The 40 Best Unique Baby Gifts of 2023

Whether you’re welcoming a new family member or a close friend’s child, a new baby is a reason to celebrate. Despite an abundance of options, finding a unique gift to mark the occasion doesn't have to be challenging.

When purchasing gifts for the youngest members of the family, it’s important to remember that some infant gifts are only appropriate for a short time, while others may last well into toddlerhood. You’ll also want to consider the parents and their interests.

Gifts from their baby registry and things that are useful—like teething toys or soft blankets—will always be welcome. But other items, like child-safe seats for when the growing baby learns to sit or sound machines to soothe them to sleep at night, might be the right gift for the growing family. If you’re still not sure what to buy, a sentimental or personalized gift to mark the occasion may be just right. When considering products, we evaluated safety, design, materials, usefulness, and age recommendations.

Based on our reviews, these are the best unique baby gifts available.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

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A favorite among babies and parents thanks to its adorable smiling face and contrasting polka dots, our top pick, Vulli Sophie La Girafe, is safe for babies to handle right away. The toy—made from natural latex rubber and food-grade paint—has been a popular teething toy for over 55 years.

In the early months, the toy is designed to help strengthen babies’ grasp and develop their motor skills. As soon as they learn to squeeze, the giraffe becomes even more entertaining thanks to its squeaking sound. Once the baby begins teething, Sophie has several spots the baby can use to chew on to soothe their sore gums.

Small enough to carry in a diaper bag or stroller, Vulli Sophie La Girafe is the perfect gift for any baby.

Price at time of publication: $30

Dermstore

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Babies between 3 and 8 months old can use this toy for teething relief and sensory development. The bright and playful colors will grab your sweetie's attention for added visual stimulation. The mitten, created by a Black-owned company, attaches to the wrist with hook and loop fasteners, makes crinkle sounds, and has four textured teething surfaces.

Price at time of publication: $13

Amazon

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Parents will certainly find themselves singing "Baby Shark" in their heads with this four-piece shark bathing set. It comes with a hooded towel, a bath puppet (that also works as a washcloth), and two little spa slippers. Everything can be tossed in the washer and dryer for cleanup, and it’s designed for newborn babies to 9 months old.

Price at time of publication: $40

Courtesy of Amazon

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This is a great alternative to baby books and calendars because it has little drawers where you can store physical items like baby’s first shoe or pacifier. It has nine drawers and vertical folders to keep first handprints and preschool art projects safe. The small envelopes are perfect for holding little items, while the 50 pre-made sticky labels help you stay organized.

Price at time of publication: $105

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Written by Langston Hughes, this little book is like a Black mother’s love note to their baby. The hardback book is full of beautiful illustrations depicting tender moments every mama has with her baby. It’s the perfect bedtime story!

Price at time of publication: $18

Amazon

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Not only can babies snuggle with this soft bunny from day one, but they can continue to enjoy it as they develop more and learn how to make it play music and an interactive game. Squeeze one foot, and the bunny sings "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" while its ears dance around; squeeze the other foot, and it will play a little game of peek-a-boo. While your baby is boogieing, they are also learning about cause and effect.

Price at time of publication: $45

Amazon

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Babies who love bath time will have so much fun playing in the suds from this bubble bath. It’s made from all clean ingredients and is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Plus, your purchase from this Black-owned business will help further its mission of improving the lives of people in Togo, Africa.

Price at time of publication: $10

Amazon

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Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Rattle Moon Stroller Baby Toy Review

This toy is designed for babies from the newborn stage and up. It attaches to a stroller or car seat carrier handle and has a variety of different textures to help sensory development. It also vibrates and shakes when the handle is pulled down, makes crinkle sounds, and has a squeaker for even more sensory fun.

Price at time of publication: $10

Verywell Family / Ashley Ziegler

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You can give parents-to-be some of the best essentials with this kit. It includes some of Fridababy’s best products, including the Nosefrida to help relieve stuffy noses, Windi to help ease baby’s gas pains, and baby nail clippers. The set even comes with a Mom Washer to help mom while she’s recovering from delivery.

Price at time of publication: $50

Amazon

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Once the new baby has neck control and is at least 2 months old, they can start using this fantastic seat. It’s lightweight and folds down, making it easy to travel with. The built-in toys keep your little one occupied until they can sit on their own or they’re 8 months old, whichever comes first.

Price at time of publication: $43

Amazon

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This little unicorn can play eight soothing sounds, from white noise to lullabies. It has hook and loop straps that allow parents to strap it to a car seat, stroller, or crib so they can keep their baby soothed no matter where they’re at, and it’s super soft and cozy, which makes for great snuggling.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

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For anyone who loves the unicorn trend, this little gift set comes with a lovey, cap, bib, mittens, and blanket, all of which are unicorn-inspired. The plush unicorn toy is also a rattle, so it’s extra fun for the baby, and the bib features a sparkly ribbon mane and a horn with gold detailing.

Price at time of publication: $36

Amazon

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Once the baby is past the infant tub stage, parents will need a few things to make bathtime safer and easier, and this set has it all. It comes with a drain cover to help avoid painful head bumps and a rinsing cup that’s designed to keep water out of baby’s eyes. The kneeler pad and elbow pad will come in handy and will make the process a little more comfortable for parents.

Price at time of publication: $56

Slumberkins

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This set comes with a board book, a cozy stuffed animal, and an affirmation card. The book tells a story that helps teach kids about gratitude, and the affirmation card is a sweet reminder to be grateful for the things they have. The teddy bear is hypoallergenic and has a super-soft and silky touch.

Price at time of publication: $48

Amazon

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By giving new parents a Baby Shusher, you’re basically giving them hope for a good night’s sleep during those early infant months. The shushing and white noise sounds are similar to what a baby heard in mama’s tummy, which helps provide comfort that will lull them back to sleep. This travel-friendly baby gadget is battery-operated and has a timer that can be set for either 15 or 30 minutes.

Price at time of publication: $35

Amazon

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Made from super soft organic cotton and lycra, this little kimono gown will keep the baby warm, cozy, and looking adorable. It has front buttons that allow for easy dressing and undressing, and the knot at the bottom is self-tie, making diaper changes a breeze. Plus, by purchasing one, you’ll be supporting a Black-owned business.

Price at time of publication: $29

Brooklinen

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Treat the new baby to the glorious softness of this baby alpaca wool blanket. Designed to hold up to the wear and tear of little ones, this naturally hypoallergenic blanket puts cotton to shame in the luxe softness department. While this is certainly a special gift, it is dry clean only and shouldn't be used inside of cribs.

Price at time of publication: $118

Amazon

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Gift a new baby with these adorable booties that will help keep their tiny toes warm all winter long. There are four color options, each of which is covered in a soft cozy fabric and a suede sole. Unlike a lot of baby shoes that end up on the floor almost as soon as they are put on, these booties have a hook and loop fastener strap that tightens around the ankle to help them stay put.

Price at time of publication: $40

Amazon

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This bathing mat is made for babies up to 17 pounds and allows parents to wash them up in the kitchen sink rather than in a clunky infant tub. It’s designed to keep the baby safe and cozy during bath time and is made of flexible, mildew-resistant material that allows it to fit into most sinks. It should be hung to dry after use.

Price at time of publication: $45

Amazon

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"Whose Toes Are Those?" is a board book written by Black author Jabari Asim that uses the classic “this little piggy” as its inspiration. The illustrations are bright and engaging, and it inspires interactive play between baby and parents. This sweet board book will be a favorite bedtime pick well into toddlerhood.

Price at time of publication: $8

4.9

Walmart

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Parents can control this amazing gadget with their smartphones, and it can be used from birth through the toddler years. It works as a night light and sound machine for a nursery and then can be set up to serve as an “okay to wake” clock during the toddler years to help them know when it’s time to come out of their room for the day.

Price at time of publication: $70

Darlyngandco

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Teething babies will most certainly do two things: drool and chew on everything. These little bandanas are designed to address both of those issues as the fabric portion of the bib is double layered for extra drool absorbency, while the tip of the bib is textured silicone that’s safe for the baby to chew on to get some relief. These bandanas are safe for babies between 2 and 24 months old and are machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $25

Maisonette

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This vegan leather jacket is buttery, stylish and a great item that they'll have time to grow into. It has the perfect amoubt of whimsy thanks to a retro, colorful collections of patches that feel straight from the '90s. Get your Instagram app ready!

Price at time of publication: $84

Pottery Barn Kids

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Monogram this adorable baby towel feature a giraffe head as the hood. You can put your baby's name on the back of this warm wrap made of 100 percent pure Turkish cotton. It is machine-washable and our testers confirm it lasts for years.

Price at time of publication: $45

Mark & Graham

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If it's the family's second or third kid, they might already own many hand-me-downs. This monogram brush and comb set is likely something they don't have yet! Plus, you can monogram the silver-plated brush so it really feels special for the new baby.

Price at time of publication: $59

Amazon

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This cute little crab will keep your little one engaged during tummy time and might even motivate them to crawl!

Price at time of publication: $26

Nordstrom

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Babies get chapped lips, too! This balm by luxury skincare brand, Kiehl's, features nourishing shea butter to nourish their little lips.

Price at time of publication: $10

Pottery Barn Kids

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If you're shopping for a second or third child, perhaps the item they (or the caregivers) haven't purchased yet is a monogram wet bag. It's niche enough that it feels special, and it's also useful for swimwear, soiled onesies, and more. We like that the design isn't too baby-ish, so it'll be a useful accessory as they grow.

Price at time of publication: $27

Cuddle & Kind

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These adorable hand-crafted dolls come with a big bonus: each doll purchased provides 10 meals to children around the world. With dozens of choices ranging from bunnies to koalas to mermaids, you're bound to find something special for the little one in your life—and make a difference in the process.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $64

Maisonette

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Chances are the baby you're gifting lives in onesies. Make the classic more personalized by snagging this one, which can be embroidered with the little one's name. Plus, the fabric is made of 100% combed ringspun cotton.

Price at time of publication: $45

Neiman Marcus

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Dr. Barbara Sturm is a skincare brand beloved by celebrities, and this set for minis will give your baby A-list treatment. The fragrance-free face and body creams are formulated with sensitive skin in mind and featuring ingredients, such as soothing chamomile extract, moisturizing almond oil, and skin barrier-protective calendula. Plus, the set comes in a chic, reussable box alongside a plush stuffed bunny.

Price at time of publication: $125

Copper Pearl

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Copper Pearl's buttery soft sleep sack just got a Sesame Street makeover. The brand collaborated with the classic muppets on a variety of items, but this kitschy sleep sack featuring Cookie Monster may just be our favorite.

Price at time of publication: $45

Nordstrom

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This impossibly cute onesie features 100% recycled polyester and foldover mittens and feet to keep your baby looking photo-ready yet warm.

Price at time of publication: $79

Jack & Janie

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Keep baby's head warm all winter long in this beanie, complete with a lovely sheep print and pom-pom. It is 100% cotton, fully-lined, and machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $33

Amazon

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Hide your iPhone and allow baby to explore a "gadget" by playing with this cell phone. It features a selfie mirror, "filters," and baby-friendly sounds.

Price at time of publication: $10

Amazon

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The perfect baby booties! Zutano somehow managed to create adorable booties that actually stay on your little one's feet. These fleece booties are perfect for the winter months.

Price at time of publication: $24

Amazon

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If your baby struggles with tummy time, this may be for them. The contour of the Crawligator fits your baby's growing body, while cushioning them during tummy time. It's also easy to clean. Plus, you can choose from several different colors.

Price at time of publication: $74

Amazon

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With bright colors, this adorable toy mimics a tissue box. Instead of tissues, baby can pull soft scarves and crinkle sheets out from the middle of the toy. The "box" itself also includes a mirror and a squeaker.

Price at time of publication: $19

Amazon

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This box set of board books from author Sandra Boynton includes "The Going to Bed Book," Horns to Toes," "Opposites," and "But Not the Hippopotamus." Sure to be favorites at bedtime—or anytime!

Price at time of publication: $17

Amazon

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This cute little owl is actually a white noise machine to soothe your baby to sleep. Complete with a cry-activated sensor and a nightlight, this is a must-have for baby's room.

Price at time of publication: $40

What to Look for When Buying Unique Baby Gifts

Personalized

There’s something about a personalized gift that’s absolutely timeless and classic. Not only are they thoughtful for baby as they grow older, but for parents and caregivers, too. Personalized gifts show you that you put thought into what baby and their family would appreciate.

Many people like to have items personalized with special quotes or important dates, like birthdays or adoption days. You can have a product engraved or customized to fit the family’s needs, making it something everyone will treasure for many years to come.

If you purchase a gift that cannot be personalized, you can still add your own customization to the gift. For example, if you purchase a book that cannot be personalized, simply take a pen and write a sweet message on the inside. Not only is this still thoughtful, but budget-friendly, too.

Useful

Whether you’re buying for a birth, birthday, the holidays, or a just-because gift, purchasing a gift that’s useful will be appreciated no matter what. Consider what baby or their parents and caregivers enjoy doing and the lifestyle they live. Knowing these interests gives you an advantage of where to start, but it’s okay if you aren’t sure, as there are still many products on the market that are useful for everyday life.

For a gift that baby can use for a long time and give parents some relief, check out the Yummy Mitt Teething Mitten (view at Darlyngandco.com). This is a gift that is great for sensory development and provides much-needed teething relief.

For the parents

When buying gifts for little ones, it’s important to remember the interests of parents and caregivers. Overall, you don’t want a gift that’s going to cause a headache, but you still want to show them you put thought into the gift. Opting for a gift that’s personalized and useful will win the hearts of parents and caregivers, and even baby as they get older.

If you’re looking for a gift that’s helpful to parents and caregivers, that still appeases baby’s interests too, look at the Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat (view at Amazon). It comes with built-in toys to keep baby busy and is foldable and portable.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: