How to buy a baby gift that will last longer than three months

Many new parents rely on the influx of new clothes they receive at their first baby shower or when the baby is born. After all, so many people like to buy clothes for the new baby because the clothes are so small and cute! But the reality is, these clothes might last a month or two because babies can grow and FAST! Now, I’m not saying don’t buy clothes but you might want to think outside the box and add a little something else to your gift that lasts a little longer.

Here are 5 things that you can give new parents and their baby that will last and are thoughtful gifts.

Feeding cloth by Mizzle, opens out and has soft terry towelling on the reverse side.

Babies throw up. Babies spit up. And babies drool. Yep, babies make a mess. So, it’s always great to have something on hand to try and protect yourself and to clean up the baby. But who says you have to be unstylish! This feeding cloth by Mizzle is beautiful, stylish and practical. In fact, I gave one to my friend and she said she used it every day.

Uses: feeding cloth, travel towel, protection for nappy change table, portable change table (when changing on floor)

Lasts: At least two years for your first child

Hand-me-down friendly: Yes

Link: Feeding cloths are very versatile. Here is one in a hamper with some other great baby gift items.

2. A childhood friend - a timeless toy

Superhero monkey by Alimrose Designs - please be my best friend!

Go to your cupboard and get out your first baby toys. Go on, I know you have them! And if you don’t, they are either at your parents house or you have dusted them off and given them to your kids.

Look even if you have been ruthless and tossed your toys (pun intended), most people are sentimental and the first toys a baby has are usually their life long friends, so give them friends worth having. Buy a good quality toy that will stand up to biting and beatings. Remember, this is something that is bound to end up in their precious toy bag that they will pull out for their own kids.

Uses: Cuddles, settling the baby, to protect them from monsters in the night, playtime

Lasts: A lifetime or two

Hand-me-down friendly: Yes, but only from generation to generation

Link: Awesome toys

My first toys were called piglet, lambie and yellow ted - I bet you can't guess what they were! If you guessed a pig, a lamb and a yellow teddy, you were right.

3. Bibs or toy and bib sets

This is Dash in an Alimrose bib – handsome devil!

You can add a little extra by adding a fun bib. Bibs come in handy for babies that throw up (all of them), babies who drool (all of them) and for older babies when they start feeding (all of them). Bibs are always handy, bibs are essential, bibs are super cute. Bibs, bibs, bibs.

Uses: Drool catcher (if they are drooling a lot can protect their sensitive necks from rashes), food catcher, throw-up catcher

Lasts: At least 18 months (depending on size and style of bib)

Hand-me-down friendly: Yes

Link: Toy and bib sets

4. Bath towel and toys

Can you feel the cuteness? Babies and hooded towels are a match made in heaven.

Remember that feeling of getting out of the bath and your parents wrapping you up in nice big fluffy towel so you couldn’t even move your arms? It felt so warm and secure. It felt like LOVE.

Honestly, when everyone is busy buying cute clothes, head for the bathroom. It’s true, a newborn baby isn’t going to play with toys in the bath for a while but they will want to be wrapped up in a soft generous towel. That’s a special moment for a child and a parent. Add in a rubber duck for down the track and maybe a few bath products to get the new parents started and you have the perfect baby gift. Done!

Uses: Drying your child, making your child feel loved and secure, fun games of peek-a-boo, making your child look EXTRA adorable!

Lasts: Depending on the size of towel but mostly 18 months

Hand-me-down friendly: Yes

Link: amazing baby bath time hampers

5. Impressions kit

Impressions tin by Pearhead - for the sentimental.

Is there anything cuter than a newborn babies little hands or feet? How DO they they make toes so small? How is it possible? MELT!

So help your friend preserve the memory. These impressions kits are safe for baby and will be a lifelong keepsake. That little baby might even compare it to their own child's foot/hand 30 years down the track.

I must say though that the trick to this present is to also assist the new mum to do it. She is tired and struggling to get sleep. While they are easy (I’ve done it so anyone can) having another set of hands to help hold the baby while the other presses the foot firmly down will be highly appreciated and produce better results.

Uses: preserving one of the most precious times in your life, awesome gifts for grandparents, awesome gift for Dad or Mum's work desk, keepsake

Lasts: A lifetime or two

Hand-me-down friendly: No

Link: sentimental impressions kit