Adorable Baby & Maternity Gift Ideas That Are Actually Useful

So, you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for that precious bundle of joy! Choosing a gift for a baby can be like navigating a minefield of onesies and pacifiers, am I right? But fear not, whether you're a seasoned parent, a clueless aunt, or just a friend desperately trying to shower their friend in love, we’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to great baby gifts that are as adorable as they are practical.

Are they doing only pastel colours? Only organic? Ask her what she’d like or needs. A whisper in her ear, or ask her advice as if it were for someone else. Most pregnant women have a long list of things they’d love. Ask her if she’d like something for her, for the baby or even something that’s not a thing – a pre-bub holiday, a treatment? But with 7 kids between us, here are our top best baby gift ideas that we KNOW are helpful. Let's dive into these baby shower gifts as though it was a glass of wine on a Friday!

Under $50

Night Light - $46.00 at thememo.com

We believe it's essential to consider practical yet cute baby shower gifts. This pear night light is just that. We love that you can choose from a variety of different shapes, plus it adds a touch of whimsy and warmth to their new bubs room. Better than turning on a regular light switch, a nightlight will allow you to teach your baby the difference between night and day to better their sleeping patterns. Made of high-quality silicone, it has a built-in battery and charges via USBC making it convenient to move around when needed.

A selection of books - $24.99 at booktopia.com.au

There’s something magical about giving books that are classics. These types of gifts for infants will last the family for years to come. They’ll be read again and again and again. Here are a few of our childhood faves - Sam I Am, Green Eggs and Ham, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar, Guess How Much I Love You. A gorgeous baby gift that will give them warm and fuzzy memories.

Portable Dummy Steriliser - $20.99 at munchkin.com

You know how babies constantly drop their dummies on the ground? Well, this is a much better option than the 10-second rule. This mini portable contraption sterilisers dummies in 59 seconds and Kills 99.99% of Bacteria & Viruses. A perfect present for new mums!

Bath and Room Thermometer - $19.95 at thememo.com.au

A great practical baby shower gift: a floating bath toy that measures the temperature of the bath water. This nifty little thermometer floats in water and is fun and easy to use. We love that it’s multipurpose and can also be used in the baby's bedroom. It’s been awarded Winner in the Bath Time BFF category in The Memos Awards 2022, as voted by thousands of Australian parents. When used in water, a red indicator light is signalled for when the water is too hot and a green indicator light for when the water is too cool. A great practical present for new mums.

Dummy Twin Pack - $19.95 at billsstore.com.au

The OG BIBS pacifier! It’s been on the market for over 40 years and is still super popular! This one comes in a twin pack of two cute colours and an anatomical nipple for easy tongue placement. The best gifts for infants are cute and practical in our opinion!

Soft Book - $39.95 at thememo.com.au

You can’t go wrong with soft books for baby gifts. The fun interactive elements, crinkly pages that their baby will love to touch and feel, and the different textures help with their development and it comes with a teething ring. A no no-brainer for you to bring with you as a baby shower gift.

Coconut Teether - $32.95 at billsstore.com.au

Possibly the cutest baby teether! This will quickly become babies' and kids’ favourite teether, bath toy, and sensory play toy. Made following an artisanal, sustainable and eco-friendly process with 100% natural rubber from Hevea trees this would make a great baby shower gift. They’re made all in one piece which means no holes, this avoids bacteria build up inside. We love that they’re hand and painted with natural pigments one by one, so there are no two alike.

Pram Toy - $49.95 at thememo.com.au

Help keep their baby entertained in the pram when mums get out and about! This toy is made with premium cotton for a soft and child-friendly design.

Ikea Storage Trolley - $45 at ikea.com.au

One of the best personalised baby gifts for your organised friend. This gives them somewhere to put the diapers or store toys, swaddles or clothes, they’ll love choosing how to use this! We love how sturdy it is and four castors make it easy for you to move the trolley and use it wherever they like.

Gifts $50-$100

Baby Buggies - $69 at australianuggboots.com.au

Certain to keep bub warm during cold winter days and nights. We love how easy they are to pull on and off, plus there will be less screaming as you pop them on as they are fastened with Velcro tape on either side of the boots. There are heaps of colours to match mums vibe. The perfect gifts for infants are cute!

Kip & Co organic cotton bib -$55 at dailyblooms.com.au

So your friend loves bold colours and doesn’t like toxins? This is the go for them as far as baby gifts go! It’s fabulous and funky, made from ultra-soft organic cotton jersey and free from any nasty chemicals, irritants or pollutants. A perfect present for new mums! Kip & Co baby snuggle blankets are made from the softest organic cotton free from any nasty chemicals, irritants or pollutants.

Dinner Ladies - $50+ at dinnerladies.com.au

The perfect gift for new mums. During the first few weeks with their new baby, mum and dad are not going to have the time or energy to cook. Give them a helping hand by purchasing a few meals for them or GroupTogether with friends to buy a gift card that will last them weeks. Dinner Ladies use the best ingredients, then snap-freeze immediately, so there are no added nasties! A really thoughtful baby gift.

Catchy - $54.95 at thememo.com.au

We love this name because it literally does what it says on the packet. This super smart food catcher promotes the messy exploration of food; essential for fostering healthy eating habits. Saves Mum from constant cleaning and saves the dog from putting on an extra 10kg. These are selling like hotcakes, a handy baby gift option for your new parent friends!

Personalised Baby Blanket - $59.95 at fauveandco.com.au

The most gorgeous personalised newborn gifts is a personalised baby blanket. A keepsake to treasure forever. Made from 100% cotton, you can even have it personalised with baby’s name. Choose from simple, modern or script font, perfect for pram, bassinet or cot. A gorgeous present for new mums!

Explore & More Follow Bee Crawl Toy - $79.95 at thememo.com.au

This gift is a winner as far as baby shower gifts go. A tummy time development toy to encourage their baby to crawl. It encourages bub to start crawling with lights, music and movement with three stages of play: discover and exploration, motor skills and sensory development.

Rockit Pram Rocker - $92.50 at thememo.com.au

This is a pretty cool pram gadget, a great baby gift option for your friend. It safely rocks their baby in their pram, so they can settle them hands-free when at a park, cafe or event. The quiet motor on this pram rocker has an adjustable speed and will free up their hands and give them some time back to get on with their day. Plus, it’s USB rechargeable!

Bath support - $59.95 at thememo.com.au

An ergonomically shaped bath support to keep baby secure at bath time is a great gift baby shower gifts. The quick-dry, hygienic and mildew-resistant material offers peace of mind for new parents.

Checkered Onesie - $72 at mamapapa.com.au

Such a cute onesie! Onesies make great baby gifts as let’s face it little ones have about 8 outfit changes each day. Its made from 100% cotton and has press studs closure for an easy change when they’ve spit up all over themselves!

Infared Thermometer - $69.95 at thememo.com.au

Gifts for infants that are practical and look after their health are always winners. This super handy contactless thermometer monitors the baby's temperature, as well as the room and surface temperature. We love it as it takes fast readings in less than two seconds at the touch of a button.

Organic Cotton Hat - $55 at mamapapa.com.au

The sweetest sun hat. A perfect present for new mums, created from 100% cotton gauze, it’s breathable and protects their little one from the sun. Comes in two cute colours natural and powder.

Ride on Bee - $94.95 at thememo.com.au

OK so we know no newborn is using this in their first year, but it looks adorable in the nursery and is a winner for years (and the next baby too). Toddlers love zooming about on this and it just feels wholesome and special. So we think it’s a great choice for infant gifts.

Gifts $100-$200

Heirloom Knit 4 Piece Gift Set - $149.95 at asterandoak.com.au

A thoughtful present for new mums this cute set would make a gorgeous welcome home outfit for bub. The set comes with a pointelle knit baby blanket, pointelle knit kimono top, knit footed pants and a pointelle knit bonnet. A beautiful baby shower gift.

Bunnie Caddy Portable Organiser - $120 at thememo.com.au

Baby gifts that are cute and functional - yes please! This portable organiser keeps all their changing essentials within reach. For the nursery, the car, the hospital. It’s been awarded Winner in the Gift Registry Hero category in The Memos Awards 2023, as voted by thousands of Australian parents. It can be easily divided into nine functional pockets and four removable dividers.

Cot Mobile - $116.99 at babyvillage.com.au

A fun present for new mums. This cot mobile gives bub little entertainment and gentle stimulation with this musical, wind-up mobile. A nice nursery accessory to keep them relaxed at bedtime.

3 Seasons Sleep Sack - $149 at thememo.com.au

This piece is so versatile and would make a thoughtful baby shower gift. It can be used from 18 to 28 degrees by varying the clothing inside the bag. It’s ideal for day sleeps year round, it’s made from two layers of 30% merino, and 70% soft organic cotton blend fabric. It comes in one size (3-24 months). We love that it will last up to two years for the first child and can be reused as a blanket for the next child.

SNOObie Smart Soother - $110.00 at thememo.com.au

A game-changing present for new mums. This is a comforting white noise machine, night light and sleep trainer all in one. The SNOObie hooks up to the Happiest Baby App to set routines that signal when it is time to sleep and when it is okay to wake. A great baby shower gifts for the nursery and can be used on the go with it’s rechargeable battery.

Travel First Aid Kit - $149.99 at thememo.com.au

As far as baby gifts go, this isn’t the cutest but it could be a life saviour. A family first aid kit with 32 items - everything you need ‘just in case’, to treat cuts, grazes, bites, stings and mishaps. We love that it was founded by two Melbourne Mums, Nikki and Rach.

Nursing Pillow - $169 at ergobaby.com.au

Baby shower gifts that you can GroupTogether for are always winners in the community. This is soft and secure, yet firm, designed to reduce discomfort when nursing. It’s a great present for new mums as it helps with nursing, bonding, bottle feeding, or during tummy time.

Meke Portable Milk Warmer - $185 at thememo.com.au

A portable bottle that warms your breastmilk or formula when on-the-go is a great gifts for infants. All they have to do is pour in their breastmilk, pre-made formula or water, set to their preferred temperature (it goes up to 50 degrees celsius) and once hot enough a tone will sound. It keeps liquid warm up to 9 hours. Your friend is less likely to splurge on something like this due to price point, so it will be a nice surprise for her.

Omni Beezer Baby Carrier - $349 at ergobaby.com.au

Baby gifts like these are always winners. This baby carrier keeps both you and baby cool and dry all-day whilst being carried. Their are all the carrying options you need as your baby grows, from newborn to toddler (0-48 months). It has great padded shoulder straps and lumbar support too!

Blys At Home Massage - $119+ at getblys.com.au

A great present for new mums is a gift card from Blys. They can choose from massage, beauty or wellness. It allows them to bring relaxation home. Having a baby doesn't give Mum much time to do something for herself anymore, so offers to baby sit while Mum has her treatment.

Cleaner or Babysitter - $100+ at care.com

As we said before mum and dad aren’t getting mum time together now their is a little being in the mix. A great gift for new mums and dads is to gift them a cleaner or babysitter for a day or two. Since this gift can be pricey and personal, it’s worth reaching out to them beforehand to see if this would be helpful and to organise the day.

Gifts $200-$500

Activity Gym - $269 at thememo.com.au

Helping mum have some me-time is one of the best present for new mums. This all-in-one play centre includes a plush play mat for baby to lay on, a wooden arch gym and five developmental toys. Designed in collaboration with experts in Montessori education, this piece includes six parent guide cards with stage-based activities and expert tips.

Tommee Tippee Formula Prep Machine - $203.99 at babyvillage.com.au

No more waiting for the kettle to boil then cool! Gifts for infants like this makes mums life easier at night. In two minutes baby's bottle is fully prepared at the perfect volume and temperature. Designed to use water straight from the tap with a unique, anti-bacterial filter system that removes bacteria and other contaminants from the water ensuring it is clean and safe. A great present for new mums is giving them piece of mind.

Matty Changing Mat - $199.95 at thememo.com.au

This mat will outlast a changing table as they grow. We love that it’s portable and has a non-slip base, plus it’s water resistant which means it’s easy to wipe down. A great gift for infants!

Infant Lounger -$199 at thememo.com.au

A great option for baby gifts is this infant lounger. Mum can move it around the house and place baby safely in it when she needs an extra pair of hands. Made from 100% organic cotton it safely hugs baby their baby for maximum comfort.

Smart Sock - $449.99 at thememo.com.au

A potentially life-changing baby shower gift that mum wouldn’t buy for herself. A sock that wraps around baby's foot and reports on heart rate, oxygen and sleep patterns - this is probably a want rather than NEED product for Mum’s peace of mind, something everyone can GroupTogether and purchase.

3-in-1 Bouncer - $349 at ergobaby.com.au

Gifts for infants don’t have to be hard. This bouncer grows with the baby from newborn to infant to toddler. It’s great as it comforts babies and gives them a cosy place to sleep. Often described as a “lifesaver” by parents of very young children, you can add stimulation by adding interactive toy bar.

Boucle Ball Pit - $300 at thememo.com.au

A fun and cute baby shower gifts, perfect for when baby hits a year old and something you could buy as a friendship group. We love the neutral aesthetic and the fact it gives them endless hours of play which means mum can have a break!

Post-Partum Doula Service - $275+ if you live in Sydney or Melbourne

A caring present for new mums that you can GroupTogether to buy. Help ease their journey into new motherhood by buying them a doula service, it offers them emotional and physical support, some even prepare food for the family and help with light domestic tasks. Doulas are incredibly knowledgeable and can be a place for mums to ask questions about their new baby.

Perfect Group Gift Ideas $500 +

Night Nanny - $200+ at care.com

We (Julie and Ali) both had twins and more. We would have traded every present we received for a couple of nights' sleep from a night nurse! Check out Care. On their site you can browse for someone in their area and peek at their reviews. Or call an agency in your area and check references carefully. It’s not cheap but worth GOLD!

SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet - $1, 999 at thememo.com.au

The best gift for infants is the gift of sleep. This is an expensive yet rewarding baby cot, the perfect gift to GroupTogether to buy the new parents. It’s the world’s most awarded (and beloved) baby bed -automatically calms crying and increases sleep. It automatically responds to your baby's needs when it detects fussing or crying with white noise and motion.

CuboAi Monitor and Sleep Safety Bundle - $489 at au.getcubo.com

This award-winning baby monitor is one of our go-to baby shower gifts. Countless Mum's have recommended this monitor and swear by it. This pack comes with a sleep sensor pad that monitors the Baby's breathing motion without a wearable. The new parents can see how Baby is doing anytime, anywhere and make sure they're always safe.

The Ultimate Play Couch - $590 at arkitribe.com.au

This a practical and fun baby gift. It has all the essentials needed to build THE BEST double bed, cubbies, castles, puppet shows, race tracks, princess zones, doughnut shops, pirate ships, whatever their heart desires! We love that each piece is light enough for even little kids to move.

Baby Photoshoot - $1040 at becmatheson.com or pollyjane.com.au

A meaningful present for new mums. GroupTogether to do a photoshoot with the newborn that new parents will never forget. Choose from these beautiful photographers who aren't your everyday photographer or simply google ones in their area.

For the toddler

Okay so the new bub is sorted but what about their little toddler? We don’t want them to feel left out! This isn’t a must but for those close to the new mum this is a thoughtful extra gift you could choose that would make everyone feel special. It's also a great way to keep them occupied while Mum is enjoying her baby shower.

Xylophone Giraffe - $24.95 at thememo.com.au

This is such a cute gift! A safari-themed xylophone for little learners. Their toddler will love getting involved and making music (sorry mum and dad!).

Duck Family Pull Along - $42.95 at thememo.com.au

This interactive walker is great for keeping boisterous toddlers busy, this toy promises hours of joyful play. Plus we love that it’s sustainably made!

A Book - $14.99 at thememo.com.au

This is a cute book to keep any toddler entertained! Goodnight Moon is a classic picture book that has comforted and cosied generations of children as they settle into sleep.

Dinosaurs Magnet Book - $44.95 at thememo.com.au

These portable, educational magnetic books are amazing for travel, problem-solving and time-consuming games for kids who love to problem-solve or have a hard time travelling.

Magnetic Rocket - $42.95 at thememo.com.au

This iconic magnetic toy from the Janod brand is an assembly game for children aged two years and up and a beautiful decorative piece for their bedrooms! We love kids toys that are gorgeous to look at too.

For the Second Baby

Friend or family having a second baby? Do they already have everything on this list? Try these ideas.

Baby Journal - $89.95 at thememo.com.au

Sometimes the second baby gets forgotten and has nothing sentimental to look back on because let’s face it mum and dad are tired! Give mum a journal to keep track of second their baby’s key milestones. A thoughtful option for baby gifts.

Nappies - $39.95 at thememo.com.au

Nappies are always a winner as far as baby gifts go, they’ll always need more nappies. These are sustainable and sensitive to their skin.

Dummies - $19.95 at thememo.com.au

Their first baby might still use their dummies or have lost them all, either way, they can never have too many! Minbie's Aussie-designed soft silicone dummies have been created to soothe your baby while encouraging smooth transitions between breast and sleep.

Baby Wash - $29 at thememo.com.au

This is a really practical baby gift, they could be running out and it’s always good to have extra on hand, especially a nice one. Parents will appreciate a gift like this!

Redsbaby NUVO Double Pram - $1,399 at thememo.com.au

If their first bub is still young they'll need a double pram! If they don't already own one, GroupTogether to purchase - a winner baby gift! Designed in Australia, lightweight and easy to fold, this versatile pram grows with your family across 18 configurations and can carry up to three children. It boasts a unique ability to fold while keeping seats attached which makes it super functional.

Blys - $119+ at getblys.com.au

Give the gift of a massage! Mum will be overdue for some relaxing me-time, especially with a second baby in the mix. A masseuse comes to their house so no need for mum to go anywhere If you are a really fantastic friend you could even offer to look after the baby while they're getting a massage.

Dinner Ladies - $50+ at dinnerladies.com.au

Second baby? That means even less time to cook, especially healthy food. Plus we think it tastes even better when you don’t have to make it. This is one of our fave baby gifts as mothers as cooking is the last thing on their minds with two kids. We LOVE Dinner Ladies. They're a local Aussie company that cook real dinners from scratch, with the same fresh ingredients you use at home. Then they snap-freeze straight from the kitchen and deliver to your door. If you're not sure about dietary requirements, give a Dinner Ladies gift voucher.

Night Nurse - at care.com

Mum will definitely need time to rest with the second baby, so offer to gift a night nurse who comes to their house and stays overnight looking after baby. The best baby gifts are those that give you sleep!

Essential Pamper Pack - $168 at mecca.com

A gorgeous pamper pack is a must as far as baby shower gifts go. It’s a nice opportunity for Mum to pamper herself and get some me-time. This pack comes with belly oil 150ml, magnesium body rub 120ml, nipple butter 35ml and a bonus set of breast pads.