PEOPLE WARNED ME not to buy newborn clothes because we would get them as presents and boy, oh, boy were they right!
I couldn’t get over the generosity people showed us in the first couple of weeks of our daughter’s life. Our spare room was overflowing with gift bags, and we got some gorgeous outfits, teddy bears and keepsakes.
While I did love those sweet outfits and teddies, I found the gifts we ended up using the most came from people who had just had a baby recently themselves; having just gone through the first months of parenthood they knew exactly what we’d need, before we even realised it.
With this in mind, I’ve rounded up the thoughtful presents my partner and I appreciated the most when we became parents. If there’s a new parent on your Christmas gift list, you’ll definitely find inspiration here.
1. A stylish KeepCup or water bottle
Staying hydrated (and caffeinated) post birth is key to survival, so a keep cup and reusable water bottle make amazing gifts for new parents. I had a water bottle in every room and preferred one with a flip up straw like this sweet one from Cath Kidston, so I didn’t have to open any lids while trying to feed a baby. A KeepCup keeps a baby safe from spills and keeps any much needed coffee or tea, hot. Win win!
2. A soft wrap or cosy carrier
Baby-wearing great for bonding, temperature regulation, reflux, posture and a whole host of other benefits, and they also mean you can also drink a cup of tea with both hands! There are so many gorgeous brands on the market so there is something to suit all tastes and lifestyles. I had a wrap and a carrier from Boba and I loved them both. They even have a doll option if there’s a toddler who might feel left out when new baba arrives.
3. A meal voucher for a delicious dinner
Home cooked meals are always appreciated but as we’re all so busy, especially during the festive season, it’s not always a possibility. If the thoughts of whipping up a lasagne sends you into a sweat, why not gift some meal vouchers or ready-made meals.
Bia At Home is a brilliant option that allows you to send ready-made meals to someone who needs a boost. Avoca, The Butler’s Pantry, or even the local Chinese takeaway would work as well. All new parents need to be fed and I guarantee they’ll be so thankful whatever it is.
4. A tried and true breast pump
No, not the traditional New Zealand war cry… The Haakaa is a genius manual breast pump and is a total game changer when it comes to expressing milk. No cords, batteries or electricity required. Just stick it on and you’re good to go. The best bit, there’s a hack for clearing blocked ducts and avoiding mastitis with it. This is what I will be giving to any pregnant women or new mums in my life forever more!
5. A stock of Cheeky wipes
Reusable wipes…they don’t sound appealing, but stick with me! They are all natural, environmentally friendly and not as gross as you might think. Cheeky Wipes are very popular amongst the mammy set and are available through Irish company Fluffy Bums. They’re a nice alternative to the traditional wipes and nappies we add to hampers.
6. Coffee shop vouchers for a new-parent treat
Speaking of coffee, another great option is a voucher to a new parent’s local coffee shop. This is usually the first place they’ll venture to when they leave the baby bubble of home, and they will frequent it often in those groggy, early days. How nice would it be to just choose what you want and pay with a voucher from a pal?
Our friends gifted us a voucher for Loose Canon in Dublin city centre, which could either cover toasted sambos and coffees, or a bottle of booze – both stellar options!
7. A Kindle for middle-of-the-night feeds
For me, night feeds and early wake up calls with a baby meant more midnight, mindless scrolling on my phone than I’d like to admit. However there are only so many Instagram stories you can look at in one day! A Kindle is a much better alternative and a brilliant gift for any new parent who loves to read. Fill it up with books you think they’ll enjoy, be they parenting how-to’s or gripping thrillers. The best bit – no noisy page turning that might wake the snoozing baby.
8. A stock of TV subscriptions
If reading isn’t their thing, how about a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime? They can binge watch their favourite show and shop the January sales online, even if it’s at 2am.
9. A well-prepared emergency kit
In amongst the floral dresses and pink teddy bears, I was gifted a digital thermometer. I had no idea how much I would come to rely on this little piece of kit. It should be an essential in any new parent’s medicine bag. You could put together an emergency kit for a new parent with snot suckers, baby nail clippers, nipple cream and compresses, and it would absolutely be a welcome present.
10. A sweet newborn or family photography session
Maternity and newborn shoots are on the rise and what a lovely gift to give a new mum and dad. The photographers are pros at capturing those tiny yawns, wrinkles and rolls, usually from the comfort of your own home. I’ve recently followed photographer Amanda Hattan on Instagram and wish I’d seen her when my daughter was still tiny. You’ll end up with gorgeous newborn photos to treasure forever.
11. Finally, you can’t go wrong with muslins
Muslins…Big, medium, small. It doesn’t matter. You can never have enough of them.
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