DTC Mom's holiday gift guide: Baby faves
There’s no shortage of gift guides for babies leading up to the holidays, but I wanted to put my own DTC Mom spin on one. I curated a few favorite direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that sell baby gear I *know* they—and you—will love.
>>> Looking for toddler gift recommendations? Check out my Toddler Edition.
Baby gift ideas to make them squeal
Spoil your little squish with fancy baby stuff or a wrapped-up pinecone—they won’t care, but the baby stuff is more fun and useful. Many of the brands listed below will also have great Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales (or currently have early-bird sales going on now)! Check for discount codes in each description, and don’t miss the stocking stuffers section.
All affiliate links are 100% DTC-mom-approved brands or products, and I get a little somethin’ somethin’ for sharing at no cost to you.
Little Sleepies bamboo pajamas
One of the traditions we’re passing down from my in-laws is the PJ Elf, which is an “elf” who rings the doorbell on Christmas Eve leaving PJs (or comfy athleisure). We’re hoping the PJ Elf brings us all goodies from Little Sleepies, which has the softest bamboo pajamas for babies, toddlers, and grown-ups. My husband and toddler sport the matching boat print year round. Whether you’re looking for a family holiday set or some snuggly footsies for babe in their Disney collections, you’ll love how stretchy and comfy Little Sleepies feel.
Sustainable toys from Peeka & Co.
Peeka & Co. recently launched a new marketplace for sustainable baby and kids’ play items, and I LOVE their mission. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop to support mom- and BIPOC-owned businesses with products ethically made in North America, then this is your spot. Our family has a few tummy time toys from Peeka & Co., and my 8-month-old is obsessed with his Alvin the Elephant teether doll and Flippy Panda toy. Big surprises like play mats, Montessori kits, STEM toys, and more can help baby’s brain and motor development skills while they slay their American Ninja Warrior training.
Tubby Todd baby bath soaps
Where are my fellow eczema baby parents? 🙋🏼♀️ Finding soaps and lotions that are gentle enough for sensitive skin can be overwhelming, but Tubby Todd Bath Co. has the goods. Plus, they’ve got tons of holiday deals and bundles going on now. Grab the Winter Gift Set for a baby gift that won’t land anyone at the dermatologist.
Lalo baby tableware
Lalo’s tableware like the First Bites Full Kit makes feeding baby (or letting them self-feed) easy as pie. The Full Kit comes with a Suction Plate, Suction Bowl, straw cup, spoons, and two bibs, all in five pretty color options. We have the Sage color First Bites for the baby, which is super cute with The Chair in Blueberry. (Full transparency: Lalo is my client, but I was a fan first!)
Rent-a-Romper subscription
Rent-a-Romper’s wardrobe subscription is a creative and clutch baby shower or holiday gift for babies and kids because they GROW LIKE WEEDS. From stylish essentials to PJs and swimwear, the capsules make keeping up with your child’s next size seamless. It’s super affordable, too, with boxes from $9-$41. Definitely suggesting this as a registry item for new parents!
>> Use code DTCMOM to get 10% off your entire order (first 3 subscriptions)
Busy Baby Mat
Oh my Shark Tank gem. These Busy Baby Mats are such a simple but innovative product that makes a perfect baby gift, and yes, they are a Shark Tank fave. The silicone placemats with bungee cords keep toys and drinks off of the floor and clean so easily in the dishwasher. The only person disappointed in this invention is the baby from Baby Loves Gravity book. We use the Mini Mat up at the counter with the Inglesina Fast Table Chair.
>> Get 15% off when you use code DTCMOM
Copper Pearl bibs
Copper Pearl bandana bibs are saving me (and my clothes). These bibs are my absolute favorite for droolers and spitters, especially when teething lasts for-ev-er. I’m telling you, you’ll find them in every room at our house—they are cute, soft, and handy. My reflux baby can go from playing (and barfing) to teething drool without changing outfits 13 more times, and for that, I’m grateful. From their bibs to swaddle blankets, this brand is CEO of fail-proof baby gifts for even the trendiest dressers.
SpearmintLOVE clothes and swaddles
OK, if you’re looking for super-soft, snuggly, baby-rific PJs and outfits for a smol person, this is your place. I bought a knotted gown and hat set for my first son that we made sure to wash overnight because we loved it that much (made 2-a.m. diaper changes a breeze). It held up two years later for my second baby. SpearmintLOVE has the best gender-neutral clothing options, cute holiday themes, and a full baby-item marketplace to knock out your shopping in one place.
Name Bubbles labels
“Name labels?! Maria, that’s such a boring holiday gift.” NO. TRUST ME. These are so fun. You’re going to love sticking them on everything, and your baby will love having the correct bib or bottle sent home from daycare. As soon as we decided on a name for my second son, I ordered his custom Name Bubbles (obsessed much?). They’re dishwasher-proof, laundry-proof, and sent-the-wrong-jacket-home proof (kinda). I would show you mine, but I don’t share my kids’ names online. So here is a lovely product photo featuring Marina Harris and her elephant-y cuteness.
Stocking stuffer ideas for baby
Even if they’ll have no idea what’s happening, your baby needs something to pull out of a magical sock. Here are some little things to stuff the tiny stocking without breaking the bank.
Diaper cream
Boogie Wipes (the more, the merrier)
Aden + anais Burpy Bibs in Harry Potter™, Disney™, Wonder Woman™ and Superman™ prints
Diaper cream
Pacifiers
Teether
Baby snacks, like HappyBaby organic teethers
An ornament to remember the year, or baby’s first holiday
Lalo Stacking Cups for bathtime
There’s a 100% guarantee that your baby won’t return any of these gifts. I don’t think they even know how to swipe a credit card. Win-win.
Let me know what gifts (and deals) you score for your babe this season!