Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative (and let’s be honest, nerve-wracking) experiences life has to offer. When a friend or family member shares that they’re expecting, it’s only natural to want to support them by giving them a thoughtful gift. While onesies and bottle warmers are practical, they may not have that special and meaningful touch you want. We’re going beyond the basics and exploring some unique, heartfelt gifts that will surprise and support the soon-to-be parents in your life.
1. A Custom-Made Memory Book
Sure, everyone loves baby pictures, but creating a memory book that starts before baby arrives adds a special twist. A journal or scrapbook where expecting parents can document each pregnancy & baby milestone—from ultrasound pictures to the nursery setup to documenting baby’s firsts—can become a priceless keepsake. You can even include a few pre-written prompts, like “Today we felt you kick for the first time” or “Today you smiled for the first time” to make it feel extra personal and easier to know what to fill in. This helps give expecting parents an outlet to capture memories they might otherwise forget in the whirlwind of pregnancy & early parenthood.
2. A Meal Subscription Service (Because, yes, they may forget to eat)
The first few weeks and months of parenting can be exhausting. Between feedings, diaper changes, and catching a few minutes of sleep, cooking often becomes one of the last priorities. A meal subscription service that delivers healthy, easy-to-prep meals right to their door can be a lifesaver. Look for options that accommodate dietary preferences and offer nutritious, balanced meals they can just heat and eat.
3. Childbirth & Parenting Support Classes
Few gifts can ease an expecting or new parent’s nerves like access to educational parenting resources. Classes that cover not only childbirth but every stage and milestone can make parents feel prepared & confident for what’s to come. Classes like Tinyhood’s online classes offer expert-led education on a range of topics from pregnancy into toddlerhood—covering everything including childbirth & postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby care, infant & child CPR, sleep, child development, potty training, and more. Plus, online classes can be shared with caregivers (like grandparents or babysitters), so they too can learn the latest in newborn care & safety to feel more prepared for this new chapter.
4. A “Favorite Things” Basket
A new baby can come with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and taking care of oneself often falls by the wayside. A custom basket with all of your favorite comfort items is a personal way to show the new parent that you’re thinking about them and their transition to parenthood. You could include your favorite:
- Cozy blanket for snuggling on the couch
- Large water bottle for staying hydrated
- Breastfeeding accessories (if you’ve been there and have favorites)
- Yummy-smelling hand soap to make all that handwashing a little more fun
- One-handed snacks for easy grab-and-go eating
- Coffee, because… newborns = no sleep
5. Video Streaming Service
In the early days of parenting, you spend a lot of time (both day and night) cuddling and feeding a newborn. So having a good show or movie to watch can be helpful. Find out if the parents you are celebrating have a gap in their streaming lineup and give them a few months of a binge-worthy service. Make sure to include a list of your favorite shows & movies so they have some good recommendations to get them started.
6. Food Delivery Gift Card
Yes, this is another food-related item because “forgetting” to eat really does happen with a newborn at home. A gift card for their favorite to-go food or food delivery service can be a lifesaver during those early days. This allows new parents to order anything from a coffee to a full-blown meal and get the luxury of enjoying food from one of their favorite places.
7. Cleaning Service
Things pile up quickly with a newborn in the house. Whether it’s for one big clean, weekly, or monthly, providing a new parent with the gift of a clean home can relieve a big part of the mental load. Check in with the parents to determine their comfort level, and if possible, go so far as to set up the cleaning at an agreed-upon date—that way they know it’s coming and can rest easy, knowing they’ll have a clean house again soon.
8. Newborn Photo Session
Help the new parents capture the fleeting magic of the newborn days with a photo shoot. You can search for newborn photographers where the parents-to-be live, purchase a session, and let the new family schedule the shoot when it's convenient for them. This gift does double duty—it preserves memories and gives parents a special keepsake they can treasure as their little one grows.
9. Baby Milestone Marker Set
Milestones are a big part of a baby's first year, and many parents love capturing & documenting them. Gift a set of milestone markers (think: “First Smile,” “First Steps,” “First Tooth”) so that they can easily document each one. These add personality to milestone photos and make it easy for parents to look back at each small win.
Each of these gifts speaks to a different part of the journey into parenthood—from practical needs to preserving memories. If you want your gift to stand out as meaningful and memorable, choose something that resonates with who they are and the unique adventure they’re about to embark on. After all, the best gifts go beyond material items—they show empathy, understanding, and support for what lies ahead. Whether you’re gifting a class, a meal plan, or a personal keepsake, your thoughtfulness will be felt for years to come.
