I promise you that all our posts won’t be about shopping (honest!). However, if you are like me you will most likely know a lot of expectant mums and finding that all important newborn gift is never the easiest job!
There is an abundance of cuteness out there but what do you choose and most importantly how do you find that one gift that they really want to receive?
After having Molly and Alice I was the lucky recipient of many beautiful presents and although all were lovely there were some that really stood out. It was those presents that I used time and time again. Some got me through those first few months and there are some that I still use now, nearly 4 years later. I learnt a thing or two from these and have since purchased many newborn gifts for others that always seems to be well received, or so I hope!
Today I wanted to share some of my top gifts with you that I think everyone will love. Charlotte has added a few of her favourites too and we’ve covered a range of prices so you can choose from a simple (yet much treasured) book through to a whole bundle of more luxe goodies.
Under £10
Charlotte had these cute booties from The White Company for Mabel. They were so soft and such good quality and were essential for keeping toes toasty. If only they came in my size!
They say you can never have enough muslins in the first 6 months and “they” are exactly right! There are many bargain multi packs of white squares out there but Charlotte found that when she was going out she always reached for the coloured or patterned versions that had been gifted. They seemed to show up marks and spillages less and let’s face it… They just look nicer. She had several sets from Mothercare and they can be found at a reasonable £9.99 for a pack of 6 different better-than-white hues.
I’m a big fan of books and they make the perfect gift for a newborn. They are something to be enjoyed as baby grows and enjoys listening and sharing in the stories. The classics from Janet and Allan Ahlberg are firm favourites of mine with Peepo still being the chosen bedtime story most nights. There is something so utterly charming about the stories and they also happen to be the ones I remember from my own childhood. This in itself is testament to the fact that these books stand the test of time.
£10 – £20
Blankets get a lot of use by little ones. Tucked up in a moses basket, in the pram, drapped over baby during snuggles with mum. I had some really beautiful blankets for the girls and I still use them now, 4 years later. Some were gorgeous hand knitted ones but the one’s I used most were soft jersey blankets. They were great as an extra layer in winter or a light cover in summer. We still use the girl’s blankets when out and about in the car or buggy. This Frugi blanket was Molly’s favourite. We had it in a mouse print but the current bumble bee print is just adorable. It also has a cute hood. What’s not to love?
As a new Mum Charlotte always found making sure Mabel wasn’t too warm or indeed too chilly quite challenging – the temperature can change so rapidly, especially if you are out and about. She found layering was key and always took a cardigan with her even if it was warm in case of over enthusiastic air conditioning! This Knitted Sheep Design from John Lewis is super cute and would make a lovely gift.
As well as muslins, you can never have enough sleep suits. Bar the odd fancy outfit these are what Mabel lived in for the first 3 months, if not longer. Charlotte found John Lewis were the best quality in terms of wear, they still looked like new after several dozen wash cycles. These work out at a fiver each as they come in a pack of three – the woodland print is especially lovely.
£20 – £30
Molly has a bit of an obsession with soft toys! It may well stem from the amount she received when she was born. The favourites of both my girls are the Jelly Cat range and it’s easy to see why. They are just so unbelievably soft! They did get given rather a lot but believe me that’s no bad thing. The comfort blanket has been attached to Alice’s side since she was a few months old (it’s a bit tatty now!) but the other item that has been a permenant fixture is the musical star. It’s soothing lullaby is played every bedtime and nap time and is part of the night time routine now. This sheep version is just the sweetest.
One thing Charlotte didn’t have for Mabel as a small baby was a robe – so useful for the colder months especially straight after bath time. She had a look at several and this one from The White Company was the softest. They are very roomy so should last a long time, Mabel is still wearing her 6-12 months robe at 18 months!
Continuing the bath theme, you can’t go wrong with a lovely snuggly hooded bath towel. I had lots but my favourites were the more special ones – particularly those that had a pattern or cute hood. Given how many times baby will be bathed (a lot!) then this one from Farg Form at This Modern Life is great value. Ok, so I know this is a bit spendy for a towel but trust me that this will be used many times – price per wear and all that! (and the cloud print is pretty darn stylish too!)
£30 plus
In terms of gift “sets” this 4 piece option from Boden is really special and has been so well received by new Mums Charlotte has bought it for. Beautiful unisex prints, super quality and every item is a “must have” for your new little one.
This adorable baby name bunting from Studio Sappor is a firm favourite amongst the team. It has been gifted many times and loved by each and every recipient. You can choose the fabrics and colours to really make it personal. Pricing is based on £6 a letter. You may well see it gracing a few of the nursery’s we have featured.
Creating a baby hamper is a great option as you can add in all sorts of lovely things for baby and mum. Everything from the essentials like muslins, sleepsuits and nappy cream through to a cute cuddly toy or book. Some gorgeous toiletries for mum and baby like this baby wash from Burt’s Bees are a real treat. You could even pop in a bottle of Champagne for the new parents to toast the arrival. Package it all in a lovely wicker basket which can be used in the nursery afterwards. I have created these quite a few times and they always go down well. They also make the perfect group present from friends or colleagues when you can afford to spend that little bit more.
For Mums
Let’s not forget the mums when it comes to present buying! A little treat for them would be most welcomed. Something simple like a lovely hand cream or Body Oil is the perfect treat for when they might get 5 minutes to themselves.
Charlotte tends to buy her friends an item of Chanel make-up (because everyone needs a small shiny black cased piece of joy right?) and the Rouge Coco Shine in Boy is a brighten-your-face suits all pinky-mauve shade that moisturises like a balm and makes you look like you’ve made a massive effort with a 2 second swipe from the tube.
When I had Molly I was the lucky recipient of a lovely spa treatment voucher from a group of friends. It was something I could really look forward to and although I didn’t get to use it for 6 months those few hours away being pampered were bliss.
So, that’s my roundup of my favourite newborn gifts to give and receive but please do let us know your suggestions?
What a great post. I know I’ll come back to this again and again – thanks Lottie! Jxxx
Thanks Jenn. We do like a nice bit of shopping inspiration! x
Muslins are my go to present for new Mum’s. When my little girl was born my two favourite presents were of the muslin variety. One was a pack of lovely patterned muslins from M&S (similar to these: http://www.marksandspencer.com/5-pack-pure-cotton-muslin-squares/p/p22350685). They were so much prettier to take out and about, plus having a different pattern meant they didn’t get mixed up with other muslins when I was out with fellow Mums.
The other muslin type were these giant Aiden and Anais muslins (http://www.eenymeenykids.co.uk/aden-anais-giant-swaddle-blankets.html?r=1&width=1680&Height=1050) . They can be used as a blanket, changing mat, breastfeeding cover, burp cloth and in many more weird and wonderful ways. There was always one in my changing bag.
Seriously, Muslin’s have sooooooo many uses! I always loved the Aden and Anais ones. Such cute prints and as you say, giant!!! x
So many good ideas, agree with the muslins… My friends due next month and their daughter is 18 months. Any ideas for a big sister idea?! I’m mum to a newborn so not good with that age group!
Hi Anna. This is the exact age gap between my girls so hopefully I can help! When Alice was born most people also bought Molly a present too. I’m not sure it helped her like her baby sister any more but she enjoyed getting presents non the less! She had a dolly from us and some people got her some little dolls dresses so she could practice changing baby like mummy did. She also had a new little teeny tiny jelly cat bunny (the mini one) which she absolutely adored and still carries everywhere. In truth most presents will go down well at that age. A book or a little wooden jigsaw puzzle – Melissa and Doug do some good ones. Hope that helps xx
Hi Anna! Mabel is 18 months and I echo Lottie, she loves her Melissa and Doug jigsaw puzzle, they look lovely and really help with colours/shapes and development etc. Happy Land toys are also aimed at that age group and start at about £5 – At the weekend we bought Mabel the musical train and oh my goodness, she thinks it’s the best thing ever! All she says when we pick her up from nursery is “Mama Choo Choo! Choo choo!” ….very cute x
It may sound odd but a bumper pack of baby clothes hangers were one of the most useful gifts I received, really helped tidy up the pile of fabulous clothes we were given. After being on the receiving end so recently I think my go to gifts to give now would be hooded towels, pretty Muslins and jelly cat toys.
Oooh, definitely hangers. I still never seem to have enough but never think to go and buy them myself! You really can’t go wrong with the simple but useful presents or towels and muslins can you. Plus those Jelly Cat toys are just the best. The girls may be getting a few more in their stockings I think! x
Yes hangers! I spent a small fortune on white baby ones from John Lewis – would have made a very thoughtful (and useful!) gift x
Whilst I don’t have any children myself (nor planning to in the near future!), my best friend is due in 6 weeks. I went to her baby shower at the weekend and I really wish I could have seen this beforehand! I got her a cuddly toy and some clothes for when her baby boy is a bit older but nothing particularly practical! But I’m making a note of these so that I can send her up a few things after the birth!
Ahhhh that’s so nice Jo! Can you be my friend too….;)
Hi Lottie, totally echo the sentiment on the books, name Janet and Allan Alberg, have you seen the jolly postman series? Better for slightly older little ones, but so charming. Believe it or not, I got a set when was a nipper and unbeknown to me my mum squirrelled them away once I’d lost interest and presented them to me when I had Edie…. I’m so pleased she has kept them! They’ve even got the date I received them on the inside!! Loving Rock My Family btw… So nice to have a parenting website that makes me feel welcome…. Xx
Oh I love the Jolly Postman. My sister had it when we were little and I was always jealous. My mum has kept the copy and Molly now loves reading it. We have got her her own copy for her birthday and are planning on the Jolly Christmas postman as a December treat. xx
We had both the Jolly Postman and The Jolly Christmas Postman and they were by far and away my favourite books when I was small. I love reading Peepo to Hector and Each Peach Pear Plum but he’s a bit young yet for The Postie series (he’s currently very much enjoying ripping!). I’m saving them for when he’s a bit older.
It was on special offer on The Book People recently – for about £6. Not sure if they’re still honouring it.
It was one of my favourites when I was little and I have both of them for my daughter. Mostly she likes ‘the witchy book’ though (Room on the Broom)!
Ahhhh we have the witchy book too Sara – complete with ripped and re-sellotaped pages. Honestly my child is a terror! Thanks for the heads up on The Book People though!
The Book People is exactly where we got it from! We also got a full set of the Julia Donaldson one’s at the same time as they love Broom, Grufflo, stick man etc so much. Top tip if you have older kiddies – apparently they are making the animation of The Stick Man ready for Christmas. Same as Room on the broom and Grufflo. It should be great x
I’m extremely excited about that. Almost embarrassingly so, in fact.
Another top tip: buying Amazon Prime gives you access to Amazon instant video which has the animated versions of Room on the Broom, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child on it. Plus lots of adult shows and films for once they’re (finally) in bed!
Confession time: I was totally obsessed with RMW before I even got engaged (you then went on to feature our wedding – it’s the ‘love is brewing’ post). I am now totes in love with RMF and yes I have no children or little-bean in belly…. Yet! You’ve done a great job X
*Goes to remind herself of Love Is Brewing immediately* – Yes! Awesome hair! So glad you are here to join us – little bean yet or not x
I’ve had three friends give birth this week – this is a very timely post!
I think I must be the only person in the world who didn’t get the muslin-love. So many people recommended them to me, I had about thirty of them in piles ALL OVER the house – barely used them.
I strain jams and jellies in them now 😀
Ha ha. I also found an unused pack years later that is now in the jam making cupboard!! x