Someone in your circle has a new baby — mazel tov! Now you’re staring down the baby gift aisle, trying to figure out what on earth will make a thoughtful present. What do you give to a tiny human with no obvious preferences or motor skills while also fitting their parents’ color scheme, developmental philosophy and (most importantly, in my personal opinion) suddenly overstuffed cabinets?
Enter: The book. In an age of technological marvels, I’m here to make the case that books are still the best baby presents. (Except sleep. If you can figure out how to give sleep, do that. And please send some to me.) Reading with babies, even long before they seem to be paying attention, remains one of the most powerful tools for brain development and caregiver bonding. Plus — and I cannot emphasize enough how much new parents will appreciate this — books generally do not make incessant annoying beeping noises.
Full disclosure: I’m a librarian and an author, so books are my answer to basically everything. But hear me out.
- Don’t know the family all that well? That’s fine. A book always feels thoughtful and appropriate. It’s your favorite sister’s baby? Still perfect! Write a sweet, personalized note inside the cover.
- It’s your friend’s first baby? Now is the perfect time to start building up a stash of great books they won’t mind re-reading at a thousand bedtimes. Your friend is on kid #4 and already drowning in baby gear? Books are always fresh, and they don’t take up much space.
- Want to avoid the aggressive pink/blue gendering of basically every baby gift on the planet? No problem — books are for everyone!
- On a budget? Books are affordable. Want to splurge? Bundle a bunch of books together for a whole home library, or add a book or two to a basket of other gifts.
See? Books. I knew you’d agree.
Here are a few of my favorite Jewish books about welcoming home a new baby that are perfect presents for all the babies — and their families — in your life.
A heartfelt love letter through generations, with charming rhymes and sweet gestures for every part of the body, like a kiss on the keppie.
A boy can hardly wait to reveal his new baby sister’s name to his community. Beautifully illustrated.
A lift-the-flap celebration of the many things a growing baby can do.
A colorful, cheek-squishing romp will have babies and their bubbes laughing out loud.
Ella works through her big feelings about the impending arrival of her new baby sibling. Great for sharing with older kids who might be struggling with the change in their family.
Each page shows a family’s happiness at the milestones in a baby’s first year. I love that it’s peppered with Hebrew throughout.
Anthropomorphized latkes, dreidels and gelt express their love to their babies. Little ones will love sticking their fingers through the cutouts.
With a new baby on the way, a big brother helps his mother turn her old sewing room into a nursery — but will they make it in time? Jewish holidays mark the months going by, and a reduce-reuse-recycle theme is a bonus.
A sweet rhyming board book about the joy of a new baby, packed with Jewish symbols and traditions.
Mira wanted a little sister, but now the baby is here — and she won’t stop crying, no matter what Mira and family try. A touch of humor will be welcomed by siblings and parents alike.
