When it comes to presents for new mums, there's the practical kind (bibs, muslin cloths and breast pumps) and then the pamper kind (something aesthetically pleasing for the new arrival's nursery or some beauty products specially-made for expectant mums that they can use into well their maternity leave).
But what to buy a new mum and their little one that's slightly more exciting than a gift card? You can't give them a good night's sleep, but you can give them something thoughtful.
So, we have compiled a guide to the more unusual mother and baby gifts: from lovely gift hampers to room décor, to a pamper hamper, to the softest comforters in the whole world. The following would make an excellent list of baby shower gifts - and would also do very nicely for Mother's Day.
It's time to stop the search...
SHOP: The Best Gifts For New Mums And Babies
1 of 27Weather Station, Not Another Bill
This weather station is the perfect Scandi-style nursery decoration – wooden, minimal and very sweet. And not only will it look great, but will also help them learn about the different weather conditions.
2 of 27Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry, Phaidon via Amazon
Arty friends will love this quirky Yayoi Kusama book, filled with fun, black and white illustrations telling the story of her life and art.
3 of 27Rosie Sugden Mother and Me Twinning Sock Box, Fortnum & Mason
If you have the budget, then spoil them with this heavenly set of matching cashmere booties for baby, and bed socks for mum. We LOVE!
4 of 27New-Mums-Gift-Guide-Ricebloom-Mini-Rattle-Toy-Noodoll
This irresistible mini rattle comes with a strap to clip onto a pram or bag, ensuring it never gets lost.
5 of 27Dinosaur Woven Throw, Fy
Introducing the sweetest dinosaur we have ever encountered. Treat them to this throw that could be used a wall-hanging or draped over a chair until their little person is a bit bigger and moves into their own bed.
6 of 27Box of 12 Fancy Macarons, Biscuiteers
If there's one thing new mums are short of, it's time. And with all those well wishers visiting, there is much scrabbling around for biscuits/cakes. So treat her to a box of these heavenly macarons from Biscuiteers - just make sure you are around to share them...
7 of 27Koala Gift Set, Jojo Maman Bebe
This adorable koala gift set is the perfect bundle for those first three months. Comprising a cosy pramsuit, zip baby sleepsuit and ring rattle – everything they need to wrap their tiny one up and bring them home from the hospital.
8 of 27Wooden Animal Letters, The Letteroom
We love these super-affordable, painted wooden animal letters that would make a thoughtful gift for the little one's nursery.
9 of 27Terrazzo Changing Mat, Mamas and Papas
This wipe-clean changing mat is one of the chicest we have seen – and check out that low price point.
10 of 27Clay and Striped Bunny Playsuits, Organic Zoo
We are huge fans of Organic Zoo and these bunny baby grows are a prime example of why. They are crafted from the softest organic cotton and come in a choice of cool clay and irresistible stripes.
11 of 27Baby Sleep Bedtime Ritual Set, This Works
Anything that helps with the sleep routine is well received with us. And we can attest this gorgeously-scented lavender, camomile and vetivert set works a treat to calm busy little minds.
12 of 27Cook in a Book Series, Phaidon via Amazon
It’s never too early to start them on the right path. This set of cookery books will not only look great on the bookshelf, but will also take them on a cooking/baking journey via pull-tabs, wheels, and punch-out pieces. Mess free!
13 of 27Liewood Filipa Knitted Snake, Folk Interiors
We love this soft striped snake crafted from organic cotton. And, measuring in at 150 x 7.5 cm, she is the perfect size for proper cuddles.
14 of 27Jungle Cat Art Print, Fy
Elevate their nursery with this fun cat print from Fy.
15 of 27People Pram Chain, Sophie Home
We fell in love with this unusual cotton-knit pram chain as soon we laid eyes on it. The sweet chain of mini people will keep their baby occupied on trips out – something they will thank you for time and time again!
16 of 27You’ve Got This Letterbox Message Cookies, Baked By Steph
Give them a sugar/self-esteem boost with these brilliant You’ve Got This cookies from Baked By Steph.
17 of 27Smile Jacket, Irie and I
They will love you forever if you treat their little one to this gorgeous jacket from Irie and I and will give them something to look forward to, as their mini person turns a year old.
18 of 27Jungle Animal Finger Puppets, Jojo Maman Bebe
Help keep their baby engaged and giggly with these sweet little finger puppets from Jojo Maman Bebe.
19 of 27Taco Toy, Jelly Cat
Hola! For a more unique gift, look no further than this irresistible taco soft toy. This is some serious best friend material.
20 of 27Liewood Arne Divider Plate, Scandiborn
This cool plate with removable dividers makes a super-useful gift for a new mum for when the time comes to transition her little one to solids.
21 of 27Bunny Blanket, Sarah K
Surprise them with this super-soft, cotton voile blanket, covered in sweet bunnies and hearts.
22 of 27Ocean Baby Socks, Critically Endangered
Do your bit for charity with these 80% organic cotton socks. This orca, sea turtle, sea otter and Singapore freshwater crab not only look ridiculously cute, keep toes toasty and double up as hand puppets. And 10% of all sales is donated to WWF.
23 of 27BABA Yellow Pouch, Jem & Bea
For a hard-working gift, look no further than this stylish pouch which help keep their bag organised and stress-free.
24 of 27Rainbow Baby Booties, Meri Meri
Add a pop of colour to their baby wardrobe with these super-sweet, super-soft organic cotton booties from Meri Meri.
25 of 27Snuzcurve Pregnancy Support Pillow, Snuz
This super-smart pregnancy pillow is the perfect gift for a baby shower as it’s the first pregnancy pillow that actually guides you into the correct sleep position, with KneeBlade - so she can forget waking up with aches and pains. This is the most comfortable pillow we have found for the final trimester (and beyond!).
26 of 27Baby Lambskin, Jojo Maman Bebe
This baby lambskin would make one incredibly useful gift. Warming in winter and cooling in the summer, simply place inside their Moses basket or car seat to regulate their temperature and of course, to keep them as comfy and cosy as can be.
27 of 27Dag Stacking Tower, Liewood
Help refine their motor skills and coordination, in the chicest way possible, with this lightweight, silicone stacker from Liewood.