22 Holiday Gifts For New Parents

dad playing ukele for baby with mom

The first year of parenthood is filled with a mix of emotions: pure joy, shear exhaustion, and the realization that your life will never be the same, but in a really good way. New parents sacrifice a lot for their babes, so why not treat them to something special this holiday? From prepared meals to self-care for two to adorable holiday pajamas for their new little bundle, here are 21 gifts for new parents who deserve a little celebrating.

William Sonoma Five Days of Entrées

New parents are focused on feeding their babies and not so much themselves. Send them five days' worth of meals, like Beef Stroganoff, Polenta Dolcetta, and Zuni Stew, from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland, Oregon. Your pals just need to bake for a simple, satisfying meal. No meal planning, shopping, or actually preparing necessary! ($205)

H&M 3-piece Cotton Set

New babes can celebrate their first Christmas in this cotton set full of holiday cheer, from H&M's conscious line. Gift new parents a long-sleeved bodysuit, elastic-waistband pants, and matching reindeer hat in soft cotton jersey. It's a sweet reminder of their first holiday together. ($10)

Esembly Cloth Diaper Try-It Kit

Esembly's Try-It Kit is a simple intro to cloth diapering for eco-conscious parents. This adorable bundle comes with three soft organic cotton inners for absorbency, one waterproof outer diaper, a waterproof drawstring pouch for storing your dirties till laundry day, washing powder, and rash relief cream. ($70)

Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant

New Parents: All I want for Christmas is sleep! This personalized system helps your sleep-deprived pals create a routine to help them fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up bright-eyed and bushy. There's a soft reading light, soothing sounds and lights, a custom alarm, and a free companion app for better sleep. ($130)

Etsy Birth Star Map

Give this personalized print of their newborn's birth star map - the perfect gift for any nursery. Parents can hang it up to always be reminded of the day the stars aligned and their babe came into the world — plus, it makes for a beautiful holiday keepsake. ($12)

Nunona Mama Balls

Healthy babies start with healthy mamas. Nunona's weekly nourishment boxes focus on keeping new moms healthy with the proper nutrients and superfoods. Choose from 5 delicious flavors, like Almond Coconut and Cashew Matcha, all packed with plant-based nutrition to keep moms energized throughout the day. ($35)

First Foods Set

Babies are starting to eat their first foods by 4 to 6 months. These popular anti-tipping and easy-to-clean bowls make the experience fun for kids and parents. ($38)

H&M Cotton Jersey Set

You only have one first Christmas, right? This Santa dress for babies is comfy and cozy and will stand out as a jolly gift for new parents. It's super affordable too! ($8)

Jeni's Ice Cream New Born Baby Collection

Four pints of Jeni's ice cream with a newborn onesie makes the perfect gift for new parents. You get to choose the parents' favorite flavors from this clean ice cream brand that doesn't use synthetic flavorings, dyes, or off-the-shelf mixes in their recipes. Yum! ($60)

Welcome Home Newborn Gift Set

Welcome new parents home with this sweet set for eco-minded parents. Packaged in an FSC-certified paper reusable box, the set includes soap-free wash and no-tears shampoo, apricot nourishing face and body lotion, and fair trade handmade whale rattle toy. ($42)

Postwell Postpartum Recovery Set

Childbirth ain't easy on our bodies. This customizable recovery set helps new moms heal while settling into being a mom. Each box is thoughtfully curated with products for mom and baby — delivered in 100% recyclable packaging. All boxes come with a handwritten note and custom candle too. ($99)

Boober New Parenting Classes

Boober offers classes and on-demand care providers like lactation consultants, doulas, mental health therapists, and more to help new parents ease their way from pregnancy to postpartum. Classes include Infant CPR, Infant Sleep, Pelvic Floor Exercises, and more. ($45/class)

H&M Shirt and Pants

Gift this long-sleeved shirt and pants in soft jersey for the baby elves on your list. The shirt comes with suspender detail and sweet velvet bow tie, making dress-up cozy and cute. ($20)

Agni The Mama Box

This yummy box of organic double chocolate chip cookies, organic oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, sesame nori seasoning, and tulsi cinnamon tea is designed for new moms. Ingredients are chosen to support digestion, breast milk production, restful sleep, immune health, hormone balance, and replenishing key nutrients for mom and baby. ($65)

Spoonful Comfort New Parent Care Package

Give tired parents a break from cooking with a cozy meal perfect for holiday time. Think several servings of soup, toasty dinner rolls, and a dozen cookies for dessert(s). You can customize these care packages and personalize with a note - they even come with their own ladle. ($80)

Letters To My Baby Book

New parents can fill these twelve envelopes with memories and hopeful thoughts for their little ones. Each letter begins with unique prompt like "on the day you were born...," "my wishes for you are...," "your first home was like..." Then they can seal with included stickers and save the letters to gift to their grownup kiddo as a paper time capsule. ($11)

DockATot Portable Lounger

B + C parents are big fans of the DockATot. It's travel-friendly and the perfect perch for everything from tummy time to quick diaper changes. ($175)

Goop "The Martini" Emotional Detox Bath Soak

Leave it to GOOP to create an emotionally detoxing bath soak for crazy days (A.K.A. most days in early parenthood!). Vegan and gluten-free ingredients include Himalayan pink salts to help relax, destress, and ease muscles; chia seed oil to hydrate skin; and wildcrafted frankincense to help calm and soothe the mind. There are three cups of bath soak in every bag. ($35)

Harry & David Holiday Founders' Favorites Gift Box

New parents need snacks - at all hours of the day. Enter this holiday gift box filled with everything from seasonal pears to a popcorn + chocolate mix to dried salami and cheese for a quick and easy charcuterie plate for two. Wine optional! ($100)

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

Inspire parents to get out and about again with the YETI Roadie. It's portable enough for one person to haul while still being roomy enough for 18 cans (or bottles?). ($200)

Atlas Coffee Club World of Coffee Sampler

International travel may not be top of mind for new parents, but this coffee box will perk them right up with a tasty trip to four different countries via their coffee cup. The sampler comes complete with postcards from each country with tasting notes too. ($25)

Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage Pillow

The next best thing to a spa getaway? This deep-kneading shiatsu massage neck pillow. They'll relax in no time, at least until the next feeding. The pillow is ergonomically designed and fits perfectly behind neck, shoulder, lower and upper back, belly, calf, and thigh areas. You might want to give them two. ;) ($40)

Find more holiday gift ideas on our Pinterest page.

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We can't take all of the sweet baby news we've been hearing about! From Hilary Duff to Vanessa Hudgens, our beloved Disney stars are glowing mamas-to-be! The latest to join the list of growing families is High School Musical Alum Ashley Tisdale and her husband Christopher French! They've been a happy family of three for a while, but they're expanding with the announcement of Ashley's second pregnancy!

When did Ashley Tisdale announce her pregnancy?

Image via Frenshe

Yesterday Ashley Tisdale shared a mini carousel post on Instagram where she announced her second pregnancy in the most touching way! Pictured in a classic white button-up and slightly unzipped jeans, her cute baby bump is on full display! Her husband Christopher French and their daughter Jupiter also make a loving appearance in the post.

Has Ashley Tisdale shared her due date?

Image via Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Anastasia Beverly Hills

Since she just shared she's expecting baby no. 2, Ashley Tisdale hasn't disclosed her due date just yet.

What have Ashley Tisdale's friends said about her second pregnancy?

Image via Michael Buckner/Getty Images For Chrysalis

Several celebrities left sweet messages on Ashley Tisdale's Instagram post. Glee star Lea Michele wrote, "So happy for your beautiful family!!! 💓💓💓" while fellow High School Musical alum Corbin Bleu wrote, "Congratulations! ❤❤."

How do fans feel about Ashley Tisdale's second pregnancy?

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for goodnest

Fans are also ecstatic about Ashley Tisdale's pregnancy announcement. Instagram user @jsantam_20h, "So you mean to tell me that Sharpay and Gabriella are both preggars?? 😲🙌❤" in reference to Vanessa Hudgens also being pregnant right now. We highly doubt it was planned, but the timing couldn't be more perfect!

What has Ashley Tisdale's husband Christopher French said about their expanding family?

Image via Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Christoper French shared a heartwarming image of himself, Ashley Tisdale, and their daughter on Instagramto share his excitement about their growing family. His caption says, "Beyond grateful. Thank you my beautiful love @ashleytisdale for another baby French 💘."

Ashley wrote, "I love you!!! Juju is just too cute we had to have another!!" in the comments and we couldn't agree more! The sweetness of it all is making us have baby fever.

How old is Ashley Tisdale's first child?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Feeding America and North Valley Caring Services

Speaking of Ashley Tisdale and Christopher French's daughter Jupiter, she recently turned 3 on March 23! People announced her birth in 2021 and shared that the happy couple were doing well. We can only imagine how excited she is to be a big sister.

Has Ashley Tisdale shared baby bump updates since announcing her pregnancy?

Image via Ashley Tisdale/Instagram

Ashley Tisdale posted this cute pregnancy update on Instagram yesterday and she she wore a casual outfit that we want to replicate. Although she appears to be wearing straight leg jeans, she wrote a relatable caption about them. "the only jeans that will fit me right now," it reads.

Maternity jeans do exist, but it's possible she's not interested in wearing them right now and we don't blame her!

How do you feel about Ashley Tisdale expecting baby no. 2?

Keep up with us on Facebook for more celeb news and pregnancy updates!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

I know you've just started thawing off after a very long and very gloomy winter, but it's never too early to think about the holidays IMO. The whole season emphasizes goodness, hope, and love which is way more than a one-month trend. And apparently, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner agree because they're bringing us a new Christmas movie! This duo are best friends IRL, and they've teamed up on projects like The Last Thing He Told Me and last year's Hello Sunshine event. Now, they're working on a brand new project that revolves around our favorite holly jolly lady: Mrs. Claus.

What is Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner's new movie?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mrs. Claus is a new movie coming from Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine production company. Jennifer Garner is also serving as a producer, as well as the movie's star! According to Deadline sources, the movie is being written by Scrambled's Leah McKendrick.

We don't have official plot details yet, but considering the movie called Mrs. Claus, I'd love to see a film about our leading lady taking over for Santa on Christmas Eve. (TBH, it would probably be a little more organized). After hundreds of years with Santa getting all the credit, I think it's more than fair for Mrs. Claus to get her share in the action — and I know if Reese Witherspoon is involved, it's going to be a story full of heart, confidence, and light.

When is Mrs. Claus coming out?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

We don't have an official release date for the new movie yet. I'm guessing we'll see it next holiday season! Anywhere after September 1 is a great holiday movie release window because as soon as it starts getting chilly, I am ready for hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and all the Christmas cookies I can eat ;).

Who else is in the Mrs. Claus cast?

Image via Netflix

There isn't an official cast list yet, which means the studio is probably still holding auditions. I'd love to see anyone from Millie Bobby Brown to Madelyn Cline to Lily Collins and Ashley Park. If you ask me, these Netflix darlings would bring enough Christmas cheer to brighten up the whole movie!

Have Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner worked together before?

Image via Apple TV+

Yes, Jennifer Garner is currently starring in Hello Sunshine's The Last Thing He Told Me. They also love posting about each other on Instagram! Even though the two friends haven't been onscreen together, I'm hoping we could see them star in a project together soon.

What other Christmas movies can I see Jennifer Garner in?

Image via Netflix

Jennifer Garner stars in Family Switch, which you can watch on Netflix now. The movie also stars Ed Helms, Emma Myers, and Brady Noon, and you can watch our interviews with Emma and Jen and Brady on YouTube!

Are you excited for Mrs. Claus? Let us know in the comments and check out all the 2024 Movies you'll want to bookmark.

Lead images via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS