Being a new parent is tough. They’re exhausted and stressed and feel like they never have a moment to themselves. So when your friend, family member or co-worker announces their new bundle of joy has arrived, it’s time to celebrate those hard-working new parents with a little something for them. And with the American birthrate continuing to trend positive, chances are you know someone who’s about to or has recently become a new parent. Your first instinct is probably to give them something for the baby. But the truth is, there are some gifts that new parents will appreciate a lot more. Gifts for them! From bedroom essentials that’ll turn their room into an oasis to services that will alleviate their stress and workload, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for new parents they’re sure to love.
Gift Ideas For First Time Parents
A Night Out
New parents are so busy taking care of their new kiddo that they rarely get a chance to go out and enjoy themselves. So why not give them the gift of a night out? Whether it’s a dinner and a movie or just tickets to a show, this is a gift that new parents will definitely appreciate. The best part? You volunteer to babysit! (Or convince their parents to do it.) This way, they can relax and enjoy themselves without worry.
A Cleaning Service
Let’s face it. When you have a baby, your house becomes a lot messier. There’s just no way around it. So why not take one thing off the new parents’ plate by giving them the gift of a cleaning service? Then they can spend more time enjoying their new baby and less time worrying about the state of their home.
A Gift Certificate to a Day Spa
New moms and dads alike could use some time to relax and pamper themselves. A gift certificate to a day spa is the perfect way to let them do just that. They can enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure and more without worrying about anything else.
A Night Nanny
If you really want to splurge on the new parents in your life, hiring a night nanny for them is the way to go. This way, they can get some sleep while someone else watches over their little one. They’ll be well-rested and so grateful to you!
Bedroom Essentials
From high-thread-count sheets to luxurious bedding pillows, there are plenty of ways to make the new parents’ bedroom a relaxing paradise. And, trust us, they’ll appreciate it. If you want to kick it up a notch even higher, browse some of the latest and greatest mattresses to make sure they’re getting the best night’s sleep possible. They may not have much time for sleep now, but when they finally get some shut-eye, they’ll be glad to have a comfortable and relaxing space to do it in.
A Meal Delivery Service Subscription
Keep the new parents fed with nutritious and easy-to-make meals by giving them a subscription to a meal delivery service. This way, they can have dinner on the table with minimal effort and stress. And who doesn’t love that? Many options on the market cater to all kinds of dietary needs and preferences, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for the new parents in your life. From keto-friendly to Mediterranean-style, there’s a meal delivery service for everyone.
A Family Photographer
There’s nothing more precious than watching a family bond with their new baby. But let’s face it; not everyone is a natural behind the camera. So why not give the new parents in your life a professional family photographer? This way, they can capture all those special moments without worrying about getting the perfect shot. A great add-on is sending the new parents for a cut and style beforehand, and maybe a little make-up session if so inclined, so they’re picture-perfect for their photo session.
A Year’s Worth of Streaming Services
Whatever their poison — Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime — there’s a streaming service for everyone. And the new parents in your life will need all the entertainment they can get. So why not give them a year’s worth of their favorite streaming service? This way, they can binge-watch to their heart’s content while they have some downtime with their little one or during those late nights when they can’t sleep.
Hobby-Related Gifts
Suppose the new parents in your life are into crafting, cooking or any other hobby. In that case, there are plenty of ways to give them something related to their interests. There are tons of options, from cookbooks and cake-decorating goods to guitar lessons and art supplies. And if you’re not sure what they’re into, ask! Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to tell you all about their hobbies and interests. Let’s be real. They’ll be delighted to talk about just about anything that isn’t baby-related at this point.
Cash or a Gift Card
And last but not least, sometimes the best gift you can give is cold hard cash or a gift card. This way, the new parents can spend it however they want — whether on an adjustable bed they’ve been pining for or something simpler like takeout from their favorite restaurant. If you’re worried about this being impersonal, add that special touch through a carefully selected card that has a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud or sappy message. Add a quip or joke inside to let them know you’re thinking of them and that you can’t wait to meet their new bundle of joy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — 10 gift ideas for the new parents in your life. No matter what you choose to give, the important thing is that it comes from the heart. New parents appreciate any gifts, no matter how big or small. So don’t stress too much about picking out the perfect present. They’ll be happy with anything you give them!
Linda Barbara has worked in various capacities including as an interior designer, a teacher and the proud owner of a home décor blog, upgradehometutors.com.