Need a gift for a mom who didn’t make a registry? Looking for gifts for a second, third, fourth, or fifth baby? Want to add a little something extra she might have forgotten? Here are some ideas from a mom of three for less-obvious baby gifts.
Of course, when shopping for a baby gift you should know the family you are shopping for. Don’t go crazy! And if she has a registry, get something on it, even if you supplement with something else.
Here are some of my ideas for less common baby gifts that she will definitely appreciate!
Gifts for Mom
This is great for new moms and second-, third-, fourth-time moms alike! I most appreciated memory foam slippers as I got heavier, and a comfy bathrobe for before and after baby. Other ideas include a coupon for a foot massage (or other self-pampering), large towels like bath sheets, or baby sitting nights so she can have a date night before the new baby arrives. After the baby gets there, freezer meals and chore help might also be appreciated, as may gift cards for date nights out or for groceries and last-minute essentials.
Baby Gifts that Aren’t White!
Seriously. Why is everything for babies white these days? Do manufacturers not know how messy babies are? Don’t get me started….
I like primary for their solid colored bodysuits, though I’m sure you can find them elsewhere. Non-white solid-colored bodysuits are notoriously difficult to find at big-box stores like Target and Walmart, though. You can often find little tees at craft stores, but I have not looked for onesies there. Get some in navy, black, or brown for neutrals for layering, or go for all the bright colors! Depending on weather you may want long or short sleeves.
Also be on the lookout for colored baby sheets that don’t have a white background. Bouncy chairs, high chair covers, and play mats that are not white.
Refill Baby Gifts for Second-and-Later Babies
A younger sibling will of course need his or her own personalized items, such as name puzzles or patron Saint toys and art.
Socks. If you can find a set of socks that all match so you can pair them any which way, get it. For boys especially, try to find sets of navy or brown or black. For older children, I recommend getting socks with grips.
Baby clothes. Now, be careful with this one. Often, parents are drowning in baby clothes, but if they have boys or active kids who wear things out, or if they have a limited budget and already buy things second-hand, they might be losing their supply as pants wear through the knees and fast-fashion seams rip open. Plus, if the younger sibling is a different gender, they likely have wardrobe gaps to fill in. Consider also expensive seasonal items if this baby is born in a different season and won’t fit the previous baby’s seasonal clothes.
Look for items they passed up the first time around. The first baby is expensive, and you need lots of things. So for the second baby, consider what mom & dad did without. In our family, we skipped the changing table for baby #1, but we were so happy to have one to keep baby #2 messes away from our toddler. If you have the budget, consider higher-end high-chairs or other baby furniture Mom might be dreaming about.
You might also consider multi-baby strollers, a new car seat, or just a gift of money for the added expenses of later babies. (You can give the money in fun ways, too, like packed in a wipes box or baby bottle.)
Finally, most moms will appreciate diapers.
Very Useful Baby Gifts
Perhaps she forgot to ask for a handy portable changing pad. Or maybe she needs an extra big diaper bag now to hold a portable potty and diapers in a variety of sizes.
I always find new uses for my waterproof pads: I mainly use reusable incontinence pads that are fabric on top. These can line beds, but can also be set on the floor as a slightly-soft play surface, line a changing table, serve as a splash pad under a potty chair, or cover the couch when laid-back nursing. I originally bought them years ago as bedding for our pet rats, but I’ve since bought many more because I keep finding new uses for them! Lower-loft, flat ones fit well under sheets, but if you can find some that are softer on top and can go in the dryer, those will have lots of uses.
On a similar note, piddle pads are great for in the car or high chair.
If you know the mom well, you probably are already listening to see if there are handmade items that could fill in some gaps where manufactured ones don’t exist. For example, we have a handmade high-chair tray holder made from a pillowcase that hangs under our high chair.
Unexpected Items
There might be some essentials that got left off the registry, especially outdoor gear for little ones. Does she need a baby-friendly mineral sunscreen or mosquito repellant? Maybe even some kind of bug tent or rain cover for a stroller or bouncy chair. Perhaps a swimsuit/swim diaper, a sunshade, or a snowsuit.
I use my immersion blender ALL THE TIME to make baby food from what I’ve already put together for dinner, but I never would have thought to put it on my registry.
Hard-to-Find Items
Speaking from experience here, boys dress clothes are very hard to find for babies under 12 months. Look for the little dress shirts that button like onesies. Perhaps more options exist at higher-end stores than the ones I shop at, but at Target almost everything for boys has words, dinosaurs, or puppies on it! It’s almost all casual.
Babysitter recommendations! Especially if there isn’t family in the area.
Final Thoughts on the Best Baby Gifts
I hope that these musings got some ideas flowing for you as you consider the best baby gift ever for a new little one! For godparent-specific gift ideas, see this post.
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