If you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift ideas for a friend or family member who’s expecting a baby, then keep reading.
I’m going to be sharing with you twelve baby shower gift ideas for new mums, plus some ideas of things to buy for the new baby too.
What to consider when buying a baby shower gift
When it comes to baby shower gifts, you can choose to give something practical for the mum or baby to use. Or, you might prefer to treat the mum-to-be to something more indulgent that’s just for them.
I’d recommend that you consider what might be most useful based on the circumstances of the family.
Baby shower gift ideas for mums with older children
For example, if she’s already a mum and had a baby in the last few years, she may well have all the practical things she’s going to need for a newborn.
While crisp white baby rompers, tiny baby socks or colourful bonnets can be cute baby shower gifts, she may not need these. She’ll likely have baby clothes and other essentials that she’s stored away and hopes to re-use.
If that’s the case, why not buy something that’s more for her such as a pampering gift or a keepsake? She’ll likely appreciate this more than baby clothes when she’s feeling tired and in need of a pick-me-up.
Baby shower gift ideas for first-time mums
If she’s a first-time mum though, chances are she’d appreciate anything baby related.
There are quite a lot of things on the market these days that new parents either need or want, and which make life with a newborn baby a little easier.
You could always ask her for gift inspiration before you buy in case she has particular items in mind. Or, if you’d prefer to keep your baby shower gift as a surprise, simply choose something from my list below.
Twelve baby shower gift ideas for new mums
1. A voucher for a newborn photoshoot at KW Photography
I may be biased but I believe that one of the best gifts you could give a family who is expecting a baby is the gift of photography.
You and a group of friends could team up to buy a gift voucher from me for just £299, and this could be redeemed against my popular newborn photography service.
As one of the longest-established family photographers in Dorset, I’ve worked with more than 1300 babies and am widely considered as Bournemouth and Poole’s leading newborn photographer.
Even if your friend is not local to me here in Poole/Bournemouth area, hundreds of families choose to travel to me for their baby photo session and she could do the same. I’m regularly photographing families from across the south coast, from London and the Midlands, and even from abroad!
Related reading: How far would you travel for a baby photography session?
Photo packages start at £299. For more information about my gift vouchers, or to make a purchase, please contact me.
2. A thermal mug
Although this isn’t perhaps the most glamorous gift, it’s almost impossible for any new mum to ever get round to drinking a cup of tea when it’s freshly made.
An insulated cup would be a brilliant way to help her ensure that her drinks remain warm so that she won’t ever have to drink cold tea again!
This one, from Circular and Co, is a leakproof and reusable cup. It’s got great eco-credentials since it’s made from recycled coffee cups and will last her 10 years.
3. Help with sleep
Babies sleep a lot in the early days but it can take months, and sometimes even years, to settle a new baby into a routine that matches that of an adults.
New parents realise that disturbed sleep is par for the course with a new baby, but it can be a challenge! They will likely find Sarah Ockwell-Smith’s ‘The Gentle Sleep Book’ helpful.
It’s packed with tips and advice on how to manage frequent night waking and all things sleep-related for children up to five years old.
Related reading: Essential newborn sleep tips for new parents
4. Milestone baby cards
These adorable milestone baby cards from JoJo Maman Bébé are just the thing for mums who want to keep a photo record of how their new baby is changing and growing throughout their first year.
The pack has 30 adorable designed cards for different baby milestones. Simply lay the baby down next to the card and take a photo – it’ll be an Instagram-worthy snap to share online with family and friends!
Related reading: Children and baby photography services
5. Baby Rockit
Another sleep-related gift, this is something I highly recommend. I even have a Baby Rockit of my own and use it in the photography studio.
It’s a portable sleep aid that helps to keep your baby asleep for longer. Something that would make a perfect gift for a soon-to-be sleep-deprived parent!
6. A luxury cashmere blanket
An alternative baby shower gift idea for new mums would be a luxury blanket from The White Company. Everything from this brand is just so nice and is of great quality.
Their cashmere baby blankets are soft and beautiful! A range of colours are available but I’d suggest that you choose a contemporary grey or neutral colour if the sex of the baby is still a surprise.
7. A swaddle blanket
Aden + Anais is another brand I love for baby items and accessories.
Their 100% cotton Jungle Jam Baby Swaddle Blankets come in a range of cute designs.
You can use them in a number of different ways – for wrapping/swaddling, as well as a burp cloth or cover if you’re breastfeeding.
In my opinion, swaddle blankets really are a must-have for new mums. Babies love to feel safe and secure, and these swaddling blankets are so versatile.
8. Resuable wipes
These Cheeky wipes are not just any old baby wipes!
They’re really handy because they’re reusable and perfect for taking out and about. They’re ideal for everyday use and, because you wash and reuse them, they’re not going to landfill so you’re helping the environment too!
9. Baby teether
This bunny-shaped baby teether is made from food-safe silicone and natural beech wood.
Its cute design and eco-friendly materials make it an ideal accessory for when the baby starts reaching the teething stage.
10. Children’s books
If you’re buying for a mum-to-be who has older children, and who already has everything she might need for the baby already, why not buy a children’s book?
You can add a personal message inside and it’s something that no doubt would be appreciated, particularly as the child gets a little older.
Reading to children is a great way to inspire a love of books. You could buy a classic fairytale – perhaps one that you loved yourself – or introduce something brand new that you think the child may love.
11. Local baby services and experiences
Another great baby shower gift idea is to support small local businesses and buy vouchers that can be redeemable for services like baby massage or baby yoga classes.
These are activities that the mum-to-be may wish to experience in the months after the birth, and which give her the perfect excuse to get out and about with her little one.
12. Scented wax melts
Finally, for the best wax melts in Dorset, go to Mamos Candles. Handmade by my friend Jackie, these are natural and handmade here in Poole.
A luxury burner and pack of calming wax melts would be a lovely gift for any new mum. Encourage her to take some time out for herself after the birth of her baby and she’ll love you for it!
What will you buy as a baby shower gift?
I hope that these gift ideas for new mums had given inspired you? Let me know in the comments below what you’re planning to buy.
Do also feel free to share any other suggestions you may have for baby shower gifts. I may just add them to this list!
Karen
Great ideas Karen super useful!
Great blog post, it’s given me some great ideas what to buy for my friend’s baby shower now!
What a lovely and informative blog post…… absolutely brilliant…
This blog post is so useful! I am going to keep it for the future when I need to offer different gifts to friends 🙂
I especially like the links to the different suggestions, amazing!
This blog is so helpful. I have a baby shower next week – so many great suggestions here. As a new mum I agree that the Rockit is incredible! Your photographs are stunning- the perfect gift for a new mum.
I love my Rockit in the studio, it’s such a fab and useful thing to have. Wish I had invented it LOL!
Fab blog full of great ideas. Some really useful suggestions to save new mamas from yet another pack of newborn sleepsuits!
oh I know what you mean, I know a sleepsuit is useful but how many does one baby need! Glad you found the blog helpful x