DTC Mom's holiday gift guide for new & expecting parents
Not sure what to buy for the expecting or new parents on your list? This list of my favorite direct-to-consumer (DTC) products for pregnancy and early parenthood makes it easy to go beyond “it’s the thought that counts.” Thoughts don’t help the baby sleep at night, after all.
Here are my favorite brands and products that would make a perfect new-parent gift, whether or not they hated or loved the pregnancy stage.
>>> Check my picks for babies and toddlers, too!
Surprises for new & expecting parents
As a mom with two littles (ages 3 years and 9 months) who spent the 2021 holidays very pregnant, I can vouch for the joy of opening something other than a monogrammed onesie. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to check for discount codes and sales using the links below.
All affiliate links are 100% DTC-mom-approved brands or products, and I get a little somethin’ somethin’ for sharing (no cost to you).
ERGO 360 Baby Carrier
It’s the one thing outdoorsy hiker families and Hallmark bingers have in common: the ERGO Baby Carrier as a go-to infant-wearing system. ERGO is now synonymous with baby-wearing, and for a good reason. The 360 carrier gives much more support than wraps or other “shirt” options, with easily adjustable straps to share between caregivers. We leave ours in the car for when we don’t want to take the stroller somewhere, at the airport, or even on fussy days to have close contact. ERGO will be running big Black Friday deals so you can save a few bucks.
Huhu Everyday Backpack diaper bag
Huhu’s backpack diaper bag is the new kid on the block for top-tier parent organization. From making it easier to “control the chaos” to embracing the swag of dad diaper bags, Huhu is a no-returns-needed gift for parents expecting their first or fifteenth baby. Check out the blog while you’re there. 😉
“100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood” book
A reviewer of the book 100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood from A Kids Book About said, “This is the book I wish my parents had when they were raising me.” And this book just came out. Like, I preordered it and just received it this week. WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO HIT THE MAINSTREAM?
I haven’t even read the full book yet, but from what I can tell, this feels like 100 sips of fresh water from 100 wonderfully diverse and wise people. Buy this book for your expecting friends and pick up other A Kids Book About topics for littles.
DockATot infant lounger
The DockATot lounger is the most registered baby item for a reason (and no, the cat did not write that review). We loved the Boppy Newborn Lounger with my first son, but that was recalled last year. That’s when I decided to make the plunge for a DockATot for my youngest, and I’m so glad I did. From playtime to cat naps (literally), this was a great spot for me to take a breath while I knew my baby was safe.
Jen & Keri Nursing & Pumping Sports Bra
You read that right—DTC postpartum fit-wear brand Jen & Keri created a high-impact sports bra you can wear for nursing or pumping. My athleisure-wearing butt is so excited about never switching between bras for pumping again, especially because this has no annoying clips or straps. Jen & Keri products were designed by a chiropractor and strength coach for nailing the transition from deadlifts to nips out (lol idk).
Kibou fanny pack diaper bag
“Another fanny pack?” My husband exclaimed upon seeing my Kibou (short for Keep It By You) delivered to our front doorstep. “Yes,” I said. “But this one has SPACE FOR DIAPERS AND WIPES.” This is the fanny pack our moms wish they had in the 80s and 90s—functional and seriously cute.
>> Shop 15% off Black Friday deals and get an extra $10 off using my referral link
Lalo high chair
Lalo has made THE high chair. It’s literally just called The Chair because of how epic it is. Trust me. It’s super easy to clean, comes in five colors (we have Blueberry), and quick for even two-week-past-due-date parents to assemble (don’t ask me how I know). Lalo is a client of mine, but I genuinely love their products. Lalo’s biggest sale is on now, with up to 40% off everything.
Parent-to-be stocking stuffer ideas
Little things to make your pregnant or postpartum loved ones look forward to pulling something out of a 10-inch hole.
Slipper socks
Midnight-feeding-friendly snacks like Mama Bars or lactation cookies
Earth Mama Organics pregnancy and postpartum care products (my absolute favorite post-birth brand!)
Frida baby and postpartum essentials
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