13 best baby shower gifts that will impress parents-to-be

Mori is a baby brand praised for its sleep essentials, from sleepsuits and clever swaddle bags to super-soft pyjamas. All of Mori’s pieces are crafted using sustainably sourced fabrics, and are manufactured in trusted factories, meaning products do come in at a higher price tag but it makes them the perfect brand for gifting something a little special.

The quality is undeniable, too. New parents will simply adore how soft this sleepsuit is on a newborn’s precious skin, making cuddles even snugglier. The sizing is generous, they wash exceptionally well, and, when a nappy change is needed at an ungodly hour, the two-way zip is a game changer. Thanks, Mori.

While it’s too soon to be gifting novels, introducing little ones to books at a young age will kick-start a love of reading. Little Tiger creates some wonderful high-contrast board books that will capture baby’s attention even from a young age. With die-cut covers and super-bright fluorescent inks on every page, flicking through this baby book makes for a lovely bonding session for parent and child. We champion this creative series, which can be used from birth.

A changing bag is likely to become a new parent’s most essential accessory, carrying all sorts of baby paraphernalia, for life on the go. Opt for eco brand Finnson’s Ana changing backpack and style won’t need to be compromised, either. An understated, unisex design, this bag can carry all the essentials. Made from 100 per cent certified recycled PET polyester, it’s water-repellent, wipe-clean and robust.

There are three external pockets with waterproof zips; two side slip pockets, which are perfect for a quick grab bottle or teether; and five internal pockets, including a zip compartment for securing keys, wallet or phone, which is a godsend during those hazy newborn days.

We also love the two insulated bottle holders, to keep bottes warm or cold for longer, plus it comes with a Kari quilted changing mat in black, which is worth £35 alone. What impressed us the most, though, is how comfortable the bag is to wear – with super padded straps and a surprisingly lightweight design, it’s a blessing for new-parent aches.

If you’re someone who likes to get their money’s worth, this baby gym provides plenty of bang for your buck, going the distance from day one.

Featuring a soft colourful playmat, a musical masterpiece piano, a tummy-time bolster, a seat positioner and four hanging toys, there’s something to see the baby through those first playtime periods on their back, essential tummy time and interactive sitting sessions, thanks to the comfy C-shape seat positioner.

The gym creates a safe space for the baby to play, encouraging sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination and cognitive thinking, all while giving parents’ arms a rest. When it comes to gifting, bag extra brownie points and provide three AA batteries, too.

While gifting a pushchair might be out of the question, purchasing the ultimate buggy accessory will go down a storm, without the hefty price tag. Making on-the-go hydration accessible while strolling, attaching this bottle holder to a pushchair means parents can quench their thirst while clocking up the miles.

The best bit is you don’t need to know the make or model of the pushchair – with an easy-to-attach universal fit, this rigid, upright design attaches securely to any pushchair chassis.

While every baby is different, a pushchair becomes many parents’ go-to for lulling their baby to sleep, as some gentle motion is just what they need to reach the land of nod. The SnoozeShade keeps the baby safe from the sun during strolls while creating a darker space in which little ones can snooze peacefully.

If the mum-to-be in question is a holiday enthusiast, this nifty sleep solution will become her (and her baby’s) new best friend. The scientifically tested air-permeable fabric blocks up to 99 per cent of UVA and UVB rays, creating shade while protecting delicate skin and eyes. The innovative fabric also shuts out 94 per cent of light, and blurs distractions. Plus, it’s super lightweight and is available for carrycots as well as prams.

Each of Etta Love’s baby products has been designed alongside experts in children’s vision, to specifically support babies’ visual and cognitive development throughout their first year, making this a smart yet stimulating gift.

Beyond the science, we love the look of this three-pack of sensory hanging squares, which are reversible for babies from birth to four months and five months plus. Simply attach them to a baby gym, car seat, highchair or pushchair and watch them work their magic on young eyes. 

Until you’ve had to remove a squirming newborn baby from a bath, it’s impossible to comprehend how helpful the clever Cuddledry hands-free towel is. Worn like an apron, it helps keep parents dry during bathtime, while leaving their hands free to scoop baby out of the tub. Simply wrap baby in the towel, lifting up the built-in hood over their head and cuddle them dry. Made with the brand’s signature blend of incredibly soft bamboo and cotton towelling, it has to be touched to be believed.

During pregnancy and early motherhood, our bodies are put through the wringer, so, gift a mum-to-be a spa-like experience, with this organic-certified cooling leg gel from premium brand Little Butterfly London. Particularly at the end of pregnancy, legs and feet can feel heavy and swollen, due to carrying extra baby weight, so, this indulgent pick-me-up will offer mums-to-be some much-welcomed relief.

A sensual experience, use gentle, upward, sweeping movements from the toes over the knees and let the cooling, natural peppermint gel work its magic. The minty aroma soothes and awakens the senses, while legs and feet are left feeling revitalised. A fabulous gift for those in their third trimester, it’s also a miracle worker for hot summer days full of motherhood madness.

Before new parents know it, they’ll be reaching for the teething products, so, having one ready to go can be a saviour. In a world of bright and loud plastic baby bits, you can rely on Swedish brand Elodie to bring some calm (as well as some light relief to baby’s sore gums).

Founded in Stockholm, Elodie is a brand known for stylish everyday baby paraphernalia, and this simple teether is no exception. Created in collaboration with one of Scandinavia’s most appreciated designers, Stig Lindberg, the teether is naturally antibacterial, non-splintering and non-toxic. It looks good and does good.

If you didn’t think it was possible to add a touch of luxury to dirty nappies, think again. Dockatot – formerly Sleepyhead of Sweden and the brand behind the top-selling baby dock – recently launched a collection of changing clutches to add to existing changing bags or to take out independently. An all-in-one portable changing mat, which also features zipped pockets and an elasticated pouch to store nappies and wipes, it holds all the essentials for a change on the go. We love the stylish camo print with faux-leather trim and, best of all, it’s wonderfully practical for those rushed moments when you’re out and about.

During parenthood, you are likely to become very familiar with nursery brand Mamas & Papas, which has been providing the goods for more than four decades. ‘Welcome to the World’ is the brand’s own collection, celebrating your new beginning, from swoon-worthy nursery interiors to snug sleepsuits, clothing essentials and more.

We love this three-pack of teddy bear bibs, which will be a godsend when dribble days take over. Beautiful and timeless, there’s a teddy bear print, oatmeal with embroidered bear detail and oatmeal and cream stripe, with the neutral tones being ideal for any gender. The towelling fabric on the back keeps the baby dry, while the conveniently positioned popper keeps the bib in place.

While sleep can’t be gifted, you can help baby drift off by creating a dreamy sleep environment. This swaddle bag from Australian baby sleep brand ErgoPouch is an award-winning product, and for good reason.

A practical yet thoughtful gift, the cocoon is made from breathable natural fibres and is designed to mimic the womb. A 2.5 tog is recommended for temperatures around 18C, and the nifty double zip saves the faff of removing it during middle-of-the-night nappy changes. Parents can choose to keep the arm studs closed or open, but the brand suggests keeping them closed for snugness if your baby isn’t rolling yet. You tuck baby’s legs into the swaddle and zip up with baby’s hands in the desired position by the sides, or across the chest, removing the need for flappy blankets.