Baby Shower Gift Guide for Mummy-To-Be & New Baby

Exciting news everyone – I’m going to be an Auntie again! My sister, Maria, is due to have her baby at the end of August, and I can’t wait to meet him! (We know it’s a boy 💙)

If you have been reading The Purple Pumpkin Blog for several years, you may remember the Pink Flavoured Baby Shower that I threw for my other sister, Jo. I had so much fun planning that party, and making a gift basket for her. I couldn’t wait to do it all again for Maria. So I had started to plan a Wonderland themed afternoon tea party for her baby shower, and thought about what to give as a gift. However, plans do not always go to plan. My dad is very sick at the moment, so we have had to cancel. We hope to have a small family gathering at some point before the baby arrives, and naturally are going to want to shower Mum-to-be with gifts!

UPDATE! Baby is now safely here! He is called Leo and is the cutest!

To that end, here is my Baby Shower Gift Guide for Mummy-To Be & New Baby!

Baby Shower Gift Guide

I’ve included gifts for not only the new baby, but also for mummy-to-be. She’s got some hard work ahead of her – and of course so has her partner. But lets face it ladies, us mums feel it all from the very start with pregnancy and then the birth – before the fun begins!

Baby showers were not a thing in my pregnancy days (1998/99) so any gifts I received were when my son was born – and naturally, they were all for him! Although, I do remember my mum bought a lovely gift, just for me, and said how mums often get forgotten. (Not sure when she expected me to use bath products with a crying newborn, but thanks mum!!)

I’ve reached out to brands for this Baby Shower Gift Guide, so products marked with an asterisk (*) have been sent to me to gift to my sister. Other items I’ve included are things I think would make a great gift, or an addition to a gift basket (which I love putting together). This post also contains Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links. If you clicked the link then made a purchase, a small percentage of the sale price would be paid to this me. It doesn’t cost you anything more but it helps keep the lights on over here!

I have divided the gifts into two sections for mummy-to-be, and new baby. Make sure you keep reading through for a fun and informative infographic entitled ‘Your Baby’s First 12 Months‘ and breaks down the average costs and needs for a baby in their first year. And if you need even more gift ideas, check out 50+ Baby Shower Gifts – Ideas for Mother and Home.

For Mummy-To-Be

Olverum Bath Oil*

Olverum is a unique and highly concentrated, therapeutic bath oil which contains 10 pure essential oils, carefully blended to work synergistically. Accordingly, an Olverum bath is a very effective way to naturally relieve stress and help you achieve a great nights’ sleep. It is also a great way to ease aching or sore muscles and is the perfect soothing antidote to a cold or flu. All with a gorgeously aromatic, unisex scent.

Because of its high concentration levels it should not be used in the third trimester of pregnancy, but is okay in the first two.

Olverum Bath Oil contains a blend of these 10 essential oils: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Juniper, Lavandin, Lemon Peel, Siberian Fir Needle, Exotic Verbena, Lime, Geranium, and Rosemary. It is free from artificial colours and preservatives and is not tested on animals.

After baby is born, a teaspoon of this oil in a warm bath will be like a comforting hug that helps you recover when you are feeling mentally and physically depleted.

Olverum Bath Oil comes in 3 different sizes:

• 125ml (£26), enough for 25 baths
• 250ml (£48), enough for 50 baths
• Travel Set (£16), enough for 9 baths.

Available from Olverum.com | Liberty | Harvey Nichols | Fenwick | Conran

Affirmation Cards*

These fabulous pocket sized cards are designed to take you from mummy-to-be to confident mama using a mixture of breathing techniques and positive affirmations.
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“There are only two things you can control in life, your attitude and your breath” Unknown
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Breathing Techniques can be used to help you manage your emotions, improve your state of mind and help you maintain control in difficult situations.
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Positive affirmations make your heart felt desires come true. Simply choose the card which fits the bill, and repeat the statement to yourself 3 times with purpose and meaning, as it is real. Repeat this statement regularly throughout your day.

A fabulous addition to any mummy-to-be or mama’s toolkit!

The Affirmations Cards are £12.99 from Spoilt Mama.

Pukka Herbs Motherkind Teas*

Pukka Herbs has just launched Motherkind Baby – a nourishing, caffeine-free blend of organic functional herbs that support mother and baby during breastfeeding.  Motherkind Baby is made using only the purest, 100% organic and sustainably sourced ingredients that nourish and protect the body from inflammation and pain, increases the flow of milk during breastfeeding and ease colic in babies.

Healthy Herbal Ingredients

Sweet Fennel Seed:  Traditionally used to sweeten breast milk and ease colic in babies by passing certain soothing volatile oils into the milk.  It also has a strong affinity for the digestive system, relieving digestive discomfort to restore comfort and harmony.  A natural galactogue, Fennel also encourages the production of breast milk.

Shatavari Root:  Stimulates the production of prolactin in breastfeeding and therefore increases the flow of milk.  Shatavari is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory, calming irritated skin from breastfeeding.  It balances hormones and as it is an adaptogen, has a regulating effect throughout the body, particularly nourishing to a weakened and depleted immune system.

Bitter Fennel Seed:  Packed with flavour, this Bulgarian fennel provides a delicious flavour and at the same time, stimulates digestion and boosts the metabolism.

Aniseed:  Aniseed is from the same family of plants as fennel, sharing a wide range of its constituents. Aniseed is a natural antiseptic and pain-killer. It will help protect newly breast feeding mothers from the onset of mild skin infections and associated pain.

Lemongrass:  Deliciously aromatic, this fragrant grass showers the senses with a flavour reminiscent of lemon sherbet. Its citrusy zing brings clarity to your mind, rejuvenates, uplifts and restores.

Turmeric Root:  Offers a number of health benefits to both mother and baby.  Turmeric, a renowned super-spice and one of Pukka’s very own herbal superheroes, supports the nervous system and promotes a healthy heart.  It is also an undisputed anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.  It supports natural wound-repair mechanisms and contains an army of antioxidants to protect mother and baby from any nasty free radicals.

Lemongrass essential oil flavour:  A double dose of mouth-watering lemongrass to tantalise the taste buds with zesty fresh flavour. Aromatic constituents will stimulate a healthy flow of breast milk. The citrus based essential oils can also relieve pain and encourage blood flow during wound-repair.

All of Pukka Herbs’ products are certified organic, Fair for Life and FairWild.  FairWild certification guarantees that all of the herbs used in our products have been harvested sustainably and that the growers have been paid fairly for their work.  Fair for Life is one of the fairest, most equitable and transparent fair trade systems in the world.  It guarantees that everyone who Pukka touches, from crop to cup, across the globe is treated fairly, equitably and transparently.  

Available in independent health food stores and from www.pukkaherbs.com at an RRP of £2.49 for 20 sachets. The Motherkind teas join Womankind tea in Pukka Herbs’ new women’s range, to naturally support women’s health.

Science of Skin*

Solution for Stretch Marks Cream is a lightweight cream that has been formulated to repair, soothe and calm irritated, sore and uncomfortable stretch marks via an easy application. It combines effective ingredients from both science and nature to create a truly unique product. Containing hero ingredient, EGCG – a naturally active Green Tea extract, which is scientifically and clinically proven to soothe the skin and reduce redness by penetrating the skin, working deeply into the tissue supporting the skin structure from within.

This, along with highly moisturising natural ingredients, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, all work together to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and to help ease symptoms such as itchy, uncomfortable, sore and irritable-feeling skin and works brilliantly on older symptomatic stretch marks too.

Solution for Scars’ powerful formula contains a naturally active green tea extract that is clinically proven to shrink some scars by 40%. Paraben and fragrance free. Born out of cutting edge scientific research in England, Solution for Scars  works with nature to enhance the skin’s repairing response and reduce the appearance of scars. Suitable for surgical scars, including C-section scars.

Solution for Stretch Marks Cream (100ml) £39.99 and Solution for Scars (30ml) £18.99 are both available from scienceofskin.com

Biscuiteers*

This is an extra-large family tin, designed to be shared. The beautiful baby-blue mummy and baby duckling biscuits, complete with little ribbons, will go down a treat when friends drop in to meet the little fellow. Each biscuit has been handmade the old fashioned way, one biscuit at a time. What’s more you can make the tin extra-special by adding a personalisation, which will be hand-iced across all of the ducks in the tin. Once the biscuits have been enjoyed, the tin makes a lovely container for baby’s keepsakes.

Biscuiteers have a gorgeous selection of biscuits, chocolates, and cakes for lots of different occasions, you are spoilt for choice when browsing their website. If you live in London, they have shops in Notting Hill and Battersea.

Baby Boy Biscuit Tin with 16 biscuits is £39.50 from Biscuiteers 

Other great gift ideas for mummy-to-be:

• Sanctuary Mum-To-Be Ultimate Retreat Hatbox – £17.99 from Boots
• Baby Hand And Foot Inkless Print Kit – £11 from Not On The High Street
• ‘Mummy To Be’ Words Of Wisdom Notes – £13 from Not On The High Street
• A bouquet of gorgeous flowers – from Appleyard

New Baby Gifts

Personalised Baby Bandana Bib

These personalised baby bandana bibs are a great baby shower gift choice. They are made in the UK from 100% super soft cotton. Just perfect for delicate newborns. They come in one size and have a Velcro fastening around the neck.

This baby bib comes in a choice of three colours – crisp white, baby blue, or baby pink. Each bib can be personalised with the baby’s name, making them the gift. It’s printed in a beautiful script font on the front of the bib in soft pearlescent vinyl. Each product is meticulously gift-wrapped.

Personalised Baby Bandana Bibs £10 from Sweet Lullabuys

Grey Star Snuggle Blanket*

This Super soft Grey Star Snuggle Blanket is extremely comfy and ideal for snuggling up on the sofa or for a cosy blanket at bedtime. The blanket can be fully machine washed and tumble dried for easy cleaning. The fleece blanket is 170 x 150cm, and costs £25.

Grey Star Snuggle Blanket is available online from Room To Grow

The Little Boy Or Girl Who Lost Their Name*

The UK’s best selling picture book. A totally unique, personalised gift based on the letters of a child’s name. As if by magic, the story changes based on the letters of a child’s name. So a kid called Charlie might meet a Chameleon, Hippo, Aardvark, Robot, Lobster, Imp and Elephant. The story will be as unique as their name.

To order this book, you of course need to know the little boy or girl’s name – which I don’t yet know for my nephew! So I made the book up for my niece instead. She is 4 years old and absolutely loved that the story was all about her name! As for a newborn, this would make a gorgeous keepsake that mummy or daddy could read to baby as they grow.

Ordering the book is is so simple – you just type in the child’s name (minimum three letters), the language you would like the book in (there are 12 including English), and if the book is for a boy or a girl (where you can choose the look of the book’s character). You can then preview your book, and there is the option on some of the letters to change the characters that appear in the book. The best thing to do is try it out and experiment with the options.

You can add a personalised dedication to the book, and there are 4 options for the book’s format – Softcover – £19.99; Softcover Keepsake £24.99; Hardcover – £27.99; Deluxe – £34.99

When my little nephew arrives and has a name, I will be buying on of these for him too.

The Little Boy or Girl Who Lost Their Name book from £19.99 + free shipping from Lostmy.name.

Ergobaby Original Swaddler

This swaddler is available with two different designs – cute little elephants, and sweet sheep; as well as a plain, natural coloured swaddler.  The Ergobaby Swaddler’s innovative features help prevent your baby from startling awake while the ergonomic design allows for natural movement of baby’s hips and legs as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

In just a few easy steps, baby is snug and safe in the swaddler which is made from 100% cotton knit terry which is soft on baby’s skin, and helps to regulate body temperature. The swaddler also has a removable leg pouch for quick and easy nappy changes – definitely a plus!

One Size for Infants: 19-24″/ 48-61 cm; 6-15 lbs / 2.7-6.8 kg

For more information about the Ergobaby Original Swaddler, and to purchase (£19.90) visit Kiddie’s Kingdom.

InfaCare Baby Bath*

InfaCare’s bubbly bath time treats are formulated especially for baby’s skin; both the original ‘Infacare Baby Bath’ and the ‘Infacare Night Time Baby Bath’ are ultra-mild and pH balanced with masses of long-lasting bubbles, making them very popular with parents and little ones!  A baby’s skin is ten times more delicate than adult skin so InfaCare is formulated to be as natural and gentle as possible.

Recommended by hospital midwives and healthcare professionals, the Infacare bubble baths have been clinically tested and developed to promote natural levels of acidity and alkalinity in skin and hair. Reassuringly, each is designed to prevent irritation, and mums say it helps with allergies. The gentle, powdery fragrance helps to relax, easing tots first into bed and then off to sleep. A great addition to a new baby gift basket.

RRP. InfaCare Baby Bath £2.15 for 400ml / £3.19 for 750ml and Infacare Night Time Baby Bath £3.49 for 750ml

Stockist details: available from all major supermarkets, as well as Lloyd’s Pharmacy and Boots. For more information: www.infacare.co.uk

Sudocrem Care & Protect*

Sudocrem Care & Protect is a nappy rash ointment – designed specifically for babies – that offers triple protection against nappy rash at every nappy change:

1. Creating a protective barrier that seals in the skin’s natural moisture and protects even the most delicate skin against external irritants.
2. Conditioning the skin – Vitamin E and Pro Vitamin B5 helps to protect the skin and keep it soft, healthy and moisturise.
3. Guarding against infection – As well as sealing in the good stuff, it acts as a barrier to protect delicate skin from the bad stuff, like the chemicals in urine and poo, and from chafing and rubbing.

Because Sudocrem Care & Protect is just for your baby, it is hypoallergenic and has been dermatologically tested. It is also free from artificial colours and preservatives.

To make mums’ lives that little bit easier Sudocrem Care & Protect comes in a portable tube that’s quick and easy to use. The hinged flip-top cap gives you mess-free access using just one hand — so there are no lids and little parts for your baby to play with and no searching for dropped caps in nappies, rugs or blankets.

Sudocrem has been mum’s simple effective ally for over 80 years! I still use Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream at home for rashes and other skin problems. It’s like magic cream for me! This would be perfect in a gift basket for baby and mummy-to-be.

Sudocrem Care & Protect is available in 30g and 100g tubes, from Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, The Co-Operative, Wilko, Ocado, and Independent Pharmacies.

Milton Antibacterial Surface Wipes*

Ideal for travel and quick clean ups at home or on the move with baby. Kill 99.9% of germs including bacterial and fungi. Can be used on highchairs, toys, changing mats. Also handy for on the go when using public transport and restaurant toilets. Fragrance free and no need to rinse.

Milton, has been used by hospitals and in homes for over 100 years. I remember my mum using it, and I used Milton for sterilising my son’s bottles when he was a baby. These wipes are very handy for the inevitable poonami that your baby will produce (I know mine did – the horror!) and for cleaning other spills and messes. Another handy addition to a baby and mummy-to-be gift basket.

RRP – £2.29. Stockists: Boots, Asda, Babies R Us, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco and Precious Little One.

Milestone Baby Cards*

These cards provide an ingenious way to capture and remember each milestone of their baby’s first year. The day you have a ‘Milestone moment’ just take the corresponding card, write the date on it and take a photo of your child with the card in the shot. Now you have an everlasting record of this momentous time!

Contains 30 cards covering all the major milestones in the baby’s first year.  Approx dimensions of cards 15cm x 11cm.

The first year in a baby’s life is filled with momentous milestones such as first smile, first time they sat upright, first time they crawled, first tooth etc. This beautiful set of cards makes a really thoughtful gift for a new mum and is a very popular baby shower gift idea.

£11.99 from BornGifted.co.uk

Sleepy Glow Bear*

This soft and cuddly soothing bear features a squishy body, soft furry feet & paws and a soft glowing light to help soothe baby. 3 press buttons play loving phrases, white noise and nature sounds. Includes 2 sing-along songs and 40 melodies. Parent friendly features include a light control switch and a timer. Suitable from birth, and good for auditory stimulation and sensory development.

VTech is a brand of electronic learning toys that I am very familiar with. I had lots of them when my son was a baby – they were some of his favourites too! This bear is so cute and has lots of great features – I especially love the timer function.

Sleepy Glow Bear (RRP £16.99) from VTech and available in shops like Mothercare, Argos, and The Entertainer.

Blade & Rose*

When your baby was born 18+ years ago, you forget just how small baby clothes are! I couldn’t help but let out a huge maternal longing sigh as I opened up this sweet summer set from Blade & Rose. The knitted set is made from 75% Combed Cotton 20% Nylon 5% Spandex and is just so adorable! The fabric feels so soft, and the stripy shorts are too cute! I love the little patch on the bum! I would have bought this for my son in a heartbeat had the internet been a thing in 1999 – back then it was all still so new, and I know we didn’t have access to great independent brands like we do today. Blade & Rose also sell leggings (made from the same fabric) and a variety of other baby clothing and accessories.

Little space travellers will be ready for take-off this season with the loveable space blue Alien set featuring the cartoony alien face print on the t-shirt and rear of the shorts. Perfect for the more adventurous! Teeny fashionistas will love some fun in the sun with the Summer Hot Air Balloon set featuring Blade & Rose’s first vest-top design with the multi-coloured ‘fly away’ hot air balloon print on the front. The set also includes adorable baby shorts featuring thick pink and yellow vertical stripes and playful balloons on the back!  The summer collection also features the Butterfly, Ship, Fairground, Ice Cream, Woodland Bear and Feather set; all including a delightful summer t-shirt and matching baby shorts featuring the signature design on the bum!

These new designs, sold in sets (RRP £19.95) are available in sizes 0-6months, 6-12months and 1-2 years from Blade & Rose

Moccstars*

I’m a sucker for cute baby shoes – and these moccasins from Moccstars are just too cute for words! These will be wonderful for when my nephew has his baptism ceremony, and my sister has already fallen for the sweet design too!

Moccstars are a new UK footwear brand specialising in fashionable, soft, handmade leather and suede moccasins for babies and toddlers. Moccstars designs are made of the finest quality fabrics ensuring ultimate comfort for children. The soft leather and suede shoes are durable, functional and designed to stay securely on an active child’s feet.

All Moccstars footwear is created with the child’s developing foot in mind and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, for pre-walkers and toddlers alike. The soft leather sandals are designed to not only stay on the child’s foot but also imitate barefoot walking and help strengthen developing muscles and ligaments whilst also being extremely comfortable!

These fashionable, yet practical, toddler and baby moccasins are available in a range of stylish designs and colours to suit the individual character of every child. Available online from Moccstars

Hape Bath Toys*

Designed to Help make bath time that more fun and enjoyable for both parent and child The new Little Splashers range by Hape was launched earlier this year and will ensure you share and soak up those most magical moments.

Making the perfect water play activity and entertainment whether that’s at home or poolside with Little Splashers encourage growth and development at any age. A gentle foundation into the valuable lessons of water skills that are both fun and interactive.

Designs Include a range of different colourful interactive alternatives from different games, puzzles and entertainment beautifully crafted with the cutest friendly faces and designs for children to become familiar with.

I love bath toys for babies and children – my son had loads of them when he was a wee one! These Little Splashes from Hape are bright and colourful and will provide lots of fun moments in the tub!

The Teddy and Friends Bath Squirts are cute, loveable characters and are suitable to use from birth. These little bath squirt friends are ready to soak up the bubbles and fun in the tub. See which one can squirt the furthest! £9.99 and available to buy on Amazon.

The next two toys are suitable from 12 months+, so would make a great gift when baby reaches 1! Or, because mummy-to-be gets so many newborn items, she might be very grateful for things she can use as baby grows!

The Pop-up Teddy Shower Buddy is £16.69 from Amazon. Children can watch as Mr Teddy does his thing, making the perfect shower buddy. Gaze as the water falls magically from teddy’s cloud. Suitable for 12 months +.

Wind up and watch him go with this adorable little edition. Children can enjoy the magic as Mr Teddy performs his swimming tricks. Suitable for 12 months +. Swimmer Teddy Wind-up Toy is £16.69 from Amazon.

Other great gift ideas for new baby:

• Anything to help out in the first few weeks and months – nappies, baby wipes, bibs, muslin cloths, socks, vests, babygrows etc. You can never have too many of these things! I made a gift basket for my other sister including some cute little nappy babies which I show you how to make here.
• New Baby Hamper from Regency Hampers
• Nappy Cake from Nappy Cake Shop
• Personalised New Baby Birth Date Print from The Purple Pumpkin Blog
• Create Your Own Handmade Baby Gift Box from Not On The High Street

Your Baby’s First 12 Months

And finally, here is the infographic I mentioned at the top of this post, which is courtesy of Busy Bees Childcare – discover more about nurseries in St Albans. Click to enlarge and download the PDF.

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