Gifts for Baby Showers and New Moms in 2020

They say time flies, but time really flies when you’re a parent. Before you know it those babies are toddlers, then preschoolers, and then… well you get the idea. If you’ve got a sentimental mom to shop for, this hand- and footprint set is a sure bet. Parents can capture prints without ever having to deal with the messy ink, and the cute, neutral frame fits in with all kinds of nursery décor.

Pearhead Babyprints Newborn Baby Handprint and Footprint Photo Frame Kit, $31 at Amazon.ca

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Many gift-givers reach for Sophie, aka the bigger version of this giraffe that has fascinated teething children for years. But Baby Sophie is where it’s really at. The smaller design fits more easily into teething mouths, while the ridged grip is perfect for those tiny little hands and fingers. Plus, unlike the larger version, this one doesn’t squeak and has no openings for potential mould on the inside that parents will have to clean. We call that a safe bet.

Baby Sophie, $20 at Amazon.ca

If you’ve got a new mom on your list who also happens to be a passionate pet mom, Darling Stanley has you covered. The outlet sells handmade bowties, hairbands and pet bows in all kinds of adorable colours and patterns, and even offers bundled baby-pet sets at a discounted price. Fashionable and affordable? Now who doesn’t love that.

Baby & Pet Bow Tie Sets, $25 at Darling Stanley/Etsy

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Studies have shown there are many benefits to reading to babies, including fostering emotional and mental stimulation that helps them in the years to come. That makes it a no-brainer to bolster an at-home library with a classic book or two. Goodnight Moon has been a hit with youngsters since it was published in 1947 thanks to the lessons it teaches in rhyming, colours, and general observations.

Goodnight Moon, $11 at Chapters Indigo

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There are three ways to play with this adaptable activity centre, which includes seven toys, a seahorse prop pillow and a machine-washable mat. It’s perfect as babies age for tummy time, lay and play, and sit and play activities, making this an essential gift that will grow and adapt as that adorable baby grows too.

Baby Einstein Sea Friends Activity Gym, $85 at BabiesRUs

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Mom needs a little TLC after having a baby too, and odds are she won’t be up for much more than keeping that tiny human alive. So make her feel like a bit of a human again with a chic robe. She can wear it while feeding or napping, which will basically be her life for the next little while anyhow. Might as well do up motherhood in comfy style, right?

Love & Lore Essential Reading Robe in Pink, $55 at Chapters Indigo

Bet you thought spit-up couldn’t be cute, right? But then these adorable bandana bibs entered your life, and you knew you just had to get them for that mom-to-be and her babe. They come in all kinds of colours and designs, which means it’s not hard to find the perfect set to gift at your next shower—virtual or otherwise.

Copper Pearl 4-Pack Bandana Bibs, Cruise Set, $30 at Amazon.ca

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Muslin receiving blankets are a top essential for new moms and babes. The lightweight material is one of the most versatile in summer and winter, but these beauties also have so many uses: a blanket, a nursing cover, a tool for wiping up spit-up, a swaddle… and probably six or seven other things we can’t even think of right now. And when they come in cute patterns like this sushi design, how can you not snatch up one or two?

Loulou Lollipop Muslin Swaddle—Sushi, $30 at Chapters Indigo

Baby skin is some of the most sensitive skin around, so moms want to be careful what they put on it. With that in mind, many parents have touted Arbonne’s baby care line, which is mostly plant-based and fragrance-free. Choose from rash cream, sunscreen, shampoo and body lotion, or pick your own variety of bottles to create your own little baby self-care kit.

ABC Arbonne Baby Care, $26 each at Arbonne Canada

Germs are everywhere, especially when you’re a baby that likes to put your mouth and hands on everything. This practical gift will help moms keep their little ones safe while eating out or grocery shopping. The seat is padded for extra comfort, and it comes with a seatbelt for bonus safety. There are also loops for hanging toys, which should help keep babies distracted, plus it’s BPA-free and machine washable.

Skip Hop Feather Take Cover Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover in Grey, $29 at Bed Bath & Beyond

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Baby clothes can get out of hand real fast. Help any mom-to-be find a little organization in her life with these cute, unisex hooks that go right over the closet bar. They keep hanging items divided by age, taking the guesswork out of which clothes to grab while a parent’s hands are full.

Unisex Baby Closet Dividers for Clothes, $11 at Amazon.ca

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“I wish they made this in my size” is a common refrain at baby showers, and for good reason: it’s hard to resist all of the cute clothes out there. But rather than go for the newborn swimsuit or other impractical outfit that probably won’t be put to good use, opt for the essentials. We love these unisex bodysuits, which are made from 100 per cent certified organic cotton, and come in packs of two to represent all of the mummies and daddies out there.

Unisex-Baby Newborn Bodysuit, $30 at Amazon.ca

If you happen to know the name of the baby, gifting a new mom this pretty trinket with her child’s name on it will practically guarantee you to be her new best friend. Just make sure that if you’re giving it to her before she gives birth that she’s 100 per cent sure on her name selection… not to mention the spelling.

Personalized Name Necklace, $24 at Amazon.ca

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The concept behind this tubular contraption is kinda gross, sure. But when you’ve got a baby that’s having a hard time breathing because he or she is so congested in the nasal cavity area, this thing truly is a miracle. Mom will use it once and thank you forever.

Fridababy NoseFrida Snotsucker Saline Kit, $27 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Most parents love snapping photos of their precious new babe, but how often do they actually take the time to get any of those photos printed? Gifting a new mom a portable photo printer doesn’t just allow her to have physical copies of her favourite pics, but she’ll think of you every time she goes to use it.

HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer, $120 at Amazon.ca

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Many new parents will do anything for a little bit of sleep, and soft music is a great way to get babies to settle down as part of a bedtime routine. This adorable owl is handmade upon request and comes with one of three songs, making it a cute but essential addition to any nursery.

Sully the owl musical plushie, $80 at Simons

Obviously a baby won’t need his or her own dinner set just yet, but that day is coming. If you’re on the hunt for a present for a first-time parent, they’re sure to appreciate having this tucked away for when that day comes. Besides, just look at how cute that adorable dino bamboo pattern is. You almost want to buy one for yourself.

Kids 5 Pieces Bamboo Dinnerware Set, $28 at Amazon.ca

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Sometimes it’s just more fun to get kids toys, even if the kid is still too young to actually play with the toys you get them. But gift a new mom these essential building blocks, and her babe will be playing with them before you know it. Not only are these blocks great for hand-eye coordination and grasping objects, but as the baby grows up he or she can learn to stack and sort too.

Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks, $15 at BabiesRUs

New parents rarely have any time to cook or think about cooking, mostly because they’re constantly holding that new bundle of joy (or napping next to that new bundle of joy, who has been up all night again). But you never know when a gift card to a food delivery service or their favourite fast food joint will come in handy, which makes this an unexpected but valued gift.

Good Food Gift Card, $65 at Good Food

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