When someone is expecting a baby or had one recently, it can be difficult to choose the perfect gift to give for the special occasion. Your first thought may be to hand over diapers, onesies, bottles or other new baby essentials. However, it’s very likely the parents already have a huge stash of these items from either the baby shower or the shopping they’ve been doing in preparation for their little bambino’s arrival.
Instead of the same old, same old, give gifts that will make life somewhat easier, and are relaxing or fun (because let’s face it, being up with a baby 12 times in one night is far from enjoyable). Whether you’re springing for a gift for your daughter, son, sibling, in-law, friend, coworker or spouse, these are the best gifts for new moms and dads.
Best Gifts for New Moms
1. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
It’s not uncommon for moms to experience postpartum back pain or pain that occurs as a result of lugging a baby around everywhere. The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is one of the best gifts for new moms who need pain relief. This little pillow massager has powerful nodes that deliver a deep, kneading massage, with or without heat. Moms can use it behind the neck, on the abdomen, the upper or lower back, the calves, or wherever she’s feeling achy.
2. Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer will make meals easier and quicker for busy moms. It comes with two lids, a pressure cooker lid and an air fryer lid. That makes for 11-in-1 cooking versatility. This multi-cooker does it all: air fry, pressure cook, steam, slow cook, sauté, roast, broil, sous vide, bake, warm and dehydrate. It can handle whatever’s on the menu—crispy chicken wings, juicy pot roast, fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly steamed veggies or something in between. The Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is easy to use with 11 smart programs that allow cooks to set it and forget it. There’s even a delay start function. The multi-cooker holds up to eight quarts, perfect for families. And since Instant Pot is all about safety, this one sports 10-plus built-in safety features, including a safety lid lock and overheat protection. To make a great meal even better, add on the Instant Zest Rice and Grain Cooker. With an eight-cup capacity, it cooks white rice, brown rice, oatmeal and quinoa. It also steams and warms food.
3. Parker Baby Diaper Caddy
With the Parker Baby Diaper Caddy, parents can keep all their diaper-changing essentials in one place. The caddy is roomy with removable interior dividers and eight exterior pockets. So, there’s space for diapers, baby wipes, diaper creams, a changing pad, pacifiers, toys to keep baby occupied, and clothes (for those super-messy, must-change-outfit occasions). The handle on the Parker Baby makes it easy to carry from one room to next, which parents will appreciate greatly. Another good thing moms love about this caddy is it’s useful even after the diaper phase. Parents can use it to store and carry books, toys or road trip snacks.
4. iRobot Roomba i7
Vacuuming is not at the top of a new mom’s to-do list, but she still wants to keep her floors crumb- and dirt-free. Enter the iRobot Roomba i7. This bad boy helps with the vacuum duties, freeing up mom’s time for other things. This robot vacuum works on carpets and hard floors. With Smart Mapping, the Roomba i7 learns the home, so parents can control which rooms it cleans, on which days and at what times. The vacuum even lets owners establish “Keep Out Zones,” areas it should avoid. The smart vac’ works with the iRobot Home app, Alexa or Google Assistant. And a big bonus: It recharges as needed and then picks up right where it left off, continuing until the job is complete. Believe us, this is a helping hand all new parents need. The lucky recipient of this gift will be singing your (and the Roomba’s) praises to everyone she knows.
5. Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller XL
If you know a mom who’s looking to get in shape after having a baby, the Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller can help her work up a sweat. Designed for babies who are at least five pounds and kids up to 50 pounds, the jogging stroller accepts all Graco infant car seats with a quick one-step attachment. The three air-filled rubber tires hug the road to provide a smooth and safe ride for the baby, and the locking front swivel wheel makes for easy turns and stability. Thanks to the parent’s tray that has two cup holders, a cradle for a phone, and a covered storage compartment, and the removable child’s tray with a cup holder, both mommy and baby will stay well hydrated and comfortable during walks and runs. Once done with her sweat session, mom won’t have to fight with the stroller to put it away. The FastAction Fold works exactly as its name implies. It only requires one hand and one second to fold it.
Related: Best Double Strollers for Travel
6. Amazon Home Services House Cleaning
Want to give mom (and dad) a break? Amazon Home Services House Cleaning is one of the best gifts for new parents. The service will send professional cleaners to the parents’ home to tackle their dirty work. Simply enter the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the type of cleaning products (standard, eco-friendly or products provided by the customer). Amazon has already done the legwork of finding trustworthy and skilled cleaners. It runs a comprehensive background check on all the businesses it works with, and each cleaning technician must pass a criminal background check. All businesses are also licensed and insured. The cleaning package includes general cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, the kitchen sink and counters, floors, stove cleaning, bathtubs, vanity, toilets, bedrooms and more. You can also add on any special requests (which may change the price of the service). For heavier jobs, Amazon offers Deep Cleaning or Spring Cleaning. There’s no rush to use this service, either; parents can schedule the cleaning for any time within 90 days of purchase.
7. Mommy’s Sippy Cup
Hey, babies have sippy cups, so why can’t moms? Mommy’s Sippy Cup is sure to provide much-needed comfort, whether at home or on the go. The 12-ounce cup has double-wall vacuum insulation to keep beverages hot or cold. It’s perfect for wine, coffee, tea, juice, lemonade, beer, cocktails or water. Like the best baby sippy cups, this adult version (and its lid) is BPA-free. Also, the stainless-steel cup is unbreakable and it won’t rust. Mommy’s Sippy Cup is available in the colors blue, hot pink, rose gold and mint.
Best Gifts for New Dads
8. Daddy’s Diaper Duty Apron
This gag gift is sure to get laughs at the baby shower. The Daddy’s Diaper Duty Apron comes with everything dads need to complete a diaper change: a soil-resistant apron for wayward sprays, a face mask, rubber gloves, colorful clothespins, a diaper and a toy for the baby. And just for kicks, the apron has two “nimples,” bottle nipples dad can use in case of an emergency.
9. Canon EOS M200
Any parent with a new baby is sure to snap photo after photo. Sure, dad could just use his cell phone; however, a photo taken with a real camera looks so much better. The Canon EOS M200 gives parents the ability to take exceptionally stunning high-quality photos of their little cuties. The mirrorless camera has a 24.1 Megapixel image sensor, superb autofocus and a 3-inch Touch Panel LCD screen that tilts up and down. Just what dad needs when he’s trying to take a group selfie with his family. Since babies aren’t always the easiest to photograph, this camera scores points for being compact and easy to use. Dad can hold the camera in one hand while holding a rattle in the other to try to elicit that gummy smile. The Canon EOS M200 also does 4K video recording, perfect for capturing all of baby’s firsts. Finally, one of the best features of this camera is the silent mode, which produces no shutter sound. That means dad can take pics without scaring or waking baby.
Related: The Best Cameras for Vacation 2021
10. Columbia Carson Pass Backpack Diaper Bag
Some men don’t want to carry a “mommyish”-type diaper bag. Luckily, there are plenty of men’s diaper bags out there, including the Columbia Carson Pass Backpack Diaper Bag. It’s smaller and less bulky than many other dad diaper bags, but still roomy enough to carry the basics. The backpack has multiple interior and exterior pockets, including an insulated one for a bottle and a pacifier pocket. The included padded changing mat makes diapering on the go easy. With adjustable straps and clips to attach it to a stroller, the Carson Pass Backpack Diaper Bag allows dad and baby to travel in style and comfort, whether they’re walking or rolling.
11. Fridababy FridaBalls Boxer Brief
The new dad may not know it yet, but having a baby (and eventually a super energetic toddler) means he will sometimes get kicked in a very sensitive area. The Fridababy FridaBalls Boxer Brief is a good gag gift that dads may actually find useful. Available in sizes small through extra-large, this underwear has a removable reinforced foam cup to protect a man’s family jewels. They’re comfortable, too, with a snug, yet stretchy waistband and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
12. TBG Tactical Baby Carrier
For men seeking a “manly” way to embrace the practice of babywearing, the TBG Tactical Baby Carrier is a good choice. It’s rugged, durable and looks like it’s made for the toughest men. The Tactical Baby Carrier is designed for babies who weigh from 8 to 33 pounds. Depending on the developmental age, dads can wear the baby in the inward- or outward-facing position. Despite its tough appearance, this baby carrier for dad is a softie. It’s lightweight, has adjustable and padded support straps and a cotton-padded removable, washable liner. Both baby and dad will be content. The Tactical Baby Carrier is available in black, black camo, ranger green and coyote brown.
13. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Wait, hear us out on this one. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are one of the best gifts for new dads who need sleep to function at work the next day. These earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 32 decibels, which can reduce the sound of a crying baby and allow dad to get a better night’s sleep. Mack’s earplugs are ergonomically-shaped and made of soft foam so users can snooze soundly without discomfort. One thing we like about these earplugs is they come in a plastic jar that contains 50 pairs, so there will be plenty of earplugs for mom when it’s her time to rest and dad is on baby duty.
14. Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker
For those times when dad is the one pulling an all-nighter with the baby, the Keurig K-Select Coffee Maker can help give him a boost in the morning. This coffeemaker can brew single cups of coffee, tea or hot cocoa in 6-, 8-, 10- or 12-ounce sizes. It’s super quiet and easy to use. Simply fill the reservoir with water, open the lid, put in a pod, close the lid, select the brew size and have a delicious beverage in minutes. If he likes a bolder coffee, the Strong Brew button can make that happen. With hundreds of different K-Cup flavor options, the new dad is sure to be serving up the hot stuff at every opportunity.
Tamekia Reece lives in Houston, TX with her husband, son and two spoiled Shih Tzus. She and her family love road trips. Her most memorable one is a cross-country trip to California with a van full of kids and teens. Tamekia has written for Parents, Woman’s Day, GoodHousekeeping.com, Prevention.com, American Airlines, and more. You can view her writing at TamekiaReece.net.
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