40 Best Baby Gifts for Any Occasion (and Budget)
Whether you’re on a quest for the perfect present to welcome a newborn into the world or looking for something for a first birthday celebration, choosing the best baby gift can be tricky. And if the parents-to-be have already had a baby shower and their registry is pretty picked over, the search is all the more challenging. Our advice? Go for something that’s thoughtful and useful—and you get bonus points for personalization. Of course, it’s also important to buy something that’s age-appropriate for baby. After all, there’s no point in buying an intricate activity center for a one-month-old!
Need some shopping inspiration? Check out our picks of the best baby gifts, including useful gear, trendy toys, cute clothing and more.
Not sure where to start your search? You can’t go wrong with these top-rated best baby gifts. Here, discover our favorites, from custom storybooks to Montessori-inspired play sets.
Personalized storybook
Stock the nursery bookshelves with this thoughtful baby gift idea: A customized picture book. Wonderbly has a fabulous collection of personalized book options with bright colors and fun illustrations, like this magical bedtime story starring baby as the main character. It’s the perfect baby gift to help new parents instill a love for reading from day one.
Lovevery Play Kits
A present that keeps on giving, this toy subscription is one of the best gifts for babies and tots. The science-backed play kits are designed to support each age and stage of development, from birth to toddlerhood. And gifting is easy too: Simply provide baby’s birthdate and choose how many boxes you’d like to send, and the educational toys will be delivered straight to your recipient of choice.
Bath essentials gift set
Just like the original safety duck from Munchkin, this inflatable bathtub alerts you when the water is too hot for baby. As if that wasn’t good enough, the gift basket is stocked with other must-have baby items, like bottles, feeding essentials, bath toys and even a nasal aspirator.
Too-cute bath towel set
How cute is this baby bath bundle? With a hooded animal towel and a matching washcloth, this is one of those best baby gifts that's sure to make a splash at bath time. The set is made from super-absorbent terry, with cotton sateen binding for extra-soft post-bath snuggles. Plus, the gender-neutral design is great for little boys and girls.
NYC-themed gift set
Inspired by the Big Apple, this unique baby gift bundle is a surefire winner. The four-piece set includes a silicone “food critic” bib, a NYC-themed board book, a bagel-shaped teething toy and wool pizza booties. Trust us, parents will love this present whether they’re seasoned New Yorkers or first-time visitors.
The best baby gifts don’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: These fun options that ring in under $25. Check out our favorite affordable (and adorable) presents here.
Knit swaddle
These blankets are extremely versatile, making them one of the best baby gifts as they’ll get so much use. They can serve as swaddles for sleeping, but they also work as stroller shades, nursing covers, burp cloths and security blankets.
Colorful custom puzzle
For a modern twist on a retro toy, opt for this personalized puzzle. Made from wood and finished with water-based ink, this peg puzzle can be personalized with baby’s name. It’ll also promote language development, thanks to the smiling animal pieces.
Soft PJs
You can’t go wrong with gifting baby pajamas, and Burt’s Bees Baby offers a wide selection of footies and PJ sets for little ones. This botanical print is perfect for boys and girls alike, and it comes in an array of sizing options. Better yet, it’s made from 100 percent cotton for baby’s comfort.
Snuggly security blanket
A lovey holds a special place in a child’s heart. One of our favorites is this plush soother from Jellycat. It features a sweet bunny holding onto a soft blanket that’s perfect for snuggles. Even though baby won’t be able to sleep with it until the 12-month mark, it’s still sure to be a treasured cuddly companion.
Engaging plush fish toy
Here’s another tactile toy parents and kids love: The flip fish by Melissa and Doug. This multi-textured plush toy has crinkly scales, a squeaky tail and a shatterproof mirror to engage baby during tummy time.
Sensory cloth book
As your infant’s fine motor skills develop, they’ll love grabbing and holding onto everything in their orbit. That’s what makes this unique book a standout baby gift. While you read to your little love, they’ll be able to engage several senses as they take in the vibrant illustrations and feel the multi-textured tails.
Sensory teether toy
This teething toy has thousands of five-star ratings—and with good reason. The parent-approved pick features a mesmerizing maze of BPA-free tubes for baby to chew on—plus, the lightweight design is easy for teeny tiny hands to hold on to. Better yet, it’s an affordable baby gift to boot.
Diverse book subscription service
Nurture your little one’s early literacy skills and imagination with this top-rated baby book subscription service. Each month, the Little Feminist Book Club will send your kiddo either two board books or one picture that corresponds with their age, as well as a discussion card, an activity and a family letter. The best part? Every story champions diversity, focusing on a wide range of interests, people and themes.
From personalized nursery decor to plush playthings, these are the best baby gifts under $50. Below, browse our top picks.
Infant memory book
Searching for a sentimental gift for baby? Check out this memory book by Lucy Darling. Filled with whimsical illustrations, writing prompts and slots for photos, this journal is sure to become a treasured keepsake. It spans baby’s first year in-depth—and even has a few pages dedicated to major life events, like their first morning at daycare.
Pint-sized shoes
Some of the best baby gifts are pint-sized versions of adult favorites, like these mini Chuck Taylor’s. Parents will relish the early opportunity for a matching moment with these adorable crib sneakers. They come in sizes starting at one month, making them a good gift for newborns too.
Illustrated name print
Celebrate baby’s individuality with a custom art print from Etsy. This woodland theme would be lovely for fall babies, but the artist offers tons of different illustrations to suit every style and season. The best part? Prints can be personalized with a name, date of birth and birth weight or even a special message.
Mini layette set
How about a snuggly set of newborn basics? The mini layette set by Monica and Andy comes with a knot cap and a receiving blanket crafted from the finest organic cotton. For a unique touch, add an embroidered name or monogram for an extra $15.
Timeless teether gift set
One of the best baby gifts is this classic set by Sophie la Girafe. The popular giraffe toy comes in a beautifully presented gift box beside a mini teether with easy-to-grab handles. Each item is made from all-natural rubber and is suitable from birth onwards.
Plush guitar toy
Have a little rockstar in the making in your life? Then this baby gift is sure to be a hit. The plush musical toy features various textures for infants to explore, and it even vibrates when the bottom cord is pulled. Get ready for plenty of baby smiles and giggles with this present!
Interactive stuffed animal
Every little one should have a plush toy they can call their own. And this adorable elephant does more than sit and look cute—its ears come to life at the push of a button. Baby will get a kick out of playing peek-a-boo and singing along to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” with this adorable baby gift.
Baby table setting
Truth be told, the best gifts for infants are often items parents will use every day. Case in point: This feeding-essentials set by ezpz. Suitable for use from 4 months on, it comes with a silicone cup, bowl and utensils to help baby along the path to independent eating habits. Bonus: Use code BUMP15 to get 15 percent off sitewide.
Vibrant custom bib
If you’re searching for unique baby gifts, you can’t go wrong when choosing something from KicksBySammy. We’re fans of this vibrant bib, made from ultra-smooth micro mink polyester, that can be customized with your little one’s name. Other too-cute designs include their fashionista, initial block and animal adventure styles.
Sensory ball
Sensory toys are popular baby gifts as they can be used from a very young age. Designed to delight infants, this ball boasts multiple textures and patterns rendered in high-contrast colors. The squishy texture and grabbable segments make it a fascinating toy for developing children.
Pacifier teething clip
Lou Lou Lollipop is known for their playful collection of teethers and swaddles, just like this cute rainbow design. Parents will definitely be glad you gifted this silicone-grade toy; before they know it, they’ll have a teething baby on their hands.
Welcome home gift basket for baby
This gift set from Honest has everything new parents need for diaper changes and bath time. It comes with diapers, wipes, shampoo, body wash, a soothing balm and more. Even if parents were gifted care essentials at their baby shower, it’s still one of the best baby gifts—these everyday items get used up fast.
Here, find the best baby gifts for under $100. From hand-knit dolls and boho-chic mobiles to personalized crib sheets and smart sleep devices, there’s something for everyone below.
Organic cotton mobile
Crib mobiles make good baby gifts, and we’re smitten with this one from Meri Meri. Four sleepy safari animals, knitted from organic cotton, dangle from a simple bamboo hoop—how sweet!
Smart sleep device
It’s safe to say that at the top of any new parent’s list—aside from having a happy, healthy baby—is a few hours of quality shut-eye. A sound machine can help them achieve this goal. They’ll be able to control the white noise, sounds and volume from their phone. Moreover, the machine has a dimmable night light and a library of expert-approved songs and stories to help little ones drift off to sleep.
Botanical-themed play gym
An activity gym is a must-have for any new parent. Why? It’s fun and entertaining and offers a safe space for tummy time and overhead play. This pick by Skip Hop engages baby’s senses with over 17 developmental activities. It’s also super plush and comes with five garden-themed hanging toys.
Organic baby food delivery gift card
Next up is a unique baby gift that parents are sure to love. Little Spoon is a meal delivery service that specializes in fresh, organic purees and small bites for little eaters. With a gift card, your loved ones can pick an array of meals and snacks for baby, and have them delivered to their doorstep in no time.
Muslin baby quilt
How about this quilt from Little Unicorn? The breathable, lightweight blanket is made from cotton muslin and comes in an array of sweet prints (like this puppy one). Better yet, the more you wash it, the softer it’ll get!
Hand-knit stuffed animal
No baby gift roundup would be complete without a stuffed animal or two. One of our favorite cuddly companions is this hand-knit bunny doll from cuddle+kind which is safe for newborns and infants alike. Each rabbit is handcrafted from premium cotton yarn, and has a high stitch count for a toy that’s soft yet durable. An added bonus: For each doll purchased, the brand donates 10 meals to children in need.
Personalized crib sheets
Crib sheets are one of those items that new parents can never have enough of. If you’re searching for a personalized baby gift, why not go for this custom design from Caden Lane? Simply enter your little one’s name and it will be printed onto the sheets in an aesthetically pleasing font. Plus, you can count on them to be super soft, thanks to the jersey knit material.
Soothing, rotating night light
Create a calming sleep environment for baby with this night light. Thoughtfully crafted, the ceramic carousel gently rotates on a wooden base and projects soft images to soothe baby as they fall asleep or if they wake up in the middle of the night. The night light can stay on for a maximum of six hours and can also play eight different lullabies for easy resting. What’s more, it can provide parents a bit of light for late-night diaper changes or feeds.
Ocean-themed activity wedge
Nurture your infant’s developing sensory and gross motor skills with this fun-filled activity wedge. The ocean-themed toy is made with plenty of elements for your little one to explore. Thanks to the hinged design, it’ll grow with baby, whether they’re starting to have tummy time, sitting up or approaching toddlerhood.
Luxe newborn coming home outfit
This three-piece baby gift set comes with coordinated pajamas, a hat and a bib—all made from 100 percent, luxurious Pima cotton. The gender-neutral style features a gray hedgehog print, making it a sweet newborn coming home outfit for any family. It even comes with an elegant tulle bag to make gifting even easier.
On the hunt for luxe baby gifts for the little one in your life? Look no further than these premium options, including an heirloom-quality blanket, an activity chair and a soothing baby swing, to name a few.
Premium-quality blanket
A blanket is a classic gift for infants. This sweet, personalized pick is sure to be a staple in baby’s bedroom for years to come. The neutral design features the alphabet, with the first letter of your little one’s name highlighted in color. Choose from several cute shades, like pink, aqua and chambray blue.
Soothing swing
This is one of the best high-end baby gifts for new parents. Why? Because it’s a small price to pay for how much relief it will bring them. The swing has five adjustable speeds that mimic the movements of real-life caregivers to soothe baby. It’s the perfect piece of gear to help parents get some things done around the house (at least, for a few minutes!).
Minimalist activity gym
Searching for a baby mat that will keep baby engaged without taking over your living space? Look no further than this contemporary design from Lalo. The two-piece set includes a soft, quilted mat and a beechwood activity bar, complete with hanging toys. What’s more, this clever style can grow with baby as they enter toddlerhood, and can even be transformed into a play tent with this conversion kit.
Wooden activity walker
Even though baby probably hasn’t taken their first steps yet, this wooden activity walker is sure to provide hours of fun. The front features an array of interactive elements for your infant to explore, all of which are inspired by the weather. Better yet, this present will grow with baby’s changing needs as they start cruising in the near future.
Convertible activity chair
When baby can sit up independently, treat them to their own seat in the house with this fun activity chair. It features a plush tray complete with several interactive, sensory-driven toys for them to explore. Then, when your little one gets older, you can even remove the inner harness and convert it into a toddler chair.
We get it—gifting isn’t always a piece of cake, and it can be hard to find a standout present for the new infant in your life. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable product that’ll meet your loved one’s needs.
To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
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