Great Gifts for New Parents

The birth of a baby is a beautiful and unique occasion, often cloaked with a rosy glow that makes you want to run out and buy all manner of adorable and impractical gifts. But it's important to remember that a newborn, while miraculous, is also a life-upending game changer for pretty much everyone involved in the daily life of that bundle of joy. So, when buying gifts for new parents, forgo the cutesy and complicated in favor of the practical and helpful. With one of these ideas, you can help make life a bit easier, look out for baby's safety and comfort, and bring a little spark of joy to the severely sleep-deprived.

$32 and up from Etsy
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A monogrammed diaper bag brings a touch of personal style as well as practicality to mommy-and-me classes where all the diaper bags seem to look the same, especially to tired eyes. These make a nice keepsake down the road, as well.

$18 from Amazon
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Memories are priceless, and books with prompts to record important steps are inexpensive. This one comes in four colors and can be used to write down memories up to age 5. You could also go the DIY route and make a bespoke book to log important moments, foot and handprints, and pictures.

$5 from Amazon
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Reading to babies is not only a beautiful bonding experience but also central in developing cognitive function and imagination. A classic such as "Goodnight Moon" is much more than a children's book — it can be the key to a childhood full of shared storytimes and a step up in learning to read. Give the gift of a book beloved by generations of kids and keep a special tradition alive.

$60 from Burt's Bees Baby
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Everyone hopes the blanket they buy will become the one that never leaves the child's side. Made from super-soft organic jersey that stands up to regular machine washing, this blanket is perfect for a newborn. Each side has a different pattern to keep tummy time interesting.

$10 from Amazon
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Offering to babysit once the parents are ready to have some alone time (or maybe just a nice, long nap) is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. This coupon book contains 57 pre-designed, write-in gift vouchers that you can customize, or you can create your own. Just keep in mind that they may not cash in right away.

$23 from Target
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You never know what type or brand of bottle a baby will prefer, so it's always good to have extras on hand. This set from Nuk is BPA-free and comes with four bottles, two extra nipples, and three pacifiers.

$15 from Target
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This inexpensive mirror is worth a lot of peace of mind, as it puts the baby in easy sight of the driving parent. It's also been crash-tested for shatter resistance.

$3 from Target
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Baths start almost right away for babies, and it helps to have colorful friends in the tub to keep them entertained while they get cleaned up. A rubber ducky can stick with a child for years to come. This one from Munchkin helps gauge water temperature to make sure it's right for a newborn's delicate skin.

$75 and up from Murray's
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Cheese is one of the few delicacies that makes sense for new parents. It is easy to eat, actually gets better if you leave it sitting out for a while, and requires no preparation. Having a monthly adult indulgence can help parents feel like themselves amidst the craziness of parenthood.

$3 and up from Whole Foods Market on Amazon
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Infants are a handful, and even parents who love to cook may find themselves short on time in the kitchen. Frozen meals are quick and easy to grab at a moment’s notice. Even if it's not the ideal dinner, it beats going hungry when they're just too tired to cook. By using the now-free Amazon Fresh online grocery delivery service, you can give the gift of nourishment even if you don’t live nearby.

Related: 24 Healthy Recipes You'll Never Know Were Made With Frozen Produce

$9 and up from Stuffed Safaris
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This classic gift never gets old, and even long-lasting, machine-washable stuffed toys can be inexpensive. A cuddle buddy given to a baby could turn out to be a special friend and a great source of comfort throughout childhood.

Varies from Wine.com
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A nice bottle of wine is always a lovely gift, especially if one or both of the parents has been abstaining from booze for nine months or more. Before buying, check out our guide to finding a good, cheap bottle of wine.

$40 from Target
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Just like you can always bring a bag of ice to a party, you can always bring a box of diapers to new parents. Check with them first to make sure you get the size right (or go up a size to be safe), and hunt for their preferred brand if you want to go the extra mile. A diaper delivery service is another option for new parents without a lot of storage room.

$19 from Amazon
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Upgrade any baby monitor with this holder that allows for flexible camera positioning. This gadget is designed to work with a variety of models to provide the best view.

Price varies from Wayfair
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A set of letters showing the name or initials of the newborn is another thoughtful gift, and could stick around long enough to be displayed in a college dorm. Wooden letters can be found for a few dollars at some superstores, and a variety can be ordered online. These, from Harriet Bee, come in many different colors and patterns.

$11 from Nuts.com
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Chocolate boosts mood and has nutritional benefits. Opting for something on the healthier side, like dark-chocolate-covered almonds, is both delicious and practical. A handful of these may be just what new parents need to keep themselves going during late-night wake-ups.

Related: We Tried 15 Kinds of Chocolate and These Are the Best

$3 from Amazon
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Most babies start eating regular food, in addition to formula or breastmilk, before the age of 1. Using special baby spoons designed just for them helps make the feeding routine easier. These are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

$4 from Target
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Pacifiers are inexpensive — which is good, since they have a tendency to get lost easily. A two-pack of BPA-free pacifiers is a practical gift that keeps on giving: security for the baby and tranquility for the parents.

$13 from Amazon
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Where there are babies, there will be spit-up. This is a practical gift for any new parent and essential for those who have nice clothes and furniture. Having a few extra on hand will help keep clothes, home, and cars clean.

$9 from Target
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Breastfeeding is serious business, and in this age of self-care, there are plenty of creams and salves to relieve sore nipples. This brand is highly recommended and an affordable way to show some love to a new mama.

Related: 24 Must-Have Products for Mothers Transitioning Back to Work

$40 from Target
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Being hands-free is a big plus for modern parents who need to get things done while keeping baby close. This Moby wrap is 100% cotton, machine-washable, and available in a variety of colors. It can hold a child up to 35 pounds.

$9 from Bed Bath & Beyond
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It takes some time before babies can grab and hold objects, but they love watching, touching, and listening to colorful things such as rattles. A baby's first rattle is one of the earliest objects to make an impression and can become a treasured keepsake.