gifts they might actually want

Tiny Moccasins Are My Never-Fail (and Now Not-So-Secret) Baby Gift

These precious things will only set you back 20 bucks. Photo: Courtesy of the retailer

Please don’t steal my perfect baby gift. I know I’m about to explain how it’s affordable; why new parents love it; and why you should start giving it to the newborns of friends and loved ones. But I really don’t want people to steal my perfect baby gift because I would like to feel original.

Many will say that the “perfect” baby gift is something said baby’s future parents put on their registry. And I agree; it’s a great and generous idea to contribute directly to something parents will need, like a crib or changing table or carrier or diapers. But that’s also boring. Wouldn’t it be nice to do some of that, but also give a little special thing that’ll make them happy and remind them of you?

That’s why I like to gift a pair of baby-size moccasins. They flood Etsy (clearly, I am not the first to think of this perfect baby gift!) in all sorts of designs, though you can get pricier versions on Amazon, too. But buying on Etsy means they’re often handcrafted, customizable by color and size: from T-strap to gold fringe. They’re also inexpensive, as much baby apparel tends to be — around $10 to $15 for a simple color and design. Don’t know the sex of the baby? They’re easily non-gender-specific — any baby would look adorable tottering around in a pair of classic brown fringe leather mocs. Or go a little crazy with bright lime green, or leopard print, or strawberries, or basketballs. If you dream it, some Etsy seller has likely already brought it to life.

I’ve also been told by those who’ve received the baby mocs that they are practical on top of being adorable. Unlike a pair of sandals, they’ll never slip off. I usually buy a pair big enough for a toddler, so that when the kid actually starts to stand on their own feet, they’ll have a comfy pair of mocs ready to slide on.

I love these with T-straps and bows.

Classic pink with a big bow. Too pink? Get the bow in bright red. Or yellow!

Another classic: fringe! Available in all sorts of colors.

A slightly different look that’s more bootie than moc.

For the Totoro fans. And on a similar note, panda ones.

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Tiny Leather Moccasins Are My Never-Fail Baby Gift