When buying new baby gifts...

[Florencenotflo]

Do you buy something you would buy for your own children? Or do you buy something you think the new parents would buy? My SIL is having a baby, usually with friends I'd buy a couple of babygrows from Next and a Sophie the giraffe or something. Obviously this one is my niece or nephew so I'm spending a little more (roughly £70)

My DB and SIL love designer clothes and will probably have a few designer bits for the baby no doubt. But would you spend the whole amount on probably 1 designer item you know they would probably like. Or should I carry on and make up a little hamper of clothes/vouchers like I was going to?

DB and SIL have never said they prefer designer over high street for the baby by the way, but SIL has 2 older children who are always dressed in some lovey designer stuff. DH says 1 item of designer I say get a couple of bits and a voucher.

A bit of both.

I'd try and buy something that the parents would appreciate, but something I would be happy to give.

I think your DHs idea of 1 expensive item and a couple of extras is a good one.

I tend to give something nicer than the everyday items a baby will inevitably have. Unless you're very well off or prioritise things differently to lots of people, most babies wear a mix of high street stuff with a few fancier items. I would give Frugi or something of that price point and quality. So in your position I'd probably give a designer item because a) you know they like it and b) it's nice to give something a bit special anyway.

I think if they like designer then that's the way to go (much as it would pain me to spend all that on one item). But id get something that would last longer than on e outfit. Maybe a blanket.

If I’m buying for a close relative I’d want to buy something lovely and long lasting like a wooden toy that will last into the preschool years/several siblings. Babies always have more clothes than they need. If you feel confident in their tastes how about getting something like a winter coat in whatever the appropriate size would be that will get lots of wear?

If they're likely to be particular about clothing, I'd go for something else entirely. Especially as £70 is a lot to spend on something that will be quickly outgrown.

There are some beautiful baby clothes by high street brands, that are also very good quality.
Personally I would be horrified if someone bought my newborn designer clothing.
We were gifted a couple of joules baby grows and that’s about as designer as I would go.
I try to buy people new baby things that are useful and functional.
Sleeping bags, pretty muslins, dribble bibs. A nice toy.

Try TK Maxx for one designer item and then get some everyday stuff as well. Designer stuff's a real pain with a baby - it needs careful washing.

I would buck the trend and go for

Organic ethical cotton blanket
Couple of lovely books
Perhaps a piece of art

By designer I mean Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren. By the looks of it, I won't get much for £70. But I have seen a couple of blankets, maybe a blanket would be nice?

My brother is more into designer things I think. I remember him spending £200 on a shirt but he's had some shirts nearly 15 years and re-wears things a lot.

I didn't think of TK Maxx though, I don't know if the one nearest us is re-opening any time soon, but I've got until October!

I’d get some nice board books, a shawl (maybe with baby’s name on it) and a Sophie the Giraffe.

I couldn’t in good conscience spend £££ on a Ralph Lauren onesie or whatever and know it’ll only be worn on a handful of occasions.

Out of interest, does SIL dress her kids in designer wear ALL THE TIME, or is it she just has a few expensive bits that she puts them in when seeing family or going out, and the rest of the time they just wear normal stuff?

I can’t imagine putting a youngish kid in Hugo Boss pyjamas to lounge about it

I'd definitely go for a little hamper

When my nephew was born I got him a few outfits, some aden and anais Muslims, a lovely larger than average Muslim, some black and white board books and a toy for 3 months plus

Or should I carry on and make up a little hamper of clothes/vouchers like I was going to
I’d do what you normally do.
Or if your budget £70 £20 next babygrows and £50 cash

Poor Muslims being used for baby sick!

Maybe you mean muslins?

@Atalune
iPhones love to autocorrect muslins to Muslims

@TerribleCustomerCervix no, I don't think it's all the time, more for going out in. Whenever we've met up for family meals etc not just for the park!

Ooh yeah, I love those muslins, someone bought me some giant ones when I had dd2. Very handy!

I'll have a scout round TKMaxx when they open and go for my original plan then!

Tricky op, we wear designer and so do the children sometimes but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate high street. As it's a niece/nephew I'd be tempted to put together a little hamper, a cute outfit, a nice little keep sake etc. Childrensalon is a good place to start for a designer outfit, they also have an outlet. Aden & Anais very good for the large muslins/swaddles and also sleeping bags if you think they'll use them.

I third the Aden & Annis muslins. Or Funky Giraffe bibs. Expensive but great quality and used much more than an item of clothing.

At that budget I’d go for something like a grimms rainbow. I’d have loved one for DS and it will grow with the family, but it also hits that designer

TK Maxx is open online.

www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/kids+toys/baby+nursery/baby-clothing/baby-boy-clothing/blue-striped-shirt+shorts-set/p/75368676