The best baby gifts at every budget are the ones new parents actually use. Under $50, choose a cozy sleeper, a soft first toy or a small handmade gift set; between $50 and $100, a sleep sack or a ready-made newborn gift box; and between $100 and $200, a bigger bamboo gift box or something the whole family can share. For new grandparents, matching family pyjamas and a cozy blanket are gifts they will treasure.
Whether you're heading to a baby shower, celebrating a December arrival or filling a stocking, it helps to start with a number in mind. This guide sorts our favourite gifts at Active Baby into three price ranges, with a bonus section for the newest grandparents in your life, so you can find something thoughtful without the guesswork.
The quick answer
Under $50: the Active Baby Handmade Gift Set ($49.99), a Belan.J holiday sleeper ($44.99) or a Jellycat Bartholomew Bear Junior ($45).
Under $100: a Belan.J 1.0 TOG Sleep Sack ($75.99) or our Active Baby Newborn Gift Box ($85).
Under $200: the Active Baby Newborn Gift Box with extras ($120), a Belan.J Baby Gift Box (from $141.94) or the Belan.J Family Blanket ($189.99).
For new grandparents: Belan.J matching bamboo pyjamas (from $119.99) or a Family Blanket for snuggles at their place.
Active Baby Handmade Gift Set, Reindeer$49.99Best for gifts under $50 
Belan.J 1.0 TOG Sleep Sack$75.99Best for gifts under $100 
Belan.J Little Lambs Gift Box$155.94Best for gifts under $200 
Belan.J Women’s Classic PJ Set$119.99Best for new grandparents
Baby Gifts by Budget at a Glance
| Budget | Our picks | Price at Active Baby | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $50 | Handmade Gift Set, Christmas Train Sleeper, Bartholomew Bear Junior, BIBS Baby Sprinkle Set | $39.99 to $49.99 | Shower guests, coworkers, stocking gifts |
| Under $100 | Belan.J 1.0 TOG Sleep Sack, Active Baby Newborn Gift Box, Belan.J Kids PJ Set for big siblings | $68.99 to $85 | Close friends, aunts and uncles |
| Under $200 | Newborn Gift Box with extras, Belan.J Baby Gift Boxes, Belan.J Family Blanket | $120 to $189.99 | Family, group gifts, a big welcome-home |
| New grandparents | Belan.J Women’s and Men’s Classic PJ Sets, Family Blanket | $119.99 to $189.99 | A first Christmas as Grandma and Grandpa |
Prices are based on product information at the time of writing and may change. Gift box contents and colours can vary, so check the current product page for details.
1. Best Baby Gifts Under $50
Best for baby shower guests, coworkers, neighbours and anyone who wants a sweet, useful gift without overspending.
You don't need to spend a lot to give a gift that gets used every day. At this price, focus on one lovely thing done well: a soft sleeper, a first toy, or a small set that arrives ready to give.
Our picks under $50
Active Baby Handmade Gift Set, Reindeer ($49.99). Our own gift set, packed with a crocheted reindeer rattle, a soft natural wood brush, a crocheted pacifier clip and two natural wood teethers. It's festive without being only for Christmas, and it looks beautiful when the lid comes off. We also make it in Lion, Bear and Bunny designs.
Belan.J Footed Zipper Sleeper, Christmas Train ($44.99). A buttery-soft bamboo sleeper with a two-way zipper (a gift to tired parents doing night changes), fold-over cuffs on the smaller sizes and grippers on the feet. It comes in newborn to 12–18 months, so you can buy a size ahead.
Jellycat Bartholomew Bear Junior ($45). A smaller version of Jellycat's best-loved teddy, and the kind of first friend that ends up in family photos for years. Our Jellycat Gift Guide explains how to pick the right one.
BIBS Baby Sprinkle Gift Set ($39.99). A boxed BIBS baby bottle with two BIBS pacifiers. It's a practical starter set for parents planning to use a bottle and soother.
Who are these gifts best for?
- Baby shower and sprinkle guests.
- Coworkers going in on a gift together, or a small Secret Santa budget.
- Anyone who wants to add a little something to a card.
What should you consider?
Soft toys and lovies are for supervised play only. Health Canada advises keeping the crib free of soft toys, pillows and loose blankets. Always follow the age label on toys, and remove all packaging before giving them to baby. For feeding gifts, it's thoughtful to check with the parents first, since some babies are particular about bottles and soothers. Looking for something even smaller? Browse our stocking stuffers under $20.
2. Best Baby Gifts Under $100
Best for close friends, aunts and uncles, and anyone who wants their gift to feel a little more special.
This is the sweet spot for gifts that feel generous and still get used daily. Sleep gear and curated boxes shine here, because they take the guesswork out of what a new family really needs.
Our picks under $100
Active Baby Newborn Gift Box ($85). Put together by our team, this box includes a Belan.J bamboo footed sleeper, knotted hat, non-scratch mitts and newborn socks, a Burbaby silicone pacifier clip, Dimpleskins Bum Bum Balm and a So Luxury coconut and oat milk bath. Bought separately, those items add up to about $112, so the box saves you roughly 24%.
Belan.J 1.0 TOG Sleep Sack, Christmas Train ($75.99). A wearable blanket in soft, breathable bamboo, with extra room at the bottom for little legs and a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes. Sleep sacks make great gifts because babies need a new size as they grow. Not sure which warmth is right? Our TOG sleep sack guide explains how to choose.
Belan.J Classic Kids PJ Set, Pink Bows ($68.99). If the new baby has a big brother or sister, a gift of their own can mean a lot. These bamboo pyjamas come in 2T to 7–8Y and match the grown-up Belan.J sets, so the whole family can coordinate for holiday photos.
Who are these gifts best for?
- Close friends and family who want a gift with a little wow factor.
- Families welcoming a baby in late fall or winter.
- Homes with an older sibling who might be feeling a bit left out.
What should you consider?
Ask the parents what size baby is wearing now and go one size up. For sleep sacks, ask about the room temperature too, and follow the manufacturer's sizing and TOG guide. A sleep sack replaces loose blankets in the crib, which is what Health Canada recommends.
3. Best Baby Gifts Under $200
Best for family members, group gifts and anyone who wants to give one big, complete welcome-home present.
With a bigger budget, you can give a complete set that covers the first weeks at home, or something the whole family will enjoy for years. These are also great choices when a few people want to chip in together.
Our picks under $200
Active Baby Newborn Gift Box with extras ($120). Everything in our $85 box plus a Guess How Much I Love You board book, a gentle K'Pure foaming baby wash, Aleva bamboo baby wipes, a Belan.J bamboo washcloth, lotion samples and a Wrendale Designs card. It's valued at about $152 if bought separately.
Belan.J Baby Gift Box, Little Lambs Footed Sleepers ($155.94). A coordinated Belan.J set built around soft bamboo footed sleepers, with newborn socks and matching accessories. If you love a bear theme, the Black Bears Gift Box (from $141.94) includes a 0–3 month kimono set and a quilted lovey.
Belan.J 2.5 TOG Family Blanket, Cocoa ($189.99). A big, quilted bamboo blanket that fits up to a queen-size bed. It's a gift for the parents as much as the baby: think movie nights, couch snuggles and feeds on cold Vancouver evenings. It's meant for grown-ups, not for baby's crib.
Who are these gifts best for?
- Grandparents, aunts and uncles who want to give a meaningful first gift.
- Office or friend groups pooling money for one great present.
- Parents-to-be who would rather receive one complete set than many small items.
What should you consider?
Boxed sets usually come in newborn or 0–3 month sizes, so they're best for babies who haven't arrived yet or are just a few weeks old. For an older baby, a mix of next-size-up clothing and a toy may be more useful. If you can't decide, an Active Baby digital gift card (up to $200) lets parents choose for themselves.
Shop the Active Baby Gift Collection
4. Gifts for New Grandparents
Best for celebrating a first Christmas as Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Lola, Halmoni or whatever name they're about to be called.
New grandparents are often the most excited people in the room. A gift that brings them into the baby's world, like matching pyjamas for holiday photos, is something they'll remember long after the wrapping is gone.
Our picks for new grandparents
Belan.J matching family pyjamas. The Women's Classic PJ Set in Cocoa ($119.99, XS to XXL) and Men's Classic PJ Set in Cocoa ($124.99, M to XL) are made from the same soft bamboo as Belan.J baby sleepwear. Add a baby sleeper and sibling pyjamas for a whole-family photo. See all of them in our Matching Family PJs collection.
Belan.J Family Blanket ($189.99). A cozy blanket for grandparents' couch, where so many first stories will be read.
A “Grandma’s house” kit. Many grandparents help with childcare. A spare sleeper and a sleep sack to keep at their home mean fewer things for parents to pack. Together, the Christmas Train sleeper and 1.0 TOG sleep sack come to $120.98.
A gentle note for grandparents: safe sleep has changed
Advice has changed a lot since today's grandparents were raising babies. The Public Health Agency of Canada's safe sleep tips for grandparents say babies should sleep alone on their back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian regulations, with no blankets, pillows, bumpers or soft toys. Cribs made before September 1986 shouldn't be used, and drop-side cribs have been banned in Canada since 2016. Health Canada also notes that playpens aren't recommended for unsupervised sleep. If you're buying sleep gear for a grandparent's home, follow the manufacturer's instructions and check for recalls.
Who are these gifts best for?
- First-time grandparents celebrating their first holiday with the baby.
- Grandparents who help with regular childcare.
- Families planning a matching-pyjama holiday photo.
What should you consider?
Check sizes before you buy pyjamas, as the men's set comes in M to XL. If grandparents live outside the Lower Mainland, order early so the gift arrives in time, or choose a digital gift card that arrives by email.
Which Gift Should You Choose?
Choose a gift under $50 if you want one sweet, useful thing.
A sleeper, a soft first toy or our handmade gift set is perfect for showers and coworkers.
Choose a gift under $100 if you want it to feel special.
A sleep sack or our Newborn Gift Box gives parents things they'll reach for every day.
Choose a gift under $200 for family or group gifts.
A complete gift box or a family blanket makes a big, memorable welcome.
Still deciding?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- How old will baby be when they open it? Boxed newborn sets suit babies who haven't arrived yet; older babies need the next size up.
- What do the parents already have? If they already have plenty of toys, clothing, sleep gear or a gift card may be more welcome.
- Is it from you, or from a group? Pooling money opens up the under-$200 picks for everyone.
Shopping by age instead? Our Best Christmas Gifts for Babies by Age guide covers what babies enjoy from 0 to 12 months, and our Holiday Gift Guide has even more ideas.
Try before you buy
See and touch every gift in store
Feel the bamboo fabrics, open up our gift boxes and get help choosing by budget at our North Vancouver (1985 Lonsdale Avenue) or Langley (302-6339 200th Street) store. Ordering online? You can also pick up online orders at our Surrey warehouse (10670 135A Street).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a baby gift?
There's no rule. Most people spend based on how close they are to the family, and close relatives often spend more. A thoughtful $40 gift that gets used every day is better than an expensive one that sits in a closet.
What is a good baby gift under $50?
A bamboo sleeper in the next size up, a small handmade gift set, or a soft first toy like Jellycat's Bartholomew Bear Junior are all lovely choices under $50.
Are baby gift boxes worth it?
They can be. Our Active Baby Newborn Gift Boxes cost about 21% to 24% less than buying each item separately, and they arrive ready to give, so you don't have to choose or wrap each piece.
What size baby clothes should I buy as a gift?
Go one size up from baby's current age, or choose 3–6 months for a newborn. Babies grow quickly, and a larger size gives parents more time to use it.
What do you buy new grandparents for Christmas?
Matching family pyjamas are a favourite, because they bring grandparents into the holiday photos. A cozy family blanket, or a spare sleeper and sleep sack to keep at their house, are also practical and thoughtful.
Is a blanket a safe gift for a baby?
Blankets are best for supervised cuddles, stroller walks (over the harness, never under) and grown-up snuggles. For sleep, Health Canada recommends a crib with no loose blankets, so a sleep sack is the safer choice for bedtime.
Can I buy an Active Baby gift card?
Yes. Our digital gift card comes in amounts from $10 to $200 and is delivered by email, which makes it a great last-minute or long-distance gift.
Can I pick up my gift order instead of having it shipped?
Yes. You can shop in person at our North Vancouver and Langley stores, or order online and pick up at our Surrey warehouse (10670 135A Street), which is handy if you're short on time before a shower or the holidays.
Find the Perfect Baby Gift at Active Baby
The best gift is one that fits the family, and your budget. Whether you choose a handmade set, a cozy sleep sack or matching pyjamas for proud new grandparents, we're here to help you find something they'll love this holiday season.
Shop Baby Gifts at Active Baby
Active Baby — your trusted Vancouver baby store since 2009, here to support your family through every little milestone.
