An insider's guide to gifts for new parents

Becoming a new parent is exhilarating, exhausting and utterly impossible to comprehend until you've set off on the wild journey. So, we've asked some moms and dads with a bit of experience under their belt for tips on how newbie parents can add a bit of ease and self-care into their transition. These hints add up to the perfect holiday gift-giving opportunities for spoiling those loved ones in your life with littles. Here are 10 of our favourite ideas.

Juliette Baxter, Mom to an 8-year-old daughter, Co-founder, Lovemom.ca

"One of the best discoveries that I've made recently is the benefit of a collection of essential oils and a diffuser. I'm personally wowed by Doterra Essential Oils. As a former beauty editor who has tried it all, I can say their scents and formulations are fantastic," says Baxter. "There are so many brands and blends available now and it's not just about having a couple, it's about having a few to help you through your days. A drop of peppermint on the tip of your tongue will wake you up as much as a coffee (without the caffeine). Find a blend to help you sleep or ease up PMS or even a blend that can help little one's breath when they're stuffed up during the wintertime."

DoTerra Essential Oils (Peppermint, $18; Lumo Diffuser, $93.33)

"A super simple and flattering makeup routine that any mom can get through no matter how tired they are is a bonus too. A lot of our featured moms are hooked on Glossier, the brainchild of intothegloss.com founder, Emily Weiss. Every formula is sheer, easy to apply with your fingers and gives you that perfect hint of colour that wakes up your look without every appearing overdone. Their Phase 1 skincare set and Phase 2 makeup set is made to make you over (and feel human again, no matter how much sleep you haven't had) in minutes." 

Glossier Phase 1 skincare set, $55, Glossier Phase 2 makeup Set, $50

Derek Malcolm, Dad to a 6-year-old daughter

"One thing I remember getting when I was a new dad (granted, it was a gift from me to myself), was a great pair of Sennheiser wireless home theatre headphone," says Malcolm. "We lived in a small loft apartment when my daughter was born so there were no "rooms," and her crib was next to our bed. Sometimes, if I wanted to stay up late gaming or watch a movie while mom and baby slept, I could pop these puppies on and not disturb them."

Sennheiser RS 195 specialized wireless headphones, $599.95

Rebecca Eckler, Mom to a 14-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son, Executive Editor, Saavymom.ca

"I really think new moms and dads need more help/experiences than actual gifts. This could be a basket of lotions and potions, a gift certificate to a nutritionist, a trainer, a cleaning service, or a meal delivery service," says Eckler. Keepsake gifts are also huge. "I loved getting personalized bracelets with my kids' names on them from Citrus Silver. There's something so heartwarming about seeing your child's name on something. It feels like a constant reminder of my children and my love for them." This company has plenty of options for men too.

Personalized Cognac leather cuff, $145

Kathleen Hyatt, Mom to three sons aged 6, 3, 1.5, Early childhood educator

"I recommend anything self-care related like a gift card for some yoga classes. Life with kids is busy so something to help remind us to slow down, relax and enjoy."

Breathe Yoga and Wellness Centre - $49 for intro month

Aidan Foster, Dad to two daughters aged 3, 3.5 months

"Someone into reading would love the Kobo Aura One ereader. It has a backlight so you won't wake up baby or sleep deprived mom." Another great gift Foster received: "Fancy scotch. I was told jokingly "We're dads now... We don't have time to have a few beers." 

Kobo Aura One $249.99

Anna Lisa Sang, Mom to two daughters aged 3, 3.5 months

"I recently had the good fortune of receiving ready-made meals sent to the house by To Go Events and Catering. The quality, taste and selection was unbelievable. Everything was packaged ready to be heated and enjoyed. Not having to think about preparing food for two weeks was a dream. This would be a primo gift for any new mom or dad." FYI: make sure to try some of her brownies!

Meals by Liza Hardoon To Go Events and Catering, Chicken Marbella (8"x11" pan, $75)

Elise Clarke, Mom to a 3.5-month-old daughter

Best gift: "A therapeutic massage. I just got one and I almost cried."

An in-home massage, The Clinic at Ossington, $95

Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski, Mom to a 9-year old daughter, 4-year old son

"A spa day at the Four Seasons is perfect for some solitude, recharging and indulgence."

Four Seasons Spa, Rejuvenating Retreat $475

Matt Sadowski, 9-year old daughter, 4-year old son

"One of the best gifts ever was a painting of me staring at my daughter when she was only a few hours old. It's hung by her door so I pass it every morning and night, reminding me of the wonder I felt."

Commissioned painting by Leanne Davies - $2-$2.50 per square inch.