The Best Baby Gifts That Won't Just End Up Collecting Dust (or Returned!)

My cousin is 30 weeks pregnant, and so far, she has been gifted 32 baby blankets. Apparently, everyone and their brother thinks blankets are the gift. We’re here to tell you they’re not—the best baby gifts are thoughtful, practical products that will help the whole family transition to life with an infant at home.

To create our list of recommendations, we asked 875 parents and caregivers about the favorite gifts they’ve received for their babies. We also added a few baby products we believe are must-haves, many of which we’ve tested in our lab or at home. We also spoke to fellow parents and experts about the gadgets and gear they find most useful, and what they value most in a baby gift.

Our Favorite Baby Gifts 

• Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack
• VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube
• Frida Baby Basics Kit
• Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later.
• Lovevery The Charmer Play Kit

Toy for Babies

If you ask any kid, the consensus is that they can never have enough toys. While we're not sure that's entirely true, we do agree that an age-appropriate toy is a good gift idea. Some of our favorite toy options have an extra layer of functionality, like a plushy that doubles as a sound machine or a toy that helps make teething just a little easier.

Fisher-Price Baby Sound Machine Soothe & Settle Bunny

$43 $36 at Amazon $37 at Walmart $43 at Macy's

Melissa & Doug Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym

$115 $95 at Amazon $80 at Target $66 at Walmart

Gund Disney Pooh and Piglet Knit Plush

$35 $32 at Amazon $35 $28 at Macy's $35 at Jcpenney.com

Baby Einstein Kickin' Tunes Play Gym

$50 $45 at Amazon $45 at Target $50 $45 at Walmart

Melissa & Doug PB&J Take-Along Toy

$15 at Amazon $15 at Walmart View on Melissaanddoug.com

Lovevery The Charmer Play Kit

View on Lovevery.com

Manhattan Toy Put and Peek Birdhouse Soft Activity Toy

$41 at Amazon $42 at Target $43 at Walmart

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

$18 at Amazon $20 at Walmart

BannorToys California State Rattle

$25 at Etsy

Fisher-Price Baby Learning Toy Link Squad Bop & Groove Tiger

$38 $13 at Amazon $35 $20 at Walmart $35 at Kohls.com

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

$60 at Amazon $90 at Walmart $40 at Riteaid.com

Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring

$8 at Amazon $9 at Target $8 at Walmart

Fisher-Price Animal Activity Jumperoo

$100 at Amazon $100 at Target $95 at Walmart

VTech Sit-To-Stand Learning Walker

$40 at Amazon

Baby GUND Flappy The Elephant Stuffed Animal

$45 $22 at Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $25 at Target

VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

$20 at Amazon $19 at Walmart

SmartNoggin NogginStik Light-Up Rattle

$24 at Amazon $24 at Target

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

$8 at Amazon $11 at Walmart

Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

$10 at Amazon

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Duo

$20 at Amazon $29 at Wayfair View on Fatbraintoys.com

Baby Gear

It seems like new baby gear hits the market every day. And while parents don't need every single new product that drops, there are a few things that everyone has on their registry. A convertible car seat is an incredibly useful gift that will save new parents a ton of money. Or, for a more budget-friendly option, you can spring for a diaper pail. Trust me, their noses will thank you!

Newton Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper

$300 at Amazon View on Newtonbaby.com View on Babylist.com

DaVinci Penny Recliner and Swivel Glider

$449 at Amazon $450 at Target $449 at Walmart

4moms Breeze Plus Playard

$300 at Amazon $300 at Target View on 4moms.com

Munchkin Sparrow Stroller

$220 at Amazon $220 at Target $155 at Walmart

Arm & Hammer Munchkin Step Diaper Pail

$74 $60 at Amazon $60 at Target $60 at Walmart

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

$200 at Amazon $200 at Target $200 at Walmart

RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine

$60 at Amazon

Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

$60 at Amazon $60 at Nordstrom $60 at Target

Baby Shusher The Sleep Miracle

$35 at Amazon $35 at Target $35 at Walmart

Nestig Crib

View on Nestig.com

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

$260 at Amazon $260 at Nordstrom View on Babylist.com

Stokke Clikk High Chair

$179 $144 at Amazon $179 $144 at Nordstrom $180 at Target

Skip Hop Forma Diaper Backpack

$79 at Amazon $79 at Target $79 at Macy's

Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat

$43 at Amazon $41 at Target $17 at Walmart

Baby Care Essentials

It'll take new parents a minute to get used to the constant feedings, changings, and ever-growing pile of bottles in the sink. While you might not be able to physically lend a hand, you can still make thee fourth trimester a little easier with a helpful gift. We recommend gifting a ton of newborn diapers to ease the new parents' financial burden (since diapers aren't cheap!). Or, to take the guesswork out of feedings, consider gifting a smart baby bottle warmer.

Bumco Diaper Cream Spatula

$7 at Amazon

Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target $36 at Walmart

Royal Angels Baby Baby Nail Clippers

$25 $18 at Amazon $11 at Walmart

The Honest Company Baby Arrival Gift Set

$60 $50 at Amazon $60 at Nordstrom $86 $80 at Walmart

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit

$40 at Amazon $40 at Nordstrom $40 at Nordstrom

First Landings Portable Diaper Changing Pad

$15 at Amazon $23 at Walmart View on Myfirstlandings.com

DYPER Bamboo Baby Diapers

$53 at Amazon $26 at Walmart View on Dyper.com

Blooming Bath Baby Bath

$30 at Amazon $25 at Walmart View on Bloomingbath.com

Nuby 3 Step Soothing Teether Set

$10 at Amazon $6 at Walmart

Dr. Brown's MilkSPA Breast Milk and Bottle Warmer

$60 $36 at Amazon $36 at Target $36 at Walmart

Keepsakes for Babies

Having a baby is one of the most significant milestones in someone's life so we love the idea of a commemorative gift. Preserve precious memories with a picture frame and prints kit that they can hold onto forever. Or, if their little one was born around the holidays, you can opt for a sentimental ornament. Either way, a keepsake makes for a really thoughtful and meaningful gift.

The Story of You

$30 at Amazon

BabySquad Baby Prints Picture Frame Keepsake Kit

$30 at Amazon

Letters to My Baby

$15 $13 at Amazon

NameStories Personalized Art

View on Namestories.com

Savor Baby Deluxe Keepsake Box

$99 at Amazon $97 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids

SweetPrinceGifts Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

$10 at Etsy

Books for Babies

While you may think that infants don't need books because they can't understand language yet, reading to babies is essential. Support the development of the little ones in your life by gifting a beautiful board book or two. You may actually be gifting a life-long love of learning.

‘Oh, What Parents You’ll Be!’ Personalized Book

View on Wonderbly.com

Boynton's Greatest Hits The Big Yellow Box

$28 $16 at Amazon

First 100 Words

$6 $4 at Amazon $4 at Walmart

Artifact Uprising Baby Board Book

$39 at Artifactuprising.com

Clothes and More Gifts for Babies

Let's be real, dressing up a baby in a cute outfit is half the fun of having a new kiddo in your life. There are so many downright adorable clothing options out there. And since babies grow so quickly, you know parents will always need new baby clothes. You can also opt for less commonly gifted goodies like sleep sacks and newborn swaddles. These products can help baby sleep better which ultimately means more peace and quiet for the new parents.

Lalo Baby Feeding Set

$55 at Amazon View on Babylist.com View on Crate & Barrel

Norani Snugababe Swaddle Sleep Pod

$35 at Amazon View on Norani.com

Baby Bling Bow Stretch Headband

$45 at Amazon $33 at Nordstrom

ErinElizaDesign Gender Neutral Rainbow Baby Outfit

$22 at Etsy

Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie

$30 at Amazon

Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Plush Animal Face Robe

$11 at Amazon $11 at Walmart

Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Drool Bibs, 4 Pack

$23 $22 at Amazon View on Copperpearl.com

Pottery Barn Kids Baby Blanket

View on Pottery Barn Kids

HALO Sleep Sack Wearable Blanket

$30 at Amazon $19 at Walmart View on Halosleep.com

Copper Pearl Three-Layer Quilt

$65 at Amazon View on Copperpearl.com

UGG Bixbee Ankle Boot

$40 at Amazon $40 at Zappos $40 at Ugg.com

Morepeas Essential Snack Cup

$25 at Amazon $24 at Target View on Morepeas.com

aden + anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets

$40 $29 at Amazon $60 at Bloomingdales $55 at Macy's

Bella Tunno Suction Plate

View on Amazon View on Bellatunno.com

Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Holder

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target $15 at Walmart

BabyBriefcase Baby Paperwork Organizer

$35 at Nordstrom

L.L.Bean Boat and Tote

$35 at L.L.Bean

JellyCat Soother Bunny

$26 at Amazon $28 at Nordstrom

Grove Collaborative Gift Certificate

View on Grove.co

Uber Eats Gift Card

$15 at Amazon $50 at Walmart

Cubbyhole Toys Personalized Wooden Puzzle Step Stool

$75 at Etsy

Cubotn Baby Gift Set for Newborn - 11PCS

$33 at Amazon

Pearhead Wooden Milestone Blocks

$25 $19 at Amazon

IWEORTHY Swaddle Blanket

$13 at Amazon

Our Review Process

To kick off our search for the best baby gifts we started by surveying 875 parents to see what presents they got the most use out of and what their babies enjoyed playing with the most. We also researched the top trending toys and gear on the market to see what's making a splash in the industry.

From there, we evaluated each product based on it's age-appropriateness, safety, quality, and overall value. We also tested many of these products either in a lab, at home with our families, or a combination of the two.

Factors to Consider When Buying Baby Gifts

• Usefulness: You want to make sure that the gifts you choose won't just be taking up space in the new parents' home. For that reason, opt for presents that have a long lifespan. Consider a convertible carseat or a book that can be read over and over.
• Age-Appropriateness: While it seems obvious to opt for newborn-sized clothing and diapers, age isn't always the best measurement. Besides, babies grow so quickly, it's a good idea to opt for clothing and diapers in a variety of sizes. Think of a diaper subscription service that sizes up with the child. And before gifting any toys, doublecheck that there are no loose pieces or button batteries that can pose a choking hazard.
• Uniqueness: New parents will (hopefully) be receiving tons of gifts. To make sure you're not getting the same presents as everyone else, you might want to opt for something more unique. Plus, it'll make your gift stand out from the crowd more.

Who We Are

Katrina Cossey is an editor, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion as a writer for Parents. She writes about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina used the Fisher-Price Animal Activity Jumperoo to give her arms a small break and provide independent playtime for her son.

Additional reporting by:

Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies and passion for smart media usage allow her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families.