4 sweet-as-pie gifts for a baby shower.
A baby shower gift can be one of the most fun (but also difficult) presents to buy. Cue the head-scratching as you’re faced with an ad for a baby bidet. Um, what?
Many of us don’t have the first clue when it comes to what babies and new parents really need. And even if we do, there’s no telling what the parents already have that we don’t want to double up on. Have they bought a pram? A bottle? A swaddle? What is a swaddle? Who knows…
So that you can avoid having to ask them what to get (and ruining the surprise), we’ve made the hunt for the perfect gift easier by doing the research for you. In the absence of a baby shower gift register - seriously, why don’t more people do these?! - this is your one-stop-shop guide to buying the perfect pressie, with gifts sure to earn you serious aunty/uncle/ godparent/fave friend points at the baby shower (way to get ahead of the game before the kid’s even born!)
A quality swaddle
You can’t go wrong with a quality swaddle. And honestly - how cute are they? But the cuteness factor isn’t all they’re good for. Swaddling plays an important role in a baby’s sleep, with studies showing it recreates the warm, cosy feeling of being in the womb. Best of all, it can help a newborn sleep more peacefully throughout the night - which means more shut eye for your friend! You’ll be thanked many times over - we promise!
It’s common to have at least a few swaddles, so even if the parents already own one, you know your lovely gift will still get used. Our hot tip: pick a swaddle that matches the season. If the baby’s due in summer, go for a light linen, bamboo or cotton blend. If they’re arriving in the cooler months, a warmer swaddle with a thicker lining is the way to go.
Sensory toys
Sensory toys are all the rage for infants - and for good reason. They’re proven to assist in brain development in multiple ways, from helping build core strength, to practising fine motor skills, to providing an energy release.
Some babies start teething before 4 months old, so it’s never too early to have a ring teether on hand. A quality, interactive one will stimulate their senses and help them become curious about the world around them. Another winning sensory toy is a cloth and crinkle book, which can help them develop sight and touch, and is perfect for tummy time!
A jellycat plush toy is a classic gift for a newborn. They’re soft, comforting, and sure to be a family favourite. For something a little different, try getting a cuddly jellycat in a bright colour or even an unexpected or rare animal. Fingers crossed your stuffed toy ends up being the baby’s ‘must-have-at-all times’ favourite cuddly toy well into their childhood!
Finally, you can’t browse sensory toys without coming across a baby gym. Yes - baby gyms are a thing! (Jeez - no more skipped workout excuses for you if even infants are hitting the gym.) Baby play mats and gyms are essential for keeping the baby entertained and stimulated while the new parents are busy hustling through work, chores and a million other things. Trust us - this gift is a lifesaver and won’t go unused.
A comfy baby carrier
A baby carrier is a great gift for both your friends and their new baby, as it allows parents to get out and about with their new bub. The benefits of baby-wearing are huge, from reducing the baby’s reflux, to increasing bonding between parent and child. It’s also great for the parents’ mental health. They can get out and about hands-free, stay active in the community, and feel less isolated. Winning!
There are loads of baby carriers on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same level of quality. You want a baby carrier made of quality, durable materials, with adjustable straps for ultimate comfort.
Baby swimwear for Aussie nippers
What’s cuter than a smooshy, cuddly baby? A smooshy, cuddly baby…in swimmers. Not only is baby swimwear something new parents are unlikely to buy themselves (they’re knee-deep in a practical vortex of burp cloths, bibs, and nappies), swimming and water play are excellent for a baby’s brain and muscle development, and provide a great opportunity for parent-baby bonding time.
Whether it’s baby swim lessons or discovering the joys of the beach (and possibly a taste of sand), every baby should have their very own impossibly cute set of togs. If you’re keen to take the plunge on this gift, remember to purchase swimmers in an age-appropriate size that will be a perfect fit when summer rolls around.
Luxury treats for the new mum
Your mate will go through a lot in the throes of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. With enormous amounts of stress on their shoulders, a luxurious gift will provide a well-earned moment of relaxation and help them feel more like themselves again.
Your first port of call is the bath and body range, with rich belly oils and butters being a great gift for new mums who are looking to treat those stretchmarks. An aromatherapy or epsom bath salt set may also help them rejuvenate and heal in a warm, relaxing bath.
If you want to go even further down the path of luxury, a set of luxury bamboo or silk sheets will do wonders for the young family. With a lot of time spent in bed (mostly trying to catch up on sleep) your friends are sure to be super grateful if you invest in some comfortable sheets for them.
If you’re close with the mum-to-be, then a useful and much-appreciated gift could be recovery clothing. After the whirlwind that is pregnancy and childbirth, your friend will need all the support they can get to recover physically. A pair of after-pregnancy recovery leggings or shorts are a great option. It’s also a pretty unique gift, so you can be almost certain no one else will rock up to the party with the same pressie!
