The best practical baby gifts that are still cool

We’ve spent a lot of time talking to new parents and curating the best practical baby gifts, knowing they had to fit our high standards: They should be legitimately practical baby gifts, of course. But they also have to feel gifty and cool. (Always cool!) Like you don’t need us to tell you that parents need the big box store jumbo pack of wipes and butt cream, right? So we don’t.

In other words, these are the gifts that new parents will love to get…and that you’ll also love to give because you’ll be helping them a ton. Hey, new parents need all the help they can get!

Some purchases may help support the work we do at no additional cost to you. We only share what we love.

The Best Practical Baby Gifts: Our favorites this year

A DIY Postpartum Recovery Kit

A blissfully practical baby gift idea. Get creative! Splurge or get thrifty. Give her one item, or put together a whole basket of care-taking goodies. Here are a few starters:

Other practical ideas for new moms: Maxi pads, nipple cream, nursing pads, Kit Kats. (Just us?)

The Ultimate in Family Organization

Skylight Calendar | $139.99 and up, Skylight Frame
If they’ve got more than one kid to keep track of, this calendar is a lifesaver. It’s the most streamlined way to make sure the whole family is on the same (digital) page, from meal planning to doctor appointments to individual kid events. Our readers swear by it.

The Diaper Bag We Love — At a Crazy Discount

JuJuBe Midi Diaper Backpack | $14 on sale, JuJuBe
After 10 years of trying them out, props to Jujube for making a thoughtfully designed diaper backpack with all the pockets, padding, and features you need. That said, it’s $150. If you’re on a budget, check out this mid-sized diaper backpack reduced from $70 to $14. Grab it while you can!

Diapers and Wipes. Lots of Them. The Good Kind.

Diaper and wipes subscription | $90/4 week supply with 10% off auto-renewals, Coterie
Parents are raving about this new brand offering a daytime/nighttime diaper that prevents leaks and blowouts, stays drier longer, and is made to be hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, bleach, and dyes. Whoa.

You might also check out the cute prints in the diaper and wipes subscription from Honest Co.

Better Sleep, Ahhh

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine and Night Light | $59, Amazon
App-enabled, dimmable clock, sleep stories and more — all to help your baby sleep better. And parents too.

Meals They Don’t Have to Make Themselves

There is nothing more practical than knowing you have food when you’re hungry — GOOD food — and it’s prepared and ready to go.

Our suggestions:
–A week (or month) of homemade meals from a group of you.
– Delivery from a service like Ipsa in NYC (above) which delivers ready-made gourmet meals
– A Meal Kit delivery service (Here we’ve compared some of the top options)
-A gift card to a delivery service or their favorite local spot (Hint: New moms miss sushi!)

A Top-Rated Travel System

Graco Verb Click Connect Travel System with SnugRide Infant Car Seat | $164.99, Target
Spoiler alert: You don’t have to spend thousands to get a terrific travel system. This one comes in cute patterns too!
Maybe add in a gas gift card to get them on the road — or at least a gift card for the coffee shop in town!

Two Free Hands

Bandolier Crossbody Designer Phone Case | $100 and up , Bandolier
Since moms always wish we had more hands, our favorite wearable phone case at least lets you use the ones you’ve already got.

A Diaper Pail That Doesn’t Stink

Diaper Dekor Plus | $49.99 and up, Amazon
Sleek, sophisticated, and basically smell-proof. To be extra thoughtful, add some diaper bag refills.

A Super Speedy Touchless Thermometer

Fridababy 3-in-1 Thermometer | $3999 on sale, Amazon
A one-second temperature read. Yes, one second! Because when your baby is sick, even that feels like forever.

A Back-Saving Baby Carrier

Ergobaby Baby Carriers | $109 and up, Ergo Baby
The baby carrier we’ve actually used from 4 mos to 4 years is a favorite among babywearers for a reason. Perfect for moms, dads, sitters, and very very generous grandparents.

A Humidifier That Does A Little Extra

Babymoov Hygro + 3-in-1 Humidifier | $77 on sale, Amazon
It humidifies, it lights, it diffuses essential oils…the only thing it doesn’t do is rock the baby to sleep.

The Gift of Silence

Cushy Closer Door Silencer | $9.95 or $26.50/set of 3, Cushy Closer
Because nothing is more frustrating than waking a baby up when they finally get to sleep.

A DIY Baby Food Maker That Beats The Rest

Beaba BabyCook Neo 4-in1 Glass Baby Food Maker | $259, Amazon or Nordstrom
The top-rated baby food makers is a little pricey, but as far as practical baby gifts go, it will save you a fortune on ready-made stuff in the long run. It will steam cook, blend, defrost, and prepare up to 34 servings of baby food in 20 minutes. Magic!

Coooooffffeeeeeee…

Mama Needs Coffee Stoneware Mug | $19.99, Sweetwater Decor
Bodum French Press | $19.99 on sale, Amazon
BLK&BOLD Dark Roast | $14/12 oz, BLK and BOLD

Put together a DIY coffee gift pack for new parents. They’ll be THRILLED! An encouraging new mug should definitely be part of the mix. And hey, you can always trade up for a Trade Coffee gift subscription to keep the beans coming.