This list contains several great ideas for gifts to bring a smile or a moment of peace among all the scary stuff having a preemie can bring.
From beautiful, thoughtful and helpful gifts for the premature baby to encouraging gifts for preemie’s parents, you’re sure to find the perfect present in my selection below.
30 Gifts for a Preemie
For the Little Fighter: Babyprem Preemie Baby Hat
This adorable hat is made of 100% cotton and is perfect for keeping their little heads warm. You can choose between pink or blue, and it has “I’m a Little Fighter” embroidered on the front. These hats come in 3 sizes including 1.
5 – 3.5 pounds, 3.5 – 5.5 pounds, and 5.5 – 7.5 pounds.
Decorative Prints to Brighten Their Space: NICU Crib Art from Every Tiny Thing
Having your new baby in the NICU is tough enough. Having to look at all the wires and medical equipment can make it even more overwhelming. These 5″ x 5″ prints are ideal for dressing up their bed or the wall behind them.
The 2 included prints are double-sided and laminated for easy cleaning. This set includes prints that read “Be Brave, Little One”, “Let Him Sleep, For When He Wakes He Will Move Mountains”, “I Am Loved”, and “Small But Mighty”.
These are a great gift to give to help mothers and parents feel like they have some control of their new baby’s surroundings.
Just the Right Size: Luvable Friends Preemie Layette Set
This precious 4-piece layette set is perfect for when they’re able to be dressed or ready to go home. Made of 100% cotton, the set includes a side-snap shirt, a bodysuit, pants, and a cap. Each set is themed with certain prints and colors.
You can choose the blue set with arrows, the navy set with mustaches, a navy and grey set that reads “Tough Guy”, and 3 different pink sets that include sheep, feathers, or dots and a ladybug.
Helpful Reading for Mom & Dad: Preemie Care: A Guide to Navigating the First Year with Your Premature Baby
Going home with a new baby is scary enough without adding in the fact that they were early. This 314-page paperback is full of helpful tips for parents such as taking care of themselves while the baby is still in the NICU, what to expect when it’s time to go home, advice on doing their best to keep their baby healthy, feeding tips, and so much more.
It also includes advice from parents who have been there. This book is a great resource and comfort for preemie moms.
Perfect Swaddling Blanket: HALO SleepSack Micro-Fleece Swaddle
Designed exclusively for swaddling, this HALO SleepSack is made of 100% polyester micro-fleece so it’s super soft. This particular blanket is made just for preemies and is the perfect size. It can be adjusted 3 different ways to suit their baby’s sleeping style.
“Back is Best” is embroidered on the back to remind new parents and caregivers that lying on their back is the safest way for babies to sleep. It unzips at the bottom for easy diaper changing and is available in baby blue, soft pink, or mint green.
A Way to Show Appreciation: My NICU Family Poster “Hope”
This is an adorable idea for a keepsake. So many doctors and nurses come in and out of their baby’s life while in NICU it’s hard to keep them straight. It’s also great for showing them how strong they are when they get older and go explore the world.
Measuring 8.5″ x 11″, you can choose from blues, pinks, or multi-color. Everyone who cares for their baby can sign it. It’s made of 100-pound card stock making it durable. Parents can later frame it and hang it in baby’s room.
Our Greatest Adventure: Gerber Baby Boys’ 4-Pack Gown
These 100% cotton gowns are sized just for preemies. Each of the 4 included gowns features an expandable lap shoulder neckline. This set includes shades of blues and whites with stripes, solids, bears, and arrows.
One gown reads “Our Greatest Adventure”. These gowns make a wonderful present.
Read Them a Classic: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Reading to their baby, even while in the NICU, is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their child. It’s also a great idea to start their book collection. This classic “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” board book follows a brown bear as he runs into a red bird.
The red bird runs into a yellow duck. It has a fun rhyming scheme that parents will love reading to their baby over and over.
Bathtub That Fits Them: Puj Tub – The Soft, Foldable Baby Bathtub
This unique bathtub is a step up from the plastic uncomfortable baby tubs. By using soft foam and magnets, it can be made to conform to any sink and cradle the baby for a comfortable bathing experience.
It’s designed for infants – 6 months and is made from all safe materials. It’s mold and mildew resistant due to the closed-cell foam design that keeps it from absorbing water. It’s simple to clean and hangs flat when not in use.
This gift will help ease the new parents’ anxiety when it’s time to take their baby home and start their own bath time routine.
Rest Easy: Babysense Video Baby Monitor
New parents will love the idea that they can keep an eye on their baby from anywhere in the house. Using 2.4 GHz FHSS Technology, these monitors ensure a stable and secure connection and a highly digital vision and sound.
What makes it even more advanced is the ability to communicate with the 2-way talk back technology. It also has built-in lullabies and white noise. It has a long range up to 960 feet, and an out-of-range signal will let them know if they’re too far away.
The Auto-Infrared Night Vision allows them to check on their baby throughout the night, and they’ll receive alerts when the temperature in the room is too high or low. The super portable 3.5″ monitor is perfect for carrying around and allows them to zoom and pan around the room.
They’ll wonder how they ever lived without it.
For Those Tiny Legs: juDanzy Newborn 4-pack Baby Leg Warmers
These adorable leg warmers are ideal for keeping their little legs warm and allowing super easy access for diaper changing. Designed using 80% cotton, 18% nylon, and 2% spandex, they’re 8″ long. You get a 4-pack in a variety of solids and patterns to choose from.
They’re perfect for babies 5-12 pounds.
Crib Companion: Mary Meyer Lovey Soft Toy Oatmeal Bunny
You could be one of the first to gift the new baby a cuddly companion. This 13″ oatmeal bunny is super soft. The unique part is the head is stuffed, and the body is not. It’s part stuffed animal and part blanket.
Of course, tiny babies can’t play with it yet, but they all need a furry friend to share their bed with. His ears are long and floppy with satin lining, and his eyes are embroidered.
For Their Journey: The Littlest Peanut- A Milestone Journal Baby Book
Trying to remember all of the information while your baby is in the NICU is impossible. This 32-page hardcover is perfect for being able to journal all of their firsts, special moments, and milestones.
It has space for medical information so parents can keep track of medications and other overwhelming steps the doctors go over. It’s also a great keepsake to share with their child when they’re older.
Keep Away Nicely: (Three Little Tots) Pink Preemie Chevron Tag – I’m A Preemie, That Means I’m Extra Small
Sometimes, there’s no getting around having to take their preemie out in public. Whether it’s to a doctor appointment at the hospital or a quick run into the grocery store, this little sign will politely remind strangers to please not touch their little one.
There are 4 designs available each measuring 5″. They’re double-sided and come with a hanging strap that can go on their car seat or stroller.
For Their Little Miracle: Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket
This 100% cotton swaddle blanket is 43″ x 43″. It’s super soft and comes in white with black print that reads “Little Miracle” all over. The breathable fabric is ideal for any temperature. It makes a beautiful clothing gift to help celebrate their new born baby.
Peace Out NICU: Oliver and Olivia Apparel NICU Bodysuit Outfit
Parents will absolutely love this outfit. When it’s time to break out, their little one will be sporting this “Peace Out NICU I’m Moving in With My Parents” bodysuit. Made of 100% cotton, it’s super comfy and will make great photo ops to mark the special occasion.
Quality Bottle Set: Dr. Brown’s Options Slow Flow Bottle Set for Breastfed Baby
This slow flow bottle set by Dr. Brown is ideal for breastfed preemies. The included 4 bottles hold up to 4 ounces each and are fully-vented to help tiny tummies digest their food. The set also includes 4 Slowest Flow Nipples with a narrow base and 4 Slow Flow nipples for when they’re ready for controlling their own pace.
Four storage caps are also included as well as a HappyPaci made of 100% soft silicone and shaped just like the bottle nipples. All pieces are BPA free, and you can choose a pink or blue set. These bottles also fit most breast pumps.
All pieces are dishwasher safe. This set makes a fantastic gift and provides an easy transition from breast to bottle when it’s Dad’s turn to feed the baby.
Personalize It: Ava’s Miracles Personalized Baby Hat
Parents will love this personalized baby hat. They come in sizes micro preemie for 1-2 pounds, preemie for 2-4 pounds, and newborn for 4-7 pounds. They have a 13″ circumference with a 2″ stretch. Made of 35% cotton and 65% polyester, they’re available in 25 colors.
You could choose 2-3 in different colors to match several outfits. These hats also make a wonderful keepsake.
Just for Mom: Mommy Of A Tiny And Mighty Fighter NICU T-Shirt
Just for Mom, this “Mommy of a Tiny and Might Fighter” NICU t-shirt is something she’ll proudly wear. These classic fit tees are available in black, navy, royal blue, cranberry, and dark heather. The solid colors tees are 100% cotton, and the heather tee is 90% cotton and 10% polyester.
They’re available in sizes small – 3x. This makes a great gift for the new Mom, and it’s super comfy, which is exactly what she needs for those long days.
For Baby Boys: Luvable Friends Preemie Layette Set
This preemie layette set of clothes is adorable for baby boys. It comes with 4 pieces including a side-snap shirt, a bodysuit, pants, and a cap. Each piece is made of 100% cotton and is a mix of blues, whites, and greys with the cutest clouds.
The bodysuit and side-snap shirt can be interchanged with the pants. This makes a great present for baby boys.
Cover Those Tiny Toes: GERBER Baby Socks
Preemie socks are a must have, and this 6-pair set by Gerber makes a great gift. They’re made of 79% cotton, 11% nylon, 6% polyester, 2% rubber, and 2% spandex. They’re 14″ wide and feature roll cuffs for an ideal fit.
Given alone or in a gift basket, these preemie socks make a perfect gift.
Picture Time: Baby Monthly Milestone Blanket
Made of 100% organic cotton fabric, this monthly milestone blanket is perfect for monthly photos to mark the changes in their growing baby. Measuring 40″ square, the white blanket has black print for the months and a gray frame to mark the month.
Get Them Ready for Home: Johnson’s Bath Discovery Baby Gift Set
One of the things about a preemie is the parents may not have been completely ready for the baby’s arrival. This Johnson’s Bath Discovery gift set is perfect for baby’s first couple of months at home. Everything arrives neatly arranged in a reusable bath caddy.
The set includes Johnson’s baby lotion, their cotton touch lotion, hand and face wipes, cotton swabs, baby shampoo, a bottle of head to toe wash and shampoo, and Desitin diaper creme.
Not Your Ordinary Bibs: Baby Bandanna Drool Bibs
These adorable bandanna style bibs are as stylish as they are useful. Made of hypoallergenic soft organic cotton, each set comes with 8 bibs that have a double layer design. They’re super absorbent and adjustable with 2 nickel-free button snaps.
The heart-shape design ensures it will lay flat on baby’s chest without bunching up. The Paris collection has bibs that features dogs, Eiffel Towers, roses, dots, and more. The pink blush collection features giraffes, hearts, stripes, and more.
Going Home Outfit: Galabloomer Newborn Receiving Blanket Headband Set
These gorgeous print blankets are perfect for marking going-home day. Made of a blend of lightweight fabrics, they’re very soft and stretchy. They have rounded edges and are available in 11 different bright floral designs.
Each blanket comes with a matching 13″ diameter headband.
Singing Stuffed Pal: Soother White Noise Sound Machine with 40 Lullabies
This precious penguin makes a wonderful crib companion for babies. The warm light attracts their attention while it plays 40 lullabies to soothe them to sleep. They’re made of soft cotton and silicone material without any small items that can be removed and swallowed.
A press of the penguin’s belly will switch songs, and it has 2 adjustable volumes. It turns off automatically after 35 minutes. One charge lasts 4-5 hours.
Can’t Have Too Many: Huggies Little Snugglers Baby Diapers
One thing new parents cannot have enough of is diapers. These preemie little snugglers by Huggies contain 30 diapers for babies 1-5 pounds. They’re unscented and hypoallergenic, safe for premature babies skin.
The DryTouch liner is very absorbent, and they feature a pocketed-back waistband to stop back leaks. They also have an umbilical cord cutout to protect their belly button while it’s healing.
Beautiful Gift Set: Muslin Swaddle & Bonus Baby Hat with Scripture Quote
Featuring the scripture Psalm 91, this 100% organic cotton blanket makes a beautiful gift for new babies. It comes in neutral colors for baby boys and girls, and measures 47″ x 47″. It comes with a matching newborn hat and arrives ready to give inside a gift box.
Sounds Like a Real Person: Baby Shusher For Babies — Sleep Miracle Soother Sound Machine
This sleep soother sound machine uses a real human voice to calmly shush baby to sleep. It has 15 and 30-minute timers and adjustable volume control. Baby Shushers are portable, BPA-free, and come with a removable wrist strap so parents can carry their baby while using it.
Each one also comes with 2 AA batteries.
Their First Teddy Bear: Baby GUND My 1st Teddy Bear Stuffed Animal
You can buy baby their first teddy bear. This plush 10″ bear is tan in color and made of quality material that won’t irritate his skin. The eyes and nose are embroidered for safety, and it reads “My 1st Teddy” on his foot.
You can also purchase a 15″ or 18″.
Tips for Choosing a Gift for a Preemie
Gifts to Brighten Baby’s Bed
There are a few items listed that can make their baby’s neonatal NICU bed more personal. The double-sided prints are perfectly sized for their beds or on the wall. The “My NICU Family” poster is adorable and makes a great keepsake. Of course, stuffed animals are always a cute way to dress up their bed. The “My 1st Teddy” and the Oatmeal Bunny are both great gift ideas.
Clothes and Gifts Just for Baby
There are so many adorable items on this list just for baby. Layette sets for baby boys and girls, gown sets, socks, swaddle blankets, and more. Any of these items would be very appreciated. The personalized baby hat would also be a huge hit.
Presents to Help at Home
The baby monitor is an ideal gift for new parents. The Baby Shusher is an innovative gift that’s a great way to soothe new born baby back to sleep. The Dr. Brown’s bottle set and the Johnson’s bath set are also wonderful presents that will definitely be used. The soft bathtub is perfect for tiny babies.
Gifts for the Preemie’s Parents
Taking a preemie home from the hospital that is just a few weeks old can be a little scary. The first year guide book will be very appreciated.
The journal is a great way for them to keep up with milestones and jot down their feelings. The NICU Mom shirt will remind her that she’s a fighter too.
For more information about caring for a preemie or ways you can help new parents of a preemie, the following websites have great advice.
17 Ways to Help Parents of a Preemie in the NICU – Huffington Post
Final Thoughts
There are many great choices to shop on this list that are sure to bring a smile to the new born and the new Mom and Dad.
Anything that brightens their day is certain to be appreciated.
If you can think of anything that wasn’t listed, be sure to comment below. Also, don’t forget to share this list with friends who could benefit from these ideas.