What gifts do new parents really want? While all those adorable baby clothes and packages of diapers are handy, what new parents really need may be something else entirely. We went straight to the source—new parents—to find out what gifts new parents will actually appreciate. 

Meals for New Parents

​Their answers made one thing clear: they want food. While new parents mentioned many gifts that were appreciated, meals kept coming up again and again. Freezer meals, meal trains, gift cards for restaurants, meals from a local grocery store—these were all suggestions. One mom added that she was especially grateful for meals that were dropped off without her having to interact with anyone! We’ve got a whole blog post with suggestions for how grandparents can help new parents with meals over here.

Other parents mentioned nutritious snacks as being a welcome gift. Think of things that are easy to grab from the fridge, like pre-portioned veggies and hummus or apples and nut butter. Nursing parents are also grateful for snacks that can be kept by the bed and eaten with one hand, like dried chickpeas, nuts or trail mix, and fruit like grapes or apples. Make up some pretty jars with quick snacks, and drop them off without making the new parents come to the door.

The Best Gifts for New Parents on Amazon

There were also certain gifts that new parents felt were lifesavers. More than one parent mentioned the Haakaa manual breast pump. This simple item is under $15 at Amazon, but has over 52,000 five-star reviews. For just over $25, you can get a model that includes a lid and base, something nursing parents will appreciate. 

​Another inexpensive gift that new parents will appreciate is super-soft bamboo washcloths. One mom said she now uses them herself after receiving them for her baby! This set of 6 bamboo washcloths at Amazon comes in a variety of colors, and is currently under $15.

There were also three new parent gifts on the pricier end that came up in our informal poll. One was the Hatch, a combination sound machine/nightlight/audio monitor. It also includes a time-to-wake feature, which will come in handy when that new baby is a toddler. The Hatch is under $100 on Amazon, and there’s currently a coupon that brings the prices down to $79.99.

Going up in price, the Keekaroo Peanut changing pad has raving fans. I’ll be honest, I have trouble believing that a changing pad can be worth $140, but the parents who have one will tell you it absolutely is. Check out the reviews on Amazon.
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The most expensive gift for new parents that made our list is the SlumberPod. This portable blackout tent pops over a portable crib, creating a dark, enclosed sleep space for baby when sharing a room or traveling. The $175 price tag is steep, but think of it as giving new parents extra hours of sleep. You can’t put a price tag on that! Find it on Amazon, too.

The Gift of Helping Hands

If expensive gifts are not in your budget, don’t fear. There are some gifts new parents will actually appreciate that cost nothing but your time. Helping hands are almost always appreciated, as long as they don’t come with unwanted advice or criticism. One new mom mentioned how much she appreciated someone taking care of their dog when the baby was born. Another said her parents came to help take care of her, understanding that she could take care of the baby. Both of these are things we’ve mentioned before, and you can find more ideas by reading 10 Ways to Help New Parents.

Thoughtful gifts are one way to build a trusting, supportive relationship. Grandparents will earn a lot of brownie points if they choose a gift that new parents will really appreciate. Even new parents who have everything can use some help or a meal!

Do you have other suggestions for gifts new parents really want? Leave them in the comments!

More ways to support new parents:

• 10 Ways to Help New Parents
• How Grandparents Can Help New Parents with Meals
• What Parents Wish Grandparents Knew

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