There’s no denying it: The holidays are a little more festive for new parents and parents-to-be. Maybe it’s the hormones. Maybe it’s the inimitable feeling of being on the brink of something life-changing. Maybe it’s both, combined with a splash of eggnog! Whatever it is, new and expecting moms and dads have a lot to celebrate around the holidays — and the people looking for gift ideas have their work cut out for them.
On the hunt for cute gifts for expecting parents (or brand new ones!) and not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. From adorable baby gifts to much-needed pampering presents for new and almost-there moms and dads, here are 16 gift ideas, perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and/or any gift-worthy holiday. All you need to do is put a bow on it.
Gifts for expecting parents
1. Triple sonogram frame
Every parent and parent-to-be cherishes their ultrasound photos, but the question always is: What to do with them? While scrapbooks and eternal refrigerator hangings are nice, this sonogram frame is classy and forever a poignant reminder of where it all began.
Where to buy: Pearhead Triple Sonogram Frame ($17, Target)
2. Photo book subscription
Every growing family will love this brilliant monthly subscription gift! Gift them a 3-, 6- or 12-month photo book collection from Chatbooks. Parents use the free, easy-to-use app to turn their favorite phone photos into 30-page, keepsake photo books every month! What a beautiful way to celebrate day-to-day memories of baby’s first year.
Where to buy: Photo Book Subscription (starting at $21/3 months, Chatbooks)
3. ‘My Quotable Kid’ book
This stylish book is a thoughtful, affordable and super-cute Christmas, Hanukkah and/or Kwanzaa gift for expecting and new parents. Perfect for recording the hilarious one-liners all kids are (eventually) bound to say.
Where to buy: “My Quotable Kid” Book ($16, Chronicle Books)
Gifts for new or expectant parents
4. Meal delivery
It’s a tale as old as time, but it’s true: New parents don’t have a lot of time to cook dinner. A possible solution? A gift card to a food delivery service, such as DoorDash. Hungry parents can use the easy DoorDash app to order from the menus of a whole slew of local restaurants. Meals (or dessert!) comes ready-to-eat and delivered right to the door, which — need we even say it? — is basically one of the greatest gifts for expecting parents or new moms and dads.
Where to buy: Door Dash Gift Card (choose your denomination, DoorDash)
5. Massage gift card
There’s a reason massage gift cards are popular for expecting parents, as well as new moms and dads: Parenting can be stressful! Whether you’re looking for a gift for a pregnant mom or want to give dad something (else) to look forward to after the baby arrives, a gift card to Soothe — which offers a variety of in-home/in-office massages at the drop of a hat (!) — will have every base covered.
Where to buy: Soothe Gift Card (starting rate varies by city, Soothe.com)
6. Big quality mug
The secret to new parent survival? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Oh, and also … caffeine, caffeine, caffeine! Give the gift of health and happiness with a sizable Quencher mug, which keeps drinks hot or cold for hours on end.
Where to buy: The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler ($45 for 40 oz., Stanley)
7. Luxury sheet set
If you’re on the hunt for splurge-worthy Christmas gifts for new or expecting parents, this sateen sheet set from Brooklinen is a great place to start. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, these soft, smooth sheets are made from 480 thread count long-staple cotton and are OEKO-TEX-certified for chemical safety, making them a perfect place for mom, dad or a newborn to lay their head.
Where to buy: Luxe Sateen Hardcore Sheet Bundle ($304 for a queen set, Brooklinen)
8. House cleaning gift
“I’m so excited to clean my house!” said no new or expecting parent ever. Help parents-to-be get their home shipshape for baby or take something off a new parent’s to-do list with a gift card for a cleaning service. Sexy? No. Necessary? You bet.
Where to buy: House Cleaning (rates vary, find a house cleaner nearby)
Practical gifts for parents and parents-to-be
9. Diaper subscription
If there’s one word that will repeatedly come up during the first year of parenthood, it’s “diapers.” One can never have enough diapers, so why not make them cute (and made with eco-friendly materials)? Also, you can even hook new parents up with an Honest Diapers and Wipes subscription. Cute and convenient? Sounds like a win-win.
Where to buy: Honest Diapers + Wipes Subscription E-Gift Card (starting at $97 for 1-month bundle, Honest)
10. Baby bath basket
You’d be hard-pressed to find sweeter-smelling baby bath products than those by California Baby. Also, every new and expecting parent will love that everything is plant-based, gentle and without synthetic fragrances. This cute Tea Set Basket comes with a variety of products to try, as well as a Green Toys tea set for when the baby is older and ready for a splishy-splashy tea party with mom or dad.
Where to buy: California Baby Tea Set ($75, California Baby)
11. Sleeper tent
Whether traveling or just in desperate need a safe, dark, sleep space for baby, this little portable tent is the answer. It fits right over most play yards and mini cribs (and later, over a toddler mattress). No matter where you are, baby has their own “room.”
Where to buy: SlumberPod ($180, SlumberPod)
12. Portable sound machine
Speaking of sleep (yes, this is an important theme here), this portable sound machine is the perfect sleep helper for babies on the go or even around a kinda noisy home (and whose isn’t?). The Rest Go can clip on a stroller, bassinet, crib or sling and also tucks easily in the diaper bag.
Where to buy: Rest Go Portable Sound Machine ($35, Hatch)
13. Crib sheets
Few things will get expecting parents excited for their little bundle more than super-cute crib sheets — and honestly, they can’t have too many. And as a general life rule: One can never go wrong with an animal print.
Where to buy: Scout Safari Organic Crib Fitted Sheet ($29, Pottery Barn Kids)
14. Pacifier thermometer
New parents may or may not be known to freak out if they think their little one is under the weather — and, in turn, they may or may not be prone to taking baby’s temperature at the slightest cough. A pacifier thermometer is a great, soothing way for new moms and dads to determine whether or not a trip to the pediatrician is in order. Bonus add-on? This one doubles as a medicine dispenser too.
Where to buy: Safety 1st Comfort Check Pacifier Thermometer with Medicine Dispenser ($16, Amazon)
15. Sick day prep kit
It’s inevitable. All babies get sick or congested at some point. And for first-time parents, it can be scary — and it can also catch moms and dads off-guard. Give the gift of preparation with the Sick Day Prep Kit from Fridababy, which includes a NoseFrida (a parenting arsenal must!), four hygiene filters, a MediFrida medicine dispenser with pacifier, an oral medicine syringe, a 12-pack of BreatheFrida Wipes and BreatheFrida Vapor Rub Chest Balm. It may not seem all that exciting at first, but when the time comes, mom or dad will be silently thanking you.
Where to buy: Sick Day Prep Kit ($35, Fridababy)
16. Clear toy blockers
Non-parents, trust us on this one! These clear toy blockers are a lifesaver in any home with hardwood or tile floors. Baby toys will be rolling out of sight on the daily soon enough. And just think, these lucky parents can enjoy a full life never having to find a stray bottle or sippy cup full of milk under the couch six months too late either.
Where to buy: BOWERBIRD Clear Toy Blockers for Furniture ($15+, Amazon)
