40 Thoughtful Baby Gift Ideas for Every Budget

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Newborn babies are tough sells. They drool, they stare — who even knows if they like a gift? We'll tell you how: They use it. They grip it in their tiny little hands 24/7, they play with it constantly, they cuddle it until the fabric wears thin. These are some of the factors we've taken into consideration when compiling our list of the best baby gifts you can buy for new parents and their bundles of joy. Because hey, it's the start of their first year on earth! They should get the best of the best.

Whether you're searching for the perfect Christmas gift for a baby or prepping for a shower or baby's first birthday, we have options on top of options. You want cozy? We've got Amazon's highest-rated blankets, swaddles, and stuffed animals. Hoping to challenge baby's fine motor skills? We have blocks, musical instruments, and Montessori toys. Is sleep already proving to be an issue? How about the internet's favorite sound machine? From teething to tummy time, we have a gift for that.

Once you've found the perfect present (or combination of presents), make sure you have mom covered with our guide to the best gifts for new mothers or grab something dad can enjoy too with our gift guide for parents.

Solar System Set and Play Mat

Play mats are key for a baby before they learn to crawl. Parents need a safe space to put them during tummy time, and this play mat from KiwiCo is much more than just a landing pad. It comes with four high-quality space-themed toys, along with a hard book to read to baby. Ages 0+

RELATED: The Best Gift Ideas for Baby Girls

Lucky Shamrock Teether

Teething isn't fun for anyone — baby or parents — but you can lessen the pain by providing a safe teether. This silicone option from HABA is adorable as it is grip-friendly for their tiny fingers. Ages 6 months+

Magic Sleepsuit

Tens of thousands of parents — including some WD writers and editors — swear by this "magic" sleepsuit, designed to help with that delicate transition to the crib. It's not weighted; it's more like a firm pillow that surrounds their body, making babies feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep. There are two different sizes (3-6 moths and 6-9 months) and it comes in seven colors. Ages 3-9 months

Bashful Turtle Stuffed Animal

Jellycat makes ultra-soft versions of everything from bunnies to bananas. We're partial to this bashful turtle, but you'd be hard-pressed not to find something lovable that matches any nursery theme. Yes, even if that theme is "cute succulents." Ages 0+

RELATED: The Best Gift Ideas for Baby Boys

Stack & Count Stacking Cups

The surprise and delight babies experience when nesting cups into each other is unmatched. These ones can even function as tub toys thanks to the holes on the bottom of each cup. Ages 6 months+

Moses Pod Lounger

For babies who are still in that precious stage where they're not moving much, a lounger is a terrific option. This one fits inside most bassinets and is perfect for just keeping on the couch or floor while mom or dad is around to monitor. Ages 0-6 months

RELATED: The Best Toys for 6-Month Olds

Mini Mat

Once they're ready to eat solids, new parents will appreciate this eating mat, which suctions to any table. All parent who have picked up full plates of food off the floor will be grateful for this! It comes in five colors and you may want to get a set of matching utensils to go with it. Ages 6 months+

On-the-Go Stroller Caddy 3.0

If they don't already have a stroller caddy on their registry, it's definitely something they'll appreciate once baby comes and they start strolling around town. This one from TWELVElittle is beloved for its spacious yet smart design, including a side holster to fill with wipes.

Chase Sweatshirt & Joggers

Infants spend a big portion of their lives sleeping, so grab a set of joggers that they can be comfortable in whether they're awake or dozing off after a feeding. This set from Ashmi & Co. is trendy and unisex. Ages 0-12 months

Musical Learning Toys

Help with their early development by gifting a set of baby-friendly instruments. This set comes with five pieces: a rattle, maracas, a trumpet, a xylophone (watch out that they don't eat that mallet!), and stick bells. Ages 6 months+

Pajamas (2-Pack)

Between the nighttime feedings, bodily fluids, and diaper leaks, babies can never have too many pajamas. This set, from Hanna Andersson, is made from organic cotton and comes in five colors. Pro tip: Buy one size ahead of where they are now. They'll grow into them in no time! Ages 0-24 months

Jungly Tales

Sensory toys are a fantastic way to go when gifting for a baby, and this product doubles as a book! It's soft and crinkly, perfect for baby to explore during playtime or in the car. Ages 0+

Explore & More 4-in-1 Toy Walker

For a toy that will grow with them as they get older, this convertible activity walker is kitted out with sounds and lights, plus it transforms from a walker into a stroller, shopping cart and seated playboard. Ages 6 months+

Tummy Time Toy

This is one toy parents likely won't already have but will truly appreciate. Infants can lie down tummy-first atop the cushioned surface of this contoured alligator and use their feet to push themselves across the floor. Ages 4 months+

Rest Go Portable Sound Machine

Some babies simply can't go to sleep without a little white noise, and that means anywhere. Rather than dragging a whole bulky box around, this pint-sized chargeable sound machine can go in the car or attach to a stroller — no wires necessary. It's designed with durability in mind, so it should withstand quite a few drops. Ages 0+

Diaper Cake

Diaper cakes are a popular baby shower gift and for good reason — all new parents know that you can never have enough diapers on hand! The Honest Company's plant-based diapers are made without any of the added stuff like parabens or fragrances, and its custom-made diaper cakes are off-the-charts adorable.

Baby Handprint Keepsake Frame

Amazon reviewers are all about this keepsake frame from family-owned business Bubzi Co. There are spaces for two photos as well as a kit to make impressions of his or her little hands or feet. Parents can do one of each, or stick to just one or the other.

Pull Along Sensory Box

Almost nothing is more captivating to a baby than pulling tissues out of a tissue box. Which is why this toy is so genius: The 10 tissues not only provide the opportunity to learn about colors, some are also crinkly while others are satiny, which offers an sensory experience, too. Ages 5 months+

Personalized Silicone Bib and Spoon Set

You could get a bunch of cloth bibs, or you could get fancy with a customized silicone bib and spoon set. This one is easy to order on Amazon and comes in three colors: green (pictured), blue, or pink. Ages 6 months+

Personalized Sweatshirt

This personalized sweatshirt screams "family photo shoot," does it not? If he or she has an older sibling, it would be a good move to get one for them, too! There are 10 colors available. Ages 1-6 years

Elephant Lovey

Every baby deserves a soft lovey to hold onto during feedings and naps. There are plenty of options out there, but Amazon reviewers adore this cozy little elephant. Ages 0+

Stacks of Circles

While babies won't be ready to move on to building blocks until they're closer to age 2, you can help them start honing their hand-eye coordination with this stacking ring toy that features nine colorful rings with all types of different textures. Ages 6-24 months

Portable Diaper Changing Pad and Organizer

Keeping baby clean, safe, and dry while on the go is easy with this portable diaper changing station. According to the brand, this changing pad is waterproof and designed with extra cushioning for baby's comfort. With a handy pocket for creams and a compartment for wipes and diapers, this gift will be used for months to come.

Swaddle Sleep Sacks (Pack of 3)

Swaddling is a whole thing. Some babies prefer to be swaddled in a blanket, some in a wrap, some — like some of our editors' babies — prefer to be swaddled in a wrap then a blanket as if they were a Cheesy Gordita Crunch. Whatever the case, these cotton sleep sacks from family company KeaBabies will get the job done. Ages 0-6 months

Baby Blanket

Sorry to all other baby blankets, but we think Little Giraffe has perfected the game. Their chenille blanket with satin trim is so soft, you'll be tempted to order the adult version for yourself. This size comes in a dozen colors. Ages 0+

Montessori Toys for Babies (Pack of 5)

Why pick one toy when you get a pack of five? This set comes with five different toys designed to engage their senses. Introduce one object at a time so they don't get too overwhelmed and lose interest! Ages 0-18 months

My First Tug Boat

Make a splash with this classic bathtime toy. Made from recycled plastic milk containers, this colorful tugboat floats well and has a wide spout to scoop and pour water — it’s fun and sustainable. What more can you ask for? Ages 6 months+

My First Sports Bag Playset

Your future star athlete will have a ball playing with this five-piece plush playset. Machine washable, these balls offer more than meets the eye. In addition to the handy sports bag, the baseball is actually a sound toy, the basketball squeaks, the soccer ball crinkles, and the football is a rattle. Now that’s a fun bag of tricks. Ages 0+

Goodnight Little Me Personalized Book

Put precious little ones in the spotlight with this personalized bedtime book. Beautifully illustrated throughout, and including the child's first and last name, this customizable gift makes for an unforgettable storytime. Ages 0+

Plush Animal Face Robe

Your little critter will stand tall in this adorable giraffe bathrobe. The plush, animal print hood will keep them warm and cozy after taking a dip in the tub. Ages 0-9 months

Diaper Caddy Organizer With Touch Sensor Night Light

Diaper duty just got easier. This handy caddy eliminates messy nighttime changing thanks to the sensor nightlight that lets parents see what they’re doing during middle-of-the-night cleanups.

Laugh & Learn Game & Learn Controller

Video games might be many years away, but this interactive controller will give babies an educational boost. Children are introduced to shapes, colors, the alphabet, numbers, and more through songs and phrases. Game on! Ages 6 months+

Soft Farm Animal Rattles

Shake, rattle and roll! These cuddly animal toys are designed to help stimulate vision, strengthen muscles, improve fine motor skills, and develop sensory functions through sounds. Plus, the rattle set can be placed inside the plush house, making it easy to carry on playdates. Ages 3 months+

Slip-on Soft Sole Leather Moccasins

Whether the baby you’re shopping for is learning how to crawl, walk, or scoot, these moccasins are a sure bet. Made with genuine suede leather, they’re comfy and durable enough to handle all the little steps and inevitable tumbles. Ages 0-24 months

Keepsake Baby Memory Book

Parents are so good about buying the necessities, but they sometimes forget to buy the sentimental items to celebrate their new baby. The Story of You is a scrapbook of sorts where parents can fill out special things about baby, and add photos to remember the exciting time. This 120-page book covers various milestones up to age 5.

Baby Bixbee and Lovey Ankle Boots

From the makers of the most comfortable footwear ever, Ugg, this set is created for baby. Booties and a blankie, what more can baby want? Buyers say they love how soft both are. Choose from four colors: bubblegum (pictured), navy, charcoal, and vanilla. Ages 0-12 months

SmartConnect Deluxe Soother

This app-controlled soother for baby's room has so many great features. Not only can it make soothing sounds and dimly light a room at bedtime, it can also project fun shapes to ceilings and walls to stimulate baby's eyes. Ages 0+

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

This book makes our editors cry every time we read it, but it's a must for every kid's library. It's about a child becoming the person they need to be as parents learn to let them grow. Ages 0+

Baby Keepsake Box

This keepsake box comes with various drawers for baby's sentimental items (think: booties, hankies, small teddies, and rattles), plus vertical files and envelopes for pictures and documents to remember baby's first year. Labels are also included so you can truly customize your collection.

Portable Baby Stroller Rocker

This blew our minds when we learned it existed. The Rockit attaches to almost all strollers and — you guessed it — rocks it for you. It definitely makes your job easier so you don't have to manually do it to get baby to soothe and sleep. Its quiet motor offers different speeds for you to adjust, and its battery can last up to 60 hours. Ages 0+

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