Beth Zalantai, MSc, is a clinically trained mental health professional with extensive experience delivering and supervising evidence-based psychological care. As a mom and therapist, Beth provides compassionate support for moms navigating their mental health.
When looking for gifts for new parents, it’s tempting to focus on baby gear and cute onesies. But some of the most meaningful gifts new parents can receive don’t come wrapped in a box; instead, they come in the form of care and community. In the early days of parenthood, what many new parents really need is support, whether it's someone to hold the baby while they take a shower, a warm meal that they don’t have to cook, or a genuine “How are you really doing?” that invites them to share what’s on their mind.
When we talk with new moms, one thing becomes clear: support from loved ones makes a lasting difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the kinds of gifts money can’t buy. Thoughtful gestures and small acts of service can help parents feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. Whether you live nearby or far away, these ideas can help you show up for the new parents in your life in ways that truly matter.
If you’re looking for another meaningful way to show you care, tell the new parents in your life about the Moment for Parents app. It offers emotional support and practical tools to help them feel less alone. You can pass it along by sharing this link.
Many new parents hear things like, “Let me know how I can help,” or, “Let me know if you need anything.” These sentiments come from a place of good intentions, but they can also be overwhelming for new parents, because it puts the burden on them to reach out. During the foggy, sleep-deprived days of caring for a newborn, it’s hard for new parents to know what they need, let alone ask for it. As one mom put it, “I think part of the problem is that new moms have no idea what they’re getting into or what they might need… or are stuck with the feeling that you should be able to handle it and figure it out, because so many others have.”
With that in mind, it can be more helpful to take some of the decision-making off their plate (without assuming you know exactly what they need). You might think, for example, that someone wants help with the baby so that they can get things done or take a break. But perhaps what they would really like is for you to help out with the chores so they can spend time bonding with their baby.
The best kind of support comes from making concrete offers that still give the parent space to say what works best for them. For example:
Lastly, a surprise visit, even when well-meaning, can add stress to an already overstimulating day. Be sure to check in with new parents about good times for you to come by, or ask if they’d prefer a porch drop-off instead.
In addition to offering practical help, one of the most meaningful ways to support a new parent is by checking in on how they’re really feeling. The early days of parenting can be overwhelming, and sometimes they just need someone to ask, How are you really doing? As one mom described, “You go through this whole journey, and it's about you and your pregnancy. Then you have the baby, and all of a sudden, it's all about the baby, and nobody really checks on the mom anymore.”
Offering a gentle check-in can give new parents the opportunity to share what’s on their minds. To offer emotional support, try asking questions that give them space to talk honestly about their experience. These questions can help you understand their needs more clearly and give them an opportunity to be heard:
Also, consider asking about their sleep and rest, as this can often be a major source of stress:
The Moment for Parents app can support new parents with processing difficult emotions and navigating the ups and downs of early parenthood. If someone you care about is having a tough time, sharing the app with them could be a thoughtful way to say, “You’re not alone, and I want you to feel supported.” Share this link with the new parents in your life today.
If you live close to the new parents, you can give them valuable opportunities to rest and recover by helping out with childcare, errands, or household tasks. You might drop off a warm meal or prepare a few freezer-friendly dishes they can reheat later. One mom shared, “I think receiving meals was probably the best thing, which you don’t know is a thing until you have a baby. You don't know how valuable it is.” Offering to walk their dog or feed their pets is another small gesture that can make a big difference.
Older siblings may benefit from some extra love and attention during this time of transition. Hosting a playdate or taking them on a special trip to a playground or museum can help siblings feel seen. You might also bring small surprises—like toys, stickers, or activity books—to help keep them entertained at home.
If the new parent will be attending doctor’s appointments alone, offer to come along. You can help carry the car seat or diaper bag, provide a ride, or simply be someone to talk to in the waiting room. If they agree, you can also be another listening ear for the information the doctor provides.
Even if you don’t live nearby, there are still meaningful ways to show up for new parents. You might send a gift card for a food delivery service, or order a meal from a nearby restaurant and have it delivered to their home so that they don’t have to worry about cooking that night. Or, if you’d like to provide regular support with meals, you could arrange for a weekly meal delivery subscription.
You can also help by having supplies delivered to their door, which could include anything from diapers and wipes, to snacks, or self-care items just for the parent. A small care package or handwritten note can offer an emotional lift and remind them they’re not alone.
If you're comfortable coordinating with their local friends or family, you could help organize a meal train, cleaning services, babysitting help, or postpartum doula services. One mom shared how having overnight help from a night nurse allowed her to rest and recover more quickly, saying it made her "a happier person.”
Simply staying in touch can also mean a lot to new parents. Send a check-in text that doesn’t require a reply, or offer to do a video call at a time that works for them. Just knowing that you’re thinking of them can be incredibly comforting. If they have older children, you might consider scheduling a video chat just for the kids, or watching a movie together in a virtual watch party. A virtual storytime, game, or other activity can help older siblings feel seen.
For many new parents, it can be surprisingly hard to accept help, even when it’s needed. Some people may feel like they should be able to handle everything themselves, or they don’t want to be a burden to others. Others may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable letting someone else step in. As one mom described it, “You can't expect them to read your mind, and I've always struggled with the ego of asking for help. So you also have to be humble enough to admit not only to yourself but to the other person that you're just not feeling it and that you're struggling… which is also, I think, a learning curve for a lot of women who are used to taking on everything by themselves.”
You can gently support new parents by normalizing the discomfort that sometimes comes with receiving help and reminding them that it’s expected they’ll need support during such a big life change. Let them know that you want to help, and that accepting help gives others the chance to show their care in a meaningful way.
Finally, you can offer support by encouraging them to think about what kinds of support would feel right for them. Help them notice their own boundaries: maybe they’re comfortable with someone doing the dishes but not holding the baby, or they'd prefer a meal dropped off rather than a visit. You might also remind them that accepting help may mean getting comfortable with things not being done exactly how they would do them, but what matters most is that they have the time and space to rest and recover.
At the heart of it, the most meaningful gifts you can give new parents are the ones that remind them they’re supported, cared for, and not alone in this transition. Whether you’re nearby or far away, small acts of kindness, such as offering a meal, sending a check-in, sharing emotional support, or simply holding space for their experience, can leave a lasting impact.
If you want to offer ongoing support, sharing this link to download the Moment for Parents app is a meaningful way to help new parents feel less alone and more empowered. It’s like having a caring companion available anytime to provide encouragement and practical tools throughout their journey.