8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for New Parents (Not The Baby)

Thank you to Seven Starling for sponsoring this post. Seven Starling connects expectant and new parents with supportive peer groups led by experienced doulas, building digital communities that lead to happier, healthier, and stronger families. Our guest writer today is Callai Nagle, Certified Doula & Childbirth Educator and mom of two.

Give a gift that will make all the difference to an expecting or recently postpartum parent >

New parents deserve our love and support more than ever. While we always enjoy giving babies precious blankets, our favorite books, and adorable clothes, it is also a thoughtful gesture to shower the newly minted parents with loving care (some of our favorite shop-local places to buy baby gifts). This list of gift ideas for new parents addresses support, comfort, and food for the adults of the growing family.

Seven Starling Membership

Know any pregnant or new parents who could use some guidance? Give a gift that will make all the difference. Seven Starling matches small groups of parents at the same stage with an experienced doula to navigate their entire early parenting journey together. From pregnancy symptoms to childbirth education to newborn care and beyond, this gift will make any new or expecting parent feel confident and prepared.

If you’ve been there, you know important it is to have a support system that guides you through the twists & turns that come with this journey. Seven Starling members are able to join at any time in pregnancy or early postpartum to get support for exactly where they are.

Gifts start at $37 for one month >
Or treat them to three months for $111 >

Non-toxic Cleaning or Baby Products Bundle

New parents go through a lot of cleaning products! There’s a never-ending stream of laundry, bottles and pump parts to wash, and constant hand washing that goes along with diaper changes. Many parents start to worry about the products they use around their house after coming home with a tiny newborn. Browse Grove Collaborative to create a custom bundle of non-toxic household products from their curated selection of brands that are guaranteed to be safe for baby and for the planet.
Start with these basics: unscented laundry soap, wool dryer balls, hand soap, free and clear dish soap.

Shutterfly Gift Certificate

New parents take hundreds of photos in their baby’s first year, but getting them off of devices can be hard and time-consuming! With a Shutterfly gift card, parents can use their Make My Book service, where Shutterfly’s designers will do all of the heavy lifting. All new parents need to do is upload the photos they want to use, and the designer will create an aesthetically pleasing keepsake.
Find a gift certificate >

Pedicure, manicure, or full massage

Treat the (probably) exhausted new parents to a bit of pampering. Locally, the Claremont Hotel & Spa is a decadent splurge. If that much time away from the baby feels too ambitious, you, the thoughtful friend, can offer to walk the baby around the block several times while they duck into the nearest corner nail salon.

Quickie Self-Care Products

“Self-care” is notoriously tricky for new parents with the additional hygiene challenges of caring for a baby. New parents are definitely going to be peed on, pooped on, and spit up on. Somehow breastmilk manages to get absolutely everywhere. Not to mention postpartum hormones can do a number on your B.O.! BusyCo makes body and facial wipes for those instances when you can’t find time for a shower. Check out their shop >

• Dry shampoo is also a lifesaver for some busy new parents.
• Sheet masks are a great indulgence for when you can’t find time for a full skincare routine.
• High-quality hand cream to apply after frequent diaper changes brings a touch of luxury to the mundane.

Coffee Subscription

Keep that caffeine coming! New parents are notoriously sleep-deprived, and you can help add a little pep to their day with a coffee subscription that will deliver high-quality java straight to their door. With MistoBox, the recipient is able to customize the subscription, which is then roasted to order. Maybe you could pair the coffee with a photo mug of the little person keeping them up all night (see Shutterfly gifts above). Order a subscription >

Local Bay Area options for coffee subscriptions include Red Bay Coffee, Ritual Coffee, Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, Highwire Coffee, Bicycle Coffee Company, and Timeless Coffee.

A Comfy Robe

New parents are hopefully spending the early days in a state of rest and recovery, and the uniform for rest and recovery = comfy robe. Check out this super plush robe from Brooklinen or this gauzy robe from RicherPoorer.

Food Delivery

New families need a lot of nourishment, and what better way to nourish than with easy meals? If you’re not a home chef, pick up dinner and dessert. Whitney loves to grab a chicken tamale pie from Poulet they can heat up later and a homemade chocolate chip cookie they can eat right away. Julie likes to fill an Instacart order with essentials and treats.

Gift certificates to DoorDash or UberEats gift cards allow new parents to order food from their favorite local restaurants whenever they need it. You can also consider meal delivery subscriptions, like one from Thistle or Freshly. [The 510families home delivery & services guide has lots more ideas in this vein]

More about our sponsor, Seven Starling

Seven Starling experts will guide new and expectant parents through every step of the pregnancy and new parenthood experience through an online community experience tailored to the new parents’ needs.

Seven Starling members are able to join at any time in pregnancy or early postpartum to get support for exactly where they are.

Gifts start at $37 for one month >
Or treat them to three months for $111 >

Thank you to Seven Starling for sponsoring this post. Seven Starling connects small groups of parents at the same stage with an experienced doula to navigate their entire journey together.