Mum-of-four Peta Todd reveals her perfect presents to welcome a new baby
Peta Todd knows plenty of people who are starting families and has developed go-to favourites pressies to welcome a new addition to the world
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I GET asked a lot if I have any recommendations of gifts to buy for newborns or new parents.
It got me thinking about the kind of things to put on a list for when you’re expecting.
People seem to be so lovely and generous when a fresh new life arrives – I really believe that a “box fresh” baby brings out the best in most humans.
But be prepared to have the same well-meaning conversation on repeat when out and about.
And then multiply that by ten if you have twins, a baby with hair, kids with a big age gap... the list goes on.
But my point is, although the gifts may be a far cry from gold, frankincense and myrrh (unless you have pretty dramatic friends), the chances are new babies are going to be spoilt by well-wishers.
Yet quite often you can end up with stuff kindly given that you either already have or are not that keen on.
I have always felt desperately guilty because while I didn’t want to waste things, I also didn’t want to give away gifts straightaway that friends and family had so thoughtfully given.
And I don’t want to sound ungrateful at all – some of the gifts I have received have been life-savers for me.
And then others that have been passed on from their children and the baton passed to me are so thoughtful they make me well up.
At my age, I have plenty of people around me starting families and I have now developed go-to favourites as perfect practical pressies to welcome a new addition to the world.
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I also always try to include a little something for the new care-givers – they are the ones with the real hard work ahead.
And also a wee nod to any existing siblings as a new squawking addition can be a wobbly time for them, too.
So, here is my list of amazing gifts to give to a new family.
Some are small brands I have stumbled across and others bigger companies, but they are all gifts I’ve given multiple times.
For the baby
- Ewan the Dream Sheep deluxe, which plays soothing sounds, £39.99 from sweetdreamers —
- Merino handmade blanket/hats, £25-£200 from houseofmerino —
- Amber teething anklet, £14.99 from loveamberx —
- Mama Designs super-soft muslin squares, £15 from mamadesigns —
For the siblings
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood T-shirts or romper, £14 from familyhood.bigcartel.com —
- New big brother/sister badge, £2.49 from Amazon —
- Unlock your imagination book DK books, £11.53, Amazon —
For parents
- Yes Mum affirmation cards, £12.75 from londonhypnobirthing.co.uk/shop —
- The New Mums Notebook, £11.33 from Amazon —
- Go The F**k To Sleep by Adam Mansbach, £7.64 from Amazon —