There are so many lovely things you can buy to welcome a new baby – but often the choice is overwhelming, and we wonder if parents (and baby!) really need so much ‘stuff’.
I am often asked for gift recommendations for baby showers and so I have put this blog post together to help a little bit.
Here you will find a few gift ideas that you can take to a baby shower that hopefully suits most budgets, be useful and are also good for the planet.
From larger gifts for a close friend to smaller items to make up a hamper from your workplace, there’s something for every baby shower here.
So let’s dive in and take a look at these green gifting ideas…
1. Organic Baby Clothes
If you want to buy clothes as a baby shower gift, then choosing organic cotton is a great choice – and sometimes there is nothing cuter than little outfits made for tiny babies.
Unlike conventional cotton baby clothes, organic baby clothing is made from materials that are grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilisers. This means that organic cotton, for example, is grown using natural methods such as crop rotation and composting, resulting in a healthier, more sustainable crop.
The use of sustainable materials in organic baby clothes makes them an eco-friendly choice. The production process of conventional cotton clothes is known to be one of the most polluting industries globally, emitting high levels of greenhouse gases, using large amounts of water, and contributing to soil degradation. In contrast, organic clothing is free from harsh chemicals, reducing the environmental impact of their production and making them a more sustainable choice.
You also have the added benefit that organic baby clothes are gentle on a baby's sensitive skin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritations. Organic clothing is free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins that can cause rashes or other skin problems. This makes organic baby clothes a healthier and safer option for babies, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Top Organic Baby Clothing Picks:
Organic Baby Bunny Romper £21.99 // Organic Babygrow £22.50
2. Soft Toys Made from Recycled Materials
If you want to pop a little cuddly in your baby shower present that soft toys made from recycled plastic are a great choice.
They are eco-friendly and promote sustainability by reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Instead of ending up in a landfill or polluting our oceans, plastic waste is repurposed into soft and cuddly toys that babies will love.
In addition to their environmental benefits, soft toys made from recycled plastic are also safe and non-toxic for babies. They are made from high-quality materials that have been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet safety standards for children's toys. They are also free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and lead that can be harmful to a baby's health.
Another benefit of soft toys made from recycled plastic is their durability. They are designed to last and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with being a baby's favourite toy. This means that parents won't need to constantly replace their baby's toys, which can be both expensive and wasteful.
Top Recycled Soft Toy Picks:
Recycled Soft Toy Musical Koala £19.99 // Recycled Soft Toy Monkey £8.50
3. Reusable Baby Wipes
Baby wipes might seem like a dull option for a baby shower gift, but every new baby gets through an awful lot of baby wipes - and they are a staple in changing bag. But did you know that they contribute to so much environmental waste and pollution?
Standard baby wipes are made from synthetic materials and contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and your baby's delicate skin. However, there are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional baby wipes that can help reduce waste and minimise your environmental footprint.
Reusable baby wipes are one of the easiest eco-friendly swaps you can make as a new parent – so gifting a pack of these can be both thoughtful and better for the planet. Reusable wipes are typically made from soft, absorbent fabrics like bamboo or cotton and can be washed and reused multiple times. Reusable baby wipes are not only eco-friendly but also gentle on your baby's skin, as they are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic materials. They are also cost-effective in the long run since you do not need to keep buying new packs of disposable wipes.
The Tutti Frutti baby wipes that I make are made from the organic cotton jersey and backed with bamboo towelling. They are made from the offcuts from my organic clothing ranges making them aa great zero waste option too.
They come in packs of 5 and in a variety of colours and prints to suit all tastes.
Tutti Frutti Baby Wipes:
4. Eco Friendly Baby Skin Care
Eco-friendly baby skincare products are a great way to ensure that baby's delicate skin is protected while also minimising environmental impact. Traditional baby skincare products often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to the environment and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in babies.
By choosing natural and organic skincare products made from eco-friendly ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils, parents can provide gentle and effective care for their babies without harming the environment. These products are made from sustainable and renewable materials that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making them safer for your baby's skin and the environment.
The products I have chosen are based on olive oil - an eco-friendly skincare ingredient that is known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and calendula are also commonly used in eco-friendly baby skincare products. These oils are known for their soothing and calming properties and can help to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
Here are my top Eco-Friendly Skin Care Picks:
and finally...
5. Organic Cotton Muslins and Swaddles
Organic cotton muslins and muslin swaddles are a one of the most popular and practical baby shower gifts that I sell.
They are made from high-quality, organic cotton that is grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. This makes them safe and gentle for a baby's delicate skin, as well as better for the environment. Plus muslin fabric is also highly breathable, which is important for newborns who are still regulating their body temperature. It allows air to circulate around the baby which helps prevent overheating.
I also find that organic cotton muslins are incredibly durable. They are designed to withstand frequent washing and use, which is important for a baby's constantly changing needs. This means that they can be used again and again, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for parents.
They also come in a variety of sizes and colours and are a good price for popping into a baby shower hamper.
Choose from smaller muslins – which are perfect for mopping up spit up and spills – to larger muslins which can be used for swaddling and feeding cover ups. They really are a great versatile gift.
Top Organic Muslin and Swaddle Picks:
Organic Cotton Mini Swaddle £12 // Organic Cotton Black and White Swaddle £13.99
I really hope that this blog post will give you a handful of ideas for baby shower gifts that don’t cost the earth – but certainly help look after it!
Let me know in the comments what you found useful when you had a newborn to inspire others who are looking for the perfect eco-friendly baby shower present.
really well-written! Thanks for sharing,
Hitway Clothing on