With a crop of relatives and friends expecting babies in the next few months, I’ve got babies on the brain. And since my job involves finding the coolest baby gifts, you can bet I’ve got tons of options right at my fingertips.
So whether you’re adding to your own gift “registry,” or looking for something for someone else who’s expecting, here’s how I shop for baby gifts. Just don’t tell my friends, okay?
Keepsakes
For close friends and relatives, I love the idea of giving a keepsake, especially if I know they’ll have their registry more than covered or it’s their second (or more) baby. I’ve been a long time fan of Ida Pearle prints, but my newest favorite keepsake idea this beautiful custom name hoop by Merriweather Council (pictured), which combines retro fabrics and personalized embroidery to make a really lovely gift. And it’s fairly easy on the wallet too.
Registry Staples
Sometimes, I’ll buy a gift right off a person’s registry, but I admit, it’s rare. What I will do is take a peek at what they’ve asked for, and then give them something in that category that I loved. Take these awesome bibs. A little nicer (and bigger) than what I’ve seen at larger baby department stores. And I love the aden+anais swaddlers(pictured). Many moms don’t know to register for them, but they really changed our lives. Yes, a good swaddling blanket can do that.
Gag Gifts
I always like to have a few gifts in my back pocket that are for folks who have a sense of humor. I love this There’s a Nap for That onesie (pictured), which is perfect for geeks, but this Baby Make Me a Drink book cracks me up every time I see it. Sometimes, especially for that 3rd or 4th time mom, a good laugh is the best gift you can give.
For more awesome baby gift ideas, you can check out our Baby Shower Gift Guide, as well as follow our Welcome Baby! Pinterest board. And tell me, how do you pick the perfect baby gift?
Thanks so much for posting this! My cousin is having a baby and Ive been poring over etsy trying to find something to get as a gift that she will love and the wall print is PERFECT!
Didn’t cool mom picks post ‘your’ etsy find yesterday???? Hmmmmn. Points for originality haha…
My go to baby gift is always swaddlers-either a four pack from Aden&Anais, a heavier one from Masala baby, or a unique one from bambino. They really are the best gift
I love sentimental children’s books like Max Lucado’s “Just in Case You Ever Wonder” and “Let me hold you longer” by Karen Kingsbury
Books are always my go-to especially for 2nd or 3rd babies. People always complain about too many clothes or too many toys but no kid ever has too many books! They’re also my go-to Christmas and birthday presents.
Something I like to do (especially for 2nd, 3rd or beyond babies) is give a gift to the mom rather than the baby. She may already have all the baby gear and clothes she needs. Plus she deserves some love and pampering! Here is a list I have gone off for great gifts for new moms.
Great Gifts For New Moms
http://..........com/list/chiefmom/great-gifts-for-new-moms
Some of my favorite board books like “goodnight moon” are always appropriate. I also love personalizing growth charts that hang on walls when parents know the childs name in advance. Diapers + wipes are always a welcome gift, even if they’re aren’t the most creative of things, you know they’ll get used!!
I’m a mommy with a makeup problem…http://..........com
Ha Natasha! What a coincidence!
I just loved it so much when I found it for Cool Mom Picks, I had to share it here. I’m obsessed!
And I love the idea of books, everyone!
I always buy off the reigstry. If they didn’t want or need it, they wouldn’t have registered for it.
Batteries. All kinds of batteries. It usually baffles new moms but they get it later on when they discover everything requires them.