Hey savvy gift-givers, are you wondering what to give those soon-to-be parents in your life? While there’s so much out there on offer that might be Instagram-worthy, let’s be real, first-time parents need the practical stuff to tackle the daily chaos and cuteness.
I know the struggles first-time parents face (been there!), which is why I’ve lined up 10 budget-friendly gifts under $100 that'll make you the saviour of sanity for these lovely rookie parents.
Each gift in our list tackles the real-life needs of new parents – from navigating the nappy-changing battlefield in the dark to introducing the little munchkin to the world of solids, I've got the lowdown on essentials. And it’s not just another sponsored ‘baby essentials’ post; these are actually things I find valuable.
Bibs and burp cloths - An absorbent must-have
Babies are tiny bundles of joy and bodily fluids. That's why a stash of bibs and burp cloths is like gold for new parents. You can never have enough of these lifesavers, and parents will want them on-hand 24/7!
Whether it's dealing with drool, spit-up, or snot, these trusty essentials are ready for action to save both bub’s and their parents’ clothes. Big packs of the old-school terry towelling nappies are an excellent and affordable option to have permanently draped over mum or dad’s shoulders.
Washcloths - Embrace the mess
In the world of parenting, mess is just a part of the package. That's where the simple and unassuming washcloth comes in handy every single day. Perfect for gently cleaning up tiny hands before and after meals, tackling sensory play aftermaths, or opting for an eco-friendly alternative to wipes, a stockpile of washcloths is a timeless essential for the grubby yet adorable years to come.
Starting solids kit - A milestone game-changer
Time flies, and before you know it, the exciting yet daunting milestone of starting solids will roll around. New parents, often overwhelmed and sleep-deprived, might not have this on their radar.
Gifting a starting solids kit ensures they have the necessary gear for this big leap without the stress of last-minute scrambling. Think bowls, cutlery, a messy mat for the floor, food storage containers, bibs, cups, and a starting solids guidebook (you can grab our evidence based digital guide for free here for a helpful addition to this gift).
Naturally I'm going to recommend my own starting solids kit here, because I am absolutely in LOVE with it! My Playful Pack can work with parents to support baby-led weaning, traditional feeding, and combined feeding (because chances are these parents haven’t made the decision yet about which approach they want to go with).
These food-grade silicone feeding products are not only cute (they come in 6 adorable colours - Blueberry, Seafoam, Juicy Orange, Marshmallow, Marigold, and Peachy Keen), but they have the biggest stamp of approval from paediatric feeding and speech therapist, Emma - that’s me! You can be sure you’re getting a fabulous gift that will provide these parents with peace of mind, and get them excited about kick-starting their child’s feeding journey.
Check out the kit here! Oh, and don’t forget to add to the kit one of my Catch & Clean Silicone Bibs…and you’ll still have change from $100.
Simple pram organiser - On-the-go efficiency
For those spontaneous moments when new parents need to dash out for coffee or grab a few groceries without lugging the entire nappy bag, a simple pram organiser is a total game-changer.
Pack a sweet little bag with a portable change mat, nappy clutch, and a back-up of essential nappy change supplies, and they'll never be caught short during their grab-and-go moments. Hey, why not give them 3 or 4 of these! One to leave in the car, one for the nappy bag (to ensure there’s always spares if they forget to replenish it - it happens!), and a couple to scatter around the house.
Zippy onesies - Easy changes, happy parents
You don’t want a tired new parent to be fumbling in the dark at 4am or wrestling with a wriggly baby who's not a fan of nappy or clothing changes, only to have to deal with 12 press studs on their outfit.
Give them the ultimate gift they’ll be thanking you for every day! You can't have enough onesies or grow suits with two-way zips - they’ll probably go through at least three per day, considering the inevitable nappy blowouts and post-feed milk incidents. Best parenting tip from me? Have a good supply of zippys.
Clothes in larger sizes - Grow with the flow
Babies grow faster than a blink, so having a stockpile of clothes in larger sizes is a smart move. Choose ones without fiddly buttons, or tricky access for nappy changes – just adorable and practical outfits ready for each new stage. Check the sizing against the seasons to keep those little ones comfy and stylish (go with neutral colours if you’re not sure of the parents’ taste in baby clothes).
Feeding/nap-trapped caddy - Mama's command centre
For the hours and hours spent in the feeding or contact nap chair, a caddy with all the essentials is a thoughtful gift. This is the ultimate survival kit for a new mum, and could include:
- Nourishing snacks, such as protein balls.
- Straws for drinks so the bevvy can reach mama’s mouth without spills (wouldn’t want to wake the sleeping beauty).
- A nice water bottle to keep her hydrated.
- A gratitude journal and pen, to help her through the tough days.
- Baby grooming kit (while they’re feeding is the perfect time to trim their nails).
- Nail file and hand cream for mama (her skin will be dry as she’ll be doing a lot of hand washing).
- Snuggly socks to keep her comfy.
- Lip balm (her lips will be ridiculously dry all the time).
The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr Pamela Douglas. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all new parents!
Baby carrier/slings/wraps - Hands-free happiness
In the realm of must-haves, a baby carrier is the ultimate essential for a multitasking mama. The type of carrier, sling, or wrap is usually a personal preference, so be sure to check in with the mama-to-be. This sanity-saving must-have allows mum to tackle daily tasks hands-free while keeping the little one close - which is the preferred place for almost all newborns.
First-Aid kit - A parenting safety net
Safety first, always! A first-aid kit tailored to the baby will help to reduce any anxiety when bub suddenly gets sick or injured. Include essentials like a digital thermometer, baby paracetamol, saline solution, teething ring, snot sucker (it’s a thing!), and an ice pack.
Plus, you could print off a handy first-aid guide along with emergency contacts. Even better, book them a paediatric first-aid course. It's a thoughtful and practical gift that will provide the knowledge and tools for any unexpected bumps in the road, particularly for later on when their baby becomes mobile, and when they start solids and the fear of choking is high.
Play mat - Baby's personal paradise
Give new parents a designated spot for their little one with a cosy and machine-washable play mat. Having one in each room is key to keeping bub amused while the parents get on with other tasks around the house – from the kitchen to the bathroom, and even a portable one for outings and picnics. A mat provides a comfortable and safe space for play, tummy time, and those adorable first wiggles.
There you have it – a curated list of practical gifts that cover everything from the messy moments to on-the-go necessities and cosy corners.
These essentials are not just items; they're tools that make the rollercoaster ride of parenthood a bit smoother. So, gear up for gifting and make a new parent's journey into the world of babyhood a joyful and well-prepared adventure!