Whether you’ve been invited to attend a baby shower or a christening, finding the perfect gift to bring to these events can be challenging. After all, it's not as though babies can write out a list of everything they’d like, and expecting/new parents have enough on their plate already.

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Fortunately, that’s where this guide comes in handy. Read on to discover the best gifts for new parents or parents-to-be!

Gifts to help all of the family get enough sleep. While sleepless nights tend to come hand in hand with caring for a newborn, gifts that promote healthy sleeping habits for both the parents and the children are sure to receive a warm reception.

For example, you could purchase an adorable mobile that can be placed above their crib, providing them with visual stimulation when settling down for the night. Alternatively, you cannot go wrong with baby throws, blankets, or even teddy bears. If you’re looking for something for the parents themselves, why not purchase an indulgent spa gift set so that they can truly unwind each evening?

Gifts that help new parents to relax. Relaxing as a new parent can be difficult, no matter how much sleep they may be able to get. Fortunately, there are many gifts that you could purchase to support them during this time. For example, you could provide them with peace of mind when putting their little one down for the night with a high-quality baby monitor. This way, they can keep a close eye on them without necessarily being in the same room 24/7, giving them a chance to take care of their own needs, too.

Alternatively, you could purchase a range of parenting books or guides. This is a particularly great gift for first-time parents as it will help them to prepare for the more unexpected challenges of parenthood while settling any worries or anxieties they might have about caring for a newborn.

Other relaxation-based gifts could include things such as scented candles, which can help to create a relaxing atmosphere within the home.

Gender-specific gifts. If the parents hosted a gender reveal party or shared the gender of their new bundle of joy ahead of time, then gender-specific gifts are also an excellent choice. This is because, no matter what products you decide to buy, your gift feels a little more personalized to the baby!

Furthermore, there are plenty of baby gift ideas for girls, from toys to books and everything in between, which could make it easier to find a gift that feels as though it is the right fit!

Gifts that help them to look back on magical moments. Any parent can attest that babies grow into children (and then into adults) within the blink of an eye. As such, they are also sure to appreciate gifts that will provide them with the opportunity to look back on these magical moments in the future.

For example, this could include a baby book where they can write down different details about the child, such as their weight at birth, alongside other key milestones, such as the date they took their first steps or said their first words. Ideally, you should purchase a baby book that has space for photographs.

Alternatively, you could turn their favorite baby photographs (or sonograms) into a framed print or canvas. This means that they’ll always be surrounded by some of their most precious memories, whether they hang the photographs in their entryway or bedroom.

Gifts that their child will grow into. As mentioned above, babies grow incredibly quickly. This often means that clothes that seem to fit them one day are impossibly small the next. As such, buying clothing that their baby will grow into is always useful, especially when most gifters will be focusing on newborn clothing and accessories.

This can help parents save a lot of money in the long run, as they don’t have to buy new clothes for their growing child every few months! If you find it hard enough to pick out your own clothes, let alone clothes for other people’s children, consider buying them a voucher instead. This way, they can pick things out as and when they need them.

Gifts that cannot be unwrapped! Sometimes, the best gifts you can receive to mark a special occasion or not those that can be unwrapped. For example, you could give them the “gift” of your time instead by offering to babysit their child on a date of their choice or to help with tasks that they may not currently have time for, such as cleaning, cooking, or even grocery shopping. While this may seem a little unorthodox, you’d be surprised at just how much new parents will appreciate this kind of support, especially if they feel as though they are running on empty! This is also a great gift choice for those who are working with a lower budget, as you’re investing your time as opposed to your money. Either way, remember that it is the thought that counts.

Gifts that can be personalized. The gifts that mean the most are often those that are personalized, as it shows that the gifter has put a lot of thought into what they are buying as opposed to grabbing the first thing they lay their eyes on. When it comes to buying gifts for new parents or parents-to-be, there are plenty of personalized gifts to choose from.

For example, once they have decided upon a name for their bundle of joy, you can have a wide range of gifts personalized to feature this - whether that’s a blanket/throw, baby grow, or even a stuffed animal. Be sure to check the spelling ahead of time to avoid any awkwardness, especially as you cannot always return personalized items.

Final thought. In short, there are many options to choose between when buying gifts for new or expecting parents, whether you’re hoping to treat the mom/dad themselves or their newborn baby! However, it is important to remember that it is the thought that counts above all else, and they are sure to love whatever you buy.