The Best Baby Gifts: 14 High Quality, Ethical Ideas

It can be difficult to know where to start looking for high quality baby gifts, especially as a conscious consumer. At BuyMeOnce we believe in purchasing durable, beautifully crafted gifts and products that will last a lifetime, and babies - even though they will outgrow their adorable tiny clothes, toys and accessories at a mind-boggling rate - are no exception.

Considering the long-term life an item will have beyond one child is crucial because, after all, it’s the kids of today who will be growing up to face the consequences of overconsumption. You can read more about protecting your kids from consumerism and why it’s important here.

The great news is that heirlooms make incredible gifts. Items that have been previously owned and loved carry a weight that money just can’t buy, so if a toy, teddy bear or piece of jewellery is truly timeless, of good quality and in good condition, it will be sure to make an amazing gift again and again.

The list below contains ideas that are BuyMeOnce approved and guaranteed to last long enough for lots of little ones to enjoy. Think beautifully crafted accessories that can be passed down, gender neutral organic clothing that can survive growth spurts and multiple siblings, gorgeous, tiny occasion wear crafted from repurposed vintage fabrics, and super soft baby blankets stylish enough to be used around the home when baby is all grown up.

 

1. Sheepskin Bear Comforter Baby Gift, £63

This a classic 'welcome to the world' present. 

Sheepskin has long been a traditional present for babies, and for good reason. It’s durable, natural and tactile as well as soft and comforting, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. This flatout bear is perfect for newborns, crafted with sheepskin that is a natural by-product of the UK farming industry and shorn to baby-safe length.

2. ‘Growth-Spurt’ Organic Cotton Leggings, £21

To keep little legs snuggly

These baby leggings are made from super soft organic cotton, with cuffs that can easily be folded over to keep them in use for longer. They’re gender neutral, making them the best type of gift for baby showers and come with an exceptional ten year guarantee exclusively for BuyMeOnce customers, so you can be sure they will last and be reused by lots of little ones. We rather like them ourselves... if only Olen Organic weren't just baby clothes! 

3. Wishbone Design Studio Flip Rocker, £119

Cool kids rock!

This present might have to wait until their first birthday, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Flip converts from a gentle rocker to a ride-on with the addition of wheels meaning it can grow along with the child, and is carefully designed to be repairable and refurbishable. A classic and timeless toy that can be enjoyed by generations.

4.  Eco Splash Outdoor Onsie, £45

A real eco gift.

It’s great to get little tots out adventuring in nature, as long as they’re safe, cosy and protected from the elements. This all in one suit is beautifully and consciously crafted using recycled plastic bottles and waterproof zips, with the addition of reflective prints to ensure full visibility.

5. Sun Protection Baby Swimsuit, £42

A present that saves the sea and sensitive baby skin

If you need a gift to encourage a budding baby adventurer, this eco-friendly sun protection swimsuit could be the ticket. Crafted from durable fabric that repurposes waste fishing nets and marine waste, the swimsuit offers factor 50+ sun protection to let little ones splash around in safety. 

6. Luxury Sheepskin Pushchair Liner, £86

If babies could talk, they would ask for this.

A truly timeless and luxurious gift, this pushchair liner provides the ultimate warmth and comfort for babies when they’re out and about. This piece is crafted in the UK with beautiful, sustainably sourced sheepskin shorn to baby-safe length.

7. Handwoven Organic Cotton Baby Blanket, £39

A blankie is for life!

This beautiful blanket is a guaranteed hit with both baby and parents. With a classic yet contemporary design, the blanket is handwoven from GOTS certified organic cotton that will be beautifully soft and comforting on young skin. While this makes a great baby gift, once baby grows up, it won't look out of place as a throw in the living room. Win-win! 

8. Mulberry Darling Dress, £55

Her first party dress!

Investing in clothing for young children can be made a nightmare by growth spurts, and occasionwear gets worn even less frequently. This stunning dress is crafted from vintage repurposed cloth and comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can be sure it will be looking as good as new for its next young wearer.

9. Organic Baby Leggings and Crew Set, £49

Organic is for life!

We all want the best for our kids and the planet, and this type of gift allows us to deliver both. Gender neutral, super soft and eco-friendly clothes from the ground up, this set of bottoms and crew neck top by Olen Organic is sure to keep them cosy. The whimsical print is a unique illustration by British artist Nick Fusedale, printed on using gentle, water-based inks.

10. Sheepskin Pram Shoes, £21

These boots were made for crawling! 

These tiny, adorable booties are made from super soft and snuggly sheepskin. Celtic and Co, make them here in the UK. They salvage materials from the meat industry to ensuring it does not go to waste. Incredibly durable, these boots can become mini heirlooms, handed down from baby to baby. 

 

11. Steiff My First Teddy Baby Gift, £30

We all remember our first teddy bear. 

It's important that it is capable to coping with all the love that a baby will give it over the years. These gorgeous bears make the perfect newborn gift because they can go on to become heirlooms in their own right. The bear is made out of a super soft woven plush, which is free from harmful dyes and chemicals. This bear has such a beloved history, it might be one of the top newborn baby gifts of all time. 

 

12. Best Wooden Rainbow Stacker Toy, £34 

Wood is good

In a world of plastic, it's so nice to give presents that have a natural feel. These stackers by Wooden Story are lovely, bright and colourful, but are made with natural eco-certified paints and finished with beeswax to create a top toy free of toxic chemicals. This type of baby gift is not only fun for little ones to play with but also helps them with their developmental skills.  

 

13. A Little Bird Told Me Baby Play Matt, £62.95 

It's tummy time. 

Not all play matts are created equal. Little Bird Told Me design and craft high quality, durable toys that delight children from newborn to toddler. They are made to capture a kid's imagination and encourage explorative play. At BuyMeOnce we appreciate both their quality and their commitment to sustainability; Little Bird Told Me use materials that can easily be recycled or biodegradable where they can. They also minimise the use of electronic parts and batteries by using cool mechanical ways of playing music.

 

14. Gift Box Sophie the Giraffe, £11.99 

Everyone loves a giraffe 

Such a classic, there is a very good reason why Sophie the giraffe has become a staple of baby bedrooms. Perfect for teething babies, Sophie is made from natural rubber latex and finished with non-toxic, food grade paint. Designed to take some touch chewing and look cute while doing it, Sophie has been a top baby gift for several years now. Long may she continue! 

  

Head to the BuyMeOnce kids and babies gift section for more ideas.