10 Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts for Parents (That Aren’t Just for Baby!)
Last Updated: 14 March 2025
Baby showers are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an expecting parent and their new journey. While most gifts focus on baby essentials, sometimes the best presents are the ones that cater to the parents themselves. After all, they are about to embark on one of the most life-changing experiences!
If you’re looking for something unique and thoughtful that doesn’t involve onesies or nappies, here are 10 thoughtful baby shower gifts for parents that any new parent will appreciate.
Food - in any way shape or form
Anyone who’s been there knows that nourishing yourself while caring for a tiny newborn can be an absolute mission. The mental load of figuring out meals—especially with older kids running around—can be overwhelming. Having food readily available (or nearly ready) is one of the biggest lifesavers for new parents. Here are a few thoughtful gifts that can make a huge difference:
Uber Eats/ Mr Delevery Vouchers
A hungry, sleep-deprived parent will absolutely use these. Whether they need a quick coffee fix, a comforting meal, or just don’t have the energy to cook, food delivery vouchers are a gift that guarantees convenience.
Grab & Go Snack Hamper
Snacks are just as essential as full meals—especially if mom is breastfeeding because breastfeeding hunger is real. Think bulk packs of Jungle Oats bars, healthy cereals, nuts, dried fruit, biltong, and a few indulgent sweet treats. The goal is to have easy, nutritious options that require zero prep.
One Pot/Pan Freezer Meals
Prepare a few freezer-friendly meals in ziplock bags or containers (preferably disposable ones, so there’s no stress about washing and returning them). Meals that can be easily reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stove—like soups, curries, casseroles, and baked pastas (mac and cheese, lasagna)—are ideal. Try to keep them balanced, nutritious, and filling. Bonus: these meals often provide leftovers, which means less cooking stress for the next day!
Coordinate a Meal Train
Want to go the extra mile? Organize a meal train—a coordinated schedule where friends and family take turns providing meals. Websites like Meal Train make it super easy:
- Set up a free Meal Train page.
- Choose dates when meals would be most helpful.
- Share the recipient’s meal preferences, allergies, and preferred drop-off times.
- Invite friends, family, and neighbors to sign up and contribute.
Just be mindful of the new parents’ boundaries—some may love a quick visit, while others may prefer a simple drop-and-go. Either way, your support means the world to them.
Airfyer/Pressure Cooker
New parents quickly learn that cooking elaborate meals takes a backseat to feeding, changing, and soothing a newborn. That’s why an air fryer or pressure cooker makes such a fantastic gift—it saves time, effort, and energy while still allowing them to prepare delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal fuss.
An air fryer is perfect for quick and crispy meals without the hassle of preheating an oven or using excessive oil. From roasting veggies to reheating leftovers, it’s a lifesaver for those days when time is short, and hunger is real. On the other hand, a pressure cooker can transform meal prep—think stews, soups, casseroles, and even rice dishes cooked in a fraction of the time. Plus, the set-it-and-forget-it functionality allows parents to step away and tend to their baby without worrying about burning dinner.
This gift isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making sure parents have warm, nourishing meals without the stress of long cooking times. Whether they need a quick meal, a healthy option, or just a way to simplify dinner prep, an air fryer or pressure cooker is a kitchen essential they’ll appreciate long after the newborn stage.
Streaming Service Voucher
As all parents know, the days are long, but the months and years fly by. Newborns require round-the-clock care, meaning parents will be spending a lot of time at home. A subscription to a streaming service like Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ can be a game-changer during those late-night feeds or rare quiet moments.
Bonus points if you include a list of your favourite feel-good movies or binge-worthy shows to help remove the mental load of deciding what to watch. Sometimes, the best gift is just making life a little easier!
Pyjamas & Loungewear
In the early days of parenthood, the concept of real clothes often goes out the window. Between sleepless nights, constant feeds, and endless baby snuggles, new parents spend a lot of time in pyjamas and loungewear—so why not make sure they’re extra comfortable?
A set of soft, breathable pyjamas or cozy loungewear makes a perfect gift, offering the kind of comfort they’ll truly appreciate during those long nights and slow mornings. Look for button-down or nursing-friendly options for moms who are breastfeeding and stretchy, relaxed fits for both parents to keep things easy and comfortable.
To make it even better, add a plush dressing gown—because when you’re pacing the house at 2 AM with a baby in your arms, nothing beats being wrapped in warmth. Whether it’s for quick nighttime feeds, early morning cuddles, or just making the constant wake-ups feel a little softer, a good dressing gown is a new-parent essential.
Whether they’re up at 3 AM with a fussy newborn or just stealing a moment to relax, comfy sleepwear helps them feel a little more human during the beautiful (but exhausting) newborn stage. Bonus points for gifting matching sets, because let’s be honest—everything feels more put together when it matches
Coffee Kits & Thermoses
For many new parents, coffee is not just a beverage—it’s survival fuel. But the struggle is real. Between juggling a newborn’s needs, interrupted sleep, and endless to-dos, making a good cup of coffee (and actually drinking it while it’s still hot) can feel like a luxury. That’s where a thoughtful coffee-related gift comes in.
If you want to help parents make their coffee routine effortless, consider gifting them a coffee machine that simplifies the brewing process. Alternatively, a selection of ground coffee, beans, or instant coffee—tailored to their preference—ensures they always have a quality cup within reach. Throw in some decaf options, too, for those moments when they want the ritual without the caffeine buzz.
Of course, making coffee is one thing, but drinking it before it turns cold is another battle entirely. It’s almost inevitable that a forgotten mug of coffee (or tea) will be left sitting somewhere in the house. To tackle this, a large thermos can keep their coffee warm for hours, while a self-heating mug ensures they can enjoy their caffeine fix at the perfect temperature, no matter how many times they get interrupted
An extra long phone charging cable
Every new parent knows the struggle—you’re finally getting your baby to sleep in your arms, you dare not move, and then… your phone dies. Being nap-trapped without a charged phone means no scrolling, no checking messages, and no easy way to order that much-needed coffee delivery.
An extra-long phone charging cable is an absolute lifesaver, allowing parents to charge their phone while comfortably sitting in a rocking chair, lying in bed, or stuck under a peacefully sleeping newborn. Whether they’re catching up on texts, watching a show during a late-night feed, or just Googling “Is this normal?” for the hundredth time, having a charger that actually reaches is a small but hugely practical gift.
Trust us—this is one of those things they don’t realise they need until they have it, and then they’ll never go back.
Picture Frames
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a life-changing moment, and parents will soon find themselves with countless photos capturing their little one’s firsts—first smile, first cuddle, first family photo. While digital albums are great, there’s something special about having a beautifully framed memory displayed in the home. A thoughtfully chosen picture frame allows new parents to showcase their favourite snapshots, making their space feel even more warm and personal.
Whether it’s a classic wooden frame, a modern gallery-style frame, or a sentimental engraved one, this gift is both meaningful and practical. You can even go the extra mile by printing a photo for them—because, let’s be honest, new parents rarely have time to do it themselves! This simple yet heartfelt present is a perfect way to celebrate their growing family while giving them a keepsake they’ll treasure for years to come.
A Double-Walled, Large-Capacity Water Bottle
Breastfeeding thirst is real—ask any nursing parent, and they’ll tell you that the moment their baby latches, they suddenly feel like they haven’t had water in days. Staying hydrated is crucial, but between feeding sessions, diaper changes, and sheer exhaustion, remembering to drink enough water isn’t always easy.
A large-capacity, double-walled water bottle makes the perfect gift because it keeps water cold for hours, ensuring that parents always have a refreshing sip on hand—especially during those late-night feeds. Placed conveniently on a bedside table or carried around the house, this simple but essential item saves them from constant trips to refill a glass.
Bonus points if you choose a bottle with a straw lid for one-handed sipping—because let’s be honest, parents rarely have two hands free!
Smart Light Bulbs
Newborn night feeds are frequent, and nothing jolts a parent awake more than harsh overhead lighting. That’s where smart light bulbs come in—they provide soft, adjustable lighting that helps parents navigate those midnight wake-ups without fully waking themselves up.
With dimmable settings and app or voice control, smart bulbs allow parents to keep the room calm and soothing, reducing the chances of overstimulating their baby (or themselves). Some even have warm, red-toned light options, which are gentler on sleepy eyes and help preserve melatonin levels for an easier return to sleep. This simple upgrade turns any nursery or bedroom into a newborn-friendly sanctuary, making those countless late-night moments just a little bit easier.
While baby showers are often filled with adorable onesies and essential baby gear, sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that support and comfort the parents themselves. Becoming a parent is a beautiful, exhausting, and transformative experience, and thoughtful, non-baby-related gifts can make those early weeks and months just a little bit easier.
Whether it’s the practicality of meal solutions, the luxury of self-care, or the comfort of small daily conveniences, each of these gifts is designed to ease the transition into parenthood. From keeping a new mom hydrated during late-night feeds to ensuring parents can actually drink their coffee while it’s still hot, these presents show that you truly care about their well-being.
So, when choosing a baby shower gift, think beyond the usual newborn essentials. A well-thought-out gift that prioritises the parents’ needs, comfort, and sanity will not only be appreciated—it will be remembered long after the baby stage has passed.
Our Guidance Pledge
We’re dedicated to providing you with practical, evidence-based information to help you make the best choices for your growing family. All content is medically reviewed by our in-house doctor and/or experts such as OB-GYNs, doulas, and midwives, and is based on the latest international guidelines, peer-reviewed studies, and reputable sources from academic institutions and medical journals. Learn More
