Babies Gear and Products The 22 Best Newborn Baby Gifts of 2021 Thoughtful and useful presents for the newest family addition. By Maya Polton Maya is a mother of three and freelance writer specializing in family, food, and lifestyle content. She reviews products for Verywell Family. Learn about our editorial process Maya Polton Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on December 31, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on May 07, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Wooden Name Puzzle at etsy.com "As the baby grows, the custom puzzle helps encourage logic abilities and letter and color recognition." 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 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 Gray Swaddle 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." Boppy Elephant Love Newborn Lounger at buybuybaby.com "Baby can lounge and bond with family from this little nest, easily toted from room to room or for travel." Baby’s First Year Memory Book at Amazon "A simple, gender-neutral book that helps parents document the precious and memorable moments of baby’s first year." Etsy Custom Baby Portrait at etsy.com "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 Home "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 buybuybaby.com "Six toys ensure there’s constant entertainment and stimulation — keep one at home, in the car, the stroller, or anywhere else." 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. Etsy Wooden Name Puzzle Courtesy of Etsy Buy on Etsy 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. Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Baby Blanket Courtesy of Pottery Barn Buy on Potterybarnkids.com 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. Lovevery Play Gym Buy on Amazon Buy on Lovevery.com 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. The 23 Best Gifts for Baby Girls of 2021 Love to Dream Gray Swaddle Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY 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. Verywell Mom's Must-Have Baby Products Boppy Elephant Love Newborn Lounger Courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond Buy on Buybuy BABY Buy on Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Soft fabric Easy to clean One-year warranty Cons Not for babies over 4 months old A hands-free moment during the baby's supervised awake time is a priceless gift. Made of soft, lightweight fabric, the Boppy Newborn Lounger is the perfect little nest. While reviewers note it’s best for babies until about four months old (or until they can roll over), it’s still considered one the best investments new parents can make. Lucy Darling Little Animal Lover Memory Book Courtesy of Nordstrom Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Barnesandnoble.com 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. Etsy Custom Baby Portrait Courtesy of Etsy Buy on Etsy 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. No! My First Book of Protest Buy on Amazon Buy on Barnesandnoble.com 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. Parachute Baby Bath Bundle Courtesy of Parachute Buy on Parachute 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. Fisher Price Baby Take-Alongs Gift Set Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY Buy on Kohls.com 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! Puracy Keep Babies Clean Bundle Courtesy of Puracy Buy on Puracy.com 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. ECreamery New Baby Premium Ice Cream Collection Courtesy of Ecreamery Buy on Ecreamery.com 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 Courtesy of Unlikely Florist Buy on Theunlikelyflorist.com 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. Kibou Black Diaper Bag Courtesy of Kibou Buy on Kiboubag.com Buy on Maisonette.com 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. The 10 Best Diaper Bags of 2021 Etsy Personalized Ear Flap Hat Courtesy of Etsy Buy on Etsy 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 Savor Vault Baby Keepsake Box Buy on Amazon Buy on Maisonette.com 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. Aden + Anais Dream Blanket Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY 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. UGG Bixbee Slippers Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom 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. Carter’s 8-Piece Baby Gift Box Courtesy of Carter's Buy on Carters.com 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. Mibote Baby Growth Chart Buy on Amazon 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. Pearhead Wooden Milestone Blocks Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY 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. Royal Angels Baby Nail Trimmer Set Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart 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 immediately after the baby’s arrival, check out the Boppy Elephant Love Newborn Lounger (view at BuyBuyBaby). It’s made of soft, lightweight fabric and is perfect for a hands-free moment during a baby’s supervised awake time. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit