25
Who has time to cook when you’re focused on keeping a tiny newborn safe and happy? A gift card for food delivery from Grubhub or Seamless makes a nice reprieve from freezer and microwave meals for new parents. Gift cards for local restaurants are also a good choice, but a delivery gift card allows them to choose from a range of places and also get the food delivered.
Williams Sonoma
European Cheese & Charcuterie Selection, available at Williams Sonoma, $79.95
After nine months of eating with the baby’s needs in mind, give that mom what she really wants: Raw cheese, cold cuts, and a bottle of wine. All these foods are usually off limits in the pregnancy period, so what better way to celebrate the new arrival than with a party platter of once-forbidden delights?
Qeepsake
Qeepsake Membership, available at Qeepsake, from $47.88
It’s easy to forget to record special milestones when you’re a sleep-deprived new parent. That’s where Qeepsake comes in handy. The service texts parents questions about their baby and then saves their responses and photos. Parents can order a printed book that includes all their memories.
Parachute
Classic Bathrobe, available at Parachute and Nordstrom, from $87.20
Busy parents will love to wrap themselves in this cozy robe after a quick shower. The midweight robe is made from 100% Turkish cotton for both comfort and quick drying, and it’s one of our all-time favorites.
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Bamboobies Nursing Cover, available at Buy Buy Baby, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond, from $23.99
New moms may take a little time adjusting to breastfeeding in public and there’s no need to hide behind a hot blanket. A good nursing cover allows the baby to feed in peace and their mom to cover up for any occasion or outing.
Pottery Barn Kids
Cable Knit Recycled Chamois Baby Blanket, available at Pottery Barn Kids, $45
Putting their baby’s name on anything instantly makes it a family classic. This cable-knit chamois version is the coziest blanket for afternoon naps to keep their little one warm.
Lululemon
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, available at Lululemon, $38
Fanny packs have gotten a bad rap, but for a busy parent who needs three extra hands, it’s the perfect solution. This belt bag allows you to put your most used items in quick reach so that they’re not digging through a diaper bag to find their keys while also keeping an eye on the baby.
Bblüv
Bblüv Trimö Baby Electric Nail Trimmer, available at Buy Buy Baby, $29.99
Baby nails can get really sharp. And because they’re so small and delicate, they can be intimidating to take care of. This electric trimmer makes it easy to gently cut fingernails and toenails without having to worry about getting them too short. The electric file gently rounds off the rough edges.
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Frida Baby Nose Frida the Snotsucker, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $9.47
Stuffy noses can make a baby uncomfortable. Since they can’t just go blow it out with a tissue, they need a little help. The Nose Frida Snotsucker looks, well, weird, but it’s safe, clean, and easy to wash.
Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising Wood Calendar, available at Artifact Uprising, $25.50
Parents can’t get enough photos of their newborns. Take some of those photos to create a unique, practical calendar featuring their little one that they can use every day.
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Honest Diapers, available at Honest.com, $11.99
Cloth diapers aren’t for everyone, but these absorbent disposable diapers made from Earth-friendly materials are a good alternative for the eco-conscious. They also feature fun prints, including holiday designs. And to up the convenience factor for busy new parents, the company also has a diapers-and wipes-subscription box to save money and precious time.
Bumbo
Bumboo Infant Floor Seat, available at Buy Buy Baby and Target, from $49.99
Made from soft, durable foam, the Bumboo seat helps babies learn to sit upright, starting at three months. Parents will appreciate its portability as well as how easy it is to clean.
Amazon
Baby K’tan Original Carrier, available at Amazon, and Target, from $59.95
Hands-free carrying is a convenient way to keep the baby close that parents will appreciate, whether they’re grocery shopping or talking on the phone. This sling is comfortable for the baby as well as the parents. You can also check out our top picks for the best baby carriers here.
Brooklinen
Brooklittles Crib Sheet Sets, available at Brooklinen, from $25.60
From spit to diaper blowouts, crib sheets have to endure a lot, so it’s essential that there’s always a clean one handy. Parents will really appreciate such a practical gift when they need one. Brooklinen’s line of sheets for little ones features fun patterns and prints that look great in any nursery.
Maisonette
Lucy Darling Flower Child Memory Book, available at Maisonette, $34.99
Parents always appreciate looking back on the special memories they otherwise might have lost to sleep deprivation during the baby’s first year. Jotting down moments to savor won’t feel like more paperwork with this spiral-bound baby book adorned with fun floral patterns. There’s even a place for the baby’s hand and footprints.
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Contigo Autoseal West Loop Insulated Travel Mug, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $20.24
Life with a baby doesn’t pause so parents can rest, so having a little caffeine on hand can be a lifesaver when a parent’s running morning errands on five hours of sleep. This leak-free travel mug keeps drinks hot or cold for up to seven hours, and it comes in 30 colors and a variety of sizes.
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Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $44.97
Nobody wants to make an extra trip to the store, especially busy new parents. A Prime membership lets them avoid the hassle, allowing them to order whatever they need and have it delivered instead, in two days.
A full-year subscription is $119. And if they already have a Prime membership, they’ll be able to convert your gift to credit so they can spend the money on anything they need.
Amazon
Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle, available at Buy Buy Baby, Amazon, and Target, $34.99
White noise machines are useful gadgets to have around because they’re helpful for getting a fussy baby to fall asleep. The Baby Shusher plays a real human voice, and it’s easy to use at home and in the car.
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Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder with Detachable Pacifier, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $11.90
This pacifier features a plush animal that can be detached to make cleaning both pieces fast and easy. You can choose from a variety of animals, including an elephant, giraffe, monkey, and seal, that make it easy to find and comforting for babies to snuggle.
Uncommon Goods
Tortilla Baby, available at Uncommon Goods, $48
What’s better than a delicious burrito? A swaddling blanket that looks like a burrito and helps the baby sleep tight after a long day.
Bombas
Gift a Bombas Gift Box, from $38
Busy, tired parents will appreciate comfortable socks. Bombas’ comfortable gym socks feature a blister tab and cushioned footbeds that wrap feet in luxury. Also, Bombas also donates a pair to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.
Snoo
Snoo Rental Gift Card, available at Happiest Baby, from $25
There’s nothing new parents will appreciate more than a little help with a baby who doesn’t sleep well. Sensing when a baby is tense, the Snoo automatically rocks them to sleep with a gentle motion. There’s also a built-in white noise machine and a swaddle to help calm fussy little ones. Parents can control the bassinet and monitor it via the app. And while the Snoo is expensive, the company has a rental program for a more affordable option.
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Canticos Board Books, available at Amazon, from $1.98
It’s never too soon to start learning a second language. These books help by introducing important early words like numbers, shapes, and more in both English and Spanish.
Blue Apron
Blue Apron Subscription Gift Card, from $70
Cooking can be an extra hassle for frazzled new parents, but a delivery service like this can make it a little easier to get a healthy, home-cooked meal. Blue Apron boxes come with preportioned ingredients and three easy-to-cook recipes. They’ll get one week of meal kits for $60.
Check out our guide to the best meal kit delivery services, which includes options for special diets.
Lovevery
The Lovevery Play Gym, available at Lovevery, $140
This activity gym has different learning zones and a range of accessories designed to engage a baby as they grow. Designed by childhood development experts, there are features here for infants as well as toddlers.
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“Expecting You: A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal,” available at Amazon, $13.46
Pregnancy is a journey, and this journal gives new parents the chance to track their memories and experiences. Whether they end up using it as a reference for subsequent children or just as a way to look back on a special time, this keepsake journal makes a timeless treasure for parents.
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Halo Sleepsack Swaddle Wrap, available at Buy Buy Baby, $29.99
Swaddling helps a baby feel more relaxed, and a more relaxed baby is a better sleeper. This transitioning swaddle features a unique design that allows a baby to be wrapped with their arms in or out, which is important for safety once they start rolling.
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Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow, available at Amazon, $57.60
Few things help exhausted parents fall asleep faster than a comfortable pillow. This customizable pillow is hypoallergenic and works well for all sleeping positions.
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Cerebelly Pouches, available at Cerebelly, $2.80 each
With organic vegetable-based recipes that babies will love, these handy little pouches are perfect in a meal-time pinch. Created by a neurosurgeon, this go-anywhere baby food is also loaded with nutrients that help with brain development.
Instant Pot
Instant Pot Duo 60, available at Amazon, $76.04
Our favorite Instant Pot includes a number of features and functions, from pressure cooking to sautéing. Parents can make delicious one-pot meals for themselves and the baby with just a few easy steps and a lot less cleanup.