Babies are hard to buy for. Afterall, it’s not like they can make their own wishlists! But newborns deserve awesome gifts, too — as do parents-to-be! While it’s super easy to purchase a pair of PJs (with zippers, not snaps — trust me) and call it a day, think about some alternative gifts for newborns and expecting parents that will provide super fun play experiences for the teeniest babies, while also making life a little easier for exhausted caregivers. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items for infants, from toys and subscription boxes, to high chairs and play gyms. This list includes items that will fit a variety of budgets, from gift toppers to special splurges. Check out our top picks below (in no particular order).
BOHO CHIC 2-IN-1 ROCKER
For parents and caregivers looking to keep their natural home aesthetic free of rainbow color palettes and high-contrast playthings, the minimalist and lightweight Boho Chic 2-in-1 Rocker is — as the name implies — incredibly chic. It easily shifts between a rocking seat and a stationary seat with three recline positions for baby's comfort. It's…
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ESCAR-GLOOOOOW
Have you ever seen a cuter gastropod? Once babies begin to crawl, encourage them to move with this super adorable rolling snail toy. A multi-sensory experience, the snail features balls that pop as it rolls along, plus it has multi-colored LED lights for a rainbow lighting effect. Little ones can push down on the handle…
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BUSY BABY SILICONE PLACEMAT
It's an age-old tale: Put a toy in baby's hand, and it's on the floor in the blink of an eye. The Busy Baby silicone placemat is a non-slip placemat designed to keep toys, pacifiers, and accessories in place and off the floor. The mat features a small tray-style area at the top and includes…
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THE LOOKER PLAY KIT
This kit helps newborns build brain connections with high-contrast images and black-and-white sensory mittens. It also comes with a mobile, a silicone rattle, stroller accessories, a play guide full of development information, and more.
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SWEET SNUGAMONKEY CRADLE ‘N SWING
Let's be real: Parents deserve a break — after all, babies can get heavy! This dual-motion baby swing provides the perfect place for babies to rest within sight of their parents while also staying relaxed and engaged. The electronic swing sways from side-to-side or front to back and features a variety of soothing music and…
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3-IN-1 TUMMY TIME ROLL-A-PILLAR
Honestly, it doesn't get much cuter than this. Level up tummy time with this adorable caterpillar pal. With three ways to play, the soft caterpillar encourages baby's development from tummy time to crawling to rolling play. Babies can rest on the rolled-up caterpillar to work on strengthening neck, shoulder and back muscles. They'll stay engaged…
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TRANQUIL TURTLE
Soothing babies to sleep is serious business, but it's getting a little dash of cute with this unassuming, sleepy turtle. The Tranquil Turtle helps calm babies at bedtime (and naptime) by projecting an underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion on the walls and ceiling. Caregivers can choose from two soothing sounds: tranquil melody…
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RAINBOW FABRIC BALL
One of the most classic toys of all time is getting a sensory upgrade: the ball! Haba's Rainbow Fabric Ball is thoughtfully designed and provides age-appropriate stimulation for baby's development. It features eight colorful fabric sections, each with a different texture, design, and sound; such as rough, smooth, ridges, solids, stripes, rustle, rattle, squeak, and…
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BABY EINSTEIN 4-IN-1 KICKIN’ TUNES MUSIC & LANGUAGE DISCOVERY GYM
This musical gym features four play modes: laying, sitting, tummy time, and take-along, aging up with baby from birth through 3 years old. It has more than 70 different sounds and more than 25 minutes of music, along with seen detachable toys that caregivers can hang from the toy bar or attach to the mat.…
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SOFT SENSORY BALL SET FOR BABIES
Sometimes, simple toys are the best toys. This Soft Sensory Ball Set from Coco Village can help babies ages 6 months and up develop their hand-eye coordination as well as fine and gross motor skills. Each ball features different shapes, colors, and textures. Perfect for gift-giving, the gender neutral set sports a natural, orange and…
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COTTON MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET SET
Swaddle in style. These 100% cotton muslin blankets are perfectly sized for swaddling at 47- by 47-inches. The lightweight and breathable fabric gets softer with every wash, and the modern grey and white color palette is perfect for any baby. Parents and caregivers will love the subtle stars, planet prints, and soft grey styles. The…
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SOOTHE ‘N SNUGGLE OTTER
This sweet and snuggly baby otter is perfect for soothing babies at bedtime. It features extra soft plush and a unique breathing action that mimics the rhythmic motion of a parent's breathing to help soothe baby to sleep. It also features a satin tail for tactile stimulation, soft lights, and gentle music. The electronics module…
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ERGOBABY CLASSIC HOGWARTS OMNI 360 BABY CARRIER
Accio, the coolest baby carrier of all time. For Potterhead parents, this is the perfect gift to show off some fandom flair while comfortably carrying baby. This incredible all-in-one carrier grows with baby from week one to 48 months (AKA 4 years old — talk about a gift that lasts). Not only does it feature…
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MONTESSORI NEWBORN KIT
Parents and caregivers want to set their babies up for success, and Montessori-approved toys are a sure-fire way to make sure little ones are learning while they play, even at just a few weeks old. The Montessori Newborn Kit from Monti Kids includes a beautiful selection of infant toys and parent support materials designed by…
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COCOON Z HIGH CHAIR
This incredible high chair grows with babies from newborn through to the toddler years. More than just a high chair, Cocoon Z features three recline modes, so parents and caregivers can use it as a lounger, a high chair, and then a dining chair when kiddos are ready to join the grownups at the table.…
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CALMING VIBES HEDGEHOG SOOTHER
This chunky, cuddly pal is perfect for families on-the-go. The hedgehog features a sweet face, cozy fabrics, and gentle music and vibrations to keep kids calm while traveling (or even at home). Caregivers can set any of the four music and vibration settings, plus utilize the volume control and the 10-minute timer. The electronic module…
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EVI SMART BASSINET
Shopping for new parents who are also techies? The Evi Smart Bassinet from TruBliss is the perfect high-end gift. More than a standard close-to-the-bed sleeper, this bassinet boasts state-of-the-art technology to help calm and put baby back to sleep — afterall, new parents need all the help they can get. It features unique motion, light,…
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SENSE & GROW SENSORY TISSUE BOX
Perfect for keeping kids engaged and developing fine motor skills like pulling, sorting, and crinkling, this fuzzy, weighted tissue box comes complete with six cotton crinkly tissues, and six sheer tissues, six tulle tissues, a cotton crinkly tissue, a felt crinkly tissue, and a corduroy crinkly tissue. The box itself is super bright and colorful,…
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DELUXE KICK & PLAY PIANO GYM
Whether babies are lying on their backs, practicing those tummy time skills, or learning to sit up, this musical, super bright play gym will keep them busy. This Fisher-Price classic is new and improved and features vibrant colors, baby animals, and lots of musicality. This packed-with-play-value mat features an adjustable toy arch, repositionable and detachable…
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BABY GUND SLEEPY EYES OWL SOOTHER
Nothing matters more in the early newborn days than everyone getting as much sleep as possible! Help out new parents with this sweet, soothing owl plush pal. The animatronic bird features sleepy eyes and plays soothing sounds and tranquil melodies. It also has gentle lights to help relax baby. Caregivers can customize their baby's sleep…
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LEAF GROW
This little swiveling seat is packed with value. Perfect for newborns, babies can relax and stay safe thanks to the three-point harness and three recline positions. It also features a removable toy bar complete with three neutral-colored plush toys. This seat is free from motors, batteries, cords, and noise, providing an unplugged, soothing experience for…
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4 PLUSH BABY SOFT RATTLE SET HAND GRAB SENSORY TOYS
True newborn toys are hard to come by, and this one hits every mark for baby and for new parents. This set includes four plush baby rattles, each with a unique animal design. The soft cotton is gentle on baby's skin and the bright colors help develop eye tracking skills. Babies can also squeeze each…
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BABY WHOOZIT
This sensory toy is perfect for on-the-go and can connect to a stroller, high chair, or play mat. Baby Whoozit is a double-sided toy complete with seven high-contrast arms with many hidden noise makers including rattles, squeakers, and crinkle paper that will perk up little ears. It even features multiple shapes and colors for learning…
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BOHO CHIC LUXE DEVELOPMENTAL GYMINI
Not your average play gym, the Boho Chic Luxe Gymini features a double-padded activity mat that will blend in beautifully with natural home decor. It comes with a standalone wooden arch that's captivating for little ones in the early days when they're lying on their backs, and also when they're in the sitting/crawling stage. The…
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MATCH & ROLL SHAPE SORTER
Wooden toys are big with parents and caregivers who are looking for playthings made from sustainable, safe materials, and Melissa & Doug is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to classic toys made from quality materials. This brightly colored wooden shape sorter represents a playful twist on a classic toy. Babies can drop…
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SWADDLE AND HEADBAND SET
For new parents, these adorable swaddle and headband sets are the perfect gift for those “welcome baby” hospital photos, or just an at-home Instagram photo session. Made from Posh Peanut's signature Päpook viscose from bamboo, these moisture-wicking swaddles are breathable, lightweight, stretchy, and extra-large — just look at all that fabric! Parents can also use…
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WINKEL
Part rattle, part sensory toy, and part teether, the Winkel is 100% fun. This zany-looking toy features colorful loops that are made from soft, pliable plastic, making it easy for baby to grasp and hold. Caregivers can even pop it in the refrigerator and use it as a soothing teether as babies get older. It's…
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SILICONE AVOCADO TEETHER
Avocados are so in right now. This super cute avocado can help soothe the pain of teething. The silicone teether features a soft, textured design that comforts baby's delicate gums. It also provides stimulus to the lips and tongue to keep baby engaged. Each teether is sized to be easy for baby to grasp and…
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ROCK ‘N ROLLER PIANO
Little ones can use the included mallet for melody-making fun as they create their own tunes on this colorful piano. They can also flip to the other side and spin the wheels for more fine motor play. Little ones can use the included mallet for melody-making fun as they create their own tunes on this…
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THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR WOODEN TRAIN SET
Bring the World of Eric Carle to life with this wooden toy that easily doubles as a beautiful piece of nursery decor. The charmingly detailed train set includes three wooden train cars and colorful blocks and animal-shaped pieces, including a lion, a bear, an elephant, and a caterpillar. Babies and toddlers can stack the pieces…
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COLORFUL & SENSORY STATION
This activity table comes with seven interactive features, including 1-2-3 buttons, a butterfly book, a light-up piano, a ball drop, and more. Features music, lights, and educational elements to encourage motor skill and sensory development. This activity table comes with seven interactive features, including 1-2-3 buttons, a butterfly book, a light-up piano, a ball drop,…
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NINTENDO GAMEBOY SILICONE TEETHER
‘90s kids, rejoice! Bumkins designed a Gameboy you won't cringe over when a baby puts it right in their mouth. The Nintendo Gameboy silicone teether is made from flexible silicone that's perfect for when baby needs some soft pressure on their gums. It provides some teething relief (especially when chilled) while allowing your baby to…
