10 Thoughtful & Inclusive Gifts for Expecting and Adoptive Parents

Welcoming a new baby or older child is a momentous chapter—whether it’s through birth, surrogacy, or adoption. But finding a gift that’s truly meaningful (and not already on everyone’s registry) can be a challenge. The best gifts celebrate not just the baby, but the incredible humans becoming parents—no matter how their journey looks.

Here are 10 thoughtful gifts perfect for any expecting parent or family, especially those looking for something more heartfelt than another onesie.

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1. A Meal Delivery Service (or Home-Cooked Meal Train)

New parents are often exhausted and emotionally spent—and feeding themselves can fall off the radar. Gifting a week or month of meal delivery (like Freshly, Daily Harvest, or local Winston-Salem options like GoChefGo) is a beautiful, practical gift. Or, organize a meal train with friends and family to deliver homemade dishes. Freezable dinners are super thoughtful and new parents can reach into the freezer as many evenings as they don’t feel like cooking.

Why it’s great: Saves time, fuels recovery, and shows up when help is most needed.

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2. Your Favorite Children’s Books

Gift a set of beautifully illustrated, inclusive children’s books that celebrate all kinds of families—especially those built through adoption, surrogacy, or with LGBTQ+ parents. Great titles include:

• Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
• The Family Book by Todd Parr
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
• A Family is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary
• Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg
• On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott
• Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Why it’s great: These books normalize and celebrate all families right from the beginning.

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3. Professional Photography Session

Capturing the joy, anticipation, or first tender days together is priceless. Gifting a baby bump, newborn, or family session with a local photographer (like yours truly, if you’re near Winston-Salem!) creates artwork and memories they’ll treasure for years. Contact me to create a beautiful gift for those you love!

Why it’s great: Experiences last far longer than stuff—and help parents capture the beauty of this new season.

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4. Custom Baby Name or Family Keepsake

From a framed birth name print to a custom embroidery of the family’s initials or adoption date, personalized keepsakes are a timeless and heartfelt gift. Many local artists or Etsy shops offer gorgeous handmade options.

Why it’s great: Celebrates this specific child and family story in a lasting way.

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5. A Postpartum or Adjustment Support Package

Whether recovering physically or emotionally from birth, navigating sleepless nights, or adjusting after placement or adoption, all new parents deserve care. Consider a package with:

• Herbal bath soak

• Journal and pen

• Lactation or feeding support

• Virtual therapy or parenting coaching gift cards

Why it’s great: Puts parental well-being first in a season that can feel overwhelming.

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6. A Gift Certificate for Housecleaning or Laundry Service

It’s not glamorous—but it’s possibly the best gift you can give. Local services in the Triad area can be booked for one-time cleanings or recurring help, freeing parents to rest and bond without the pressure of chores piling up.

Why it’s great: Lightens the mental load and lets love—not laundry—take center stage.

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7. Matching Family Pajamas or Robes

Cozy loungewear may not seem essential—until they realize how much time they’ll spend in it. Go for a gender-neutral or inclusive set of pajamas or soft robes that work for any family setup.

Why it’s great: Adds comfort and joy to those early bonding days and makes for adorable photos.

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8. A Personalized “Waiting for You” Book or Artwork

For adoptive and surrogacy parents, the journey to baby is often long and emotional. A “waiting for you” style book or custom timeline artwork honors that unique path with tenderness and pride.

Why it’s great: Recognizes the deep love and commitment it took to grow their family.

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9. Subscription to a Parenting or Self-Care Box

Gift a monthly surprise with boxes like:

• Lovevery (for baby development toys)

• Rad Swan or The Nesting Box (for new parents)

• Parent-focused wellness or tea boxes

 Why it’s great: Extends your support into the first few months, not just the shower.

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10. A Handwritten Letter or “Letters to My Child” Kit

Sometimes, the simplest gifts hold the most meaning. A beautifully bound set of blank letters for the parent(s) to write to their child—about this time, their hopes, their love—can become a treasured keepsake. Bonus: write a letter yourself to the new family, offering encouragement and love.

 Why it’s great: It connects hearts and helps preserve the emotions of this powerful season.

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Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Stuff

The most meaningful gifts for expecting parents recognize the beauty, complexity, and uniqueness of each family’s journey. Whether through birth, surrogacy, or adoption, these gifts offer love, support, and joy for what truly matters.

And if you’re in the Winston-Salem area and want to preserve this moment with timeless, heartfelt photography, I’d be honored to help. Reach out here to learn more or gift a session to someone you love.