Best Baby Gifts for Newborns

Updated by Jordan White

Did your friend and family member recently share good news with you? Let me guess: they’re expecting! And while you’re happy for them, you’re probably also a little stressed. Now, you have to find a baby shower gift. And that can be challenging, especially if this is your first time shopping for one. What do you get a baby? Or, should the gift be more for the parents? These are both excellent questions and luckily, we can help shine some light on how to pick a gift. We’ve also highlighted some thoughtful baby gifts available on Cratejoy — take a look:

123 Baby Box Monthly Subscription

123 Baby Box Monthly Subscription

From $39.99 per box
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What You’ll Get: The motto of 123 Baby Box is a sentiment sure to bring a sigh of relief for any new parent: “Nobody is there to hold your hand during parenthood, but we sure will!” Each subscription box is tailored to your baby’s age and developmental stage, ensuring that babies receive new, innovative products that make caregivers’ lives easier and the baby's life more fun from day one—including a gift for mama in each box. The ideal present for a springtime baby shower, 123 Baby Box is finding the parenting tools you didn’t know you needed: from sippy cups to owl-shaped baby soothers.

Shipping: Please order by the 30th to get the current box.

Customer Review

“Sent this box to a co-worker who just had a baby. She loved everything in the box, there was something for everyone.” — Dawn M.

Babies In Motions Box

Babies In Motions Box

From $40.95 per box
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Shipping: We start shipping at the beginning of every subscription month (December, February, April, June, August, October). Please subscribe by the 14th of the month prior (November,January, March, May, July, September) to the subscription month to get the current subscription box.

Baby Discovery Box

Baby Discovery Box

From $60.00 per box
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The first year of a baby's development is such a precious time. Baby Discovery Box has everything you need to celebrate, adapt, and help you through your little one's first year from one month to twelve months old. From board books to give them an early start to reading and listening to science-backed toys that will encourage your baby's brain development, each box includes all types of goodies to help every new parent through the important stages of the first year.

Shipping: .

Baby Milestone Box

Baby Milestone Box

From $16.66 per box
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Get ready for those month-by-month, snuggly seasonal photoshoots with ease thanks to the Baby Milestone Box from Momma-razzi. The ideal Easter gift for a snap-happy, Instagram-loving new momma who was dreaming of her baby’s outfits long before they were earthside, each box is filled with themed props that caregivers can quickly set up to take beautiful pictures of baby’s first year—no prep required!

Shipping: Ships on the 4th every month

Customer Review

“I am so obsessed with this subscription! We’ve done 2 so far starting when my daughter was 7 months old. I don’t plan on stopping this subscription ever!” — Sarah W.

Board Book Club For Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-3)

Board Book Club For Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-3)

From $17.50 per box
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Shipping: Existing orders will ship by the 20th of each month. New orders will be shipped within 3-5 days. We ship all orders via USPS Media Mail (3-10 days). Change the reading level anytime. We guarantee against duplicate books let us know and we will replace them free.

Oh Baby Boxes

Oh Baby Boxes

From $35.99 per box
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By focusing on the special needs of pregnancy and new motherhood, Oh Baby Boxes is the baby subscription box that makes it that much easier to transition into this exciting new role. Custom-tailored to each mom's due date, every box is specifically curated to align with their specific stage of pregnancy, bringing a mix of 6-8 handpicked full-size pregnancy and self-care products like healing teas, healthy snacks, mom-approved baby necessities, journals and fun accessories.

Shipping: Free Shipping! First box ships immediately within 1-3 business days of your order, and subsequent boxes ship between the 15-20th of each month if you remain subscribed!

Customer Review

“I received my first box and loved it. The products were very good quality for the subscription price. I look forward to seeing the next box. I will be renewing my subscription.” – Lanitra W.

The Rad Dad Box

The Rad Dad Box

From $43.00 per box
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Like a starter kit welcoming him into the world of fatherhood, The Rad Dad Box is filled with first time dad essentials. It’s a small business that prides itself on high-quality baby toys and small batch self-care goodies.

Shipping: June and December boxes ship earlier in the month so you will receive them before Father's Day/Christmas.

Customer Review

“This truly a wonderful gift for a new Dad! A great way to encourage special father/baby moments of bonding.” -Sharmin Q.

Best Practices For Baby Showers

The first step to picking a baby shower gift is knowing your budget. Determine how much you’d like to spend, and then stay within that budget. Then, check to see if the expecting parents have a baby registry. Some people will create this to make shopping easier for the giver, but not always.

If there’s a registry, do your best to pick something from there, as the parents probably decided on those items for a reason.

If there’s no registry, that means you have some creative freedom. Even still, focus on finding gifts the expecting parents will appreciate. Remember that you want these gifts to make their lives easier as new parents. For example, the Balanced Snack Box . Each subscription includes five to eight full-size healthy snacks, like protein bars and popcorn. We know this may seem different than a typical baby shower gift. But having snacks on hand for mom and dad will go a long way in helping them stay healthy as they take care of their newborn.

The New Mom & Baby monthly subscription box is another great baby shower gift. Not only is it great for mom, but baby too. Each box includes a full-size product of their natural skincare and baby product line. Whether it’s a bath bomb, body oil, or lotion, every product is made with the highest quality ingredients.