The 15 Best Gift Ideas for New Parents 2020

Yufan Zhang - Apirl 20 2020

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Being a first-time parent is overwhelming, period. Raising and caring for a newborn is one of the most challenging experiences that a couple or individual will ever go through. As the mother of a ten-month-old, I found that the best gifts I received are those that made my life easier and allowed me to relax and unwind as much as possible. If you are looking for a practical gift for new parents, you will see a list of 15 items I found useful in the blog below. The price of these gifts range from under $20 to $100. 

Under $20

$20-$40

$40-$60

$60-$80

$80+

Budget under $20

Photo Source: https://www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca

1.  Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush

This toothbrush is as cute as it is practical. It can be used as both a teething toy and a toothbrush, and it will help your child establish good oral hygiene habits at a young age. The banana toothbrush is BPA-free and is made of 100% flexible silicone. The easy-to-grasp banana peel handles make it easy for babies to hold onto and can prevent choking. 

Photo Source: https://lydianichols.com/I-Thought-I-Saw-a-Dinosaur-Children-s-Board-Book

2. I Thought I Saw a Dinosaur! Board book

Your little one will definitely enjoy reading and playing with this cute interactive slider back. The sliders can be easily moved to reveal the dinosaur hiding in each scene. Is it behind the sofa? Or in the shower? The beautiful artwork with bright colors makes family story time more fun and playful for both parents and their baby. You can find other series that are published by Templar Book.  

Photo Source: https://www.babiesrus.ca

3. Kushies Crib Sheet

Baby crib sheet makes a great gift. Spitting up is a regular occurrence for babies who are younger than 6 months old because their digestive systems haven't fully developed yet. On average, parents need to change the sheets every three to four days, so it is always helpful to have a few extra clean bed sheets on hand.  

Budget from $20 - $40

Photo Source: https://www.toysrus.ca/

4. Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Flip & Fun Activity Gym

The Fisher Price activity gym is budget friendly and perfect for babies tummy time. This mat is bright colored and filled with cute animal faces and numbers. The high contrast black and white patterns on the arch are beneficial to babies’ sensory and brain development. The fabric is easy to clean and machine washable. A new parent will appreciate having this gym mat that can keep their baby engaged and entertained while they get their chores done. 

Photo Source: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/

5. Skip Hop Baby Changing Station

This portable changing station is perfect for a quick outing or regular use at home. It has a built-in storage compartment with room for a few diapers and wipes so you won’t need to bring your whole diaper bag with you when you go for a walk or grab a cup of coffee. You can just clip the station onto your stroller and go. The change pad itself is easy to wash and can be rinsed in the sink if needed.  

Photo Source: https://www.westcoastkids.ca/

6. Love To Dream swaddle up

My little one absolutely loved this Love to Dream swaddle that allowed him to sleep with his arms up. This swaddle helps to prevent startle reflex and also leaves babies’ hands free so they can self-soothe with their own fists. It was such a wonderful gift to me. When my son was about 2 months old and started rolling over, I had to stop using regular blankets to swaddle him. At that time, I really needed him to have a few more hours of uninterrupted sleep and this swaddle was a game changer.

Budget from $40- $60

Photo Source: https://shopca.norwex.biz/

7. Norwex baby hooded towel set

This Norwex antibacterial Microfiber towel set is extra gentle and soft on a baby's skin. The absorbent material will dry your baby fast and keep her/him warm after bath time. The hooded towel is perfect from baby’s head all the way down to their precious toes. This gift will certainly be appreciated and receive a lot of use.

Photo Source: https://www.lamose.ca

8. Customized mug with laser-engraved baby footprints or handprints

Newborn baby footprint and handprint kits are very popular among new parents. A custom engraved mug with baby footprints or handprints is a unique and creative gift idea. You can also add the baby's name and birthdate to make it truly special. LAMOSE insulated mugs keep your drink hot up to 2 hours and cold up to 4 hours. So even with all the distractions and interruptions that come with being a parent, you will never have to worry about your hot drink cooling off. This truly special mug is sure to put a smile on their face whenever they reach for it. 

Photo Source: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013P1MCXI/?tag=dodoburd3-20

9. Summer Warming Waterfall Bath Tub

This bath tub can be used from newborn to two years old, which saves the hassle of having to buy multiple sizes. You can remove the infant bolster to create more room as the baby grows. The removable parent tray also allows you to keep bath essentials you need nearby.

Budget from $60-$80

Photo Source: https://www.bestbuy.ca/

10. Google Nest Mini

Some people might suggest buying a baby noise machine. For a similar price, I found a google nest mini to be a better option. It can play a variety of soothing sounds that will help their baby fall asleep and stay asleep. The parents can also continue to get use out of it long after their baby has outgrown the need for comforting sleep sounds. 

Photo Source: https://www.bestbuy.ca/

11. Dr. Brown's MilkSPA Breast Milk and Bottle Warmer

Dr. Brown’s Milk Warmer warms up breastmilk and formula to the perfect temperature and helps to preserve essential nutrients in breastmilk or formula. Using a microwave oven to warm up a milk bottle might risk burning your baby’s mouth because it can cause “”hot spots”. Additionally, high temperature in a microwave oven could destroy nutrients. This milk warmer is the perfect gift to ensure their baby is getting the most out of their milk. 

Photo Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-massage

12. A one-hour postnatal massage service 

A relaxing and restorative massage eases muscle aches and fatigue, reduces swelling, relaxes the mind, and reduces stress. It is a great gift idea that can help a new mom handle the physical demands of a newborn. The price of a massage varies greatly by region. In Calgary, the average price for a one hour postpartum massage is $80.

Budget from $80-$100

Photo Source: https://classifieds.usatoday.com/blog/services/secret-hiring-house-cleaning-service-youll-love/

13. Amazon house cleaning service  

This gift will need to be coordinated with the parents beforehand, but there is nothing that new parents will appreciate more than being offered the chance to relax while someone else cleans their house. You can book online through the Amazon app. Prices will vary by the location and house size. 

Photo Source: https://www.braunhealthcare.com/ca_en/thermometers/forehead/3-in-1-no-touch

14. Braun non-touch forehead thermometer with age precision

Braun forehead thermometers are perfect for checking on your baby’s health. It has age settings for 0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36 months-adult, so you don’t have to worry about the baby outgrowing it. This theremeter can also be used to measure the temperature of baby’s food and bath water. 

Photo Source: https://www.bestbuy.ca/

15.  VTech 5" Video Baby Monitor with Night Vision and Two-Way Communication

Having a reliable baby monitor can comfort the parents while the baby is sleeping in the nursery. The 5” screen allows them to see a clear view of their baby at both daytime and nighttime. The monitor has two way communication so they can communicate with their child when they are in another room or out in the yard. It also has a built in temperature sensor to indicate if it is too hot or cold in the nursery.