What can be more exciting and joyful than finding a new gift for the new little arrival? With so many items and gadgets available for babies, how do you choose? If you don’t have a registry list to rely on, here are some trendy and classic ideas that will have the parents thanking you for years to come.

Milestone Blanket

You’ve probably seen those monthly pictures all over Instagram—baby on a blanket featuring the number of ‘weeks’ or ‘months’ old. Milestone blankets have become popular because they make taking pictures of baby’s milestones easy, and they include a fun background. They’re soft, come in a variety of prints, and can even be customized and monogrammed. This is one of those gifts that new parents won’t always think to register for or purchase for themselves, so it’s sure to be very well received.

Birth Stats Anything

This is another item that new parents won’t always think about until well after the baby arrives. Throw pillows, posters, or engraved frames with baby’s birth stats are a thoughtful keepsake for parents, first time or veteran. In the haze of the newborn’s first weeks, and especially if there’s a sibling transition in the works, making or purchasing keepsakes with birth stats often get left by the wayside. Purchasing a custom item with the “where,” “when,” and “how big” of the baby’s birth is thoughtful, and the gift will be cherished for years to come.  

Canvas Photo Print

Newborn canvas photo prints are along the same lines as birth stat items and are just as meaningful. Even if newborn photos were taken as the family was leaving the hospital, it can still be difficult for the family to find the time (or to just remember) to get those photos printed, let alone framed and displayed. If you’re close to the family, ask to have some of the photos sent to you so you can get them printed for them as a gift. And if you’re feeling super generous, offer to pay for their newborn photo session so you can check in with the photographer for the proofs yourself. Handing the parents a lovely canvas photo of their precious, new little one is sure to be a special moment.

Swaddle Blankets

You can never have too many swaddle blankets. Most veteran parents will tell you that the individual blankets are a more practical investment than many of the “pre-wrap” swaddlers with velcro, zippers, or magnetic closures that babies grow out of so quickly. Simple, muslin swaddle blankets have multiple uses–nursing covers, outdoor blankets, stroller covers–you get the idea. The fabric is both lightweight and cozy for babies in all climates and durable enough to last through multiple children. You can’t go wrong by gifting swaddle blankets. (Not to be confused with a receiving blanket, which will not last as long.

Custom Bibs

Until you have your own child, you don’t realize how necessary bibs are and not just for feedings.  Little ones go through many changes—from the “spit up” phase to the “teething” (read: drooling) phase.  So it makes sense to have bibs that are durable and are actually cute for baby, too! Enter patterned bibs.  They come in so many styles and colors that it’s nearly impossible to find ones you don’t like.

Whichever of these items you decide to gift the new baby or parents with, it’s sure to be a big hit.  They’re thoughtful, stylish, and will last well beyond the “gadgets” that the baby industry always seems to invent.