One-of-a-kind gifts

THE VERY, VERY BEST BABY SHOWER GIFTS

Well I don’t know if you find this, but don’t small businesses just do everything better?! With personal touches that can either move you to tears or have you howling with laughter, special occasions like this need extra thoughtfulness, and that’s exactly where independents excel. 

It’s their creativity that takes it from being a ‘lovely’ event with presents, to memories and gifts that your mum-to-be will genuinely cherish and smile at for years to come. 

Here’s some inspiration, much of which is taken from the 2020 baby shower that my sister and I threw for our dear co-founder Gabi, pre-her twins. It truly was just the best day thanks to some help from our community. As you can see, we rather enjoyed ourselves…

Doesn’t this make a brilliant alternative to the traditional baby shower sash? Hand stitched by the talented Emma Giacalone, it also doubles up as a more feminine (and beautiful) version of Transport for London’s ‘Baby-On-Board’ badges.

There aren’t many benefits to having a tummy the size of a spacehopper, but it does make a rather handy tea shelf! This lovely card by Katy Pillinger will remind any mum-to-be to put her feet up and rest, which we women aren’t always very good at doing…

Alongside our non-alcoholic fizz we had the most delicious drink at Gabi’s baby shower. Mother Root is beautifully branded, female-founded and utterly delicious (‘Ginger Switchel’ is a must-try).

Trust me when I say that this linen-bound memory book will become the most treasured keepsake in years to come. Nobody can fathom the sheer joy of rediscovering your own words about Baby’s first steps, first tooth, first time they looked at you and grinned, and your whole world felt warm and cosier than a bowl of apple crumble. It’s gender-neutral too so if you’re not sure what they’re having, this makes a truly thoughtful gift.

This ‘Iconic Women’ swaddle created by Book of Deer comes in the most beautiful little drawstring pouch, is HUGE and so, so soft. And tucked in the middle, like a little pearl, is a miniature book featuring all the women on the print. We bought it for Gabi from the rather iconic Mutha.Hood and she still loves it today.

Speaking of Mutha.Hood, founder Gemma’s classic Strong Girls Club tees also come in babygrows, too, and what could be a better, more powerful message for mini feminists? If you listen to the podcast episode I recorded with her, you’ll hear the remarkable idea behind her brand and why setting up a business to empower women and girls was as crucial then as it is now.

These bespoke ‘Cotside Notes’ notebooks by Marby and Elm will help any new mum keep track of the important stuff — left boob, right boob or even just what day it is. For someone whose mind never stops whirring, these make a great way to get things out of the head and down on paper during those middle-of-the-night feeds. New business ideas, here they come…

As with any occasion, for baby showers, I always think it’s important to forego the expected gifts in favour of something that will be helpful or thoughtful not just now but in the future. Ensuring children grow up knowing that their true value is not based on their looks, could be the very best present of all.

This exclusive one-off print was created by Dave Buonaguidi. Carrie and I went to him with the idea of ‘double trouble’ and as ever, he made it SO much better with his unique spin: the beautiful 1940s image and glitter-screen-printed ‘Dubble Trubble’ on top. The spelling just makes it. Now that’s a baby shower gift!

I don’t know quite how, but Anna Lewis has managed to capture the most brilliantly observed, acute joys and despairs of being a mum with her distinctive illustrations. Actually if you listen to her on my podcast, you’ll understand why her approach to creativity is so rare these days. This is the kind of gift that those about to embark on the journey of motherhood are likely to really appreciate — it is a superb book.

Of course, it’s important not to forget Dad. A recent survey by Aptamil revealed that two thirds of new fathers said they feel left out in the early days of parenting. Here’s a fun way to make sure they feel seen and heard… even if they also feel knackered.

And finally, what every parent needs: sleep coffee. Not just any coffee but a clever subscription to ensure it’s one less thing to have to think about when they’re up to their armpits in poop. Pact scour the globe in search of the world’s best speciality beans, work directly with farmers, pay an average of 65% above the Fairtrade base price and freshly roast it in Surrey. It tastes nice too. 

For more innovative ideas from the very best small businesses, take a look at my special edit to celebrate strong women.