ELLE's Expecting Editors On The Baby Shower Gifts They Really Want
Even the most skilled present-givers can be beaten by the prospect of buying a winning baby-shower gift. A lot of those reliable go-tos are off the cards, from Champagne to candles, while flowers don't seem quite so luxurious when it takes all the energy you have to arrange, water and eventually throw them away.
If you ask us, the ELLE editors currently embarking on our own motherhood journeys, the best baby shower gifts should lean either luxurious or practical, depending on the parents you're buying for. Some will relish the chance to cuddle up in cashmere, while others will best appreciate the things that make that newborn bubble a little easier: think food, postpartum health-boosters and sleep-hacking gadgets.
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It’s also important to consider how much you’re wanting to spend: but the good news here is, whether £25 or £250, we know winning options for every budget. When wondering what to buy a new family, purchase what they really need, rather than filling their house with rubbish and things that are highly flammable (read, plastic), which are sure to be tossed in the bin come spring. (A teddy bear is cute, until you're shoving the seventeenth stuffed rabbit back into the toy box.)
Bear in mind that new parents will likely be lacking in sleep and wanting to spend as much time with their little one as possible, so think about sending them gifts that alleviate as much stress as possible and make bathing, feeding and changing time with their newborn as fun and carefree as possible.
Below, see the baby-shower and new parent gifts we'd be thrilled to receive. Trust us: they're so much better than another baby book.
YOYO³ Stroller
Finding a newborn stroller that's compatible with city life can be challenging: many are nice to look at, but prove bulky, heavy and unwieldy in reality (especially when you reside in an average London flat, as I do).
Stokke's Yoyo has found fame amongst new parents for solving these issues: the nifty shell is designed to fold down and slot into the tightest storage spaces (it's even carry-on compatible), and is light enough to be lifted by even this 5ft 2 weakling.
The practical points come at no cost to practicality, though: this sleek stroller comes with wheels that can cope with any terrain, has a properly sized under-seat basket for your shopping, and can be used in conjunction with the cosy newborn basket from day one.
Zeitgeist Baby Carrier
Artipoppe's brightly coloured baby carriers are everywhere right now, but their viral fame is down to more than their mood-boosting looks. These beautifully made creations are thoughtfully designed to support both baby and parent, allowing the little one to face inwards or outwards (after 6 months) with no aching backs by the end of the day.
Robust, secure and easily adjustable, they'll see your new parents through the first two years of adventures, be it weekend walks in the forest or exploring further afield.
The Cloud Set
We're in good company in the Bumpsuit fan club. which is also populated by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Crafting supremely comfortable maternity and postpartum pieces that look effortlessly chic, the brand is an A-list favourite for good reason.
The Cloud Set is what I'll be wearing home from the hospital: with its roomy, cropped top (which is breastfeeding-compatible) and incredibly soft, wide-leg trousers with a gentle drawstring waist for tender bodies, it's the perfect day-and-night outfit your new mum is guaranteed to wear for months to come.
Welcome To The World Baby Gift Set
Here's a seriously cute one that ticks both the practical and pampering boxes. From new natural-focused beauty destination, Found Clean Beauty, this cute box contains four Banks-Lyon Botanical products designed to make bath-time a little more luxurious for both baby and parent. With a bath milk, soap bar, baby balm and massage oil, this newborn-safe toiletry set will help them establish a soothing night-time routine.
£32.00 at foundcleanbeauty.com
Lemo Highchair 3-In-1 Set, Stone Blue
For those in search of a practical present (which looks rather chic, too), consider this timeless highchair that'll see the new family member from infancy to adulthood. The 3-in-1 design has a baby chair, tray and footrest to provide ultimate comfort and, crucially, wipes clean.
Bliss Bouncer 3D
Everyone loves their BabyBjörns, which is why we couldn't help but include this classic baby bouncer which seats children from birth to two years old. It's a brilliant gift for parents needing to carry on with household errands (such as making that nineteenth cup of tea) and needing to pop their little one in a comfy setting for a moment or two.
Alyssa Black & Gold Bundle
This is the ultimate changing bag in our eyes. Storksak's Alyssa bundle features a changing bag, matching stroller bag, changing mat, insulated bottle holder and stroller attachments. It's a must to help new parents stay organised while on the go.
Organiser
Available in three colourways, this water-repellant organiser is the perfect addition to a pram and has three external pockets for immediate access to things like dummies and snacks, and two zippered pockets to store away car and house keys and one's phone.
Neutral Baby Two Way Zip Sleepsuit 3 Pack (0mths-2yrs)
It can be difficult to find baby grows that don't come too gendered (pink and blue, really?) nor too old fashioned, which is why we can't get enough of these sleepsuits. Not only do they come with a zip fastening (the holy grail of all fastenings for new parents), but they feature adorable messages and come in neutral hues. Snap (or rather, zip) them up.
Postnatal Care Trio
Anything that'll make those fleeting moments of 'me' time more luxurious will be received warmly, such as this set of specially formulated bath and body products from Neal's Yard. The Seaweed & Arnica bath foam is a firm favourite for its soothing, not-too-sweet aroma, while the Arnica Salve works wonders on sore muscles.
£51.00 at nealsyardremedies.com
Armadillo Baby Carrier
Here's another baby carrier that steps things up in the style stakes. Not just a good-looking option, Bumpsuit's Armadillo is packed with thoughtful features that'll make their first adventures outside so much easier. The small mesh pockets and water-bottle hook mean there's no need for an additional bag (believe us, this is so helpful for coffee runs and afternoon walks), while the padded lumbar support means the carrier stays comfortable as baby gets bigger.
Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair
A must for all new parents, this highchair has broken the mould since it entered the market in 1972 as it tucks neatly under a dining room table, can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and even has its own place in the V&A Museum - that's how famous it is.
With the newborn attachment slotted on top, it's suitable for use from day one, and may just mean your new parents can enjoy a whole meal using both their hands – what a luxury.
5 Day Postpartum Food Support
If you ask us, the most genuinely brilliant postpartum pressies are those you can eat: if you're visiting someone with a newborn, bring dinner, and if you're sending love from afar, make it edible.
The Food Doula is a clever delivery service that sends 3, 5 or 7 days of nutrient-dense, recovery-fuelling meals straight to your new parents, taking all the hassle out of mealtimes while they're navigating the fourth trimester.
Whisper White Cable Knit Baby Jumpsuit
This beautiful 100% cotton jumpsuit is pure luxury and comfort, and in a neutral cream colourway it makes a failsafe gift for parents of any aesthetic inclination. You can even have it embroidered with the new arrival's initials.
Sleepi™ Mini Bed V3
If you're going for a big gesture that ticks a major box on the baby-shopping list, a cot can't be beaten.
For newborns up to six months old (with an optional extension kit up to take them up to five years old) Stokke's Sleepi is ideal for those who don't want to keep buying new beds as their little one becomes not-so little, and it also makes lifting them in and out an east feat.
The New Parents Hamper
Daylesford's nutritious broths and stews are a go-to gift of mine for those entering motherhood, as they're a breeze to cook and more nutritious than most instant options. This hamper contains the restorative things they need, from soups to juices, alongside the indulgent things they want (including a bottle of Prosecco).
Rechargable Baby Pram Rocker
Reducing the chances of baby waking mid-slumber, the Rockit is bound to become your new parents' most trusted ally. All you have to do is attach it to a pram or stroller, adjust the speed to gently rock the baby, and you'll see them fall asleep in no time.
Teddy Changing Bag
You can't really get much cuter than this changing bag in a teddy fabric, which will help them keep all the essentials together without becoming an eyesore in the living room.
Baby Swaddle Wrap Newborn
Make their life easier with these super simple velcro baby swaddles that can be used all year around.
Frida Eco Stroller Changing Bag
A good-looking changing bag will help new parents keep a sense of their own style identity, without compromising on practicality. Finnsøn's fun leopard-print design can be attached to a pram or slung over one shoulder, and is just the rise size for the everyday essentials.
Cloud T i-Size
Choosing a car seat is a massive undertaking for soon-to-be-parents, so make their lives easier and give them this one, which is ideal for tots aged up to two years old, and won gold at the Made For Mums Awards in 2024.
It has a recline system and leg rest, as well as a lie-flat position, which provides ultimate comfort for a little one. The 180-degree rotation of the seat lets you swivel the seat towards the car door which makes it incredible easy to get the baby in and out of the car.
Vanilla Cloud Body Butter
Perfect for little cubs, this body butter has a blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, and camomile, which will soothe, moisturise and nourish the little's body from head to toe. It's dermatologist and paediatrician approved, free from sulphates, alcohols, parabens, SLS/SLES, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Easy Start Anti-Colic Self Sterilising Baby Bottles
Taking small tasks off the daily to-do list is always a bonus, and these clever baby bottles do just that. They can be sterilised simply in the microwave (with no need for a separate steriliser) have super-soft teats, and are free of BPA and BPS.
GOPrep Portable Formula Feedmaker Kit, Hot And Cool Flask
A must-have for parents using baby formula and on the move, these hot and cold flasks have LED lights that indicate when they're at the perfect temperature for babies to drink the formula. They're also safe for steam, UV and cold-water sterilisation and can be popped in the dishwasher.
Birth Basket
This sweet basket contains all the cute stuff new babies (and parents) will love, from a teether to muslin, rattle toy and comforter. All wrapped up in a soft basket, it doesn't even require wrapping.
Closer To Nature Baby Healthcare Kit
At the most practical end of spectrum, this is the mother of all healthcare kits. The nifty bag contains a digital oral thermometer, toothbrush, brush and comb, scissors, nail clippers, two emery boards and a nasal aspirator. It might be a 'dull' gift for some, but most of us forget to invest in this stuff, meaning it'll prove a much-appreciated gift.
Hygiene Odour Trap Nappy Disposal System
Crucial for small living spaces, this bin helps trap odours and bacteria whether you're using disposable or reusable nappies, and is compatible with any plastic bag. If you're used to gifting cashmere and Champagne, this may seem hilariously utilitarian, but all new parents will want one.
Berkeley Bear’s New Baby Gift Basket
For those who just want something ridiculously cute, this is a wonderful basket of treats which includes three cotton muslins (see, practical!) pyjamas, bib, bear, socks, a hat and mittens.
Ribbed Cotton T-shirt and Shorts Sets
Made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, this sweet T-shirt and shorts set is the perfect gift for spring babies and provides the ultimate comfort and stretch for wriggly little ones on the move.
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