Key Takeaways
-
There’s no single best baby gift, but blending practicality with thoughtfulness is usually the best approach.
-
Avoid fussy gifts that make a new parent’s life harder—fussy clothes, gigantic stuffed animals or anything that requires dry cleaning.
-
Choose a present by asking these three questions—is it practical, is it safe, and will they actually use it?
Diapers may be practical, but the best presents for a new baby build on that practicality with a dose of thoughtfulness. It’s an opportunity to give something adorable—because who can resist?—while still being useful. If you’re not shopping off a registry and you’re wondering about the best present for a new baby, here’s what to keep in mind. Spoiler—there’s no single best gift, but keeping these tips in mind will definitely steer you in the right direction!
Consider What’s Needed
There’s no shortage of baby gear out there, but anyone with any experience with babies will tell you that you really don’t need much. High on the list of non-negotiable essentials? A great swaddling blanket. Burp cloths. And plenty of onesies. New parents are rarely prepared for the amount of laundry a tiny little person generates, and it’s always helpful to have a fresh blanket, burp cloth and onesie when the one in use is suddenly soiled out of nowhere.
The good news is that these essentials leave a lot of room to satisfy that need for adorable baby things. Impossibly soft blankets, booties and onesies with sweet sayings are fun to give and receive.
Use Your Head
Choose a gift that new parents will appreciate in the middle of the night, when they’re up for the third time. Fussy baby clothes with buttons, laces or zippers are a mistake, full stop. Skip anything that requires hand washing or dry cleaning, those gigantic stuffed animals that take up too much space, and any elaborate and over-the-top outfits. Simple tends to be best, and that applies to onesies and blankets, too. Blankets don’t get much use if they’re not easy to wash, a functional size and breathable.
Ask These Three Questions
Ask yourself these three questions when you consider any gift for a baby: Is it practical? Is it safe? Will they actually use it? Items with small pieces are a choking hazard, so avoid that completely. The practicality thing goes hand-in-hand with using your head—is this going to make the new parents’ lives easier or harder? And if it’s overly complicated, consider whether they’ll even use it at all.
The Bottom Line
New babies are often showered with gifts, and most of them are used once or twice—if at all. Considering what’s needed, using your head to choose something thoughtful yet practical, and asking whether it’s safe and of use can help you choose the most appropriate gift. If you’re still lost, Biggest Little Baskets has you covered with gift boxes specifically designed to tick all the boxes for a new baby. It’s the kind of gift a new parent will truly appreciate and, even better, put to good use!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What’s the best thing to buy for a newborn?
The best gifts for newborns are soft onesies, hats and blankets or swaddles. Consider sizes in 0-3 months, because new babies grow fast!
-
What do you bring to a mom who just had a baby?
Baby gifts aside, it’s incredibly thoughtful to consider the new mother. A homemade meal or a gift card for a meal subscription service is often very appreciated. Since she probably won’t make it out of the house for a while, a gift basket with self-care goodies is also a good idea.
-
What is the number one must-have baby item?
Diapers and wipes are first on the list for obvious reasons, but if you’re bringing a gift, consider something a little more personal. A gift box with a onesie and soft blanket is a great choice.