Keeping this all in mind, we’ve put together a list of 40 great gift ideas for adoptive parents, from adoption journals and digital picture frames to essentials like formula dispensers and sound machines. We’ve also included gifts more specifically for new moms and dads, like keepsake jewelry and cozy robes. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Adoption Gifts
This is a thoughtful gift for parents who are beginning their adoption journey. The author herself adopted three children—two as babies, one as an older child—and knows the stresses, joys, and hopes that go along with embarking on that beautiful journey. This journal provides a place for parents-to-be to express their feelings and document their special experience.
2. Adoption Record Book, $27.93+ on Etsy
Instead of chronicling a child’s first year of life, this adorable journal from Etsy leaves space to document their first year in their forever home, as well as sections for other milestones, photos and special scrapbook pages. And instead of mom and dad, the book refers just to “parents,” so it’s perfect for any type of family.
3. My Family, My Journey: A Baby Book for Adoptive Families, $15.19 at Walmart
This baby book is special because it’s structured as the parents’ voice writing to their child. It has spaces for parents to describe their hopes before becoming a family, as well as slots for first photos together and sharing their adoption story. This sweet book (best for children ages 4 to 8) was co-authored by actress Jamie Lee Curtis. It tells the story of a young adopted girl who asks her parents about the night she was born. “Tell me again how the phone rang in the middle of the night and they told you I was born. Tell me again how you screamed,” reads one of the first pages. Written by Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb, this adoption storybook is beautifully illustrated and poetic. Kotb was inspired by her own adoption of her baby girl.
6. BabyBriefcase Baby Paperwork Organizer, $32.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Birth certificates, insurance info, baby equipment warranties—when you really think about it, there’s a lot for new parents to keep track of, which can get tricky when you’re sleep-deprived! This plastic briefcase makes it easy to stay organized.
7. Nixplay Smart Wifi Digital Photo Frame, $149.99 at Walmart
Gifting a digital photo frame at the beginning of one’s parenting journal is great because they can continue to add and edit the slideshow as the years go on. This super-popular model from Nixplay can go on the wall or tabletop and automatically adjusts to horizontal or vertical placement. The iOS/Android app makes it incredibly easy to upload photos or videos.
8. Artifact Uprising Gift Card
Artifact Uprising is becoming more and more popular for make-your-own scrapbooks since their layout tool is so easy to use. With a gift card, new parents can choose when they’re ready to assemble their photo book and select all their favorite customizable options.
9. Adoption Finalization Picture Frame Gift, $19.95+ on Etsy
Celebrating their child’s “gotcha day” is a special occasion for adoptive parents, and this rustic frame from Etsy is a sweet way to commemorate that.
10. Canon Wireless Compact Photo Printer, $129.99 at Best Buy
For the new parents who you know are going to want to fill the fridge and frames with pictures of their new family, a photo printer is a fun gift idea. This printer from Canon is doubly handy because it’s portable, so great for vacations or playground outings. The printer supports four paper sizes, including standard 4x6 and 2.1x2.1 squares (for those cute Instagram collages you may have seen), and it has built-in WiFi, a USB port and a phone app.
11. Baby’s First Holiday Milestone Fleece Blanket, $49.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Many adopted children don’t arrive at their forever homes during their very first months, so we love that this milestone blanket from BuyBuyBaby celebrates first holidays rather than months. It would be super cute for older children, too, celebrating their first holidays as a family.
12. The PeanutShell Baby Firsts Milestone Stickers, $9.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Similar to the blanket, these milestone stickers from BuyBuyBaby let parents mark events like the first tooth, giggling and crawling, instead of months.
13. Pearhead Handprint Frame, $21.99 on BuyBuyBaby
How sweet that this handprint frame from BuyBuyBaby includes the whole family and can accommodate tiny handprints from babies to young children. The four different colored inks are also great for customization.
14. Personalized hand stamped ornament, $31.99 on Etsy
This ornament is perfect for families who celebrate Christmas. It’s made from a two-inch aluminum disc, stamped with the phrase “Our first Christmas as a forever family,” with the personalized date and family member names.
15. ‘Together is our Favorite Place to Be’ Framed Art Print, From $43.34 on Society6
This framed print from Society6 makes a lovely gift for parents who have adopted a child from outside the U.S. The colors are mature enough to work in a living room but playful enough to fit in a child’s room. It’s available in six sizes from 8x10 to 24x36 and 19 frame options.
16. Personalized Stroller Blanket, $61.50 from Mark & Graham
Adding monogramming to a gift always makes it that much more personal, and this cozy knit and sherpa fleece blanket is perfect for babies or toddlers.
17. Embroidered Baby Bath Set, $64.99 at BuyBuyBaby
There’s so much to love about this bath set—it’s adorable for any gender, it comes with monogramming and it makes bath time (a major bonding moment for parents and babies) extra fun and cute. Plus, who doesn’t love little sharks? The set by Baby Aspen comes with a hooded towel, slippers and soft shark bath mitt.
18. Personalized Adoption Stuffed Animal, $27.50 on Etsy
Etsy seller CuddleLoveKeepsakes has 11 different adoption stuffed animals, including a puppy, elephant and alligator. The super-soft toy comes with a bow that says “My Forever Family,” and the feet are personalized with the child’s name and adoption date.
19. Play Kit Subscription, From $80 on Lovevery
Lovevery is a sustainable toy-box subscription that ships every two months and is created based on a baby or child’s age. Designed using brain science and Montessori methods, the kits are tailored to children’s developmental windows. There are various kits to choose from, starting at 0-12 months (toys for building neural connections and connecting with parents) and going up to three years (toys to help children learn “who they are”).
20. Educational Insights Foam Map Puzzle, $34.99 at BuyBuyBaby
For parents who’ve adopted outside the U.S., we love this colorful foam map puzzle that’s suitable for children ages three and up. Not only can it help children learn about their heritage, but it’s a great introduction to world geography and other cultures for all kids.
21. Gift Card for Diaper Bundle, From $65.99 on Hello Bello
Hello Bello was co-founded by husband-and-wife actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard as a place for parents to purchase affordable yet premium baby products. Gift cards for their delivery boxes can be purchased for one, three or six months. Each diaper bundle box comes with seven packs of diapers (which come in nearly 30 fun and colorful designs), four packs of plant-based wipes and random freebies. Options for training pants, swim diapers and other essentials are available, too.
22. Baby Brezza Formula Dispenser, $199.999 at BuyBuyBaby
This incredibly popular formula dispenser from Baby Brezza helps take the stress out of baby feeding time for new parents. It works with virtually all formula brands, as well as with most bottles. The dispenser expertly mixes formula powder and water (there’s no measuring or mixing needed!) and warms it to your desired temperature.
23. BÉABA Baby Food Maker, $154.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Parents who are past the formula months will truly appreciate this baby food maker, not only because it’s a huge time saver, but because it comes in nine attractive colors that will look great on the kitchen counter. The popular appliance from BÉABA easily steams, cooks and blends raw meats, vegetables and fruits in 15 minutes or less.
24. Owlet Smart HD Video Baby Monitor, $149.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Of course, monitors are a necessity for babies, but they could also be helpful for older children who are in new surroundings (or for when mom and dad have a night out and hire a babysitter). This smart video monitor from Owlet is an industry favorite thanks to its HD night vision, 130-degree wide-angle view, four-times zoom and room temperature sensor. Get sound and motion notifications, background audio and two-way talk to your phone. A safe wall-mounting kit is also included.
25. Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, $69.99 at BuyBuyBaby
The Hatch sound machine-night light is one of the most popular out there, and it’s great for babies to young children. It’s easily controlled through the parents’ smartphone and offers sound options, hue and brightness options, a night light, and even soft light for late-night diaper changes and a time-to-rise feature for toddlers.
26. Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight, $49.99 at BuyBuyBaby
This three-in-one product from Fridababy is useful for infants to young children. The humidifier helps relieve congestion, the essential oil diffuser provides calming scents and the color-change nightlight gives off a warm glow.
27. Aveeno Baby & Mommy Gift Set, $29.99 at BuyBuyBaby
Aveeno has long been a trusted brand for gentle skin, and their baby products are no exception. This set makes a wonderful gift because it has four baby products (a wash/shampoo, lotion, soothing relief cream and soothing relief wash) and two bonus products for mom or dad (a moisturizer and lotion).
28. Unwind Lavender Gift Set, $55 at Uncommon Goods
Bedtime looks different (and often stressful) for all new parents, so this soothing lavender gift set to help them unwind will surely be appreciated. It comes with a self-watering lavender plant, soy candle, pillow mist and a cotton eye mask.
29. Classic Turkish Cotton Robe, $99 at Parachute
The Turkish cotton robes from Parachute are considered some of the best out there. They come in five neutral colors and sizes XS to 3X, so they’re perfect for mom or dad to cozy up after a long day.
30. Pillow Slides Sandals, $16.88 at Walmart
For the parents who are on their feet and on the go chasing after their kiddos, these cloud-like slides are a dream. They’re so cushioned and lightweight but still sturdy and are unisex.
31. Adoption Necklace, $34 at Dear Ava
Choose from gold, rose gold, or silver plated, as well as several different designs (two or three interlocking circles, an infinity cross, a tree) for this adoption necklace from Dear Ava. The lovely message is sure to make any new adoptive mom smile.
32. Adoption Symbol Charm, $34.50+ on Etsy
This charm may be simple, but the adoption symbol is so meaningful. It comes in sterling silver, gold plate and yellow gold, and you can choose to add a necklace chain. But we like that the charm can also be used on bracelets or keychains.
33. Personalized Adoption Keychain, $15.30 on Etsy
Another “gotcha day” memento, this keychain allows new parents to carry a piece of their child with them wherever they go.
34. Leather Patch ‘Dad’ Hat, $32.95 on Etsy
For new dads, this customizable hat from Etsy is simple yet sweet. Choose from a dozen colors and pick the year that this milestone occurred.
35. New Mommy and Daddy T-Shirts, $9.99+ on Etsy
Not only are these t-shirts nice and cozy (always a must for new parents), but they’ll make for great photo opportunities as a new family. The unisex shirts are available in crew neck, v-neck or long sleeves and come in 13 different colors.
36. Matching Family Pajamas, From $44/set at Hanna Andersson
Speaking of family photos, matching PJ sets are definitely trending on Instagram these days, and we love the playful designs (especially this “Hugs and Heart” set!) available from sustainable clothing company Hanna Andersson. Their ordering process is great for gifting to new families because it allows you to select each family member (mom, dad, baby, kid) and then select the appropriate size from there.
37. Welcome Baby Gift Set, $75 at Knack
There’s a little something for both parents and baby in this adorable gift set. The stuffed puppy is nice and soft for a little one, and the grownups will enjoy non-alcoholic sparkling wine, Sugarfina candies and a set of new parenting tip cards.
38. Three Days of Entrées, $154.95 at Williams Sonoma
New parents barely have time to eat let alone cook, so why not send them some prepared meals? This three-day meal kit from Williams Sonoma comes with dishes from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland, Oregon that are shipped frozen. It includes a beef lasagna, beef stroganoff and meatloaf. (A vegetarian version is available as well.)
39. Little Spoon Gift Card for Kid-Friendly Meal Kits
With all the hustle and bustle of becoming a new family, it can also be difficult for parents to cook for their little ones. Enter Little Spoon, a healthy meal delivery service that can be totally customized. There are options for organic, non-GMO baby food, toddler and kid meals (they even come with “hidden” veggies!), smoothies and vitamins/remedies. Parents can even select their child’s eating stage and dietary needs.
40. Magnolia Bakery Classic Cupcake Assortment, $65 on Goldbelly
You don’t have to be from New York City to know about the cult following surrounding Magnolia Bakery’s cupcakes. We love this as a gift to new parents because 1) Who doesn’t love cupcakes? And 2) the pretty pastel colors and confetti sprinkles seem perfect for the occasion. Next, heartwarming adoption quotes.
