Which baby gift to choose for a loved one's new arrival?

How do you find a birth gift the parents will love? How do I go about it if I'm not close to the parents? What if I know nothing about it? What if I'm not sure of the parents' tastes?

Don't rack your brains: we'll tell you all about the best baby gifts to give, and there's something for every budget!

Practical gift ideas

Giving a gift is lovely, but giving a gift that's useful and practical for the parents is even better! Check whether they've set up a baby registry. If they have, focus on that. That way, you won't put a foot wrong. You'll certainly find muslin squares, sleeping bags or baby sleeping bags, pacifiers and other affordable accessories on it. Plenty to delight the parents without breaking the bank! For bigger budgets, you also have a wide choice: the latest pram (€150-€600), a pretty chest of drawers (€60-€400) or the super-soft Moses basket (€129). If the parents don't have a baby registry, depending on how close you are to them, you can ask them what they'd like. That way, you won't miss out on the newborn essentials.

Clothes, a safe bet for baby

If the parents-to-be haven't made a baby registry, you might feel a little lost. Especially if they haven't told you what they'd like. So how can you get it right? Go for clothes! And to make sure you don't get the parents' taste wrong, go for plain-coloured clothes. Pastel shades will win them over: they'll bring a touch of softness to baby's wardrobe. You can't go wrong with a selection of bodysuits or sleepsuits. They'll always come in handy, as parents need to change baby several times a day. As for size, choose 3 or 6 months. Parents have usually already stocked up on enough clothes in the smaller sizes ahead of the birth. Finally, pay attention to the time of year baby is due. Don't give warm clothes if the happy event takes place in summer!

A group gift for the baby-to-be

Are several of you, friends or colleagues of the parents-to-be, keen to give a gift? Club together to give, just before the birth, a gift full of emotional meaning: a newborn essentials set to personalise. You can also go for a pouch filled with items around a single theme (clothes, bath time, skincare, sleep…) for a guaranteed “wow” effect. This kind of baby gift really leaves a lasting impression. What could be sweeter than receiving a ready-made parcel with baby's very first clothes ?

For something more original, put together your own surprise box! Take a shoebox to decorate and slip in a few organic cotton clothes and a lovely little night light, for example. Make this gift a collection of several gifts: decorations for the nursery, pacifiers, sweet little notes, a silky blanket, personalised items… The only limit is your creativity!

And what about the parents?

Remember to congratulate the parents on the arrival of their little one! Baby gifts aren't just for newborns. A present or a kind gesture for the parents will be remembered too. Once again, it depends on how close you are to them. You could give a personalised piece of jewellery, a massage session, or a voucher for babysitting, cleaning, meals or anything else, to give the parents a little more time for themselves.

Finally, here's one last secret about baby gifts: the best ones are those given with lots of love.

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.