Baby Shower Gifts: 30 Presents The New Parents In Your Life Will Actually Thank You For

Here’s a practical present most parents won’t have thought of – but if there’s a baby holiday or trip to grandma’s on the cards, it’ll really come in handy.

The Bugaboo Stardust travel cot is brilliantly designed: it’s a pop-up construction, so takes mere seconds to put up, yet feels reliably sturdy and light enough to transport with ease. The mattress is in-built, and it'll last the little one until they're two years old. An added bonus: it can also be used in a living room as a sound spot for a daytime nap.

For something that’ll last longer than the newborn bubble, consider the Yoto: a very clever gift that’ll grow with baby, outshining all those cute yet quickly-too-small onesies.

In short, it’s a screen-free audio player, into which parents can play ambient sounds, white noise, bedtime stories and even podcasts by simply inserting their chosen audio card into the top. It’s a brilliant gift for parents concerned about screen time, and even acts as your clock, night light and room thermometer.

For those in search of a practical present (which looks rather chic, too), consider this timeless highchair that'll see the new family member from infancy to adulthood. The 3-in-1 design has a baby chair, tray and footrest to provide ultimate comfort and, crucially, wipes clean.

Finding a newborn stroller that's compatible with city life can be challenging: many are nice to look at, but prove bulky, heavy and unwieldy in reality (especially when you reside in an average London flat, as I do).

Stokke's Yoyo has found fame amongst new parents for solving these issues: the nifty shell is designed to fold down and slot into the tightest storage spaces (it's even carry-on compatible), and is light enough to be lifted by even this 5ft 2 weakling.

The practical points come at no cost to practicality, though: this sleek stroller comes with wheels that can cope with any terrain, has a properly sized under-seat basket for your shopping, and can be used in conjunction with the cosy newborn basket from day one.

The newborn bubble involves a lot of sofa time, so anything you can gift that elevates that Netflix marathon is sure to be well received.

Barefoot Dreams specialises in luxe lounging, creating the cosiest (and yet chicest) throws, gowns and socks for both parent and child. This cream and black plaid throw is large enough for the whole family to swaddle themselves in, and is refreshingly designed to slip into an adult space (no lurid-pink love hearts here).

Artipoppe's brightly coloured baby carriers are everywhere right now, but their viral fame is down to more than their mood-boosting looks. These beautifully made creations are thoughtfully designed to support both baby and parent, allowing the little one to face inwards or outwards (after six months) with no aching backs by the end of the day.

Robust, secure and easily adjustable, they'll see your new parents through the first two years of adventures, be it weekend walks in the forest or exploring further afield.

We're in good company in the Bumpsuit fan club. which is also populated by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Crafting supremely comfortable maternity and postpartum pieces that look effortlessly chic, the brand is an A-list favourite for good reason.

The Cloud Set is what I'll be wearing home from the hospital: with its roomy, cropped top (which is breastfeeding-compatible) and incredibly soft, wide-leg trousers with a gentle drawstring waist for tender bodies, it's the perfect day-and-night outfit your new mum is guaranteed to wear for months to come.

Sitting firmly in the utilitarian camp is Frida Mom's brilliant postpartum kit. It contains all the essential recovery aids, including four pairs of disposable underwear (which fit and feel so much nicer than the hospital's options), ice pads and cooling liners, all kept neatly together in a bathroom caddy.

Here's a seriously cute one that ticks both the practical and pampering boxes. From new natural-focused beauty destination, Found Clean Beauty, this cute box contains four Banks-Lyon Botanical products designed to make bath-time a little more luxurious for both baby and parent. With a bath milk, soap bar, baby balm and massage oil, this newborn-safe toiletry set will help them establish a soothing night-time routine.

Everyone loves their BabyBjörns, which is why we couldn't help but include this classic baby bouncer which seats children from birth to two years old. It's a brilliant gift for parents needing to carry on with household errands (such as making that nineteenth cup of tea) and needing to pop their little one in a comfy setting for a moment or two.

This is the ultimate changing bag in our eyes. Storksak's Alyssa bundle features a changing bag, matching stroller bag, changing mat, insulated bottle holder and stroller attachments. It's a must to help new parents stay organised while on the go.

Available in three colourways, this water-repellant organiser is the perfect addition to a pram and has three external pockets for immediate access to things like dummies and snacks, and two zippered pockets to store away car and house keys and one's phone.

It can be difficult to find baby grows that don't come too gendered (pink and blue, really?) nor too old fashioned, which is why we can't get enough of these sleepsuits. Not only do they come with a zip fastening (the holy grail of all fastenings for new parents), but they feature adorable messages and come in neutral hues. Snap (or rather, zip) them up.

Anything that'll make those fleeting moments of 'me' time more luxurious will be received warmly, such as this set of specially formulated bath and body products from Neal's Yard. The Seaweed & Arnica bath foam is a firm favourite for its soothing, not-too-sweet aroma, while the Arnica Salve works wonders on sore muscles.

Here's another baby carrier that steps things up in the style stakes. Not just a good-looking option, Bumpsuit's Armadillo is packed with thoughtful features that'll make their first adventures outside so much easier. The small mesh pockets and water-bottle hook mean there's no need for an additional bag (believe us, this is so helpful for coffee runs and afternoon walks), while the padded lumbar support means the carrier stays comfortable as baby gets bigger.

A must for all new parents, this highchair has broken the mould since it entered the market in 1972 as it tucks neatly under a dining room table, can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and even has its own place in the V&A Museum - that's how famous it is.

With the newborn attachment slotted on top, it's suitable for use from day one, and may just mean your new parents can enjoy a whole meal using both their hands – what a luxury.

If you ask us, the most genuinely brilliant postpartum pressies are those you can eat: if you're visiting someone with a newborn, bring dinner, and if you're sending love from afar, make it edible.

The Food Doula is a clever delivery service that sends three, five or seven days of nutrient-dense, recovery-fuelling meals straight to your new parents, taking all the hassle out of mealtimes while they're navigating the fourth trimester.

This beautiful 100% cotton jumpsuit is pure luxury and comfort, and in a neutral cream colourway it makes a failsafe gift for parents of any aesthetic inclination. You can even have it embroidered with the new arrival's initials.

If you're going for a big gesture that ticks a major box on the baby-shopping list, a cot can't be beaten.

For newborns up to six months old (with an optional extension kit up to take them up to five years old) Stokke's Sleepi is ideal for those who don't want to keep buying new beds as their little one becomes not-so little, and it also makes lifting them in and out an east feat.

Daylesford's nutritious broths and stews are a go-to gift of mine for those entering motherhood, as they're a breeze to cook and more nutritious than most instant options. This hamper contains the restorative things they need, from soups to juices, alongside the indulgent things they want (including a bottle of Prosecco).