A baby is on the way, and suddenly you find yourself wondering: What do you actually give expectant parents as a gift? It’s easy to buy onesies, but often it’s completely different things that really make a difference in the new family’s daily life.
Gifts that make daily life easier, usefully complement existing baby gear, or give parents a little extra time are especially nice. We’ll show you personal and practical gift ideas for expectant parents—and why renting might be a good option for some items.
Personalized Gifts That Really Help in Everyday Life
- A gift certificate for a housekeeper or a meal together during the first few weeks, when everything is already chaotic.
- Time instead of things: A gift certificate for babysitting as soon as the new parents feel comfortable with it, or for a walk, a dinner together, or simply a little time alone as a couple.
- A homemade postpartum care package: Instead of giving even more things for the baby, you can put together something for the parents. For example, with snacks, tea, personal care products, and a gift certificate from their favorite café or delivery service.
- Memories for later: A gift certificate for a family or baby photo shoot is a personal gift that will bring joy long after the baby phase is over.
Above all, these small gestures show one thing: You’ve thought not only of the baby, but also of the people whose daily lives have just completely changed.
Small but thoughtful accessories as gift ideas
Strollers, infant car seats, and the like are often already chosen before the baby is born. Instead of giving another major purchase, it’s worth taking a look at the right accessories. After all, it’s precisely these little extras that are often forgotten when putting together the initial baby gear but are constantly needed later on.
A few ideas:
- A cozy footmuff is a practical gift idea, especially for fall and winter babies, and makes cold strolls much cozier.
- A rain or sun cover complements the existing stroller depending on the season.
- An ISOFIX base can be a thoughtful group gift if it’s already been decided which infant car seat will be used.
- A cup holder or organizer probably isn’t one of the first items on the baby’s wish list, but it quickly becomes an everyday hero later on. Thanks to the organizer, pacifiers, keys, and other essentials stay within easy reach, and you can easily bring along coffee or matcha on a walk with your best friend.
The Perfect Accessories as Gift Ideas
Our tip: When giving accessories, check beforehand which model the family already has. Adapters, ISOFIX bases, footmuffs, or rain covers may be model-specific. That way, you can be sure the gift under the wrapping paper will actually fit their existing gear.
Or would you rather chip in for a bigger gift together?
If you’re already planning to get an UPPAbaby Ciro high chair, the matching Ciro baby cushion is a lovely addition as a gift. It provides extra comfort and support and can be easily washed in the washing machine after minor or major mealtime messes.
Or you could give a gift for later: The Woom WOW Baby Balance Bike is designed for children starting at about 9 months and lasts until around age 3. A great idea for anyone looking to give a gift that will become really exciting in a few months.
Is the spring cradle already set up?
Then you can still upgrade it a bit with the right accessories. The Moonboon White Noise Speaker creates a relaxing atmosphere at bedtime with a variety of soothing sounds.
The Moonboon Spring Cradle Canopy makes it even cozier: It blocks out light and environmental stimuli, creating a more sheltered space for relaxation.
Instead of everyone giving another little gift, you can pool your resources and, for example, cover the rent together for a certain period of time. That way, many small gifts become one that’s actually put to use in everyday family life.
The StrollMe Gift Card: When You Can’t Decide
Are you unfamiliar with the stroller brand, unsure which infant car seat they have, or would you rather not take a guess? Then the StrollMe gift card is a hassle-free gift idea.
The gift code is sent via email after purchase and can be redeemed for any product of their choice at StrollMe. This way, the parents-to-be can decide for themselves what they really need right now. Maybe some stroller accessories to start with, then a spring cradle, a high chair, or eventually their child’s first bike.
What does StrollMe actually do?
At StrollMe, families can rent baby and children’s products instead of buying everything new right away—from strollers to spring cradles and high chairs, all the way to children’s bikes and matching accessories.
The idea behind it: Many products are only needed for a specific stage of a child’s development. By renting, families can use exactly what fits their daily needs at the moment. When a product is no longer needed, it doesn’t have to be resold or left unused in the basement.
This is especially practical when giving gifts: Instead of buying just any baby gear, you can help the parents get exactly the product they really need right now.
Looking for even more inspiration? On our “Rent Gifts” page, you’ll find more gift ideas for different age groups, from active toys and stacking blocks to a child’s first bike. That way, you’ll always have suitable gift ideas, even after the baby phase is over.
Giving clothes as a gift? Think a little bigger
So feel free to go a size or two larger—for example, size 62 or 68 instead of sticking exclusively to the smallest newborn sizes. That way, the parents will get more use out of it, and the gift won’t get lost among ten other tiny bodysuits.
One more tip: Keep the season in mind. A thick sweater in size 68 isn’t very useful if the baby is likely to be wearing that size in the middle of summer.
