Buying a gift for your friends or family members seems to be easier when they don't have kids. Once they become parents, however, their kids become their main priority and the gifts they receive will need to take this into consideration. What you once would have thought to be the perfect present for them may not be the best gifts for new parents. If you don't have kids of your own, this can be even more of a challenge. This list will give you a few ideas of some gifts you might want to give your friends if they have kids.
Birth announcement décor
Whether it's a pillow or wall art, creating a customized birth announcement for your new parent friends can be a great idea. Include the baby's name, birth date, time of birth, weight at the time of birth and where they were born for a thoughtful gift.
Professional photo session
While the new parents are probably snapping tons of pictures of their new bundle of joy, most won't have the extra money to spend on professional images. This is a timeless gift that you can give them that they will cherish for years to come.
Stroller
All that baby gear is quite expensive, so helping them out with some of them can be a huge relief. Strollers can be a stress reliever for any new parent and if your friend or family member loves to run or jog, getting them a jogging stroller will allow them to continue with their running routine. While this can be expensive, it's a great gift that some of you can pitch in for.
Night lights or noise machines
Chances are with the new baby, your friend hasn't had a good night's sleep in weeks or months. Night lights and sound machines can be the answer to helping them getting their baby to sleep and keeping them asleep.
Diaper cake
Diapers are a necessity for any parent. As a new parent, there is no such thing as having too many diapers and a diaper cake is a cute and creative way to give those new parents exactly what they will need plenty of.
Baby Basket
Getting a lot of small items that every parent needs can also be a great idea. One of the gifts for new parents you can give is a customized basket of all the baby essentials. From combs, baby shampoo to nail clippers and blankets, you can get a number of small items and then arrange them in a cute basket to give.
Safety items
Every parent knows they need to childproof their home but some wait to do this task until they know their little one will be moving around. Getting them all their baby proofing needs for their home from outlet covers to table bumpers can be something they can use later and not have to stress about getting.
Slow cooker
Most moms will agree that with the non-stop action they are enduring every day, stopping to make dinner is an inconvenience. The slow cooker is often every mom's best friend; you can also look for one that offers pressure cooker options that will cut their meal making significantly.
Handmade baby items
Blankets, booties, hats, and clothes that are handmade are a truly unique gift to give any parent. If you are crafty, consider knitting or crocheting something that you know will be one of a kind.
Date night gifts
A nice bottle of wine with some pasta and sauce can be a great gift basket to give your couple friends. Since most of their time will be consumed with taking care of the baby, you want to them to be able to enjoy some time with each other. If they aren't the cooking type, get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant when it's convenient for them.
Gift certificates
It may not seem like you put much thought into this as one of the gifts for new parents, but it can be more helpful than most other gifts they will receive. Gift certificates can allow parents to get the things they really need or to help pay for things they might be running out of. You can get gift certificates to their favorite stores or ones that act as a credit card that can be used anywhere.
Spa treatment
Give a gift that will allow the parents to take some time to relax and recharge. A spa day, message or even a mani and pedicure will be highly welcomed and loved by any parent, new or not.
Books
Giving books as a gift can be ideal for your reader friends. Whether it's a set of children's books, parenting books or just something from your friend's favorite authors, you can't really go wrong with books.
Teethers
Anything that will make the teething process easier for the parents and more comfortable for the baby will be highly appreciated. Teething rings, freezable cloths, beads or anything else the baby can chew on to relieve the pain is ideal. You can create a nice gift basket with different teethers and add in a baby tooth brush and organic teething tablets to soothe the baby's gums.
Emergency stash
Buying an extra diaper bag and stocking it with all the essential for mom or dad to keep in the car will make running errands easier for them. An emergency stash gift can be just about anything the parents may run out of or simply need on hand like a first aid kit, bathing essentials, pain relief stash or simply something for mom and dad like snacks, candles, and bath salts.
Meals
If you are really stumped on preparing the gifts for new parents, sometimes a home cooked meal is all they need. Chances are making dinner isn't on the top priority list for new parents, so making them something they can freeze and eat for later is perfect. If you are attending or throwing a party for the new parents, then ask all the guest to bring a freezer friendly meal they can enjoy once the baby arrives.
Food processor
Give the new parents something they can use over and over both for the baby and themselves. A food processor will come in handy when they are starting their child on solid foods since they will be able to make their own baby foods which will also save them money. You can purchase a standard food processor or find one that is designed specifically for making baby foods.
Baby keepsakes
Baby journal, scrapbook, photo album or milestone tracker are something any new parent will be able to treasure for years. You can't really go wrong with a gift like this since they are something they will use for years and will love looking over as their baby grows.
Monitor
If they don't have a monitor already, chances are they will be happy to get one. Having to constantly check on the baby will make getting anything done more difficult. A monitor will allow mom and dad to get more done at home without having to run to the baby's room every five minutes.
Coffee maker
Even if they have a standard coffee maker, give them one that upgrades their morning brew. Whether they are a coffee a day drinker or a once in a while coffee drinker, a coffee maker is something they may not consider getting themselves, but once they have one, they will be really thankful.
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