Buying newborn gifts can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. We know you want to make sure you choose just the right one, kind of like Goldilocks.
To keep buying a newborn gift as stress-free as possible, we’re here to help you find the right one with our list of the 45 best newborn gifts for expecting parents!
Table Of Contents
- Newborn Gifts: Books, Toys, And Clothing
- Nursery Newborn Gifts
- Baby Gear Newborn Gifts
- Newborn Gifts For Hygiene And Bath Time
- Newborn Gifts For Expecting Parents
Newborn Gifts: Books, Toys, And Clothing
1) Sensory Books
Looking for a perfect gift for a newborn? Give them books that engage their senses. Books with crinkly or tactile pages, mirrors, and bright colors will be sure to delight.
Parents spend many precious moments reading their baby books. You’re giving the expecting parents more than just a book; you’re giving them a memory!
2) Timeless Books
Build the newborn’s library by giving them timeless books. Books like Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? are great choices.
You could also look ahead to the future and add in some classics, like 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Jane Eyre, or Sherlock Holmes. Great books will never go out of style.
In fact, these days, many parents are opting out of cards and asking for books instead, so this is the perfect gift!
3) Personalized Lovey
Every baby needs a lovey — a stuffed animal and blanket combo that they can hold onto. What makes it even more special is personalizing the lovey for the newborn.
This little touch makes for a top-notch gift!
4) Sensory Ball
A sensory ball rolls around, makes noises, and lights up. The baby can press buttons to turn on the sound and lights.
A fun way to encourage the development of fine motor skills, this interactive toy engages the senses and entertains babies.
5) Floor Mirror
A tummy time floor mirror makes the perfect gift for newborns. Spending supervised time on their tummies is how babies strengthen their neck, shoulder, and back muscles. What fun to do this little workout while working on visual recognition as well!
A tummy time floor mirror is great for their development, and they’ll love to play and learn on the floor!
6) Play Mat
Babies of all ages will stay busy during playtime with an entertaining play mat. Lots of mats offer a range of interactive elements from arches with removable soft toys, mirrors, crinkle sounds, and tactile elements. It’s the perfect gift to help babies learn and grow while playing!
7) Rattles
Baby is going to love shaking, banging, and chewing on a new rattle. For the first months, their new grasping skills will be put to the test. Then, it’s all about fine motor skill development. Choose a rattle with high-contrast colors and some interactivity, such as mirrors or lights.
Also, because the baby will be teething soon enough, make sure it’s safe to be chewed on.
8) Teethers
As we mentioned above, at some point, the new baby will start teething, which can cause pain and discomfort. Give them the gift of comfort with silicone teethers that help soothe their gums.
You can find all sorts of teething options — even teethers meant to go in the fridge for cool relief.
9) Onesies And Other Clothes
A newborn can never have too many onesies. And if you’re giving a onesie as a gift, it’s nice to select ones that are easy to slip on and off for diaper changes.
An envelope-style onesie is a great choice. But if you get an over-the-head style, make sure the neck opening is big enough so that it’s not a chore to dress and undress them.
If you’re thinking of something really special, you can even give them their “first” holiday outfit. Mom and dad will love this thoughtful gift!
10) Swimsuit
Why not pick out a cute one-piece swimsuit or swim trunks for the little Miss or Mister? Think about one that includes a long-sleeve rash guard to protect the baby's delicate skin.
If you want to up the ante, add a cute pair of polarized baby sunglasses and some SPF lotion for the newborn and their parents.
11) Snowsuit
You could also help baby prep for the winter with a snowsuit that has a hood and integrated mittens. Or protect the little one from the cold with a stroller footmuff that will keep them cozy while they’re on the go.
You can even add a pair of stroller handmuffs for mom or dad.
12) Baby Booties
Even though the baby’s not walking yet, those cute little toes could use a pair of stroller shoes. Choose anything from soft puffer booties to novelty slip-ons.
If you’re more practically minded, look ahead toward the tot’s first steps, usually around the one-year mark. At this stage, they’ll need shoes that support their growing feet. Look for a style that is flexible and slip resistant.
Nursery Newborn Gifts
13) Personalized Decor
What’s better than well-chosen newborn gifts? Personalized newborn gifts! Make a sign with the baby’s name on it — or a special saying that mom and dad love — to have displayed in the nursery.
14) Crib
Surprise baby (and mom and dad) with a new crib for their nursery. Helping the expecting parents create the baby’s nursery is a priceless gift!
15) Mattress
A crib mattress is more than just a piece of nursery furniture. It’s where the baby will find comfort and rest at the end of the day. Give the baby a better night’s sleep with a Newton Baby Crib Mattress!
16) Sheets
Newton Baby’s Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets give babies a soft and gentle sleep experience. These 100% breathable sheets make the perfect gift for babies!
17) Swaddle Blankets
A muslin swaddle blanket is a great addition to any baby’s sleep experience. Wrap baby up in a cute printed swaddle blanket so they stay safe and comfy while they sleep. When the little one is no longer being swaddled, use it as a sun shade or a nursing cover.
18) Blankets
Blankets come in all shapes, materials, and styles. Choose a soft material that will feel good on the little one’s skin, like organic cotton, muslin, or even cashmere. You can never go wrong with gifting baby blankets!
Blankets can be used for many purposes: to keep them warm and cozy, cover the car seat when it’s windy or cold outside, or keep them comfortable when they play on the floor.
19) Rocker Or Glider
A rocker or glider is the perfect gift for expecting parents. They’ll be spending lots of time in this chair feeding, reading, or soothing their baby as they drift off to sleep. Gliders have a forward-back motion, and some gliders can even recline.
Rockers feature the classic rocking motion and are more likely to be used beyond the baby years. When you give a rocker or glider as a newborn gift, you’re giving the family more than just a chair. It’s where cuddles happen and memories are made!
20) Sound Machine/Nightlight Combo
This two-in-one gift is for the baby and the expecting parents. It’s perfect for those late-night feedings when parents need to see their surroundings, but it can also be used to soothe the little one and help keep them asleep.
21) Storage Bins And Baskets
With new babies, there’s no end to all of the new stuff in your home. That’s why some stylish soft bins and baskets make a great gift for expecting parents. That way, when the toys, blankets, and other items start coming in, everything has a nice, neat place to be stored.
These are great for the nursery, playroom, or even in the main room where mom and dad might want to have baby’s things “on the ready” while maintaining their room’s style sensibility.
22) Art For The Walls
Finding a piece of art for the nursery walls from a local artist or an image that’s meaningful to the expecting parents is a truly special gift. It’s best to understand the parents’ style as art is very personal.
Think about gifting something that nods to the city or town that the baby calls home or something that is meaningful to the family.
Baby Gear Newborn Gifts
23) Newborn Lounger
Give the parents-to-be the gift of a hands-free moment with a newborn lounger!
Not only will their baby be comfy and cozy in the lounger, but parents can also take a minute to relax while they watch their baby!
24) Floor Seat
Floor seats can be used for playtime or feeding time. This interactive gift will entertain the baby but also allow parents to keep an eye on their little one while they play or eat.
25) Baby Swing
Sometimes, babies just need to be swayed back and forth, and a baby swing can do just that! Give the baby a gift of movement (and parents a moment to relax!) with this must-have baby item.
26) Bassinet
Help the parents welcome their newborn home by giving them a bassinet. A bassinet is a moveable bed for newborns, so parents can choose to place it in their bedroom, living room, or nursery.
Most bassinets can only be used for the first months of life when baby isn’t sitting up or turning over. However, there are some models that feature an adjustable base that can be lowered so that they can be used for an entire year or more.
27) Primary Stroller
One of the most coveted gifts is a baby stroller. The gift of being able to get around town with a little one is priceless. Both the baby and parents will appreciate the freedom a great full-size stroller affords.
You’ll look for different features depending on where the parents live and their lifestyle. If they live in the city, look for big wheels and a great push. If they’re always in the car, make sure the stroller can fit in the trunk with ease.
And if they’re joggers, find a model that doubles as a primary stroller and a jogger. Whatever model you choose, parents will use this gift time and time again. It will be a lifesaver on those days when mom and dad want to get out of the house and go for a stroll as a family!
28) Travel Stroller
A travel stroller is like giving the gift of adventure to the expecting parents. It’s even better if you choose something car seat compatible so they have a whole travel system that can work whether they’re traveling by car, train, or airplane.
Speaking of airplanes, some travel strollers are designed to be folded compactly and fit easily into the overhead bin on a plane. This means parents can take it with them and not have to worry about breakage or loss. This makes travel a lot less stressful!
The other bonus of such a compact fold is that the travel stroller doesn’t take up too much space in the closet or trunk either!
29) Stroller Accessories
If you know which stroller they have, you might consider getting them an array of compatible stroller accessories. Things like rain covers and organizers for their keys and wallets are musts. And a cup holder that can fit the parent’s preferred iced beverage will be well-loved!
Consider other stroller accessories, like phone holders, seat liners (great when baby’s big enough to eat in the stroller), and sunshades for the summer months.
30) Travel Crib
A travel crib is another good option, and it’s not just for travel. Doubling as a play yard, a travel crib provides a safe space for baby to play or nap in. Newton Baby’s Travel Crib and Play Yard is 100% breathable, washable, and easy to fold up.
It even features multiple levels — one bassinet level by using the bassinet insert and one lower level for bigger kids. It comes with a convenient travel bag and a muslin sheet. And it also features a large surface area to play on, making it useful for many years to come.
31) High Chair
If the baby market has left you guessing on which high chair to get as a newborn gift, a portable high chair is the way to go. This way, parents can take the seat with them when they travel or visit family and friends.
Plus, portable high chairs won’t take up too much space because they aren’t as bulky as traditional high chairs.
32) Feeding Accessories
Eating and sleeping are some of the little one’s early activities. Consider gifting an array of goodies for the future foodie.
There are lots of great bottles, but babies are notoriously finicky about their favorites. You might find a selection of the most popular models. Or make it a whole first feeding set by adding a bowl and easy-to-grip utensils. This way, when baby transitions to solids, they have a great setup.
A few bibs can add a bit of style to the gift as well, whether it’s a cool bandana-style bib or a useful rubber “catch-all” bib to catch any drips or crumbs.
33) Car Seat
If you’re looking for the ideal present for the baby (and parents), consider purchasing the car seat for them. This is one gift you know will be put to good use!
When selecting a car seat, it’s best to keep in mind what stroller they’ve chosen, as car seats are only compatible with certain strollers. They’ll definitely want a car seat that goes with their stroller so that they have a great travel system for trips and getaways.
Once you know it’s compatible, check safety ratings, and find out how easy it is to install. To give them additional peace of mind (one of the very best newborn gifts), find a local installation expert who can help them if they need it.
Often, fire stations that have a child safety technician on hand will offer this service.
Newborn Gifts For Hygiene And Bath Time
34) Diapers And Diaper Cream
You can never go wrong gifting parents with diapers! Help mom and dad stock up on hygiene products by supplying diapers and diaper cream for their little one.
Choose diapers of increasing size, so as the baby grows, there’s a new set on hand that will fit just right!
35) Baby Grooming Kit
A baby grooming kit is an ideal gift for newborns! It contains many of their essentials, like a brush, comb, nail clippers, toothbrush, and a nasal aspirator so the baby can stay well-groomed and healthy!
36) Lotion And Baby Wash
Parents can never have too much lotion and body wash for their little one. After all, they’ll give lots of baths over the next several years!
Choose a baby wash and lotion that’s gentle on a baby’s delicate skin.
37) Baby Bath Essentials
Up until now, mom and dad have only dreamed of wrapping up their sweet baby in a towel after giving them a bath. Make this a reality by giving cozy baby towels and washcloths as a gift!
Couple those with some fun bath toys, a kneeling mat, and a faucet cover to protect baby’s head.
To make it extra special, choose a baby bathtub that you can place all of your bath goodies into, and tie it up with a bow! Baby will be squeaky clean, and your gift is sure to make a splash. Win-win!
Newborn Gifts For Expecting Parents
38) Keepsake Box
Give the parents-to-be a gift of memories that will last a lifetime! More than just a book, this keepsake box can safely store important paperwork, baby’s first outfit, shoes, blankets — you name it!
39) Parenting Books
If mom and dad are avid readers, give them the gift of wisdom! If there’s a parenting book that helped you or a book you know of that’s a must-have for parents, consider buying it for the parents-to-be.
40) Baby Carrier
Parents want their hands free every now and then, whether it’s to get things done or simply to have a break. If they want some additional freedom around the house or to visit a local store, a baby carrier is just what they need!
It allows mom and dad to have free hands while they safely hold their baby.
Baby carrying is known to have many benefits, from bonding to strengthening a baby’s back and neck to learning empathy by watching their parent’s facial expressions.
41) Diaper Bag
The expecting parents will use a diaper bag for a few years, so find one that will last and has lots of storage. This will be a gift that keeps on giving!
42) Postpartum Recovery Kit For Mom
Mom is going to go through a lot during and after birth, so create a postpartum recovery kit with all her necessities.
Think of things like pajamas, a water bottle, snacks and candy, lotions, or anything else that will bring happiness to her day!
43) Survival Kit For Dad
Moms aren’t the only ones who may struggle during and after birth. Dads do, too! Consider making dad a survival kit with all of his favorite goodies. This thoughtful gift will encourage him when times are tough!
44) Keepsake Ornament Kit
Baby’s first Christmas is a day parents will always remember. Help mom and dad savor this special time by gifting them with a keepsake ornament kit.
Their little one can make an ornament with their handprint or footprint so parents can relive the memory year after year when they decorate their Christmas tree!
45) Time Capsule Book
Help the parents-to-be remember their baby’s first year with a time capsule book!
This special calendar lets parents mark milestones, like their baby’s first time rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, and many more firsts that they want to remember forever!
Showering The Parents-To-Be With Love 
From onesies to car seats, the possibilities are endless for finding amazing newborn gifts. Try not to stress too much about it and use our list as a guide. Remember the most important thing is showering the parents-to-be with love!
Newborns sleep quite a bit, so don’t forget about their sleep needs when you’re in the market for a baby gift. Check out Newton Baby’s sleep essentials and give the gift of a good night’s sleep!
