The best baby gifts that they’ll actually get use out of
Because nobody wants another impersonal baby gift hamper
Hands up who has a friend, relative, or friendly neighbour that’s expecting a little one in September. Yep, thought so.
September is the busiest month for newborns (there must be something in the air in January we reckon), so by the law of averages you’ll probably have at least one baby or two to buy a gift for soon.
We have gift guides for loved ones who have started a new job, are into astrology, or just love to cook, but gifts for newborns are another story entirely.
Baby registries make shopping for gifts so much easier, but what to do when there isn’t one? Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work and rounded up the sweetest, chicest, and (most importantly) genuinely useful baby gifts that won’t sit unused.
There’s a plethora of choices when it comes to picking a present for a newborn, but there are a few things you need to consider before purchasing.
Firstly, how close are you to the new parents? If you know their personal tastes then it’s probably safe to get their little one a customised gift. Otherwise, we can’t stress the importance of a gift receipt enough.
While it’s tempting to pick up all the adorable baby outfits you lay your eyes on, soon-to-be parents are probably already swamped with freshly-gifted clothes, plus their little one will usually grow out of the ‘newborn’ size before they get a chance to wear them all.
Beyond this, new parents will probably already have more personal items like baby bottles and car seats sorted, so we’re here to provide the fun, cosy, and truly aww-worthy gifts that are still really practical.
From gorgeous personalised jumpers that they can treasure forever to the chicest muslin wraps we’ve ever laid eyes on, here’s our definitive list of the best gifts for newborns that they’ll actually get loads of use out of.
And when it comes to retailers, you can't go wrong with stores such as John Lewis, Fenwicks, Selfridges to name but a few.
The best newborn gifts to buy now
Rosa & Blue, a certified B Corp company, design beautiful and simple sleepwear and homeware, adorned with pretty prints, that is super soft and comfortable. Your baby will thank you.
Panda provides organic and ergonomic sleep essentials for adults and babies, toddlers and kids. This orthopaedic grade Baby Bamboo Pillow has a contour curve centre, ensuring pressure is evenly spread across the back of the head to maximise comfort. It's also super breathable and soothing on sensitive skin.
For a truly luxurious gift that I can guarantee you will be used every single day, you can't go wrong with Ember's genius baby bottle system. It includes two bottles (which can be used from 0 months +), a smart warming puck and an insulating thermal dome. Essentially: it warms your milk to the *exact* right temperature, making bottle feeding on the go a breeze. The ultimate useful gift.
Struggling to find gift ideas for your baby's first birthday? How about an at-hone soft play? This gorgeous set will actually look chic in your living room and will provide a safe (and clean) area to practice their gross motor skills. CuddleCo also have some super cute play tents and ball pits your little ones will love.
When I opened up the beautifully-wrapped box for this pair of shearling booties, everyone in my immediate vicinity audible gasped. Age of Innocence sell the most exquisite shoes for children and babies (seriously, check out their cosy autumn collection), and there's nothing sweeter than giving the gift of baby's first shoes.
If in doubt - ask. Do they need a baby monitor? This one from Nanit is among the highest rated models, with a sleek design and a variety of stands to choose from - perfect if the new parents have limited space or like to put their baby to sleep in different rooms in the house. It's a gift they'll be able to use for years and years.
Ask any parent if they own a Jellycat and I guarantee every single one of them will reply with: "yes". You cannot go wrong with a Jellycat as a baby gift. They are the softest and cutest cuddly toys on the market. As a mother of two, I think we have near to 50 of them. I'm not exaggerating. My children absolutely love them. Smudge the Elephant is the newest addition to the gang and I didn't think they could get softer or cuter, but I stand corrected.
Aden + Anais make the dreamiest baby accessories, and this aptly-named blanket is no exception! It feels incredibly soft and looks super chic.
The Little Worne Store create hand-embroidered vintage-style jumpers that can be personalised with a baby's name. The styles come in different sizes, so you can buy one now for the little one to wear in the future - it'll make the perfect keepsake!
The toddler stage is a lovely time, but it's also when they develop their stubbornness. At this age, they're too big for a baby carrier and more often than not want to use their new walking skills so refuse to go in the pram. This is short lived and soon they'll want to be carried, which can wreak havoc on the back. Which is why this toddler carrier is completely genius. Pop it over you like a cross-body bag and then scoop the sling part under your child's bum and feel the weight, quite literally, lifted. It's lightweight, folds up really small and comes in a range of incredible chic patterns. I promise you won't regret this purchase.
This animal print sensory strip from Etta Loves is the perfect example of a pretty-yet-practical gift. It fits inside the rim of most cribs and will help with the little one's sensory development (the black and white print can be used from birth and the rainbow print is suitable for 5 months +). Am I the only one who thinks the Dalmatian print is incredibly chic?
While we're on the subject of chic sensory gifts, these swaddle blankets have an eye-catching (yet still stylish) pattern and can be used for so many purposes. They're made of a silky soft, durable-yet-breathable fabric, perfect for swaddling newborns.
You might think that I have a tiny obsession with Aden + Anais by now - and you'd be right. They just make the most luxurious-yet-actually-useful baby products around! Harry Potter fans will adore these ultra-soft bamboo muslin squares for their little one.
How utterly adorable is this cashmere hat? Perfect for the winter, the super soft style comes in pink or blue. It's machine washable, so the new parents won't have to deal with any fussy washing requirements (which is the last thing they'll be needing with a newborn).
One thing that people don't often consider is just how sensitive baby skin is. Chances are that with winter around the corner, little ones will develop dry, itchy and even eczema-prone skin. Enter: this baby wash that instantly soothes super sensitive skin. It's the practical gift they'll never know they needed!
If you're shopping for new parents who like to think ahead, they'll be sure to appreciate this Sophie la Giraffe teething toy. It's a cult product for a reason.
Speaking of iconic baby toys, this sheep sleep aid is incredibly highly rated by new parents. It features soothing sounds with a cry-activated sensor plus it looks utterly adorable.
You can't really go wrong with a pure cashmere set, especially with the colder season coming up! This gorgeous grey set includes a jumper, trousers, and hat - just ensure you include a gift receipt in case of sizing issues.
This set includes a bonnet, pair of booties, and cashmere blanket to keep them feeling warm and looking stylish on cold autumn walks.
Last but most certainly not least, this new baby hamper is the perfect gift for new parents - because they could probably do with a sweet treat or two for energy. There's also an adorable bunny included, as you can't forget the little one, of course!
Really not sure what to buy? A gift card will always be appreciated, especially one that creates memories. The Little Starts Gift Card can be used with 1000s of classes across the UK, including sensory classes, singing, swimming and more. Plus, the gift cards are 100% plastic free and fully recyclable, a great alternative to wasteful presents.
