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40 Best Baby Gifts for Any Occasion (and Budget)

From adorable onesies to tiny toys and trinkets, browse our picks of the most precious presents for little ones.
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By Cassie Kreitner, Senior Editor
Updated April 18, 2023
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Image: Melissa + Doug
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Whether you’re on a quest for the perfect present to welcome a newborn into the world or looking for something for a first birthday celebration, choosing the best baby gift can be tricky. And if the parents-to-be have already had a baby shower and their registry is pretty picked over, the search is all the more challenging. Our advice? Go for something that’s thoughtful and useful—and you get bonus points for personalization. Of course, it’s also important to buy something that’s age-appropriate for baby. After all, there’s no point in buying an intricate activity center for a one-month-old!

Need some shopping inspiration? Check out our picks of the best baby gifts, including useful gear, trendy toys, cute clothing and more. (And if you need more ideas for great parenting products and must-haves, check out our Best of Baby winners!)

Pint-sized shoes

Some of the best baby gifts are pint-size versions of adult favorites, like these mini Chuck Taylor’s. Parents will relish the early opportunity for a matching moment with these adorable crib sneakers. They come in sizes starting at one month, making them a good gift for newborns too.

Personalized storybook

Dream Big, Little One
Image: Wonderbly
Buying Options
Wonderbly|$39.99

Stock the nursery bookshelves with this thoughtful baby gift idea: A customized picture book. Wonderbly has a fabulous collection of personalized book options with bright colors and fun illustrations, like this magical bedtime story starring baby as the main character. It’s the perfect baby gift to help new parents instill a love for reading from day one.

Montessori toy kit subscription

The Looker Play Kit
Image: Lovevery
Buying Options
Lovevery|$80 per kit

A present that keeps on giving, this toy subscription is one of the best gifts for babies and tots. The science-backed play kits are designed to support each age and stage of development, from birth to toddlerhood. Lovevery is also a Best of Baby award-winner for three years running! And gifting is easy too: Simply provide baby’s birthdate and choose how many boxes you’d like to send, and the educational toys will be delivered straight to your recipient of choice.

Soothing swing

This is one of the best high-end baby gifts for new parents. Why? Because it’s a small price to pay for how much relief it will bring them. The swing has five adjustable speeds that mimic the movements of real-life caregivers to soothe baby. It’s the perfect piece of gear to help parents get some things done around the house (at least, for a few minutes!).

Baby milestone chalkboard

Pearhead Baby Milestone Chalkboard
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon|$23.94

Crafty and DIY-minded parents will adore a baby gift like this erasable chalkboard. It can be used to mark milestones in daily, weekly, monthly and annual photos—and there’s plenty of space to note baby’s latest accomplishments, like how many teeth they have, new likes and dislikes, height, weight and more.

Smart sleep device

Rest 2nd gen
Image: Hatch

It’s safe to say that at the top of any new parent’s list—aside from having a happy, healthy baby—is a few hours of quality shut-eye. A sound machine can help them achieve this goal. They’ll be able to control the white noise, sounds and volume from their phone. Moreover, the machine has a dimmable night light and a library of expert-approved songs and stories to help little ones drift off to sleep.

Bath essentials gift set

White Hot Duck Tub Gift Basket
Image: Munchkin
Buying Options
Munchkin|$149.99

Just like the original safety duck from Munchkin, this inflatable bathtub alerts you when the water is too hot for baby. As if that wasn’t good enough, the gift basket is stocked with other must-have baby items, like bottles, feeding essentials, bath toys and even a nasal aspirator.

Outdoor play blanket for baby

Little Unicorn 5 inch by 7 inch Outdoor Blanket
Image: Target

How about this floral print outdoor blanket from Little Unicorn? The water-resistant quilt is perfect for beach days and picnic outings and is large enough to fit two adults and a baby with some room to roam. It folds into itself for easy transport and is machine-washable too, making it a great baby gift for families on the go.

Infant memory book

Searching for a sentimental gift for baby? Check out this memory book by Lucy Darling. Filled with whimsical illustrations, writing prompts and slots for photos, this journal is sure to become a treasured keepsake. It spans baby’s first year in-depth—and even has a few pages dedicated to major life events, like their first morning at daycare.

Knit swaddle

Aspen Knit Swaddle Blanket
Image: Copper Pearl
Buying Options
Copper Pearl|$26.95

These blankets are extremely versatile, making them one of the best baby gifts as they’ll get so much use. They can serve as swaddles for sleeping, but they also work as stroller shades, nursing covers, burp cloths and security blankets.

Artisan-inspired toy set

Gift Set Petit Artiste
Image: Maisonette

Spark an early interest in the arts with this sweet baby gift. The set includes a too-cute stuffed bunny, an all-natural teething ring and a soft, crinkle book full of museum-inspired illustrations. Your little one will love exploring the visual, tactile and auditory delights that this present has to offer.

Mini layette set

Hospital Cuddle Box
Image: Monica + Andy
Buying Options
Monica + Andy|$40

How about a snuggly set of newborn basics? The mini layette set by Monica and Andy comes with a knot cap and a receiving blanket crafted from the finest organic cotton. For a unique touch, add an embroidered name or monogram for an extra $15.

Engaging plush fish toy

Flip Fish Baby Toy
Image: Melissa + Doug

Here’s another tactile toy parents and kids love: The flip fish by Melissa and Doug. This multi-textured plush toy has crinkly scales, a squeaky tail and a shatterproof mirror to engage baby during tummy time.

Timeless teether gift set

One of the best baby gifts is this classic set by Sophie la Girafe. The popular giraffe toy comes in a beautifully presented gift box beside a mini teether with easy-to-grab handles. Each item is made from all-natural rubber and is suitable from birth onwards.

Welcome home gift basket for baby

Baby Arrival Gift Set
Image: The Honest Company

This gift set from Honest has everything new parents need for diaper changes and bath time. It comes with diapers, wipes, shampoo, body wash, a soothing balm and more. Even if parents were gifted care essentials at their baby shower, it’s still one of the best baby gifts—these everyday items get used up fast.

Organic cotton mobile

Meri Meri Safari Baby Mobile
Image: Amazon

Crib mobiles make good baby gifts, and we’re smitten with this one from Meri Meri. Four sleepy safari animals, knitted from organic cotton, dangle from a simple bamboo hoop—how sweet!

Interactive stuffed animal

Every little one should have a plush toy they can call their own. And this adorable elephant does more than sit and look cute—its ears come to life at the push of a button. Baby will get a kick out of playing peek-a-boo and singing along to “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” with this adorable baby gift.

Versatile bib set

Days of the Week Boys Bib Set
Image: Kissy Kissy
Buying Options
Kissy Kissy|$72

Who says practical presents have to be boring? Not us! This bib set is made from soft Peruvian pima cotton with an absorbent terry cloth backing to wipe up dribble and wayward nibbles. Adorned with the days of the week—alongside a cute critter—you can count on these bibs being one of the best baby gifts that’ll get a lot of use.

Textured learning toy

Fat Brain Toys Baby and Toddler Learning Toy PipSquigz Loops
Image: Target

Fat Brain Toys has tons of innovative gifts for baby. Our top pick? These bendy, chompable, suction-cup creations. Baby can attach and release the cups to make a satisfying “pop” noise, rattle the loops and squeeze the bendy stem for sensory stimulation. Better yet, it’s made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, so teething infants can also gnaw on it to soothe sore gums.

Illustrated name print

Woodland animal name illustration print
Image: JustineKimmer | Etsy

Celebrate baby’s individuality with a custom art print from Etsy. This woodland theme would be lovely for fall babies, but the artist offers tons of different illustrations to suit every style and season. The best part? Prints can be personalized with a name, date of birth and birth weight or even a special message.

Too-cute bath towel set

Super Soft Animal Baby Hooded Towel and Washcloth Set
Image: Pottery Barn Kids
Buying Options
Pottery Barn Kids|$49

How cute is this baby bath bundle? With a hooded animal towel and a matching washcloth, this is one of those best baby gifts that's sure to make a splash at bath time. The set is made from super-absorbent terry, with cotton sateen binding for extra-soft post-bath snuggles. Plus, the gender-neutral design is great for little boys and girls.

Sensory ball

Montessori Sensory Clutch Ball - Wild
Image: Peeka & Co.

Sensory toys are popular baby gifts as they can be used from a very young age. Designed to delight infants, this ball boasts multiple textures and patterns rendered in high-contrast colors. The squishy texture and grabbable segments make it a fascinating toy for developing children.

Botanical-themed play gym

Garden Oasis Activity Gym
Image: Skip Hop

An activity gym is a must-have for any new parent. Why? It’s fun and entertaining and offers a safe space for tummy time and overhead play. This pick by Skip Hop engages baby’s senses with over 17 developmental activities. It’s also super plush and comes with five garden-themed hanging toys.

Baby table setting

Truth be told, the best gifts for infants are often items parents will use every day. Case in point: This feeding-essentials set by ezpz. Suitable for use from 4 months on, it comes with a silicone cup, bowl and utensils to help baby along the path to independent eating habits. Bonus: Use code BUMP15 to get 15 percent off sitewide.

Soft PJs

Crazy Plant Organic Cotton Pajamas
Image: Burt's Bees Baby

You can’t go wrong with gifting baby pajamas, and Burt’s Bees Baby offers a wide selection of footies and PJ sets for little ones. This botanical print is perfect for boys and girls alike, and it comes in an array of sizing options. Better yet, it’s made from 100 percent cotton for baby’s comfort.

NYC-themed gift set

New York City Gift Set
Image: Uncommon Goods
Buying Options
Uncommon Good|$50

Inspired by the Big Apple, this unique baby gift bundle is a surefire winner. The four-piece set includes a silicone “food critic” bib, a NYC-themed board book, a bagel-shaped teething toy and wool pizza booties. Trust us, parents will love this present whether they’re seasoned New Yorkers or first-time visitors.

Sensory teether toy

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
Image: Amazon

This teething toy has thousands of five-star ratings—and with good reason. The parent-approved pick features a mesmerizing maze of BPA-free tubes for baby to chew on—plus, the lightweight design is easy for teeny tiny hands to hold on to. Ringing in at under $10, it’s an affordable baby gift to boot.

Plush guitar toy

Vibrating Guitar Grasp Toy
Image: Uncommon Goods
Buying Options
Uncommon Goods|$30

Have a little rockstar in the making in your life? Then this baby gift is sure to be a hit. The plush toy features various textures for infants to explore, and it even vibrates when the bottom cord is pulled. Get ready for plenty of baby smiles and giggles with this present!

Organic baby food delivery gift card

Sunflower Butter and Jelly
Image: Little Spoon

Next up is a unique baby gift that parents are sure to love. Little Spoon is a meal delivery service that specializes in fresh, organic purees and small bites for little eaters. With a gift card, your loved ones can pick an array of meals and snacks for baby, and have them delivered to their doorstep in no time.

Pacifier teething clip

LouLou Lollipop Silicone Teether GEM Set
Silicone Teether Gem Set
Image: Loulou Lollipop
Buying Options
Loulou Lollipop|$26

For the pal whose brunch of choice is always avocado and eggs, give them a present that’ll remind them of their favorite meal once baby starts gumming toys. Loulou Lollipop is known for their playful collection of food- and animal-themed teethers and swaddles (like this adorable llama!. Parents will definitely be glad you gifted this silicone-grade toy; before they know it, they’ll have a teething baby on their hands.

Premium-quality blanket

ABC Personalized Baby Blanket
Image: Pottery Barn Kids

A blanket is a classic gift for infants. This sweet, personalized pick is sure to be a staple in baby’s bedroom for years to come. The neutral design features the alphabet, with the first letter of your little one’s name highlighted in color. Choose from several cute shades, like pink, aqua and chambray blue.

Snuggly security blanket

Sleepyhead Lovey
Image: Little Sleepies
Buying Options
Little Sleepies|$20

A lovey holds a special place in a child’s heart. One of our favorites is this buttery soft security blanket from Little Sleepies. The sleepy bear features a sweet embroidered face, and a bamboo-viscose blanket that’s perfect for snuggles. While baby won’t be able to sleep with it until the 12-month mark, this super-soft blanket is still sure to be a treasured cuddly companion.

Cute milestone cards

Wooden Boho Daisy Flower Milestone Cards
Image: harperandlo | Etsy
Buying Options
Etsy|$27.99

The best baby gifts for new parents are often the most unexpected options. Take these boho-chic milestone cards, for example. The double-sided design comes with acrylic numbers so you can beautifully document baby’s first year. Parents will love looking back at these monthly photos when baby’s a full-grown tot!

Soft, textured activity cube

Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Learning Cube Multisensory Soft Baby Activity Toy
Image: Amazon

Did you know that newborns see in shades of black, white and gray? That’s why high-contrast toys are endlessly fascinating to baby. With six sides of different sensory activities, this Wimmer-Ferguson activity cube is designed to engage baby from birth onwards. Better yet, the black and white design—with a few pops of color—encourages visual development and pattern recognition.

Adorable crib sheets

Beach Day Sheet Set
Image: Nestig
Buying Options
Nestig|$55

Having a baby at home comes with a lot of laundry, making an extra set of crib sheets a unique baby gift that parents are bound to appreciate. These are inspired by a relaxing day at the beach. One sheet features a fun print, while the other is a solid blue; both are made from soft, GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Colorful custom puzzle

Personalized Name Puzzle with Animals
Image: BusyPuzzle | Etsy
Buying Options
Etsy|$11.99

For a modern twist on a retro toy, opt for this personalized puzzle. Made from wood and finished with water-based ink, this peg puzzle can be personalized with baby’s name. It’ll also promote language development, thanks to the smiling animal pieces.

Personalized board book

Baby Board Book
Image: Artifact Uprising

Make storytime even more special with this customized board book. Thanks to the easy-to-use themes and layouts, creating a one-of-a-kind story for baby will be a piece of cake. You could use it to introduce infants to family members, pets, places or any other theme you have in mind.

Baby carrier

Omni 360 Baby Carrier - Mesh
Image: Ergobaby

Next up we have a gift for infants and parents. This baby carrier is a Best of Baby award-winner, thanks to its lightweight design, built-in lumbar support and breathable mesh material. Best of all, it adjusts to fit newborns to toddlers, so caregivers will be able to use this present for many adventures to come.

Customized night light

Personalized Night Light with Moon and Stars
Image: YourNameYourLight | Etsy
Buying Options
Etsy|$34.99

Create a calming sleep environment for baby with this personalized night light. Choose from several unique designs, like the moon and a cloud, a butterfly or a rocket, and add your little one’s name for a standout present. What’s more, it will also help parents by providing a bit of light for late-night diaper changes or feeds.

Sensory bath toys

ZOO Stack and Pour Buckets Baby Bath Toy
Image: Skip Hop

Last but not least is a bath toy set that’s sure to bring baby plenty of joy. Each bucket has a playful animal face and features small holes at the bottom to create a fun sprinkler effect. Better yet, this baby gift can also be used as an outdoor plaything or a beach toy.

How We Chose the Best Baby Gifts

We get it—gifting isn’t always a piece of cake, and it can be hard to find a standout present for the new infant in your life. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable product that’ll meet your loved one’s needs.

To decide which products are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

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