Alternative, Eco Friendly Gift Ideas For a New Mum.

I can’t deny, when I had my daughter I LOVED being showered with gifts. I hadn’t expected it at all…. I thought I had had my fill of lovely presents at my baby shower. But of course friends and family wanted to show their love and excitement. If that’s you now, you’ve come to the right place, because it can be hard to know what to buy a new Mum. You don’t want to get them something they don’t need, or worse already have. And sometimes you want it to be useful, because new Mum’s need useful too. But also special… always special.

That’s why I’ve complied this list….

The Perfect Alternative and Sustainable Gift Guide for New Mum’s.

A Plant or a Tree.
Name a Star after Baby.
A Personalised Story Book.
A Beautiful Maternity Bra.
A Beautiful Changing Mat/ Basket.
Homecooked Food.
Post Partum Healing Aids.
Audiobook/TV/Film Subscription.
Coffee Shop Gift Card.

New Mum opening gift. New Mum sustainable gift guide.

1. A Plant or a Tree.

Did you know the Queen has a tree in the gardens of Buckingham Palace for each of her children. Planted to mark their births. Of course their now huge, magnificent trees which most of us would be unable to fit in your garden. But we don’t have to go with a huge Oak like the Queen did. It could be something small plant for a balcony or done as part of a tree planting scheme. Whatever takes you fancy. Perhaps an apple tree that would fit in a smaller garden, the fruit to be enjoyed for years to come. Whatever you choose I love the idea of something that will grow and potentially live a life time and more as the baby grows.

2. Name a Star after Baby.

This one brings out the romantic in me. I don’t know a child, once their old enough to wonder, that isn’t fascinated by the stars and space. How wonderful it would be when they first ask you about sky above them to point out the star with their name, to tell the story of the loved one that named it for them. The print you get with also makes a great piece for a nursery wall.

3. A Personalised Story Book.

Again one for when baby has grown a bit but kids get such a thrill about something with their name on. We have a personalised Christmas story, where Santa flies over our town and the familiar roads around it. It’s a favorite every year. I found some nice ones here on Etsy.

4. A Beautiful breastfeeding Bra.

Applicable only if the Mummy is breastfeeding of course. If she is, chances are she already has some maternity/breastfeeding bra, but chances also are they she didn’t indulge herself the way she should have. Perhaps going to a cheaper, simple, practical one rather than one she’s going to feel amazing in. So why not treat her. Granted this is one for very close friends or family who know bra sizes. Or call their partner see if they can figure out what size she is.

5. A Beautiful Changing Mat/ Basket.

These are more often than not quiet practical purchases. And perhaps Mum has yet to buy a changing mat for out and about, or around the house. Oh there are some beautiful ones out there to choose from. I absolutely love the Bare and Boho Changing Mat, plus they come with a matching wet bag, something every parent can do with.

6. Great postpartum Food.

If this Mumma went through labour chances are she sweated a lot. Weather it was a vaginal birth or a C-section this Mumma probably lost blood too. Whatever kind of birth she had she’s sure to be exhausted and the best way to help a beaten body is to feed it well. I don’t know any Mum that won’t apricated you bring around something hot to eat. Or something frozen she can heat whenever she’s ready. Or something yummy and healthy she can snack on. Fruit and thick creamy yoghurt was a favorite of mine. Anything saucy, salty and brothy my body also craved. It makes sense that your body craves these things since it’s most likely depleted these reserves during pregnancy and labour. Iron rich food are a winner. Give the gift of food. She will love you forever.

7. A Sustainable Post Partum care kit.

Reusable breast pads, reusable sanitary pads, witch hazard to put on said sanitary pads for a cooling feeling (advise popping these in the freezer too), lanoline cream for feeding mums, Spritz for Bits, yummy moisturizer, a Belly Bandit to stop things feelings they might fall out on the floor. Mum’s often don’t know they are going to need these things because why scare her before hand, the idea of labour is scary enough. There for you can treat her and pick the sustainable options to make it feel like a more luxuries present.

8. Audiobook/TV/Film Subscription.

Oh those lovely newborn days… when they sleep more than their awake (in the day away), your ordered to rest of the sofa with said sleeping baby, and you suddenly find you have a little bit of time.. For now anyway. How nice would it be if a friend got you a subscription for that time. Up until my daughter was about 7 months she would nap 3 times a day (I can’t believe that now, considering she doesn’t even stop for breathe these days never mind a sleep) and I would be able to watch at least 1 Netflix episode a day. I also listened to a lot of audiobooks and podcasts to keep me awake during the night feeds. So yes an audiobook/tv subscriptions goes down well.

9. Coffee Shop Gift Card.

An easy stop to venture to with a baby. Weekdays means coffee shops are filled with Mum’s and young babies so it’s generally a safe space with baby changing guaranteed for a nervous new Mum taking baby out on her own or with a friend for the first time. Better yet give her the voucher and offer to go with her. It’s always easier when their support in those first few outings.

What did you end up going for? I’d love to hear your presents for the new Mum in your life.

Much Love

Hannah xx