Finding the right baby gift for a coworker can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be thoughtful and generous without crossing professional boundaries or accidentally duplicating what everyone else is giving. The sweet spot? Practical, universally useful items that show you care without getting too personal.
I wanted to find gifts that are affordable, relatively gender neutral, and would appeal to most new parents.
Here are some tried-and-true options that hit that perfect balance:
Luxury Diaper Gift Set
Under $30
I love this Luxury Diapers Gift Box from Millie Moon because it’s perfectly sized, comes from a brand new parents already trust, and includes all the essentials they actually need (diapers, wipes, hooded towel, books, etc.). Best part? It’s under $30! If you want to top up your spend, add a gift card to create the perfect gift bundle. You can grab it at Target.
Neutral Onesie Set
Under $40
Gender-neutral, high-quality onesies are always practical and appreciated. Pro tip: grab larger sizes like 6-12 months or 12-18 months instead of newborn sizes. New parents typically receive tons of newborn clothes but very few of the much needed larger sizes.
Board Book Sets
Under $30
Book sets are brilliant because publishers typically don’t bundle terrible books together. However, steer clear of super popular titles like Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny because parents usually end up with multiple copies of these classics.
Our Very Little Library Board Book Set features 10 mini board books (2.75″ x 2.75″) with watercolor illustrations and first words for vocabulary building. Created by a watercolor artist and speech therapist, the set includes a bookshelf carrying case perfect for tiny hands and travel.
Newborn Milestone Kit
Under $20
Help parents document those precious “firsts” with minimal effort. The 7-Piece Newborn Milestone Knit Bunny from Hearth & Hand includes a knitted bunny and neck scarves labeled 1-12 months to help create memories and mark milestones. I like this because it’s sentimental without being overly personal.
Teether Toy
Under $25
The Manhattan Toy Natural Classic Baby Beads Wood Rattle is an heirloom-quality teething toy. These smooth, naturally colored wooden beads are treated with baby-safe lacquer and the clickety-clop sound helps babies explore cause and effect. I like this one because parents who aren’t keen on plastic are going to love it and babies go wild for this toy because it always looks like you shouldn’t touch it.
Under $20
Pearhead’s Babyprints Photo Frame offers another sentimental option that isn’t too personal for coworkers. This modern white wooden frame displays a 4″ x 6″ photo alongside the baby’s handprint and footprint using 100% baby-safe, clean-touch ink pads (baby’s hands and feet never actually touch the ink). It’s a nice gift because it’s something parents forget to do in the flurry of those newborn days.
Portable White Noise Machine
Under $40
Sound machines are a newborn staple, but parents often forget to register for a portable version. The Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine features 10 soothing sounds, three easy control buttons, and a clip ring for attaching to strollers or cribs. It’s connection-free (no app, WiFi, or Bluetooth required) with a rechargeable battery that lasts all day.
Gift Cards
Sometimes the most practical option is the best one. Amazon, Target, or local baby store gift cards are flexible, always appreciated, and perfect for the workplace gift-giver who wants to be helpful without guessing preferences. When I polled my readers, Target and Amazon were the top picks.
Diaper Caddy Organizer
Under $20
This Portable Diaper Caddy Organizer helps organize diapers and essentials with one large and two small compartments. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester with a water-repellent liner and removable cover, and it’s foldable for easy portability. I like the flexibility of this caddy because it can be used as a diaper tote, nursing or toy station, or be used in the car.
Stroller Toy
Under $30
These toys keep babies entertained on the move and can clip on a car seat or stroller. Infantino, Skip Hop, Fisher Price, Tiny Love and Bright Stars are the brands to look for if you’re not familiar with baby companies. Avoid random imported brands on Amazon (even if they are cheaper) because they don’t always adhere to safety standards, and you don’t want some random bell or button popping off in a baby’s mouth. The Infantino Go Gaga! Musical Pull Down Monkey is a great option.
Bath Time Essentials
Under $60
The Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Set includes four essential bathing accessories: a rinser with patented ridges to keep water out of eyes and ears, a bath spout cover for safety, plus a padded elbow rest and kneeler so parents stay comfortable during bath time. This set feels quite practical, but something new parents might not think of – leaning over a bathtub while bathing a small child is hard on your knees and back. I like the gray version too because it suits most bathrooms.
What NOT to Buy: Avoiding the Awkward
Just as important as knowing what to give is knowing what to avoid. Here are the gifts that can make your workplace relationship uncomfortable:
1. Religious-Themed Gifts
Unless you’re 100% sure of your coworker’s faith and practices, it’s best to steer clear of anything with religious messaging or themes.
2. “Funny” Parenting Books with Adult Humor or Parenting Advice
Humorous parenting books with adult themes can feel inappropriate in professional settings where maintaining boundaries is important. Similarly, any products that offer parenting guidance – even well-intentioned books about “raising your baby right”– may come across as presumptuous or judgmental to new parents who are already navigating plenty of unsolicited advice.
3. Anything Super Personal
Postpartum underwear, nipple cream, nursing bras, perineal pads, etc. can get a little too intimate for a workplace gift. I’d leave these items to close friends and family.
4. Clothing with Sayings
Items like “Mommy’s Little Heartbreaker” or “Daddy’s Drinking Buddy” can come across as overly personal (even borderline tacky) when you only know the person in a professional setting.
5. Used Baby Items
While environmentally friendly, gifting secondhand items (unless you’re very close) can feel thoughtless or cheap in a professional context.
Also, check out 18 Controversial Baby Items You Should Know About if you’re thinking about some cool gadget you saw online so you don’t accidentally buy something that’s going to make you a topic of conversation around the watercooler.
The Bottom Line
The best coworker baby gifts are practical, universally useful, and show thoughtfulness without overstepping professional boundaries. Focus on items that make new parents’ lives easier rather than trying to be overly creative or personal. When in doubt, a nice gift card paired with a heartfelt note is always a safe, appreciated choice.
Remember: it’s the thought that counts, and your gesture of kindness during this exciting time in your coworker’s life will be remembered long after the gift itself.
Also check out: Last-Minute Baby Gifts That Still Wow Every Mom