Zero Waste Baby Shower Gifts

Ah the Baby shower. An event to spoil a new Mum, coo over cute outfits and eat too much cake.

I loved my baby shower. I didn’t think I would as much as I did but my friends pulled out all the stops. It was a beautifully sunny day, we sat in the garden, sipped summery drinks and ate some wonderful food (I highly recommend the “everyone brings a dish” idea because you end up with the most delicious spread.)

I had however brought most of the things I needed for my bundle of joy except for clothes. I’m one of those people (especially as the idea of living a zero waste lifestyle was creeping in at this time in my life) that will research everything and search out the perfect find weather that be from an ethical store or second hand. Therefore I was prepared to say the least. I hadn’t thought about the baby shower and the gifts I might get at the time. I guess because I had collected things so early on, wanting to find lots of second hand pieces. When people said they really DID want to buy me a present I suggested they buy clothes for the baby.

Of course with this in mind AND the gifts I received after my daughter was born she had a bigger wardrobe than I ever had in my entire life. Although it was all incredibly beautiful, loved and now half packed away should I have another baby and half given to friends to be loved again, this is the reason I no longer buy friends or family clothes as baby gifts.

So what DO you buy your eco-conscious friend? Maybe it’s you that wants to make sure you buy something ethical? Or maybe your the one having a baby but have no idea what to say when like me your friends ask you what you would like as a gift? Because you don’t like me want to end up with over 50 baby grows….. That’s right over 50.

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Here’s my Top Ten Ethical Baby Shower Gifts.

1. Muslins.

Muslins, Muslins, Muslins……. You CANNOT have enough. In the early days they work for just about everything. Mopping up sick, wiping milk, drying bums, protecting the sheets/sofa/floor. They can even be used as nappies!! Yes nappies!! Later they become great nose wipers and once the baby stage is over re-purpose them as dusters. What am I talking about, their already used as dusters! If you can, try and get bamboo or organic cotton muslins. The Natural Baby Shower does some beautiful ones. This means it’s better for the planet and their so much softer too.

If your going down the cloth nappy route, these Disana muslins are great folded to make newborn nappies. They fit great and dry super quickly. If your thinking about using cloth nappies head to my other articles HERE to get you started. If your also wondering how a Muslin could possibly become a nappy check out THIS VIDEO.

2. A Large Muslin Swaddle/Blanket.

Sorry more muslins but this one is also important. Beautifully soft and light for summer naps or naps at home, they work perfectly if you want to swaddle your babies in the newborn days. Also essential if your breastfeeding and want to cover up when out and about. This is one of the ones I brought for myself and have brought for friends baby showers since.

3. A Baby Diary

A beautiful book for a new Mum to make notes, write down important dates, pin in that lock of hair from their first hair cut and stick lovely pictures in.

4. A hand and foot print kit.

As Mum’s we will marvel at those tiny feet and hands for years to come. One of my favorite gifts I was given was a photo frame with an ink pad to make a foot and hand prints. It now sits proudly in our dining room for me to look at and sigh.

5. Reusable Breast Pads.

If you know you or your friend are wanting to breastfeed she will no doubt need breast pads at some point. Reusable’s are better for the planet, so much softer, are easy to use and will save money. My favorites are these from Close Parent, Cheeky Wipes and Kiddy Care.

6. Cloth Baby Wipes

I’m a massive fan of cloth baby wipes, especially in the newborn days when it is not recommended to use standard disposable baby wipes. They are super soft, easy to wash and I think its great for any new Mum to try even if she’s doesn’t carry on using them. Should she not carry on using them they become useful again at the weaning stage for wiping hands and face.

If your interested in starting to use cloth wipes head over to my guide of How and Why to use them.

7. Some indulgence for Mummy.

Bath bombs (Lush do some wonderful plastic free goodies), chocolates (Tony’s Chocolates is all sourced sustainably), flowers (make sure you buy local and seasonally), moisturizers bars, hair oils. There’s so many lovely treats to make a new Mummy feel a little more herself when she gets the chance. She will get so much for baby, don’t forget her too.

If your on a budget, just cooking something nice to put in her freezer for when she gets out of hospital could be the best present of all.

8. Your Favorite Children’s Book.

Recently I took some old books from my Mum’s house for my step sons to read. Inside I noticed a note to me from my Mum’s friend. It was so lovely to read and made me think what a great present it would be for the future when baby starts to enjoy books.

Buy your favorite children’s book and write a note inside. Tell them why it’s your favorite book and how much you hope they will enjoy just as much you did.

9. Cloth Nappies.

Although you save a ton of money using cloth nappies over time they can be expensive to buy to start with. A new Mum could be put off trying them because of this or maybe hadn’t thought yet about trying them at all. Buy her one or two beautiful prints to give her a little taste for them. If she’s decides they aren’t for her the preloved market for them is massive so she’ll be able to get the money back and buy something that does work for her. Find everything you need to know about Cloth Nappies in previous articles I’ve written here.

10. A Promise Note.

Becoming a new Mum can be overwhelming so a promise to do something for her once the baby arrives will feel like a lifesaver when it comes around.

Promise to take any older children out to the park for a few hours to give her a little break.

Promise to bring round a home cooked meal.

Promise to do a load of washing.

Promise to do a food shop.

Promise to come and pick her up and help her get out when shes ready for her first solo outing, It can be scary when Dad has just gone back to work and you realize the car seat doesn’t fit the way you thought it did, or baby cries to the point of despair in the car. Just a trip for coffee or a lunch somewhere could be overwhelming on your own but with you its all the easier.

Promise to go with her to a hair appointment or pedicure. Impossible while holding a baby that wants to be walked and bounced, but you can bounce while she sits and then pass baby over when they need a feed.

And of course make sure you keep that promise.

Now you’ve got your perfect gift enjoy that lovely baby shower.

Hannah xxx