Christmas gift ideas for new parents that have nothing to do with the baby

Whether it’s a food subscription box or a bath robe, treat them to something special yet practical after a tough year

Hopefully even the busiest parents to a tiny one can find some time to unwind, so fingers crossed they’ll appreciate something on our list (iStockphoto/The Independent)

Anyone who’s had a baby this year will have experienced it in a way we've never done it before: all of the coronavirus restrictions have meant that many people won’t have got to show off their new arrival to family in the same way.  And in certain circumstances, mothers have had to give birth alone without their partner.

Add to this the usual new baby drill (especially if it’s your first): sleepless nights, constant worry about a cough, rash or if you’re getting anything right at all and – while we know a new baby on the scene is an absolute gift in itself in many ways – we reckon lots of new parents would be chuffed with a treat or two that’s all about them come Christmas.

So we’ve picked out some present ideas for new parents, tested by our reviewers, which we think any new parents will love.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Gifts for when they need a pamper

Getting dressed doesn’t always necessarily happen too quickly when you’re looking after a little one, and if that’s the case, it’s always nice to lounge in comfort.

For a new parent, something like this unisex super cosy cotton bath robe (£50, John Lewis & Partners) is just perfect for mornings that come after a restless night. 

We haven’t reviewed this exact one, but a John Lewis & Partners spa robe did make it into our best dressing gowns for women feature, with our tester describing it as “simple and luxurious”. Yes please.

Something to keep cosy in for those stay-at-home days (John Lewis & Partners )

Uninterrupted sleep is the one thing you can pretty much say goodbye to once a new baby comes along – for a while at least. And an eye mask is a great way of getting some zzzs in during the day, possibly while the baby’s napping (though of course you might just be tempted to put the millionth wash on instead).  

We love these space masks (£15 for five, Victoria Heath) which heat up as soon as you take them out of the packet. They have loops so you can put the mask on comfortably around your ears, and the eye patches exude a gentle lavender scent.  

Our reviewer of the best eye masks 2020 approved of their rejuvenating qualities, saying that “they are a fantastic break for tired eyes".

We do think it’s a shame they’re single-use only, but other than that we’re sold. If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, check out our review of the best sleep masks.

Get some much needed zzzs with these heated eye masks  (Spacemasks)

While not everyone is necessarily up for putting a full face of make-up on when they’ve just had a baby, keeping your skin super soft and hydrated is another matter and only takes minutes. 

This Charlotte Tilbury mini skincare set (£50, Charlotte Tilbury) includes a moisturiser, serum, primer and face mask, perfect for wearing in the bath when you get a minute to yourself.  

Our reviewer awarded it a spot in our round-up of the best Christmas beauty sets and liked the fact that this set gives its recipient a chance to try a number of Charlotte’s formulas out before committing to a full-size version. They said: “Many of Charlotte Tilbury’s gift sets cost far more than this one, and despite the small sizes, it offers great variety. The packaging, as expected from the brand, is gorgeous.”

This pampering set will give a boost to tired skin (Charlotte Tilbury)

Remember dad too when it comes to grooming. This Triumph & Disaster Road Less Travelled Dopp and haircare travel kit (£45, Triumph & Disaster) won the best buy award in our guide to best grooming kits for men, and we think its name perfectly echoes the ups and downs of life with a new baby.  

The set features a trio of clay, pomade and a fibre paste as well as a shampoo and conditioner and, as our tester says, “it all comes neatly packed inside a robust travel case, which even includes an organic cotton face cloth”. Nice if you know a new dad who is getting away for the holidays but, even if they’re not, we think the casing makes it an extra nice gift.

Get the barnet looking dapper with this all-essential grooming kit  (Triumph & Disaster)

Gifts for time-poor parents

For lots of new parents, mealtimes (for them) can be a bit of a “grab something when you can” situation, so a handy gift idea to help make their lives go a little smoother is setting them up with a subscription box so that food comes straight to their door. Sure, they might have to do the cooking, but at least they know the ingredients are on the way.  

We really like this Gousto recipe box (from £24, Gousto) which we included in our best food subscription box guide. It’s really easy to order: simply download the app and choose what you fancy. You get up to four recipes delivered a week (theres 50 to choose from), with recipe cards and instructions to follow, and there are healthy options, 10-minute recipes and add-ons if you want to include pudding too.  

Our reviewer said “the food was good, if not mind-blowing – but when it comes to delivery, this offered an impressive all-round service” – and we think that last point is particularly important for new parents, who might not be sure when they’re next going to make it out of the house for a shop.  

Help them to make a hearty meal with a recipe box (Gousto)

Busy new parents might not always have time to shower, but they can probably find time to spritz a bit of fragrance on, and with shower-time at a premium once a new baby arrives they’ll truly appreciate a new scent, something they won’t be prioritisng to buy themselves.

 Leather Skies (All Saints £45) landed a spot in our review of the best autumn fragrances of 2020, with “a heady blend of black pepper, leather and the citrus flower makes for a smoky, woody scent that will turn heads”.

A good fragrance can lift the spirits with one spray (All Saints )

Alcohol gifts for when the baby’s asleep

And finally, once the baby’s gone to the land of nod, new parents might just enjoy a tipple and some couple time. If you know you’re buying for beer or ale lovers, our rundown of best British beers is worth a look.

We like this Allendale Wolf (£2.75, Allendale Brewery), not just for the great bottle, but the flavour, too. Our reviewer said: “The malt is extra toasty with a caramel coating, while the classic British hops Target and Bramling Cross lend some hedgerow fruitiness and earthy bitterness.”  Simply give us the rocking chair and fire to go with it.

Fierce name, full on flavour  (Allendale Brewery)

If you think prosecco’s more the drink for your new parent buddies, why not plump for this The Emissary Asolo prosecco superiore DOCG (the Emissary, £17.95) from our best proseccos review. 

Get celebratory with this bubbly offering  (The Emissary)

Our tester loves "how tiny and persistent" the bubbles are in this one, adding that “the low sugar content makes it crisp and vibrant. One to savour.”

For more treats, read our review of the best cheeseboards for Christmas 2020