13 Gifts New Parents Don’t Even Know They Need

Being a new parent is exciting, exhausting, and overwhelming! If you’re trying to pick the perfect present for a new parent in your life, you can go one of two routes: something for the baby or something just for them.

Either way, ideally, you want your gift to be something they can actually use that’ll make their lives easier, rather than pile up and create clutter. Here are a few options they probably didn’t even realize they needed.

For the Anxious Parent: Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor

It’s not cheap, but the Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor can be a lifesaver—literally. This little sock monitors a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while she’s asleep and allows parents to keep an eye on her vitals without waking her up. It’s an especially great gift for a new mom who might feel like she doesn’t know what she’s doing, or for the parents of a child dealing with an illness.

Obviously, even with the Smart Sock, you should still keep an eye on your sleeping baby, but it offers peace of mind that will benefit many new parents.

For the On-the-Go Parent: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

As far as diaper bags go, backpacks reign supreme. Most new parents probably already have a diaper bag, but another one never hurts—especially when it’s the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack. It has everything a parent could want, including plenty of storage, lots of pockets and pouches for little items, a changing pad, and two key leashes for keys and a pacifier.

You can attach the straps to a stroller, and the luggage strap on the back makes it ideal for travel. The best part is its sleek, gender-neutral design doesn’t look like a clunky diaper bag.

For the Sentimental Parent: Write to Me Baby First Year of You Journal

A baby book is a must to keep track of important milestones, photos, and special moments, and this Baby First Year of You Journal by Write to Me is a gorgeous keepsake. With enough pages to record everything about baby’s first year, parents can write down whatever they want to remember. There’s plenty of space for photos, and there are also prompts to inspire parents.

The linen cover makes this the chicest-looking baby book of all time, and it comes in a matching linen box to keep it safe forever.

For the Parent Who Has It All: The Honest Diapers Diaper Cake

If the new parents in your life seem to have everything, practicality is always a good way to go. Every parent can always use more diapers, and the Honest Diaper Cake is a cute way to gift them.

There are 70 diapers in there, along with small sizes of other Honest products, like shampoo, balm, wipes, and bubble bath. The diapers are hypoallergenic and made from plant-based ingredients, so you can rest easy knowing they’re safe.

For the Parent Who Needs Caffeine: Wacaco Minipresso GR Portable Espresso Machine

Any new parent could use a little more caffeine. Unfortunately, trips to Starbucks become harder when you have to tote a newborn along, which is where the Wacaco Minipresso comes in.

This light, portable espresso machine means tired parents can brew a cup no matter where they are. It’s great for busy parents and even better for working mamas!

For the Parent Who Can’t Sit Still: Yeti Rambler Mug

When you have a baby, the days of slowly enjoying your coffee are pretty much over. Instead, it’s more likely you pour a cup, and then desperately try to gulp it down before it gets cold, while doing things for the baby.

Enter the Yeti Rambler. This vacuum-insulated mug keeps hot beverages hot for hours, no matter how busy you are. The lid is also very convenient for someone who’s holding a fidgety newborn.

Better still, the Yeti Rambler pairs perfectly with the Minipresso.

For the Hands-On Dad: TBG Tactical Baby Carrier

Wearing your baby is an excellent way to bond with and tote her while leaving your hands and arms free. For the dad who wants to get in on the toting action, the TBG Tactical Baby Carrier has a less feminine design and keeps baby close, facing in or out.

For the Parent Who Needs Sleep: Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

Many people assume newborns need silence while they sleep, but the opposite is often true. White noise is similar to the noises they hear while they’re in the womb.

The Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine offers plenty of sounds to soothe baby—and mom and dad—to sleep. The night-light makes for an even more relaxing environment.

Parents control the Baby Rest via an app they can customize. For older kids, there’s a convenient time-to-rise feature that lets them know when they can get out of bed.

For the Parent Who Needs a Break: Vinebox Subscription

Almost every adult can relate to feeling like you need a glass of wine at the end of a long week—and that goes double for new parents.

A Vinebox subscription is a nice way to introduce the new parents in your life to some really delicious wine. You can opt for either the six-month subscription, which includes two boxes, or the one-year subscription of four boxes.

Make Bath Time Easier: Parachute Hooded Baby Towel

Babies require many towels, so don’t worry—the parents you’re buying for can definitely use a few more! The Parachute Hooded Baby Towel is perfect for bath time! Made of 100 percent Turkish cotton, it’s super-soft and cozy, and the hood keeps baby extra warm.

As far as baby towels go, this one’s pretty sweet!

Make Meals Easier: Daily Harvest Gift Card

Ask any new parent what they really want for Christmas, and the answer will probably be someone to do their chores and cook for them, and some sleep. You can help with one of those by gifting them a Daily Harvest Gift Card.

They can use it on frozen smoothies, nourishing veggie bowls, soups, and oat bowls or bites. Made with fruits and veggies, these frozen cups are easy to store and even easier to prepare—you just heat them on the stove or throw them in a blender.

They’re delicious, healthy, and arrive right on the doorstep for quick and easy meals or snacks throughout the day.

To Get Organized: Itzbeen Pocket Nanny Baby Care Timer

Keeping track of everything a new baby needs is exhausting. You have to know when it’s time for him to eat, when his last diaper change was, when he needs a nap, and how long he’s been awake. It’s especially difficult when you have literally anything else going on.

The Itzbeen Pocket Nanny Baby Care Timer helps parents keep track of everything. The simple push of a button gets everything a bit more organized.

To Keep Baby Cozy: JJ Cole Original BundleMe Bunting Bag

It’s tough keeping a newborn warm in a stroller or car seat in the winter because, due to safety precautions, they can’t wear puffy coats.

The JJ Cole Original BundleMe Bunting Bag is the perfect solution! It’s cozier than a blanket, and you can easily tuck it around pretty much any stroller or car seat.

The BundleMe Bunting Bag keeps baby covered up and toasty no matter how far the temperature drops.