Pleasantly difficult is selecting the appropriate present for a newborn. While yet being enjoyable and inexpensive, it must be practical—simple for parents to use, safe, and not too large or noisy. We polled 375 new parents around the United States and compiled a list of their top-recommended baby toys and daily necessities to assist you in streamlining your search. Whether you're buying for your own baby or trying to assist new parents, this guide provides careful, parent-approved choices that really matter.

Our Favorite Baby Gifts

1.Fisher-Price Taco Tuesday Gift Set

Make every day a fiesta with this fun taco-themed toy set from Fisher-Price! The set includes three playful pieces: an avocado rattle, a taco toy with tomato teethers, and a lemon and lime clacker—perfect for adding a little extra flavor to playtime.

2.Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Activity Play Gym

Give the gift of musical exploration with this vibrant activity mat from Baby Einstein, designed to grow alongside your baby. From tummy time to sitting up, and even walking around with the piano toy as they get older, this versatile mat offers endless fun. It features seven detachable toys, a prop pillow, and plays 70 sounds and activities in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and German. The piano was a favorite with our little ones, who loved tapping on it to hear the music!

3.RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine

The RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine is not your typical sound machine—it's specially designed by neuroscientist Dr. April Benasich to enhance both sleep and language development. Unlike traditional white noise machines, this device offers eight soothing soundtracks, including calming rain, instrumental music, and a heartbeat, each featuring subtle acoustic cues that help promote alpha and delta brain waves for better rest and cognitive growth.

One of our writers tested this sound machine at home and loved its compact, travel-friendly design and versatile power options (rechargeable or A/C). Whether you choose the 30, 60, or 90-minute auto-timer, or opt for continuous play, the machine remembers your settings, so it always picks up right where you left off.

4.Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is built to grow with your child, offering three modes of use: rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster. It’s one of the top convertible car seats we've tested, thanks to its adjustable features, easy installation, and solid, durable design. Whether you're looking for extra legroom or a secure fit, the Extend2Fit has you covered for years of safe, comfortable travel.

5.Melissa & Doug PB&J Take-Along Toy

For a versatile toy that's perfect at home or on the go, check out this adorable PB&J-themed take-along toy from Melissa & Doug. Designed for babies 1 month and older, it features six soft, plush pieces, including bread slices, a peanut butter spread, and a jelly jar. Plus, it comes with a convenient clip, so your little one can enjoy playtime wherever you are. It’s a fun and portable way to keep your baby entertained while supporting sensory development!

6.Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Drool Bibs, 4 Pack

A drooling baby is cute, but soggy onesies? Not so much. This four-pack of snap-on bandana bibs is the perfect solution. With a variety of patterns and styles to choose from, these bibs add a fun and functional touch to any baby's wardrobe. Made from super-soft fabric, they absorb drool, food spills, and spit-up with ease. Machine washable and affordable, these bibs make a practical yet adorable gift for any little one.

7.Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer Animal Activity Jumperoo Musical Play Center 

The ''Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer Animal Activity Jumperoo Musical Play Center'' is a vibrant and engaging baby jumper designed to stimulate and entertain your little one while supporting their physical development. Packed with colorful toys, sounds, and interactive features, this Jumperoo offers a fun, safe space for babies to bounce, play, and explore. The animal-themed design captivates with adorable characters and lights, while the variety of activities promotes hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and sensory development. Whether it’s the playful music, fun sound effects, or the soft, supportive seat, this Jumperoo provides hours of joyful learning and active play for babies as they grow and discover the world around them. Perfect for babies who are ready to start bouncing and exploring, the Fisher-Price Jumperoo makes playtime both enjoyable and beneficial.

8.Royal Angels Baby Baby Nail Clippers 20 in 1

Trim your baby’s nails safely and easily with this electric nail-clipping set. It comes with multiple file attachments, each featuring replaceable file pads for smooth, precise cuts. The nail trimmer is quiet and includes a built-in light, so you can see exactly where you're clipping—no more second-guessing! The best part? It also includes a file head attachment for adults, making it a handy tool for parents to use as well.

9.Morepeas Essential Snack Cup

The Morepeas Everything Snack Cup is a must-have for busy parents. Its design features a top lid that keeps snacks fresh, a strong suction base to prevent spills, and built-in measurement markers for easy portioning. The cup's handle is sized for little hands, making it easy for children as young as 6 months to grip. It's also dishwasher, freezer, oven, and microwave safe (up to 350°F), and the vibrant colors stay intact after multiple washes.

The cup is available in bundles, such as the Snack Essentials set, which includes additional items like a sippy lid, snack bowl, bib, and spoons. Whether at home or on-the-go, it offers a convenient, mess-free mealtime solution for parents and kids alike.

10.Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever

This heartfelt gift is a treasure that will be cherished for years to come. It includes 12 beautifully crafted letters, each with thoughtful prompts for parents to record special memories and milestones. Stickers are included to seal the letters, creating a personal and meaningful keepsake. Parents can store these letters away to surprise and delight their child with a heartfelt gift in the future. A truly priceless way to capture moments that will last a lifetime!

11.Manhattan Toy Put and Peek Birdhouse Soft Activity Toy

This soft birdhouse toy is a top favorite among parents in our survey. Designed for babies 9 months and up, it encourages "dump and fill play," which helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cause-and-effect understanding. The birdhouse features three openings where babies can place toys in and take them out. The set includes four colorful birdies that are small enough for babies to hold while crawling, with textured wings and legs that are perfect for feeling and chewing. As children grow and start walking, they can carry the toy easily using the handle on top, making it a fun and engaging toy that adapts to their developmental stages.

12.Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

A classic for a reason, this developmental rattle is perfect for little ones to practice two-handed grasping. As your baby grows, it also doubles as a soothing tool for teething. Parents will love that this sensory toy is quiet, visually appealing, and compact enough to fit easily into any space.

13.Bella Tunno Suction Plate

The aptly named ''Wonder Plate'' is a game-changer for mealtime. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze, and best of all, it suctions securely to the table—so even when little ones are learning to toss their food, the plate stays put! The divided sections are perfect for portioning out meals, and the bright colors and playful sayings add an extra touch of fun. Plus, for every Wonder Plate sold, ''Bella Tunno'' donates a meal to a child in need, making it a product you can feel good about.

14.Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Holder

Give a new baby their very own cuddly companion with this adorable stuffed animal and pacifier set. Designed to help infants easily find their pacifier, the soft, plush buddy features a Soothie pacifier that attaches and detaches effortlessly for simple cleaning. With four charming animal friends to choose from, this sweet set offers both comfort and convenience—perfect for keeping baby calm and content while giving them a lovable buddy to snuggle close.

15.Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Nightlight & Sound Machine

The ''Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine'' is a versatile, all-in-one device designed to make both sleep and parenting easier. Combining three essential features—a night-light, sound machine, and time-to-wake clock—this smart device is fully customizable to suit your baby’s needs. Control all settings right from your phone, whether you're adjusting the soothing sounds or the light brightness. Perfect for use at home or on the go, the Hatch Baby Rest can be plugged into any standard outlet, making it ideal for both the nursery and travel. Simple, intuitive, and highly functional, it’s a must-have for any parent looking to improve their baby's sleep routine.

16.Baby Shusher | Portable Sound Machine for Babies 

The ''Baby Shusher'' is a must-have sleep soother designed to help your little one drift off to dreamland with ease. This portable sound machine uses a calming "shush" sound, proven to mimic the soothing noises of the womb, to help babies relax and fall asleep faster. With an adjustable timer and the ability to attach to a stroller or crib, it’s perfect for on-the-go parents and can be used anywhere to provide consistent, comforting white noise. Compact and easy to use, the Baby Shusher makes a thoughtful and practical gift for baby showers or registry lists, ensuring restful nights for both baby and parents.

17.Fisher-Price Portable Baby Chair Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat

The ''Fisher-Price Portable Baby Chair Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat'' in ''Honeydew Drop'' is the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience, and developmental fun. Designed to support your little one as they sit up and explore the world around them, this chair features a stable, supportive base that helps babies build strength and coordination. What’s more, the chair is equipped with engaging developmental toys that encourage tactile play and stimulate sensory growth, keeping your baby entertained while they learn. 

The machine-washable seat pad ensures easy cleanup, making it perfect for busy parents on the go. Whether you’re using it at home, while traveling, or for playtime, this lightweight, portable seat is easy to move from room to room. With its cheerful Honeydew Drop pattern, it’s as stylish as it is functional—ideal for babies who are ready to sit up and interact with their surroundings in comfort and safety. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to store when not in use. The Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat is a must-have for parents looking for a practical, versatile, and fun seating solution for their little one.

18.BabyBriefcase Paperwork Organizer

New parents often find themselves buried in paperwork and important documents that come with welcoming a baby. Stay organized and stress-free with a specially designed document holder for all things baby-related. This handy set includes frosted folders, labels, a thank-you note tracker, and much more, making it easy to keep baby’s important records, appointments, and milestones in one place. Perfect for new parents looking to stay on top of it all, this document holder ensures everything is neatly organized and easily accessible.

19.VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube, Purple

The ''VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube'' is the perfect interactive toy to ignite your baby’s curiosity and promote early learning. This 5-sided activity cube is packed with engaging features that keep little ones entertained while helping them develop essential skills. From shape sorters and spinning gears to light-up buttons and musical elements, each side offers a new adventure and an opportunity to explore colors, numbers, animals, and more. With over 25 songs, sounds, and phrases, this cube not only entertains but also supports cognitive, motor, and sensory development. 

Designed for babies 6 months and up, the ''VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube'' is built with safety in mind, featuring rounded edges and durable materials. The compact, easy-to-handle design makes it perfect for at-home play or on-the-go fun. Whether your little one is learning their first words or mastering hand-eye coordination, this activity cube provides endless fun and educational value—making it an ideal gift for any growing child.

20.EZPZ First Foods Set

Introducing solid foods has never been easier with the ''EZPZ Multi-Piece Food Set''. This handy set includes two spoons, a bowl, and a cup, all crafted from food-grade silicone that’s durable, safe, and dishwasher-friendly. Perfect for babies 6 months and older, this set is designed to make mealtime smoother, less messy, and more enjoyable for both babies and parents. Whether you're starting solids or just making mealtime more fun, this first food set has everything you need to get started.

21.UGG Bixbee Ankle Boot

A parent favorite, these adorable booties are the perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and practicality. Designed to stay securely on little feet, they’re nearly impossible for babies to kick off, keeping tiny toes cozy all day long. Available in six charming colors and three sizes, these booties are a winter essential for any baby and make a thoughtful, practical gift for new parents.

22.Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin Musical Toy

This interactive ''Linkimals Penguin'' is sure to captivate your little one with its bright lights, fun music, and cheerful voice. As the adorable penguin flaps its flippers and dances from side to side, it teaches the alphabet, counting, and more, making learning feel like a fun game. Recommended for babies 9 months and up, it encourages little ones to dance along and get moving. 

Our kids couldn’t get enough of this charming penguin, and we love that it can link arms with other animals in the ''Linkimals'' range—opening up endless possibilities for future additions to the collection. It’s an engaging, educational toy that offers both entertainment and learning in one adorable package!

23.VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging)

The ''VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker'' is the perfect companion to help your baby take their first steps—and so much more! Designed for infants as young as 9 months, this versatile walker grows with your child, transforming from a seated play activity center to a sturdy walking support as they begin to explore. Packed with interactive features, the front panel includes colorful buttons, fun melodies, and engaging activities that teach shapes, numbers, animals, and more, promoting early learning and motor skills development.

As your baby starts standing and walking, the walker provides steady support and encourages them to move, helping build strength and coordination. Plus, with ''Frustration Free Packaging'', setup is a breeze. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker is a must-have for parents looking to foster their child’s development in a fun, engaging, and supportive way.

24.Munchkin Little Boat Train Bath Toy

Make bath time fun and engaging with the ''Munchkin Little Boat Train Bath Toy''! This colorful 6-piece set is perfect for babies and toddlers, turning the tub into an exciting adventure. The set includes three boat pieces that snap together to form a fun train, and each boat can float and pour water, offering endless opportunities for imaginative play. The easy-to-grip design is perfect for little hands, while the bright, cheerful colors captivate young children, making bath time something they look forward to.

Not just entertaining, the ''Little Boat Train Bath Toy'' also helps promote fine motor skills as toddlers connect and pour the boats, while learning about cause and effect. Made from durable, child-safe materials, these toys are designed to withstand splashes and squirts. Whether it’s floating, stacking, or pouring, this delightful bath toy set makes bath time both fun and educational for your little one!

25.Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

The ''Baby Jogger City Tour 2'' impresses with its exceptional maneuverability, user-friendly features, and compact travel size. It excelled in our travel stroller test, easily navigating tight turns and bumpier terrain without a hitch. Weighing in at under 15 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to effortlessly fold and fit into the trunk of a car, making it the perfect choice for parents on the go. Whether you're traveling or simply out and about, the ''City Tour 2'' offers convenience, comfort, and smooth handling all in one sleek, portable package.

26.JellyCat Soother Bunny

One cuddle is all it takes to see why ''JellyCat Soothers'' are known for being the softest around. Give a new baby the gift of comfort with their very own plush soother, perfect for snuggling. While the bunny is a popular choice, JellyCat offers a wide range of other adorable animal options—each one just as incredibly soft and huggable. No matter which animal you choose, these lovable soothers are sure to bring warmth and comfort to any little one.

27.Baby Girls Headbands and Bows Hairbands

Add a touch of adorable style to your little one’s wardrobe with this ''15-Piece Baby Girls Headband and Bow Set''. Crafted from soft nylon elastics, these handmade hair accessories are designed for ultimate comfort and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. With 15 different headbands in a variety of cute colors and patterns, including sweet bows and classic styles, you'll have the perfect accessory for every occasion. 

Whether you're dressing up a newborn, infant, or toddler, these headbands fit comfortably and stay in place, making them ideal for daily wear or special events. These versatile hairbands are not only practical but also a great way to complete any outfit with a stylish, chic look. A perfect gift for new parents, this set ensures your little one stays stylish from head to toe, with headbands that grow with them through infancy and beyond.

28.The Honest Company Baby Arrival Gift Set

Welcome a new baby home with the ultimate gift set that has everything parents need for their little one. This thoughtful set includes diapers, wipes, shampoo, body wash, diaper cream, and more—everything to keep baby clean, comfortable, and cared for. It all comes neatly packaged in a convenient gift box, making it a perfect, ready-to-give present for new parents.

29.aden + anais Essentials Swaddle Blanket

Wrap your little one in comfort and style with the ''aden + anais Essentials Swaddle Blanket'' set. This collection of four boutique-quality muslin swaddles features an adorable ''Alphabet Animals'' print, perfect for both girls and boys. Made from soft, breathable cotton muslin, these swaddle blankets are gentle on delicate skin while providing just the right amount of warmth and comfort for your newborn or infant. 

Designed for easy swaddling, these lightweight, versatile blankets can also be used as a stroller cover, nursing shield, or even a playmat. The ''aden + anais'' swaddles are a must-have for any new parent, making them the perfect gift for baby showers or a thoughtful addition to a nursery. With their charming print and high-quality fabric, these swaddles are both practical and adorable—helping your baby sleep soundly and comfortably.

30.Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath Seat

Make bath time a cozy, fun experience for your little one with the ''Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath Seat''. Designed in the shape of a soft, colorful flower, this innovative bath mat provides a plush, cushioned surface that cradles your baby comfortably while you wash them. Perfect for sink baths, it fits most standard sinks and transforms them into a gentle, secure bathing space. 

The ''Blooming Bath Lotus'' is not only adorable in its vibrant yellow petals, but it’s also practical—completely washer-safe, ensuring it’s easy to clean after every use. Ideal for newborns and infants, this bath cushion helps make bath time easier for parents, offering a hands-free solution for safe and enjoyable washing. A must-have in your baby essentials collection, it makes the perfect baby shower gift and ensures your little one is surrounded by comfort, safety, and softness at every bath time.