The 21 Best Newborn Baby Gifts of 2021

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Welcoming a new baby into the world is cause for celebration. Giving a gift is a wonderful way to share your joy, especially if you cannot see the new babe (or their parents) in person. From gifts that will last through the years as the baby grows up to presents that parents will be delighted to unwrap, there is something for everyone.

If you’re still undecided about a gift or need a place to start, always consider the purpose of the gift, such as something that can be used once the baby is born or something more sentimental. Additionally, you can never go wrong with a gift that’s useful for both the baby and parents and caregivers.

Pick a present that reflects your sentiments, style, and budget with this comprehensive list.

Our Top Picks

WoodilyToys Wooden Name Puzzle at Etsy

As the baby grows, the custom puzzle helps encourage logic abilities and letter and color recognition.

Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Baby Blanket at Potterybarnkids.com

The ultra-soft blanket will keep baby warm and cozy and can be personalized with baby's name or initials.

Lovevery The Play Gym at Amazon

Made with five developmental zones, this 2-in-1 toy is both a play mat and a gym that features removable accessories.

Love To Dream Swaddle UP at Amazon

The unique design allows new babies to sleep in an arms-up position and allows for enough movement so they can self-soothe.

Lucy Darling Little Animal Lover Memory Book at Amazon

A simple, gender-neutral book that helps parents document the precious and memorable moments of baby’s first year.

NewAgeWalls Custom Baby Portraits with Frame at Etsy

Capture an unforgettable moment in a new baby's life, all you have to do is upload a favorite photo.

No!: My First Book of Protest at Amazon

Get a head start on introducing baby to iconic figures of past movements with this historic read.

Parachute Baby Bath Bundle at Parachute

Bath time's a breeze with this year-round set that's complete with breathable, cotton cloths and towels.

Fisher Price Baby Take-Alongs Gift Set at Buybuy BABY

Six toys ensure there’s constant entertainment and stimulation — keep one at home, in the car, the stroller, or anywhere else.

Puracy Keep Babies Clean Bundle at Puracy.com

Health-conscious parents will love this all-inclusive set, featuring toiletries for baby and hand sanitizer.

Pros

Helps teach letters and names
Great for younger and older kids
Sturdy

Cons

Long delivery time

Instill self-esteem, encourage curiosity, and help with letter and name recognition, all with a personalized name puzzle. Little kids will love seeing their name in puzzle form and older kids can enjoy using the thoughtful gift as decorative art in their room. From the newborn stage, this sturdy wooden name puzzle can be a lifetime keepsake.

Pros

Soft fabric
Available in various colors
Can be personalized
Machine-washable

Cons

Only one size

Made of super-soft chamois fabric, a versatile stroller blanket is gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin and will keep them warm and cozy, wherever they are. With six colors to choose from, the blanket can be personalized with the new baby’s name for a custom gift.

Pros

Promotes brain and motor skills
Mat is machine-washable
Easy to set up and store

Cons

Expensive

Considered a must-have by many, this splurge-worthy play gym is made with five developmental zones and comes with a guide for age and stage appropriate activities. As the new baby grows, parents can change the gym’s features to promote brain and motor skills that are just right. The best part is that the mat is made of a unique polyester material that is designed to hold up when machine washed at home.

Pros

Available in various colors and sizes
Promotes self-soothing
Soft, stretchy fabric

Cons

Sizes run small

A snug-fitting swaddle, this unique design allows new babies to sleep in an arms-up position. With enough room for slight movement, they can self-soothe while still keeping their little hands covered. Parents praise the innovative design and thoughtful two-way zipper which makes diaper changes a cinch.

Pros

Gender-neutral
Generous page count
Eco-friendly

Cons

Area to place pictures is small

Help new parents remember each special moment in their child’s life with a beautifully crafted, gender-neutral memory book. The 48 pages have room for everything from ultrasound photos to all of the baby’s firsts. Reviewers praise the vivid images, lovely memory prompts, and classic design.

Pros

Available with or without frame
Receive a print and digital file
Available in different frame sizes

Cons

Long delivery time

Digitally drawn by hand, a custom portrait captures the unique characteristics and a moment in time in a new baby’s life. Simply upload a special photo, share any text, and the artist will create a digital proof and then final print for a thoughtful and unique gift. They can hang the photo in the nursery or around the house for everyone to enjoy.

Pros

Easy to read
Colorful illustrations
Board book

Cons

Not super interactive

Introduce a new baby to iconic figures in history through the lens of the abolitionist movement, civil rights, women’s rights, and more. Get their little library started off right with this beautifully illustrated and colorful board book that parents will enjoy reading to their little ones for years to come. Throughout the book, the word “No!” is a repeated refrain, which is always fun for toddlers and babies to yell.

Pros

Soft fabric
Very absorbent
Free of dyes and toxins
Machine-washable
Comes in various colors

Cons

Expensive

Bath time just got cozier with this super soft set that includes two washcloths and a hooded baby towel. All pieces are made from soft, natural Turkish cotton in an absorbent looped terry design. Each piece in the set is free of dyes or toxins, which are perfect for the baby's delicate skin.

Pros

Affordable
Travel-friendly
Promotes motor skills

Cons

Hard for teething

New babies will love playing with the six cute miniatures of some retro classic toy. The set comes with six individual toys, ensuring there’s enough to keep one at home, in the car, the stroller, or anywhere else. They are also just so cute!

Pros

Non-toxic
Can be used past the first year
Includes hand sanitizer

Cons

Essential oils could irritate sensitive skin

Keep your new baby (and your home) clean with a wonderful bundle of non-toxic products that work as good as they smell. Gentle and safe, this set includes baby shampoo and body wash, baby lotion, a natural bubble bath, and a three-pack of hand sanitizer. The best part is that the products are gentle and nourishing enough to be used on baby beyond the first year.

Pros

Hand-made
Includes various flavors
Made with speciality ingredients

Cons

Not allergy-friendly

Gift new parents the pleasure of their very own ice cream collection. ECreamery makes gourmet ice cream, hand-made with specialty ingredients. The classic four flavors like Chocolate Cake and Mint Cookie Crunch are sure to be a welcome addition to any freezer.

Unlikely Florist “The Rennie” Flower Bouquet

Pros

Available with or without a vase
Made with farm-fresh and seasonal flowers
Long lasting

Cons

Requires maintenance

Welcome a new baby with a locally-sourced, long-lasting flower bouquet. Seasonal flowers in a unique style are a thoughtful gift for new parents and nationwide shipping lets you send love from afar. You can gift them as just a bouquet or with a pretty vase.

Pros

Built-in changing pad
Waterproof wipes pocket
Made of vegan leather

Cons

Expensive

Fanny pack meets diaper bag ensures there’s room for everything. With a built-in changing pad, waterproof wipes pocket, keyring, credit card holder, and more included, this mini bag packs a big punch. Made of lightweight vegan leather, new moms will appreciate having their hands, arms, and shoulders free.

Pros

Perfect for fall and winter babies
Available in various sizes and colors
Works as a keepsake

Cons

Expensive

Gift fall or winter babies an adorable personalized earflap hat to keep them warm in style. With a huge assortment of colors and sizing (even up to adult sizing!), these cute hats are a cozy gift. While it is a splurge item, it's the perfect keepsake once the baby grows out of it.

What Our Editors Say

"We got this adorable earflap hat as a gift for our son and it's one of the items I'll never give away with hand-me-downs. The hat is custom knit with his name and was one of the most thoughtful gifts we received when he was born. And since he was a summer baby, having this on hand meant we were ready once the seasons changed. Some of my favorite photos from his first year are in this hat." — Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director

Pros

Generous storage and organization
Illustrated labels
Small footprint

Cons

Expensive

Organize and save a new baby’s heirloom treasures with this versatile and innovative gift. Two caddies, two drawers, and seven compartments will help safely organize everything from first shoes, first baby teeth, and important paperwork. The hand-illustrated labels give the box an extra layer of organization.

Pros

Available in various colors
Generous size
Machine-washable

Cons

Snags easily

Perfectly sized for playtime, tummy time, and bedtime, this blanket is sure to become a cozy favorite for years to come. Measuring 47 by 47 inches, the blanket is the perfect size for little ones. With over 30 styles and patterns, you can choose from gender-neutral, minimalist, and colorful designs.

Pros

Hook and loop closure
Available in various sizes and colors
Won't fall off easily

Cons

Not for outdoors

Forget lost baby socks! Little baby feet will stay warm in snuggly-soft booties. With a secure hook and loop closure, they’re easy to get on and off but hard for little babies to kick off. Choose from four colors and three sizes.

Pros

Available in various sizes and colors
Comes in a wrapped giftable box
Machine-washable

Cons

Doesn't include socks

Stock a new baby’s wardrobe in one click with five bodysuits, two pairs of pants, and a button-front jacket. Four sizes and three color options ensure the right style and fit for any baby. The set comes wrapped in a giftable box which makes this the perfect newborn baby present.

Pros

Easy installation
Can be moved around
Waterproof

Cons

Doesn't start at zero

A great gift for years to come, this 79-inch growth chart has a rope at the top, so it’s easy to install, remove, or move from room to room. Cute as a backdrop for photos, parents can write on the canvas to mark when the baby grows. Crafted from waterproof and durable canvas, this growth chart will last through the years.

Pros

Goes with any decor
Easy to display and store
Lightweight

Cons

Not chew-proof

Create beautiful family photos while celebrating and marking milestones. The neutral grey blocks go with any decor and can track weeks, months, years, and grade level, so they’ll be useful for years to come. If the new parents plan to expand their family in the future, the expectant mom can use the blocks in pregnancy pictures too.

Pros

Quiet operation
Includes light
Includes various attachments
Works for adults too

Cons

Hard to pull off files for replacement

Cut baby’s nails safely and with ease thanks to this electric nail clipping set. Each set features several different file attachments with replaceable file pads. The nail trimmer is quiet and has a light, so there’s no second-guessing on where you’re cutting. The best part? It even comes with a file head attachment for adults.

Final Verdict

For a gift that can be used either immediately after or soon after baby's arrival, check out the Love to Dream Swaddle UP (view on Amazon). With enough room for slight movement, they can self-soothe while still keeping their little hands covered.

If you’d rather purchase a gift meant more for parents and caregivers, look into the ECreamery New Baby Premium Ice Cream Collection (view at ecreamery.com). The classic four flavors like Chocolate Cake and Mint Cookie Crunch are sure to be a welcome addition to any freezer.

What to Look for When Buying Gifts for Newborns

Purpose

When you’re out shopping for a newborn gift, determine the purpose of the present to help you decide what will be the right product to purchase. Are you looking for a gift that can be used from day one or are you looking for a present that can be kept for the years to come? Once you figure out the purpose of the gift, your shopping trip will be easier.

Usefulness

During those newborn months, babies will have a ton of stuff, but sometimes those items aren’t helpful until several months down the road. Check out gifts that can be useful from the day baby is born to help make the lives of parents and caregivers easier.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her go-to newborn baby gifts are special treats for the (tired) new parents or a personalized baby gift.

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The 21 Best Newborn Baby Gifts of 2021

Thoughtful and useful presents for the newest family addition.

WoodilyToys Wooden Name Puzzle

Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Baby Blanket

Lovevery The Play Gym

Love To Dream Swaddle UP

Lucy Darling Little Animal Lover Memory Book

NewAgeWalls Custom Baby Portraits with Frame

No!: My First Book of Protest

Parachute Baby Bath Bundle

Fisher Price Baby Take-Alongs Gift Set

Puracy Keep Babies Clean Bundle

ECreamery New Baby Premium Collection

Unlikely Florist “The Rennie” Flower Bouquet

Kibou Black Diaper Bag

maryscc Personalized Earflap Hat

What Our Editors Say

Savor The Vault Baby Keepsake Box

aden + anais Dream Blanket

UGG Bixbee Bootie

Carter’s 8-Piece Baby Gift Box

MIBOTE Baby Growth Chart

Pearhead Wooden Milestone Blocks

Royal Angels Baby Baby Nail Clippers 20 in 1