The best gift ideas for new parents that they’ll actually appreciate

gift ideas for new parents

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

Finding great gift ideas for new parents doesn't have to be stressful. When a little bundle of joy is born, choosing between all the different gifts available can be overwhelming. And while all new parents are grateful for the gesture, they’re probably thinking about what on earth are they going to do with the mountain of 0-3 months of clothing filling their home.

So, if you're not a parent and are buying a present for a new mum or a gift for a new dad, baby clothing always seems like a safe option. But if you have a little browse you can find a gift that will last a lot longer than a sleepsuit that a newborn might never even wear since the new parents probably have 100 others to get through.

Best gift ideas for new parents at a glance

Best gift for naptime: Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl Light and Sound Sleep Aid - Buy now on Amazon
Best meal gift idea: COOK First Fortnight For New Parent - Subscribe now on COOK
Best postpartum gift idea: The Postpartum Pack - Buy now from The positive Brith Company
Best gift for bath and bedtime: Childs Farm Baby Bedtime Suitcase Gift Set - Buy now on Amazon
Best gift for journaling: Lovendu Self-Love Journal - Buy now from Lovendu
Best gift for soothing: Joie Dreamer Rocker - Buy now from Argos
Best gift for memories: Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera - Buy now from Amazon

It can be a real struggle buying new parents gifts so we're here to help with the best gift ideas for new parents. Scroll down to take a look at our gift guide full of presents that any new parent would be grateful for. We've included newborn essentials as well as a few toys and bits for parents too.

The best gift ideas for new parents 2024

Best gift idea for naptime

This little owl will become a newborn's best friend. You can take this little guy on the go. It can be attached to cots, prams and car seats. It plays four soothing sounds, such as a heartbeat, white noise and rainfall with adjustable volume settings. If the baby cries, then Ollie The Owl will respond. By playing 20 minutes of soothing sounds or lullabies, the baby will fall back to sleep. Sleep is exactly what new parents need! This one is USB rechargeable, but there is a battery-powered option too.

One reviewer said: "The white noise helps keep our baby asleep during her naps - an absolute godsend! The cry sensor is great. When our baby had a cold, she would cough and wake herself up. But, the cry sensor recognised the noise and re-started the white noise and she fell back to sleep. Hoping it still works for us when she's in her own bedroom. Definitely recommend giving this a go though."

Read our full Ollie the Owl review.

Pros

  • Intelligent CrySensor automatically plays lullabies/calming sounds to soothe baby
  • you can choose from 6 soothing sounds from heartbeat, rain, white noise and more
  • Adjustable volume
  • USB-rechargeable - once fully charged, battery lasts up to approximately 25 hours
  • Adjustable nightlight with 3 different brightness levels
  • Portable size for taking out and about in the pram

Cons

  • Small so can be easy to lose

Best meal gift idea

COOK First Fortnight For New Parents - pre-prepared mealsCOOK

COOK's "First Fortnight For New Parents" box is tailored to make life easier for new mums and dads embarking on the journey of parenthood. Designed to provide nourishing meals during those initial hectic weeks, these chef-prepared dishes offer convenience without sacrificing nutrition or taste. From comforting classics like Lasagne to wholesome options like Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie, each meal is crafted with care and packed with flavour. This fantastic gift takes the stress out of mealtime, allowing new parents to focus on bonding with their little one without worrying about cooking.

Tested by Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert: "As my husband and I prepare to welcome our first baby any day now, the COOK First Fortnight box has given us such peace of mind that we will have access to wholesome meals that require very little on our part when we're sleep deprived and trying to figure out parenting! We couldn't resist trying a couple of meals and they are seriously delicious - you really can taste the high-quality ingredients that have been used."

**There are also other box options available to choose from to suit different budgets:
**- New Parents 7 Nights of Meals
- The Positive Birth Company & COOK Meal Box
- New Mums Survival Box

Pros

  • A wide variety of options
  • Contains 14 nights of meals
  • Meals last 2-9 months from purchase in freezer

Cons

  • Many meals require side dishes too

Best postpartum gift idea

Mum holding baby on her hip with her belly showingThe Positive Birth Company

A truly unique gift, this holistic online resource is designed to support and guide new parents through the postpartum period. Crafted by midwife and hypnobirthing instructor Siobhan Miller, the pack provides expert advice on postpartum recovery, mental well-being, and baby care. With video content, practical tools, and nurturing guidance, it fosters confidence and self-care during this transformative phase. From breastfeeding tips to emotional well-being strategies, the Postpartum Pack is a valuable companion, empowering parents with knowledge and resources for a positive and smooth transition into parenthood, ensuring they feel supported and informed during this precious time.

Reviewed by mum Amanda: "I used the hypnobirthing course with my first baby in 2018 and it couldn’t have been more helpful on informing about birth and helping me remain calm during my labour. So, I was delighted to see there is now a postpartum pack too. An area I felt entirely unprepared for once I had delivered. Despite having been through the postpartum phase already, the course has been very insightful in a lot of areas I don’t know about. Plus a great reminder of all the things I do know about it."

Pros

  • 7+ hours of engaging video content, plus course notes booklet + postpartum checklist
  • Can be done in your own time and from home
  • Includes call with midwife
  • Access to privtae Facebook community for ongoing support
  • 50p from every course sale donated to Action For Children
  • Subtitles available in a range of languages

Cons

  • None!

Best gift idea for bath and bedtime

You can never have too many baby products and this Childs Farm kit is a must for new parents. The products are all perfect for throwing into a changing bag when the family is on the go. Plus, they’re gentle to use on baby’s sensitive skin. The set includes a baby wash, baby bedtime bubbles, baby moisturiser, baby bath thermometer and nappy cream.

One reviewer said: "I bought these for my new granddaughter. Her parents were concerned she may have sensitive skin as her father does and runs in the family. The whole range is great. This was a little case with essentials. Very pleased with purchase, good value for money."

Read our Child's Farm review.

Pros

  • Every product is suitable for newborns and upwards
  • Safe for all skin types including dry, sensitive and skin that may be prone to eczema
  • Decent sized products
  • packed full of natural and natural origin ingredients
  • Comes in a cute suitcase that can be reused

Cons

  • Some users reported that the case isn't that durable

Best practical gift idea for new parents

gift ideas for new parents - Frida Baby Basics KitAmazon
Price: £74
Alternative retailers
Walmart$39.97View offer
Target$39.99View offer
Kohl's$39.99View offer
Macy's$39.99View offer

The Frida Baby Basics Kit is a must-have for new parents, featuring essentials all mums and dads will truly use with their little one. This thoughtfully curated set includes popular products like the unique NoseFrida Snotsucker, Windi Gas & Colic Reliever and more. A truly practical and effective gift. If they have more than one child they'll probably have at least one of the items in this practical kit already though.

New parents seem to love the kit. One reviewer said, "All products work incredibly well, high quality. Surprised by how helpful the windipipe is." Another customer wrote; "I loved this kit! My favorites are snot sucker, device for ears and noses, and silicon scrubby. A pouch was a very nice find as well. What I didn't really like were the nail trimmer and file — those simply didn't work for me"

Pros

  • Practical products for baby snot, gas relief, nail clipping and scalpy skin
  • NoseFrida creates seal with outside of baby’s nostril for gentle snotsucking
  • Windi instantly relieves gas with stopper so you can’t go too far
  • Nail clipper has safety spyhole to see exactly what you're cutting
  • Clipper also has curved, overlapping blades allow for safe & silent snipping
  • Remove dry skin, cradle cap plus eczema with 100% silicone brush
  • Suitable from birth

Cons

  • Parents may already have one or more of the products already

Best foodie gift for new parents

gift ideas for new parents - Biscuiteers Baby Shower Biscuit TinThe Biscuiteers

It's safe to say the new parents will have their hands full so when they do get a moment for a cuppa (even if it's cold...), elevate the experience with this stunning box of hand-iced, baby-themed biscuits. There are nine different designed biscuits in the keepsake box for them to work through although they're so pretty they may not want to!

Reviewed by Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert: "Biscuiteers tins are the best gift, whatever the occasion. They look absolutely incredible and even more importantly, they taste it too!"

Another reviewer said: "A perfect gift choice for new parents. Exquisitely decorated biscuits that taste amazing and a keepsake tin. Much nicer than flowers!"

Pros

  • 9 vanilla biscuits to enjoy
  • Hand iced
  • Stays fresh for 3 months from arrival
  • Presented in their famous square-edged keepsake tin

Cons

  • Only one flavour of biscuit - vanilla

Best gift idea for memories

gift ideas for new parents - Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print CameraAmazon
Price: £49.99
Alternative retailers
Macy's$49.99View offer
Walmart$59.99View offer
Lowe's$59.99View offer
Best Buy$59.99View offer

New parents will cherish this camera just as much as those precious family moments. When parents take photos, they tend to end up with thousands on their phones but nothing physical to show. So, they’ll really appreciate this gift. It's pocket-sized! So, it doesn’t take up much room in a changing bag either.

One reviewer said: "If you want a Polaroid camera with out the cost then this is the camera to get. You get instant prints and the paper has a sticky back so you can stick the photos into a book or on paper. Plus the style is nice, it's easy to use and is definitely portable."

Pros

  • Automatically prints colour or black&white photos directly from camera
  • Fun sticky film for scrapbooking
  • Eco-friendly and budget-friendly with no ink cartridges required
  • Easy to use - point and shoot
  • Sticky backs to add to scrapbooks

Cons

  • Quality of photos could be better

Best gift idea for comfort

gift ideas for new parents - FreeRider Baby Sling CarrierJohn Lewis

Trying to juggle housework with a crying baby can be difficult. This baby carrier is the perfect solution, helping the baby feel close to his parents and comforted while freeing up mum's and dad's hands. A carrier is great on walks when you don't want to take the pram. Sometimes, all baby needs to feel comfort is to be close to you. All FreeRider slings are made from 100 per cent TENCEL™. Plus, they are soft, breathable, and come in a range of cool, beautiful designs.

One reviewer said: "I purchased this sling for our new great-granddaughter who is due to make her debut in 2 weeks' time. I am told by her mummy that the sling is beautiful, very soft and of the highest quality, thank you for supplying such a great product."

Another reviewer said: "Really love my sling, I use it almost every day, amazing quality. 
It has a gorgeous soft fabric! It also comes with easy to follow instructions on how to fit the sling. Highly recommend!"

Read our Freerider Baby Sling Carrier review.

Pros

  • Parent carrying facing position allowing for bonding through close contact
  • Made from exceptionally breathable and lightweight Tencel™ fabric
  • Suitable for use all year round.
  • Extensive range of colours and print options
  • one-size-fits-all
  • Sustainably made
  • Machine wash on 30 degrees

Cons

  • May take a couple of attempts to perfect the tie

Best hamper with keepsake box

With a great range of hampers and gifts, even create-your-own hampers, you're sure to find the perfect new arrival gift at Bumbles and Boo. We particularly love their Little Lamb Hamper, which comes with a babygrow, sleepsuit, bib, hat, mittens and booties, plus a little wish bracelet for mum. It comes wrapped beautifully, and is all stored in a teeny suitcase, ideal for the parents-to-be to use for keepsakes such as those first scan photos and baby cards.

Tester Stephanie said, "I was really impressed with the quality of the clothing in this set, plus its size 0-3 months so will fit baby for longer, which I think is better than a newborn set as a gift. The print is adorable, and unisex without being grey or white. I absolutely loved how it came packaged, you can feel the care that has gone into creating the box and I felt very special indeed to be receiving it. 100 per cent would recommend."

Pros

  • Arrives gift wrapped so no need to wrap yourself, plus ideal for sending in the post
  • Great quality clothing set, with loads of options on site
  • The suitcase can be used as a keepsake box making it extra special

Cons

  • There is a create your own hamper option, but would be great if you could add items to existing hampers

Best gift idea for soothing

A baby bouncer can be a real-life-saver. Suddenly, you can put your baby down for a few minutes and do the washing up. Or, maybe even treat yourself to a shower. New parents will LOVE you if you buy them this as a gift. The Joie Baby Dreamer Rocker has a position reclining seat, two-position adjustable leg rest and soothing sounds and vibrations to calm little ones. Plus there's a rotating toy bar with three adorable toys for playtime fun. It's lightweight and can easily be compactly folded for easy storage and travelling.

One reviewer said: "I recently purchased this for my granddaughter who loves sitting in it. It is a great baby seat and rocker combined in one. It collapses easily for storing or for travelling. I love the good quality fabric as it's great value for money."

Another reviewer said: "I’m so glad I bought this for when my friend visits with Elliott, he loves music and the vibration feeling settles off to sleep with little effort"

Pros

  • Seat gently rocks and bounces with a push or when baby moves
  • Lightweight and easily portable
  • Ultra slim, compact fold for easy storage in even the smallest spaces
  • 3 position reclining seat
  • 2 position adjustable leg rest
  • Detachable head hugger for extra support of baby's head
  • Plays music and sounds - Features soothing vibrations and 10 tunes
  • Detachable toy bar with 3 toys for engagement
  • Peace of mind with 3 point safety harness

Cons

  • Limited design options

Best for a keepsake

gift ideas for new parents - Peachly Unisex Baby Memory BookAmazon
Price: £34.95

Everyone tells you that those first few months flyby in a blink of an eye, but when you're in the midst of many sleepless night and nappy changes it doesn't always feel like it, but having a memory book like this can encourage them to write down those precious moments before they pass them by.

One reviewer said: "I absolutely loved this book. It was beautiful and I loved everything about it. The prompts were short sweet and to the point and there were lots of blank space to add extra pictures."

Another reviewer said: "I bought this as a gift for a friend and I was impressed with the quality when it came in. It is beautiful and I like the way it is laid out."

Pros

  • Gender-neutral baby book
  • Ring-bound book for easy use
  • Helpful prompts suggesting what to write
  • Inclusive for all family types - LGBTQ / adoptive-family friendly
  • Everything is in chronological order
  • Designed so you can stick in photos in any direction without cropping
  • Keepsake envelope for hospital bands, a lock of hair, etc...

Cons

  • Some parents may prefer more space to write

Bets for artwork

gift ideas for new parents - Stomp Stamps Inkless Handprint And Footprint KitNot On The Highstreet

As much as we want them too they don't stay little forever, so this hand and footprint kit will make a wonderful piece of art to look back on in months, years and decades to come. It's totally inkless too, so they won't have to worry about making a mess or cleaning the baby afterwards.

One reviewer said: "I really like these inkless handprints. They worked really well for my baby so I've been getting them for all other babies born this year as a gift."

Another reviewer said: "Lovely packaging, granddaughter was delighted with this gift. All ready for the baby being born August. Purchased for baby shower lovely reasonably priced gift."

Pros

  • Take baby's prints quickly, easily and safely with this inkless kit
  • Clear instructions and tips
  • Giftbox, ribbon, gift tag and frame options available
  • Silver plated frame can be personalised with name and date

Cons

  • Some users say it could come with more paper

Best for jewellery

gift ideas for new parents - Mother And Child Birthstone BraceletNot On The Highstreet

Handmade with care, this piece of jewellery is one that they'll never want to take off. Simply select the parent's and the child's birthstone from the list and choose the metal you want. You can even add a sentiment card for that extra special touch!

One reviewer said: "I bought the sterling silver bracelet for my friend six months ago when she had her first baby. She has told me that she has worn it every day since and never takes it off. She sent me a recent photograph of the bracelet and it is still in perfect condition. A really beautiful item with a lovely meaning."

Another reviewer said: "Just lovely. Well made, love the fact that it has an extender. Brilliant."

Pros

  • Birthstones are available in 12 different shades
  • Contains Swarovski crystal
  • make from sterling silver or gold-plated over silver - good for nickel allergies
  • Hand-made to order by our in-house designers at JOY
  • choose from a branded giftbox or organza bag for presentation

Cons

  • Very thin

Best gift for journaling

gift ideas for parents - Lovendu Self-Love JournalLovendu

When you're a new parent, it can be hard to find time for yourself, but this self-love journal from Lovendu will encourage them to spend a few minutes a day focusing on building their self-confidence. It's a 14-week journey, but it's undated so they can dip in and out at any point.

Reviewed by our commercial content writer, Arabella Horspool: "As a person who loves journaling, the Lovendu Self-Love Journal was a delight to use. You're given a page a day (for 14 weeks) to fill out your positive affirmations and what you're grateful for, which is nice to look back and reflect on at a later date. There are also a few positive quotes and other worksheets to complete which also focus on self-esteem and building your confidence."

Pros

  • A5 hardback with silver corner protectors
  • Different exercises every week to help with confidence and self-compassion
  • 15 weeks of daily journaling - undated for flexibility
  • Pen included

Cons

  • Option to personalise the cover, but it does cost extra

Best for me-time

The perfect night-feed companion; the Kindle Paperwhite is extremely light and better still - it has no ads! That means they can get through that book they've always wanted to read a lot quicker (perhaps during the little one's naptime).

Mother&Baby Digital Writer Rebecca Lancaster said: "I was bought the Kindle Paperwhite after giving birth to my first child and it was an absolute sanity saver in the early weeks and months of feeding. It allowed me to read one-handed when I was trapped under a cluster-feeding baby for hours on end during the day and the backlit design meant I could read during the night feeds too without disturbing my partner. 10 years and two children later, it's still going strong!"

One reviewer said: "Got this for my birthday and love it! I'm reading books right now! Haven't read a book in years and look at me now - reading as much as I can (way better than doom scrolling before bed). I love the yellow tint backlight, matte screen, waterproofness and the battery. Plus, it's the only device that you don't need to bring a charger for (or even think "Have I fully charged it?" before going away)."

Pros

  • Mow with a 6.8" display and thinner borders
  • Adjustable warm light
  • Up to 10 weeks of battery life and 20% faster page turns
  • Waterproof - tested to withstand accidental immersion
  • Comes in three brilliant colours

Cons

  • The on/off button is in a funny place

Best for relaxation

B003V9M078

After an exhausting week of being a new parent, a long hot soak in the bath is just what they need. So, what better than some bath salts to help them to relax and unwind as they enjoy five minutes peace?

One reviewer said: "I use these in my bath during the winter. They are so lovely as they help me to relax in after a busy week! I keep them in a glass jar on my bathroom windowsill. I highly recommend them."

Another reviewer said: "Very relaxing, left skin feeling nice and soft. I have very sensitive skin and had no issues. Really liked this product"Very relaxing, left skin feeling nice and soft. I have very sensitive skin and had no issues. Really liked this product"

Pros

  • Known for cleansing properties and contains over 80 minerals
  • Vegan
  • Suits sensitive skin

Cons

  • Size may vary

Best for a pick-me-up

If you're after something a little bit different, this Jar of Joy makes a charming present. Filled with 42 scrolls, they can open one up whenever they feel like it to read either a funny or meaningful quote. Once all the quotes have been read, it can either be re-gifted or they can use the jar for something else.

Pros

  • 42 hand-rolled quotes - one for each day of the month and a little bit extra
  • Thick, brightly coloured card
  • Nice jar can be reused

Cons

  • No empty scrolls to write your own messages
  • No reviews available

Best for a hamper

gift ideas for new parents - Baby Box Shop Baby Gift Set Amazon
Price: £58.99

If you're still not sure what gift you should get, why not settle on one of these cute hampers that contains a bit of everything a new parent may need? It features a brush and comb set, a teddy bear, some knitted booties, a bib, a sweet heart-shaped plaque and a lot more.

One reviewer said: "It was very well presented in a grey box. Everything was displayed nicely so you could see exactly what was in there and was all beautifully covered in a grey muslin type bag with a bow at one end. Bought this for my grandson who’s partner is expecting their first baby."

Another reviewer said: "Really pleased, good quality, and a good price with quite a few bits in it. A little bit smaller than I thought, but that’s fine and I still loved it. I added a few more bits of my own - surprising what you can fit in it... I would definitely recommend someone to buy these"

Pros

  • Includes unisex baby clothes - great if you don't know gender yet
  • Available in different colour schemes
  • Hand-packed with care with resuable storage box

Cons

  • A bit on the small side

Things to consider when purchasing gifts for new parents

Needs - Sometimes new parents send out a list of things they need when they have a baby shower or gender reveal party, or sometimes they may create an Amazon Wishlist of products they'd like. If not, why not purchase them some essentials that were helpful to you or even ask them directly?

Wants - If you feel like everyone will be buying them the essentials and would rather get them something extra special, ask the parent what they would like and what would make their parenting journey easier. Perhaps you could treat them to a little something too. What about a nice gift for mum?

Budget - Consider how much you would be willing to spend before you go looking for a gift. That way, you can narrow down your searches.

Product reviews - Whether you're a parent too or you have other parents with babies in their lives, why not consider what products they love? Always check the reviews on websites too, as this can help you to get a picture of how well the product works and if the gift is really worth the price.

Style - If you've seen the nursery or their home before, think about what type of styles, colours and materials the parents like and try to incorporate them into the gifts you choose.

Allergies - If you're planning on buying food or cosmetic products, it's important to take into account any allergies that both the parents and the baby may have. You can also take into account their own personal tastes and preferences too.

Time - Think about when you're giving this gift to the recipient. If it's a baby shower gift, you may want to select something that they can use before the baby is born or to prepare for it's arrvial for example.

Arabella Horspoolis a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.

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