Thoughtful gifts for new parents in 2021

If you’re gift shopping for new parents, your instincts might first draw you to the baby clothes and nursery nick-nacks. 

But it’s also worth thinking about what pick-me-ups and treats will go down well with mum and dad. Because entering parenthood might be a joyful time but it can also be hard work, to say the least. 

The below list covers all bases, featuring some of our fave gifts for new parents and baby too. There are hampers of sweet treats, organic baby clothes, strong coffee and more.  

And these gifts spread positivity beyond their family home. Every one is made by a social enterprise doing good, for people and the planet.

So for ethical, eco-friendly gifts for new parents, this should be all the inspiration you need. 

Gift boxes for new parents

The New Parent Gift Box

An adorable baby gift and something to revive tired parents? Tick and tick. 

Inside The New Parent Gift Box there’s a ridiculously soft organic muslin baby shawl and swaddling wrap by From Babies With Love, which (fingers crossed) should help the new baby sleep soundly. 

When mum or dad is in need of a brew, they’ve got the choice of a Earl Grey from NEMI Teas, who provide employment to refugees. Or pioneer of Fairtrade hot drinks Cafédirect’s Machu Picchu organic coffee.

Lastly, a handmade lavender and pink grapefruit soap from Scintilla’s eco-friendly range should provide a soothing moment in days which might feel like a sleepy blur of excitement, night feeds and nappy changes. 

You could always build your own bespoke gift box too, filling it with treats exactly to their taste. 

The Me-Time Gift Box

This selection of soothing social enterprise goodies will help new parents properly make the most of even the smallest moments to themselves. 

They can nibble on some Fairtrade Divine Chocolate while a mug of Tea People’s Sleep Tea will hopefully help them catch some restful zz’s, with profits supporting underprivileged communities. 

Scintilla’s bath salts with lavender flowers make a great match with LUX LUZ’s eco-soy candle for a dreamy evening soak. 

Food and drink gifts for new parents

Chocolate covered coffee beans by Grace Chocolates Changing Lives

These chocolate covered coffee beans provide a bite-size caffeine and sugar hit, ideal for snacking on during those first weeks of new-parent life. They’re made by Grace Chocolates Changing Lives, a Scottish social enterprise dedicated to helping women who’ve touched by the justice system find meaningful employment. 

Sparkling Wine Duo With Gift Box

 

If ever an occasion called for doubling up on fizz, celebrating a new baby is surely it. One half of this people and planet-friendly sparkling wine duo is a prosecco from Sea Change, who combine a love of fine wine with a commitment to protecting marine life. 

The second bottle is thought to be London’s first sparkling Brut made by Forty Hall Vineyards. They’re not only notable for their Enfield address but also for the ecotherapy project they run to benefit the local community. 

Little Coffee Company coffee in a keepsake tin

Money from Little Coffee Company’s whole coffee beans and ground coffee goes to SolarAid. This charity sets up families in sub-Saharan Africa with solar lamps, a safe source of light which has benefits such as enabling kids to read and study for longer. 

So the gift of a much-needed caffeine fix for your new-parent friends can also help families elsewhere. Better still, this women-owned biz sources coffee from female farmers and supports projects designed to economically empower them. 

As it says on the keepsake tin, which is far too pretty for the recycling bin, their beans are “sustainably grown by proud women.” 

Chocolate Lover’s Macaroon and English Sparkling Wine Hamper 

This hamper stars a fine trio of do-gooding treats for new parents to indulge in. Miss Macaroon’s delicious macaroons help young people experiencing difficulties find employment, while Harry Specters’ chocolate creates employment for autistic people. 

Lastly, there’s a wine from Forty Hall Vineyards, the organic vineyard dedicated to improving community wellbeing. 

Espresso Enthusiast Gift Set

Maybe they’re already an espresso enthusiast, maybe the new parent life has upped their love of (read: need for) strong brews. Either way, this Old Spike gift set should go down a treat. Like all of Old Spike’s coffees, profits help provide training and employment to people experiencing homelessness. 

Ethical baby gifts new parents will love

Waves of Joy Organic Baby Gift Set

This From Babies With Love set is a perfect gift that gives back for new parents. With every penny of profit going to SOS Children, the brand supports abandoned and orphaned children around the world. A fitting cause to support while celebrating a new baby’s arrival. 

The organic baby grow, knot hat, bandana bib and muslin swaddling wrap inside are part of their Waves of Joy collection, celebrating the joy of new babies and of helping others. It’s available in jumbo size too. 

Kind World Changer Print by Stib 

A bright and cheerful addition to the nursery wall, this Kind World Changer print is made by Stib, whose products are brimming with positivity. They inspire kids with their spark words and Stibler animal characters, as well as donating 10% of profits to projects helping children boost their confidence and creativity. 

Ethiqana toys

 

Ethiqana sources these beautiful eco-friendly wooden toys from artisans in the Indian town Channapatna – aka the toy-town of Karnataka – who are renowned for their traditional craftsmanship. 

Pick from the likes of Cubby the wooden stacking bear, Tuttu the pull-along turtle toy and heaps of other beautifully crafted, 100% natural (even the vibrant colours come from plant-based dyes) toys. 

Duck Family Pull-Along Wooden Toy by From Babies With Love

Another one for their toybox is this duck family pull-along, which is also made from sustainable wood. From Babies With Love even provides a free drawstring gift bag and card with a handwritten note, if you’d like a personal touch. 

Kids Beanie Hat by Glow Knitwear

As well as keeping baby cosy come winter, Glow Knitwear’s adorable beanie hat is handmade by women who struggle to access the labour market. Making knitwear offers them a flexible form of working and a helping hand towards economic empowerment. 

Oh, and like all Glow knitwear, high-vis yarn means the beanie actually glows! 

A Box of Kisses by From Babies With Love

They’ll be snug as a bug in the two organic swaddling wraps that make up this From Babies With Love set. Both are covered in their signature kisses print – a cute twist on the polka dot. 

Loungewear for new parents 

Pyjamas and Eye Masks by Rho

Treat your new parent pals to ethical, organic and stylish PJs by Rho that help people affected by domestic violence get a safe night’s sleep. Perhaps the greatest reason they’ll love these is the fact they’re 100% worthy of a trip to the corner shop, for those newborn days where getting changed doesn’t look likely…  

 

Not found the perfect present just yet? Shop our full edit of gifts for new parents here.