Yahoo News 15 best baby shower gifts that new parents actually want
Baby shower and new baby gifts are a minefield. Should you take one? How much should you spend? Will they use it? Do they need it?
Of course an awful lot of it comes down to personal preference, but there are always some gifts that new parents will need. We’ve whittled through the many available to bring you the very best.
Gifts that are useful, great value for money, stylish, essential or just very lovely treats that a new mama may not necessarily buy for herself.
We’ve asked new parents which baby shower gifts they love and found the most useful.
And what they didn’t need… we’ve included brand new to the market ideas (the Groegg 2) and some trusted classics which are still relevant and have stood the test of time to stay at the top of their game (hello Sophie Le Girafe).
The below have all been tried, tested and approved or recommended by new parents.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers , but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Bloom and Blossom pregnancy heroes gift set: £24, Bloom and Blossom
One of our favourite natural yet effective beauty brands for during pregnancy as well as new baby products. This gift set consists of trial size bottles of the revitalising leg and foot spray, anti stretch mark cream and relaxing bath and shower gel all packaged up in a lovely gift box for the ultimate pampering treat. They’re gifts we’re sure any heavily pregnant mama will appreciate and thank you for regardless of style or parenting choices and come at a reasonable price.
Ewan deluxe baby shushing sleep sheep: £39.99, Sweet Dreamers
Every parents favourite baby sleep aid has been given an upgrade. Ewan the sheep is one of the first recommendations from the more experienced to new parents struggling with lack of sleep. He plays a selection of soothing sounds and mimics the comfort of the womb with a soft pink glow. The new, improved Ewan features a smart cry sensor that activates when baby stirs helping to resettle them.
Sophie la girafe: £16.95, Natural Baby Shower
This French giraffe is famous in the world of parenting. Made form 100 per cent natural rubber she’s the favoured teething toy. This gift set include the classic Sophie and the new teether. A practical gift they’ll definitely need further down the line.
Binibamba blue rose stripe snuggler: £98, Binibamba
This brand has revolutionised the sheepskin pram liner giving it a fresh, modern take. The deep pile, luxury merino sheepskin liners are designed to keep baby at an optimal temperature all year round. Also available in black/white and black/grey stripes as well as block colours. Use in buggies, car seats or just as a simple baby rug.
The White Company hydro cotton white baby robe: £28, The White Company
The White Company is always a first stop for baby shower and new baby gifts. The robe is a practical but also super cute for first bath pictures. It’s ultra-soft, and works instead of a towel keeping baby warm and the hydro cotton is super absorbent. Who could resist the little ears on the hood? Available in sizes 0-12 months.
Olivier London myrtle cream cashmere bonnet: £36, Olivier Baby
A luxury accessory for baby’s first wardrobe, this cashmere bonnet comes in size 0-3 years and is available in an assortment of colours. A gift any parent will love but wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves which is why it makes the perfect gift. An heirloom piece that will be treasured long after it’s used.
Cook new parents ready meal bundles: From £35.25 Cook
This is a resounding favourite baby shower or new baby gift for new parents. Cook offer new parents meal bundles from £35.25, as well as the new mums survival box of 10 meals for £41.75 to the first fortnight for new parents, £127.50. These are the highest quality ready meals for people who love food but are limited in time. You can also buy vouchers for an amount of your choice.
Month of Sundays childhood journal: £36, Month of Sundays
The updated baby book, the Childhood Journal, was the idea of a new mum who loved keeping a baby book up to her child’s first birthday but couldn’t find anything similar in which to continue documenting her memories. The Childhood Journal goes from pregnancy right up to the 18th birthday. A perfect future keepsake to treasure.
Biscuiteers baby shower biscuit tin: £35, Biscuiteers
A gift guaranteed to bring oohs and aahs of delight on arrival, these beautiful biscuits are almost too pretty to eat. But are actually also delicious. Presented in a charming tin that can (and should) be kept afterwards. They last for over a month and can also be delivered directly to the recipient.
Selfish Mother grey and red classic crew sweatshirt: £55, Selfish Mother
Our favourite of all the “mama merch” available, this is a super soft, relaxed sweatshirt made from 85 per cent cotton that’s also fair wear certified. We think it’s guaranteed to be an effortless favourite for any new mum to throw on every day and is available in sizes xs-xl. The jumper is also part of the brand’s #GoodTees initiative that look good and do good by giving back to charities such as The Refugee Council and Women for Women International, which has so far raised more than £1m.
Groegg 2: £23.99, Gro Store
The Groegg is an essential for any new parent, a thermometer and night light in one that changes colour to let you know if the temperature of baby’s room is too low, high or just right. The freshly updated and improved version, the Groegg2 has all the same features but it’s also bigger and brighter, more of a night light and features four adjustable brightness levels. It’s a must have addition to any nursery.
Tiba + Marl etta camo changing clutch: £45, Tiba + Marl
This nifty little clutch unfolds to become a padded changing mat with a removable fleece liner, while the pockets and zips have just enough space for everything you need for a quick and easy nappy change. It can be kept in any larger bag or used for quick trips out that don’t warrant a big baby bag and we love the unisex camo print.
Mori zip-up grey sleepsuit: £32.50, Mori
Our favourite brand for baby sleepsuits, Mori, uses the highest quality organic cotton and bamboo, making them the softest we’ve found, even after being washed repeatedly. But they do come at a higher price tag than those on the high street so are more of a treat. We love the gender-neutral grey marl and the zip makes it fuss-free for new parents. Top tip – buy in new-born as most people buying gifts will buy in a bigger size for babies to grow into.
Aden + Anais classic swaddles 4-pack, hear me roar: £44.95, Aden + Anais
Muslins are one of the most useful accessories a new parent can own. You don’t appreciate quite how many you’ll need, in various sizes, until baby arrives. They're perfect for discretion when nursing, to wipe up baby sick and dribble, and as a sunshade or blanket. Aden and Anais’s muslins are probably the most coveted, they’re 100 per cent cotton and this cool new season unisex design just adds to the appeal. A four pack will keep any new parent going for a while.
Neal’s Yard mother’s bath oil: £15, Feel Unique
A total treat for any tired new mother or mum to be, this much-loved bath oil replenishes, relaxes and smells divine. It’s completely organic and safe to use during pregnancy and beyond.
The verdict: Baby shower gifts
Mothers to be deserve to be spoilt and Bloom & Blossoms’ pregnancy heroes giftbox is a practical treat at a reasonable price which is why it’s our best buy. Aden and Anais’s muslins are a great gift for the mama-to-be who has everything, you can never have too many and we love Month of Sundays childhood journal for a special, thoughtful keepsake.
