Gifts of cute little baby clothes
Let’s face it, there’s nothing more fun than having an excuse to splurge your money on gorgeous clothes for a new baby. If you decide to go buy baby clothes, then there are a few things you should remember before you buy your baby gift:

- Whatever you buy make sure you include a receipt and don’t be offended if the new parents end up exchanging the baby clothes you have chosen for another baby gift

- Don’t be afraid to ask new parents in advance what they would really like as a baby gift particularly if it isn’t their first child. Some parents would prefer to receive baby clothes in larger sizes say 6-12 months as they receive so many baby gifts of newborn clothes and the baby grows out of them very quickly.

- Where possible, try and buy 100% cotton. Eczema is more common than you think and many lovely fleecy 100% polyester outfits can irritate a baby’s skin.

- Think about the season. If you are buying something for aged 3-6 months make sure it will be appropriate for the weather.

- Think also about practicality – a gorgeous and expensive suit could be a nightmare when it comes to changing a nappy if the poppers are in the wrong place.

Gift of baby toys

Your decision about which toy to give as a gift for a new baby, will be affected by whether this is baby number two, three or four. First children need new toys whereas those with older siblings will probably live in houses overflowing with baby toys.

Books as gifts for babies
Again, if there’s a sibling around, chances are they will already have ‘Peter Rabbit’ so check with the parents and see, as again, they will want to avoid any real duplication with baby gifts. Alternatively a gift token is a really nice idea and then the parents can choose a gift that the baby doesn’t already have.

Practical Baby Gifts
Practical baby gifts can be a very good idea. Gifts such as lamb’s wool or fleece baby blankets, baby hooded towels, baby bibs and burp cloths, baby sleeping bags for either the winter or summer, or baby bath items (hairbrushes, baby shampoo, bubble bath or even a set of rubber ducks!) can be a great choice.

Gifts of New Baby Flowers
Normally you can’t get enough of them, but think twice before you phone Interflora as there are so many wonderful alternative baby gifts to choose from. Most hospital wards are too hot to support flowers for very long. Once home, dealing with large bouquets can often be a problem particularly if there are young children running around the house. Make sure you send your flowers in a suitable container in case there aren’t enough vases and it may be a good idea to send them after the first wave of flowers will have died.

Personalised Baby Gifts
There’s no rule that says you have to send a baby gift straightaway. If you have a little time, why not order a special gift personalised with the baby’s name? Popular choices include personalised baby blankets, piggy banks, hooded towels and baby photo frames. The Baby Gift Box Co. sells a hand knitted heirloom baby cot blanket designed exclusively by Little Badger. It really is a gift for a baby that will be remembered and cherished for many years to come.