Smothering your favorite newborn with kisses and hugs tops every parent’s to-do list, but baby’s first Valentine’s Day deserves something extra special. After testing dozens of baby gifts over my 15 years as a mom and parenting writer, I’ve curated 20 thoughtful (but practical) presents that celebrate this milestone – no chocolate sharing required.
Quick picks if you’re in a hurry:
- Best keepsake: Love Bug Heirloom Baby Blanket
- Most practical: Carter’s Valentine’s Day bib
- Sweetest tradition-starter: “I Love You Like No Otter” board book
Soothing & Snuggling
Carter’s Just One You Heart Teether
This Valentine ring rattle from Target combines three developmental features in one adorable toy. The ultra-soft 3-inch plush ring, 2.5-inch heart-shaped teether, and 3-inch dimensional heart provide relief to sore gums while keeping baby entertained with gentle rattle sounds and vibrant colors. I love that it’s compact enough for stroller rides and car journeys. Available at Target.
Fisher-Price Soothe & Settle Bunny
This portable plush sound machine goes beyond basic white noise. As the bunny “yawns” and falls asleep, its head nods back and forth in a rhythmic motion that mimics the calming movements babies experienced in utero. The 5 customizable sound options and soft glowing light mean you can adjust settings as baby grows. Perfect for tabletop or travel. Available at Target.
Tubby Todd Hair & Body Wash Fragrance Free
I’ve been a huge fan of Tubby Todd for years and I love this fragrance-free hair and body wash. Its formula is cleanly sourced and rigorously safety-tested and is practical while also having a bit of a pampering feel to it. Available at Target.
For Messy Eaters & First Snackers
Carter’s Baby Valentine’s Day So Much Love Bib
Carter’s always comes out with very cute and very affordable Valentine’s Day clothing and accessories. I loved this bib because it fits the day but won’t look out of place any other day out of the year and it’s not gender specific – both baby boys and baby girls have so much love. Available at Carter’s.
Little Bellies Organic Strawberry Pick-Me Sticks
Okay, babies might not be ready for chocolate covered strawberries, but these organic puffed corn snacks are designed specifically for first-stage snacking (7+ months). The large, soft shapes help develop hand-to-mouth coordination, and they gently melt in the mouth to encourage safe self-feeding. Lightly sprinkled with strawberry flavor (and I felt like the ‘pick-me had a bit of a sweetheart vibe). Available at Target.
Storytime Favorites
“I Love You Like No Otter” Board Book
Animal pun books weren’t my thing until I discovered this one. The warm message pairs with beautifully illustrated animal families, making it perfect for establishing a bedtime reading routine. Available at Target.
“I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home”
For fans of “Guess How Much I Love You” who want something funnier, this tender tribute explores the depths of family love with humor. Available at Target.
“Hug Machine”
This story encourages warm, affectionate approaches to life, whether you’re big, small, square, long, spikey, or soft. Available at Target.‘
“Love Makes a Family”
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Available at Target.
“You’re My Little Cuddle Bug” Board Book
This sweet board book celebrates the special bond between parent and baby with charming illustrations and gentle rhymes. Perfect for Valentine’s Day reading and beyond, it captures those precious cuddle moments. Available at Target.
“How We Love”
This lyrical board book features photos of real children celebrating the many ways love looks, feels, and shows up in everyday life. It’s already earned early critical acclaim, including a coveted Kirkus Star (rarely awarded to board books) and was named to the Kirkus Best Books of 2025 list. Available on Amazon.
Adorable Things to Wear
Old Navy Long-Sleeve Waffle-Knit Henley One-Piece
Old Navy’s waffle-knit henley combines comfort with style and the classic henley style works for boys and girls. I liked this one because it’s a little bit of a step up from sleepers but still really comfy. Available at Old Navy.
Carter’s Just One You Baby Valentine’s Day Booties
These sweet little slippers will steal your heart and keep baby feet cozy and warm. The Valentine’s design makes them photo-ready but you can pretty much rock heart booties all year round. Available at Target.
Hudson Baby XOXO Headband and Scratch Mitten Set
This practical set includes multiple headbands and scratch mittens with adorable XOXO Valentine’s designs. Again, these have a Valentine vibe without screaming it, so you can use them in March, April, etc without it looking like a holdover. Available at Target.
Reminder: headbands are for awake times and being adorable and not safe for unsupervised sleep. You’re smart, you get it.
Babiators Heart-Shaped Sunglasses
Available in three sizes (baby, toddler, kid), these provide 100% UV protection and are virtually indestructible (very helpful when babies are in the ‘throw and bend’ stage). We’ve had ours for three years with no scratches. Available on Babiators.com.
Swaddelini Rainbow Heart Swaddle Sleep Sack
This breathable knit swaddle is engineered as a single seamless piece through 3D knitting, making it escape-proof and incredibly comfortable. During those early months when proper swaddling means the difference between sleep and chaos, having a safe, well-designed swaddle is pretty heartfelt. Available at Swaddelini.
Toys That Teach & Delight
Pottery Barn Kids Wooden Valentine’s Chocolates Shape Sorter
The wooden blocks are shaped like individual chocolate treats and fit into the corresponding holes at the top of the box. Shape sorters help develop problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination (and knowing how to grab the caramel filled chocolates out of the Pot of Gold box before anyone else in the family does). Available at Pottery Barn Kids.
Special Keepsakes
Love Bug Heirloom Baby Blanket
Pottery Barn Kids has this gorgeous baby blanket that is great for snuggling and strolling. It’s knitted from exceptionally warm acrylic yarn and backed in silky-soft vela plush and will last long past Valentine’s Day. You can find it at Pottery Barn Kids.
From Babies With Love First Kisses Organic Gift Pouch
This organic bandana bib and knot hat set offers something rare: 100% of profits support abandoned and orphaned children worldwide. You’re celebrating your baby while helping vulnerable kids who need extra love. Available at FromBabiesWithLove.com.
Also check out Best Charitable Baby Gifts That Give Back (9 Meaningful Options)
What Other Parents Are Gifting
Based on my parenting community surveys and conversations with new parents, the most popular first Valentine’s gifts combine practicality with sentimentality. Developmental toys like shape sorters, quality books for building reading routines, and gentle skincare products that parents trust consistently top the list.
I found that first time parents are excited to celebrate a baby’s first holiday while parents with other children feel bad about excluding the baby (even if their baby has zero clue about what is going on).
Your Turn: What Made Baby’s First Valentine’s Day Special?
Did something from this list catch your eye, or do you have another gift in mind? Share your favorite Valentine’s finds in the comments below – other parents appreciate real recommendations.
Next step: Baby’s First Valentine’s Day Photo Ideas to capture this milestone with creative photo inspiration.
About the Author: Amy Morrison has been writing about pregnancy, newborns, and parenting since 2010. As a mother of two boys, she tests products firsthand and shares honest, experience-based advice that helps parents navigate those crucial early months.
