What was the best present you got as a new mum?

[silverstraw]

My lovely friend just had her baby and I want to send something for the baby and for her. My two are teenagers now so I am out of touch with what would make a good gift these days. I'd love to hear what gifts other people received that they really loved so I can steal an idea!

I tend to get JoJo Maman Bebe embroidered sleepsuits - because they’re so lovely and they’re fancy and expensive enough that I wouldn’t buy them for myself and I imagine lots of others feel the same. We got gifted lots of JJMB and DS was just so cute in the little outfits which I probably wouldn’t have bought otherwise what with all the expenses of little babies.

I was gifted a white noise machine and some nipple shields from my sister - both hugely useful.

One of the best things I got was a subway platter! Meant we could pick away at it throughout the day without thinking of having to make anything. Was an absolute game changer

A baby changing trolley/bath on a stand. It really saved my back.

And lovely cotton blankets from DSis.

My sister made up a 'First Cold' kit with snot sucker, Calpol, Calpol plug in, snuffle babe vapour rub and maybe some other bits. It really did come in useful when the first bug struck in the middle of the night.

Tuppence and crumble star blanket (we ended up buying them in every size) - great for the pram and car seat as so much easier than snowsuit type set ups.
I bought myself (and everyone I know since) a 750ml cup. It's metal and keeps drinks both hot or cold with a straw/hot drink lid. Perfect for getting nap trapped/feeding.

A book of letters and lacy underwear.

The Tuppence and Crumble star wraps are brilliant. Heavily used with both DDs! The second size up one lasts for ages. We got at least two winters out of it!

Ooooh I got a few nice things. Lots of chocolate and biscuits! Home cooked meals from my DM. When we had DC2 a bunch of friends clubbed together and bought us about £60 worth of Just Eat vouchers which we absolutely loved. It was so nice to have some lovely takeaways in that newborn haze, almost felt like having a bit of a date even if I was breastfeeding a newborn whilst we ate! A relative bought me pillow spray and sleepy teas when I had DC1 which I loved and have continued using both for years afterwards, they really help me relax to sleep when I'm anxious. Lush bath bombs nice too.

My friend lent me a nappy bin but after filling it once, emptying it was horrendous and we never used it again. The best thing we were given as a gift which we still use 23 years on was a little wooden stool. until DD could sit on it one of her teddies would sit on it, then DD used it for many years and even now it’s the perfect height to stand on when you’re just a bit short. A bit random I know but we love it.

Clothes to fit dd when she was a few months older. It was genius actually and I appreciated it so much.

Tuppence and Crumble star wrap, for sure!

Ewan the sheep. Anything that might help baby to sleep would be appreciated.

My twins are nearly 4 and they still sleep with their personalised blankets. Great presents

A travel mug to keep their hot drinks warm and have a lid on for safety. Food - biscuits and chocolate . Just eat voucher so they can get a takeaway. 3-6 month clothes.

Yes! We've just found out we're expecting number two and I am unreasonably excited that we'll be getting Cook vouchers again 😂 We buy them for every pregnant couple we know.

More of a mum present than a ‘me’ present but the tiba and marl buggy organiser pram bag. Doubles up as a cross the body bag and a pram bag to go on the handles, so so handy and I still use it now

The thought of wearing lacy underwear just after giving birth sends shivers down my spine

This may sound selfish, but I remember a neighbour dropping round a bottle of perfume for me! I remember feeling so grateful that she got me something so lovely and thoughtful and just for me! At the time I was feeling shattered, unattractive etc and it was just what I needed for a little boost.
I always get new mums a little something 'just for them' since - be it a scented candle or similar (can't afford perfume!!!) xxx

After my first child was born our very new neighbour (she had moved in about a week
beforehand) brought round a selection of Waitrose ready meals. It wasn’t fancy or special but a thought very much appreciated.

I liked getting baby things that other people had enjoyed themselves, but (perhaps selfishly) most of all I loved it when people brought something for me. Babies don’t need very much really. Just boob and cuddles.

No I totally agree!

My grandma had similar complaints on her 90th birthday.....no enough vases 🤣

Paracetamol, a massive drinks bottle and biscuits! I hated flowers as I wasn't with it enough to appreciate them before they died and also could barely stand so didn't want to arrange them!!

We were passed down a nappy bin and only filled it once. I couldn't stand the idea of keeping nappies in the house for days on end. I preferred to take them to in the outside bin on a daily basis.

For me, getting a really thick dressing gown was the absolute best. I had a february baby so it was pretty cold on the night feeds and early mornings.

For baby, clothes in the next size up, muslins, wipes, ear thermometer.

Congrats to your friend on the arrival of her baby! As a new mom, the best present I received was a subscription box. Very thoughtful and practical gift I think. highly recommend to gift subscription for mum :)

A tray of homemade millionaire’s shortbread! I hid it from everyone else and had one piece a day - bliss 😁