A matching pair of sneakers from their favorite startup
A pillow spray to help them get a good night's sleep
ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, available on Amazon, $29
When new parents finally get a chance to catch up on some rest, they'll love having a little something to help them fall into a deeper and more relaxed sleep. A lovely blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert gives this pillow spray its relaxing scent. One of our reporters swears by it for a better night's sleep.
A home cleaning service they can schedule through Amazon
Amazon Home Cleaning Services, available on Amazon, from $20 per hour
You'll definitely want to coordinate with them beforehand, but there's nothing a new parent needs more than a chance to relax while someone else cleans their house. Though prices and availability vary by area, you should be able to book a cleaning professional to do any type of service around the home (including a deep clean) at around $20 per hour.
A gift card for a babysitting service
Urbansitter Gift Card, from $25
Give the gift of a night off with an UrbanSitter gift card. They can sift through over 150,000 trusted babysitters, read reviews, and see mutual connections to make a decision they're comfortable with. A $34.95 per-month pass (or an $99.95 annual membership) allows parents to browse, interview, and book a sitter that meets their needs.
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A cozy and flexible baby sling
Crib sheets in cute prints
Brooklittles Crib Sheets, available at Brooklinen, from $32
The internet's favorite adult bedding startup recently launched a line of sheets for little ones. They feature fun patterns and prints that evoke the same playful spirit as the rest of Brooklinen's options, and make for the perfect actually useful gift.
A custom birth announcement they'll cherish forever
An Amazon Prime membership so they can order supplies
Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $39
A membership to Prime opens up a whole world of convenience for new parents who would otherwise be completely overwhelmed by all those extra trips to Target and CVS. They can order whatever they need for the baby or themselves and have it delivered in two days (sometimes less) without having to leave the house.
You can also gift a full year for $119. If they already have a Prime membership, they'll be able to convert your gift to credit so they can spend the money on anything they need.
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A funny bib they'll get a kick out of
Blank Canvas Bib, available at Uncommon Goods, $18
They've probably already received plenty of basic bibs from their registry or shower, but you might as well take the holidays as a chance to get them a fun one instead. Just be sure to have them send you photos of the baby's first masterpiece.
A swaddling blanket that transforms their baby into a burrito
Tortilla Baby, available at Uncommon Goods, $48
Your eyes might be deceiving you — this is not, in fact, a baby wrapped in a real tortilla. It's a swaddling blanket that'll make their little bundle of joy look like a delicious and snuggable burrito.
A portable lounger that babies can't easily roll out of
DockATot Deluxe Lounger, available on Amazon, $185
Though it's a little pricey, new parents love this lounger that keeps babies feeling like they're being swaddled and comforted without the need for an actual swaddling blanket. It's also great for keeping them secure on the couch or bed so parents can have their hands free.
A parent friend also recommended this $30 Boppy pillow as a less expensive (and slightly more relaxed) alternative.
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An essential supply they can never get enough of
Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, available on Amazon, from $37.04
It's not the most fun thing on the list, but it is the most important. Any time you're going to give a fun gift to new parents, consider also gifting some diapers along with it. They'll only appreciate the exciting gift more now that they don't have to worry about who's going to do the next run for diapers.
A meal kit delivery service so they can cook for themselves
Blue Apron Subscription Gift Card, from $60
Busy new parents don't often have the time to cook well for themselves. Blue Apron delivers pre-portioned ingredients right to their door with recipes for three easy-to-cook meals they can make at home. $60 will get them one week of meal kits, and you can gift in increments of $60 for additional boxes.
If you're not sure which service to order from, check out our guide to the best meal kit delivery services, which includes options for special diets.
A cleverly designed towel that quickly dries and comforts babies
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A pregnancy journal to track progress and memories
A pacifier that won't keep falling to the ground
A luxe bassinet that rocks crying babies to sleep
SNOO Smart Sleeper by Happiest Baby, available at Pottery Barn, $1,160
The SNOO is incredibly expensive — there's no getting around it. But if you have the budget, and your friends or family members have a fussy baby who doesn't sleep well, it might just be the greatest gift you can give them. It senses when babies are tense or squirmy and gently rocks them to sleep using motions that mimic a parent's gentle bouncing.