So a friend or family member just had a baby and you’re wondering what type of gift to send or take with you when you visit? Or maybe you’re just looking for some new ideas for your own little one? You’ve come to the right place! Below is a list of modestly-priced gifts that we found useful in those newborn days! Of course, you can always bring along a lovely handmade gift if you have a special talent (e.g. knitting, cooking, cross-stitching, painting) or give the new parents the gift of your time. Leave a comment with your favorite newborn gifts!
1. Floor Time Blankets
Little ones spend lots of time on the floor building up physical strength and stamina. I love nice, comfy blankets for floor play. These are two of my favorites:
2. Hooded Towels
Not only are they adorable but they are also functional! We have used them from the time our guy was born and continue to use them now at 1 year +. How cute are these?
- Little Tinkers World Elephant Hooded Towel
- 3 Sprouts Hooded Towels
- Little Unicorn Cotton Hooded Towel & Wash Cloth Set!
If you’re not a last-minute shopper and have time to order a personalized gift, check out the fantastic selection at Pottery Barn Kids. They have a variety of other gift items that can also be personalized!
3. High-Contrast Books
High-contrast books are claimed to capture an infant’s attention and provide baby with a unique visual experience. Here are a few (of many) options:
- Hello, Ocean Friends (Violet Lemay)
- Hello Baby: Faces (Roger Priddy)
- Cluck and Moo (Flying Frog)
4. Stuffed Animals
JELLYCAT: This brand offers a variety of designs that are adorable and high-quality! We own several and thoroughly love them! Jellycat stuffed animals are available in a variety of baby-related stores and on Amazon. Here are just a handful of their painfully sweet options:
Note: Jellycat also makes animal-themed touch-and-feel books, so you can potentially purchase both a stuffed animal and its corresponding book. Check out their books here.
BEARS FOR HUMANITY: This company offers 100% certified organic stuffed animals that have been stuffed and hand-sewn by at-risk women and mothers in the U.S. For every bear purchased, one will be donated to a child in need. You also have the option to send a personalized note to the child receiving the donated bear. How great is that?
GUND: While this company offers a wide variety of fabulous standard stuffed animals, they also offer a few interactive animals. These are fun entertainment for little babes and are great to use during tummy time! My favorites are:
- Flappy the Elephant
- Peek-a-Boo Teddy Bear (click here for a personalized option)
5. Touch-and-Feel Books
Touch-and-feel books are great early book options for babies. They encourage exploration and expose babes to a variety of textures. My two favorite touch-and-feel collections:
- That’s not my… (Fiona Watt)
- If I were a… (Jellycat)
6. Baby-Friendly Photo Album
We were gifted a few baby photo albums early on and they have remained fan favorites! Consider filling in some photos for the recipient to add an extra personal touch. Here are some nice options:
7. Tummy Time Toys
While a baby’s loved ones are usually the best tummy time motivators, below are a two products that can help out:
8. Soft Books
These are great first books for babies and most love the soft (and usually crinkly) feel. I am a fan of these options:
- Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Baby Books
- Earlyyears Crinkle Books
- Very Hungry Caterpillar Soft Book
- For an extra touch, consider pairing this one with other Eric Carle products.
9. Rattles, Lovies, and Pacifiers
You can’t go wrong with these baby classics! Another reason to choose these gifts? It doesn’t matter if baby already has them! When it comes to rattles, lovies, and pacifiers, the more, the merrier! Here are some popular options:
- Angel Dear Lovie Blankies
- Skip Hop Roll Rattle
- Wubbanub Infant Pacifiers
- Manhattan Toy Wooden Rattle
- Taggies Chara Counter Blanket
- Estella Hand Knit Organic Rattle
10. Simple Cause-Effect Toys
While a newborn will not be able to play with these toys right away, their caregivers can certainly use them to entertain baby (and they can be great for tummy time!) There are lots of options out there – here’s a short list:
- BBCare Hippo Spinner
- Sassy Fishy Fascination Station
- Kid O Wobbles
- Here Fashion Rainmaker
- Fisher-Price Boppin’ Activity Bugs
- Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube
I hope you’ve found this list helpful! If so, please spread the love by sharing it! Leave a comment to share your favorite newborn gifts! Happy shopping!
Note: I recommend that babies always play under the supervision of an adult. These products are suggestions only. Parents generally know their children best and must use judgment to determine what is appropriate and safe.
Written by Ashley Abeles
