- Notice
Strawberry-pot
Chatty Member
ThisI always get my friends a spa treatment, a hamper or a beauty gift voucher. The babies get enough
Everyone seemed to forget that I pushed a 12lb baby out of my stretched vagina 
Porkiepies
VIP Member
Being honest the best thing I was given was a friend who came to see me, made me a cuppa, cooked a meal and offered to wash up! It was a relief not to play host and to get time with my baby.
I had been given loads of sleepsuits, vests, cloths, teddies, nappies and wipes and quite a bit wasn't used or regifted
. I wasn't ungrateful for any of it but with 2 hampers from work, an overbearing MIL, family and friends it was overwhelming.
Everyone is different though and some may need the gift of clothing, baby basics, nursery items.
I now gift card newborns or ask directly if there's anything they need. Visit with tea/coffee and a cake and let them relax.
I had been given loads of sleepsuits, vests, cloths, teddies, nappies and wipes and quite a bit wasn't used or regifted
. I wasn't ungrateful for any of it but with 2 hampers from work, an overbearing MIL, family and friends it was overwhelming. Everyone is different though and some may need the gift of clothing, baby basics, nursery items.
I now gift card newborns or ask directly if there's anything they need. Visit with tea/coffee and a cake and let them relax.
A snooze shade! I had a son born in July last year and it was invaluable to pop over the pram. You can get them from Amazon and I now buy then for all my friends who are expecting.
I was also given some baby books - in black/white with little pictures and they were lovely to prop in front of my son while he had his nappy changed. Or any kind of picture book as it's never too early to start reading to your baby! I would get hardback though as between 9-12 months they go through a ripping phase. Spot is popular in our house, and the "That's not my..." Books.
I also second vests in bigger sizes as they are worn all season round - M&S have got some lovely white ones with days of the week printed on them which are perfect under any kind of outfit.
My son was also given a "rainmaker" toy from the ELC which fascinated him as a baby and now he likes to chuck it around
I was also given some baby books - in black/white with little pictures and they were lovely to prop in front of my son while he had his nappy changed. Or any kind of picture book as it's never too early to start reading to your baby! I would get hardback though as between 9-12 months they go through a ripping phase. Spot is popular in our house, and the "That's not my..." Books.
I also second vests in bigger sizes as they are worn all season round - M&S have got some lovely white ones with days of the week printed on them which are perfect under any kind of outfit.
My son was also given a "rainmaker" toy from the ELC which fascinated him as a baby and now he likes to chuck it around
Caffeine Fiend
VIP Member
A good quality insulated cup for hot drinks if Mum drinks them.
Definitely think about the seasons if you’re going to buy clothes in a bigger size. We had some lovely (and some expensive) knitwear given to us in 6-9 months... which my son was during the summer months!
No blankets. Oh i have sooo many blankets! I have just had a baby and the things I have used the most/ realised I needed after he came are quite random. Baby sleeping bags, muslins, nose frida and saline spray, cradle cap brushes (little silicone brushes), white noise machine, room thermometer, a little whale water jug/ pourer for the bath, coconut oil, a peri bottle for me, a rechargeable fan for the baby, black and white crinkle books. We asked for books which has been lovely. Hope this helps?
ChloChlo
VIP Member
Clothes I would avoid buying for other peoples babies unless you are really close and know their taste very well. Although the clothes I got for my son were appreciated, he didnt get to wear many as they wasnt to my tastes and in the newborn stage especially I liked putting them in the clothes I'd spent ages choosing and fawning over when I was pregnant.
It is best off asking what they have bought already or what they need to that value as that might curb doubles - I was bought 2 baby bouncers and was given one, I had already bought one and had to accept them all to save anyone awkwardness
Toys are great. I would go for wooden or a walker (an expence that suddenly creeps up on a new parent) and avoid soft toys full stop - there was just so many for us. They take up space and very few if any are eventually played with.
Avoid blankets too, like clothes I think they are personal choice and avoid any gadget/niche type things... honestly it's just tat.
It is best off asking what they have bought already or what they need to that value as that might curb doubles - I was bought 2 baby bouncers and was given one, I had already bought one and had to accept them all to save anyone awkwardness
Toys are great. I would go for wooden or a walker (an expence that suddenly creeps up on a new parent) and avoid soft toys full stop - there was just so many for us. They take up space and very few if any are eventually played with.
Avoid blankets too, like clothes I think they are personal choice and avoid any gadget/niche type things... honestly it's just tat.
Not clothes! If you’re going to get anything get a voucher because the parents might have really different taste to you - so many people bought my son stuff that I didn’t put him in because I didn’t like it 
And I would second I would have much rather had support - letting me go for a bath or coming to walk the dog or bringing me food than any gift at all.
And I would second I would have much rather had support - letting me go for a bath or coming to walk the dog or bringing me food than any gift at all.
Lola UK
VIP Member
I like to make up baby baskets for friends when they have babies with things they may not think about or have. I kind of wanted it to be their go-to basket of things they may not have when it’s 2am and Baby won’t settle.
I’ve filled it with baby calpol, Saline nose spray, snufflebabe, teething granules, hair washing jug, a dummy, cream spatula
Plus things for mum, snacky foods for night feeds, creams, small bottle of wine and small bottle of beer.
I’m sure I’ve added more things but can’t think off the top of my head!
I’ve filled it with baby calpol, Saline nose spray, snufflebabe, teething granules, hair washing jug, a dummy, cream spatula
Plus things for mum, snacky foods for night feeds, creams, small bottle of wine and small bottle of beer.I’m sure I’ve added more things but can’t think off the top of my head!
Sleep! I had my first in December and the best Christmas present me and my partner got was 3 hours sleep
. If you are wanting to buy something I found it useful when people bought her clothes in 3-6 months or books
Flipping Hell !
Chatty Member
When our neighbours had a baby earlier this year we bought her a premium bond ,I knew she would get lots of clothes, toys etc and thought it would be something different
Mrs Cucumber
VIP Member
Was just about to suggest this!
We got brought a take away voucher which was a godsend in the early sleepless zombie days!
rainbowlemon
VIP Member
Might be boring but I gave £20 and chocolate.
Honestly things that are handy, the time your baby needs something else is upon you quicker than you imagine. You get tons of outfits in 0-3 & a lot of 3-6, 6 months + is good as they'll probably have nothing in that size. Keep in mind the season it will be when the baby reaches that size. Get great savings on childrensalon outlet if it's a fancy outfit. Footmuff for an infant carrier is good.
Vests (in a bigger size is handy, they're selling out everywhere) one sec they fit, the next they don't. Mittens, nappies, bibs, a teether, nappy caddy, sleep bag, cellular blanket, socks, hooded towels, baby wipes (water wipe version is a safe bet), aveeno baby is good.
The less fancy things are the things we can't live without & you're so grateful to not have to source them when you need them.
Vests (in a bigger size is handy, they're selling out everywhere) one sec they fit, the next they don't. Mittens, nappies, bibs, a teether, nappy caddy, sleep bag, cellular blanket, socks, hooded towels, baby wipes (water wipe version is a safe bet), aveeno baby is good.
The less fancy things are the things we can't live without & you're so grateful to not have to source them when you need them.