Wondering what's a good baby shower gift? We've found the best presents for babies that are so cute, we're tempted to have another bub ourselves...
Before social distancing reared its head, baby showers, like tropical showers, were a frequent occurrence in Singapore. But even though we’re not able to throw massive parties right now to welcome bubs into the world, there’s one thing we can still do: buy gifts for babies! Yep, shopping for a loved one’s bundle of joy gives us happy shivers. There’s something about teeny tiny baby clothes, trinkets and keepsakes that makes us all warm and fuzzy. So, whether you’re buying baby gifts for a friend or are pregnant yourself and looking for baby gift ideas for your wishlist, you’re in the right place. Here’s what baby shower gifts and presents for pregnant pals we’re loving right now…
Best baby gifts we’re loving
Teethers
Babies love to chew, fact. We say help ease those inevitable sore gums with a cute teether you’ll be proud to show off in public. Enter Little Bearnie. This local brand sells loads of beautiful baby gifts and the teethers are an absolute favourite product of ours. Totally Instagram-worthy, the accessories are all made using 100% food-grade silicone and toxic-free materials. We’re currently crushing on the gem biscuits teether (pictured top). It’s the brand’s first original product, and was designed in-house by founder Valencia Chen. Grab a bubble tea version while you’re at it, too, so mum and bub can enjoy the same snack when they’re out and about. Customisation is also available, and there’s free local shipping over $50.
Baby books and memory books
With so many amazing interactive baby board books on the market, you’re never too far away from some of the best baby gifts. Our faves? Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and the That’s Not My… series (find out more in our article). Other than ensuring a solid story time though, great gifts for babies can also entail memory books. We adored capturing all the firsts for our own tiddlies, so that we have mementos to look back on. For the more sentimental, we also rate Letters to My Baby by Lea Redmond, where you pen a series of letters for your child to look back on. Buy online from the Book Depository or any one of our favourite Singapore book stores.
Night lights
A night light will no doubt feature on every mum-to-be’s wishlist. They’re wonderful for creating soft light in your baby’s nursery so you don’t have to stumble around in the dark. Also great for late-night feeding when you don’t want to wake your body up too much! We adore the range of night lights available from Deer Industries (which, by the way, stocks heaps of amazing gift ideas for babies!). It also sells neon signs for a true wow-worthy baby shower gift – how cool?!
Comforters and security blankets
We were gifted a comforter at our own baby shower and it has since become our now-two-year-old’s most treasured possession. So much so, that when we lost one (oops), he was so distraught that a worldwide replacement operation began. There are so many options on the market – some even have rattles and chimes sewn it too. Don’t underestimate their power for a good night’s sleep! Our idea for a great baby gift? Jellycat is a fave brand, and its Bashful Bunny Soothers are sooooo soft. Stock up from The Elly Store.
First-aid kit
It might not be the cutest baby present, but can we just say: this is one of the handiest things you can gift your pregnant mate! It also adds a lovely bespoke gift element, too. Buy a cute tin or box, then fill with items like baby paracetamol, a thermometer, cute band-aids and more. Don’t forget to add in some hand sanitiser – they’ll need it for all those nappy changes. We like NatShield as it’s non-toxic, made from plant-based botanicals and safe for infants and pregnant women. Check out our guide to first-aid kits for the family home for more inspo!
Muslin wraps and swaddles
Us been-there-done-that mums all agree on one thing: we love baby gifts that are multipurpose. Which is why the humble muslin swaddle is a lifesaver. Lightweight, they’re perfect to use here in tropical Singapore. Use them to swaddle baby tightly for sweet slumbers, as a nursing cover when breastfeeding, to clean off spit-up, as a towel, or as a mat to sit on at the park. Also great shade covers for the stroller when you’re out on a pram-friendly walk, although be mindful of trapping in heat. We love the beautiful Aden + Anais prints (find a good selection at Pupsik Studio) but do check out our guide to all our fave wraps and swaddles.
Toys
Soon-to-be-born baby is undoubtedly going to love toys, so get them started with a thoughtful newborn gift! We say ditch the plastic and opt for more eco-friendly offerings. Check out our round-up of gorgeous wooden baby and toddler toys.
Play mats
Play mats are a great way to keep teeny babies occupied and distracted… so Mum can make a quick cuppa! We adore the range at Smallable, with mats ranging from simpler, plainer designs to ones with activity stations, like the one pictured above. Of course, once you go down the play mat route, you’ll also find activity mats and activity arcs to distract you. So many cute baby gifts, not enough babies, we say! Done by Deer and Liewood are some of our fave brands to look out for.
Customised artwork
There’s nothing like a gorgeous piece of customised artwork to really show you care! We absolutely adore papercuts, and MissBespokePapercuts on Etsy has some wonderful baby gift options to consider. Of course, it helps to know the name and birth deets first, so this present for baby may have to wait until they’ve made their arrival! (You may like to contact the shop owner and enquire about a gift voucher.) We’ve also put together a whole list of ready-to-go or custom order art ideas for nursery and bedroom walls, so be sure to take a peek.
Other baby shower gifts for newborns
We could go on, but you’ve got some shopping to do! Here are some other options for gifts for newborns:
- Newborn photoshoot. Great if you have a group of friends all contributing to the pot, a photoshoot will mean pictures to treasure forever. They’ll never be that tiny again! Find out about some of our favourite photographers here.
- Rattles and pacifiers. Always needed, always useful.
- A moneybox. Great for adding to the rainy day fund and for storing pocket money when they’re older!
- Hooded towel. You could even get personalised if you know the name ahead of the birth.
- Clothes. A no-brainer really! Our tip? Don’t just buy newborn sizes as otherwise the parents will have heaps of teeny tiny togs but nothing for when baby (quickly) goes up a size. Try a selection of newborn, 0-3 months and 3+ months to get the baby clothes collection off to a good start.
- Baby skincare. Baby bath wash, moisturiser, massage oil, nappy cream… all gonna be appreciated.
- Nappies. Perhaps your friend wants to go down the reusable diapers route? If so, check out our fave brands and help her get started with a practical baby gift.
Baby shower gifts for mums
Don’t forget your pregnant pal, too! Gifts for newborns are all well and good, but if they’re on to the second baby, then put your focus on the mother instead. Here are our top suggestions for baby shower gifts for pregnant mums-to-be…
All her fave foods
If you’re catching up with your loved one close to the birth date, why not create a care package of all the foods she hasn’t been able to eat during the pregnancy? A bottle of bubbles, gin, coffee, blue cheese, smoked salmon… let your imagination run wild!
Pampering time
Why not club together and buy your friend a pamper session so she can have some time out when those sleepless nights get a bit much? A post-pregnancy massage, facial, hair makeover or spa pedicure will always be gratefully received. Check out our tips as well for beauty products to make mumlife extra simple, or consider creating a DIY survival beauty kit. Think: face masks, nail polish, nail files, body scrub, hair masque…. she’ll love you for it.
Some new post-bub clothes
While we know plenty of places to buy fab maternity clothes, no doubt your mate will like the sound of non-bump attire! Why not gift her a voucher from her favourite store so she can treat herself?
Books
All that feeding and settling means Mum is going to be chained to the sofa for a while, so why not suggest a few great reads for her? Check out our Book Club articles for suggestions! Or how about an e-reader for easy-peasy one-handed reading? Check out Amazon’s Kindles for a good option.
Afternoon tea session
Whisk her off for a gorgeous afternoon tea once she’s feeling up to it. We’ve rounded up some kid-friendly options too to make life even easier! You could also buy a gift voucher to her fave cafe. Because we all know she’s going to need all the caffeine she can get…
A great nappy bag
Babies are cute and all, but they always demand so much STUFF. Nappies, wipes, nappy liners, sanitiser, bibs, bottles… the list goes on. So, when Mum is out and about round the shopping malls, cafes et al, she’s going to need a top-notch bag to house everything. We’ve rounded up nappy bags that are still gorge in our article. You’re welcome!
