These Are the Best Baby Gifts That Millennial Parents Will Absolutely Love

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New parents can use all the help they can get when they have a baby on the way. As a new parent, it's hard to wrap your head around all the things you'll need to take care of a little one: crib sheets, baby-safe bath soap, toys, clothes, and so much more. Gift them something they'll really be able to use — and be forever grateful for — that'll ease them into parenthood.

There's so much to think about as a new parent that your brain has the tendency to short-circuit. That's why I took the time to scour the internet, talk to new parents, veteran parents, and baby goods makers to find the best new baby gifts for new parents that they might not even know were essentials.

As a parent, I get how hard parenting can be, and as a friend, sister, and veteran aunt, I know new baby gifts aren't always the easiest to buy. You don't want to load the parents up with more junk. I can assure you, this list is all useful, and all will be appreciated.

SmartNoggin NogginStik

Every baby should have their own NogginStik. Seriously, new parents will never forget who gave their baby one — it not only entertains baby, but it also supports healthy development.

The multisensory activity toy lights up at the top, and the colors change based on baby's movements. The bottom (rattle) part features a mirror, and the stick in the middle is textured for easy gripping.

More: These Are the Best Online Baby Stores That Can Be Browsed From the Couch

Baby Nasal Aspirator

Truly one of the grossest baby necessities on planet Earth, but also one of the most essential. The NoseFrida is a safe way to unclog your baby's nose when they're all blocked up. And no, before you ask, nothing gets in your mouth.

Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle - 100% Organic Cotton Baby Swaddle Blanket - Doctor Designed Promotes Healthy Hip Development (Graphite Planets, Medium)

In the dead of night, when you can't see straight, your boobs feel like leaden bricks because they're overfull, and you just want to change your baby so you can feed them and go the heck back to sleep, a swaddle can be your biggest opponent. It's so complicated. But not the Sleepea. It goes on like a dream, in just seconds. It can be opened from the bottom for diaper changes, it's breathable, adjustable with arms in or out, and it's made of high-quality, organic cotton.

Humidifier + Aromas + Filters

I can't live without my Canopy humidifier. It's essential for my skin and sinuses, and many parents have told me the same thing. The large well that allows it to run on low for literal days, the fact that it's silent, easy to clean, the fact that the filter is super easy to replace, and the fact that it has a UV light inside to kill off nasties? Yeah, it's a win. (Though you shouldn't use aromatherapy with babies under 6 months, so hold off on the oils and just use water in the beginning.)

Hands-Free Diaper Pail

This is honestly the least-stinky diaper pail I've tested. It's also one of the most affordable. It's truly one-step, and that means a lot in the aforementioned dead-of-night-don't-know-which-end-is-up diaper changes. Changing the bin liner is also incredibly easy, which again, can't be said for all of them.

USB Rechargeable Stroller Rocker

Ever find yourself rocking a stroller or bassinet for hours on end as you try to get your baby to chill the heck out? Ever wish you had that hand free to do literally anything else? Enter the Rockit. It sits on the edge of any stroller or bassinet and gently rocks and vibrates it. It's USB chargeable, and the charge lasts for hours.

Barbie™ Signature Chevron Charcoal Premium Rug

Is a rug a very odd baby gift? You bet it is. Is it an amazing baby gift? Yes, yes it is. Why is that, you ask? This one is machine washable and lasts years and years. I have one, and I had it when I had an elderly, paralyzed dog. You can imagine that it has seen some things.

Worried you won't get the color exactly right? Worry not, their exchange program is second-to-none, and the parents will want to scream with delight over your gift. Babies are amazing, but gross. Their rugs don't need to be.

Gift of College & Invest529 $100 Gift Card (Email Delivery)

When in doubt about what to get for a baby, you can't go wrong with a gift card that goes towards investing in their college fund. A 529 is many parents' go-to, and it's a wonderful gift, especially for a sprinkle.

Board Book Club

For $12.99 per month, you can give that baby the gift of reading. Bookroo sends hand-chosen, developmentally-appropriate board books. They take the work out of choosing and send fun picks you may have never even heard of, along with the classics.

Comfortable Bath Kneeler and Elbow Kneeling Rest

Bathing baby can be the sweetest bonding moments. You know what isn't sweet? Your knees on tile floors for 20 or more minutes. It's downright terrible on the legs and back. This washable set of kneeling pillows and elbow rests are my favorite. They are so supportive, mold-resistant, and dang are they a back-saver.

Monkey Portable Sound Machine Baby Soother

This funky monkey will be baby's new bestie when it comes time to hit the crib for a snooze. It can easily be taken along for on-the-go trips with baby, but it can also be the go-to soother that never leaves the home. While it emits sounds — from a trickling stream to white noise — the monkey's cute cheeks glow, so baby never feels alone.

Baby Moccasins

You can't go wrong gifting a pair of these adorable moccasins. No matter which baby you're shopping for, you'll find the perfect pair, because they come in tons of different colors and patterns.

Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser Machine

Known as the "Keurig for babies," the Baby Brezza works just like the popular coffee maker. Parents simply add water, drop in the formula capsule, press the button, and voila! — a warm bottle is ready in less than a minute.

Each capsule is barcoded to alert the machine to release the exact amount of water needed. A soft LED light helps with middle-of-the-night feedings, and the adjustable base can hold different-sized bottles and even sippy cups for older tots. It's the perfect baby gift for tech-savvy parents.

GUND Baby Animated Flappy The Elephant

Truly one of the sweetest toys on the market, the Gund baby animated elephant dances with your baby, flapping his ears happily as your little one gives him a cuddle. As usual, the quality of the Gund plushes is evident everywhere, from the hidden stitching to the softness of the elephant itself.

Baby Delight Go with Me Venture Chair

Going out to events or camping with a new baby can be really hard. Between finding a shady place for your baby and a place for them to eat, relax, and watch the world, it feels like nothing suits.

At least, that was life before the Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Chair. This portable high chair has a UPF 50+ rated canopy, snack tray, and washable seat. The whole thing can be hosed off and folded up into a compact bundle that's ready to be taken anywhere.

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

Babies and toddlers notoriously wake up entirely too early — and many have a hard time settling down at night, which can lead to a long day of crankiness. The Hatch Baby Rest Sound helps little ones ease their way into restful sleep with soothing white noise.

When it's time to wake, the machine lets little ones know if it's too early to rise by changing colors. The best part is, the easy-to-use machine can be controlled all from an app.

Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toys

These jelly-suction bath toys from Boon will keep your little one fully occupied during bath time. Not only do the jellies stick to the wall, but they also stick to the other jellies in the set, too! Kids love arranging the toys to create different color patterns.

Skip Hop Developmental Learning Crawl Toy

Have a baby who looks like they're ready to get a move on? Skip Hop has the toy for you. This three-stage crawling toy starts out as a wobbly little bug that entices, but won't tip over. Then, he spins on the floor in circles, so baby doesn't have to crawl too far. After that, he glides around the floor in random patterns, entertaining your child (and hopefully wearing them out before bed).

Jolly Jumper Baby Exerciser

Your friend's baby will be jumping for joy in this Jolly Jumper Baby Exerciser. As the baby bounces and jumps, know that they're actually working out more than just their legs. The supportive saddle seat allows the baby to strengthen their coordination and rhythm, as well as their leg muscles. It'll also tire them out for nap time, which is a win for parents!

iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

When you reach for a thermometer to take your little one's temperature, you want to make sure you're grabbing one that will give you a reliable reading each time.

With three ultra sensitive sensors, this forehead thermometer will be able to tell you if your tot is just a little warm, or if they're coming down with something a bit more serious. The no-touch system ensures a hygienic, accurate reading every time.

FridaBaby 3-in-1 Nose, Nail + Ear Picker

You'll be amazed at how small a baby's ear canals, nostrils, and teeny tiny nails can be. This 3-in-1 ear, nose, and nail picker allows nervous new parents to safely clean their tots. Designed with safety in mind, the ends of the picker only go in far enough to clean, so you don't have to worry about harming them.

Brooklittles Baby Bundle

Brooklinen has a loyal following that swears by the supreme comfort of their bedding. Their relaunched brand, Brooklittles, brings that same level of high-quality sleeping threads to baby's bed. The four-piece set comes complete with two sheets, a lightweight quilt, and breathable bamboo viscose swaddles.

Made with a durable percale weave, these sheets will retain their softness, but won't shred in the wash.

LG PuriCare Mini

Every parent wants their children's air to be as healthy as possible, so an air purifier is a great gift. This model from LG doesn't skimp on either style or performance, and it's also whisper-quiet.

One pro tip is to station this right by the diaper pail and changing table — for obvious reasons.

WubbaNub Infant Pacifier - Baby Yellow Duck

Pacifiers are immediate soothers for babies, especially when they are fresh out of the womb. The medical-grade pacifier and adorable stuffed animal combo takes self-comfort to the next level. While the baby is enjoying suckling on the paci, they can find comfort in holding their plush little animal, too.

Baby Bum Brush

After changing a handful of diapers, new parents will quickly realize that there's just as much rash cream under their nails as there is on their baby's bottom.

The Baby Bum Brush is a small silicone spatula designed to make evenly applying diaper rash cream simple and mess-free. This set comes with one full-size brush, along with a smaller one to toss in a diaper bag.

OXO Tot Sleeved Roll-Up Bib - Teal

It's not always feasible to strip your kid down to eat or change their outfit right away. (Hello, restaurants!) So, you need a solution that'll keep them as clean as possible. Enter the sleeved roll-up bib by OXO. Part elementary school paint shirt, part bib, this easy-to-clean baby gift has a bowled bib portion and full sleeves, and it rolls into itself for easy storage.

Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle

New moms and dads love being gifted these silicone bottles that are easy to clean and feed baby with. Touchably soft and squeezable, babies adore the smooth silicone texture. The bottle bundle includes two different bottle sizes and three nipple-flow options so that the new baby is covered for their entire first year.

Baby Wooden Toy Rattle Natural Untreated 3 Ring Wooden Teether Toy Montessori Small Wooden Classic Baby MarcusRattle

There is something so special about gifting a wooden toy to a new parent. The old-school, heirloom quality of this organic wood baby rattle will delight both the newest member of the gang as well as their parents.

Made of nontoxic wood and sanded to be satisfyingly smooth, the coconut oil-sealed rattle will last from the first goo-goo gah-gah to the last.

Ryan & Rose Baby Spoon and Fork, Pack of 2

Introducing a baby to solids can be a messy undertaking, especially when they insist on feeding themselves. With a fork on one side and a spoon scoop on the other, this Ryan & Rose set is designed to encourage tiny tots to get their food from plate to mouth. The bumpy handle keeps the utensil in their hands, while the circular fork allows them to easily grasp on to pieces of food.

No!: My First Book of Protest by Julie Merberg

What do babies and the world's greatest activists have in common? Their ability to firmly and meaningfully say "NO!" This protest board book introduces little ones to some of society's greatest catalysts for change. From Cesar Chavez to Martin Luther King Jr., baby will learn how powerful their ability to protest really is.

More: Start the Conversation at Home With These Books About Race and Racism

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