When I found out my little sister was expecting her first child I immediately started planning what I could get her. Only I didn’t just want to buy clothes and toys, I wanted to get her things that would be genuinely useful and that no one else would think to get her, that she might not even think to get herself. So here’s what I got her.

Porridge

Odd? Maybe. But when I was home with a newborn I was tired, I felt like I had been hit by a bus and as I was breastfeeding I was always super hungry.

With a couple of boxes of porridge sachets she would have a good wholesome start to the day, a warm and filling breakfast that could keep her going and comfort all at the same time.

I opted for Flahavan’s Porridge sachets as they are super nutritious and come in two delicious flavours, 3 Seed & Oat Bran and Apricot, Raisin & Sunflower Seed. Plus the boxes are lovely so look a bit gifty.

Car Accessories

One of the most useful gifts I was given when I had L was a car upholstery protector, my bestie and fellow blogger, Kim at My Mummy Reviews had got it for me and I have used it ever since.

A sturdy layer that sits between your car upholstery and the car seat protects again rubbing, food and drink spills and some of the less pleasant things that leave babies and small childrens bodies. Ick.

I had to get my sister one. I also wanted to get her some shades for the windows, a mirror so she could see little one as that really put my mind at rest during those early days and an organiser for the back seat to keep together all the bits that you need.

Apramo had the perfect selection of car accessories and I’m so happy that I got them for her. You can purchase Apramo products from PreciousLittleOne.com

Essentials

When it comes to essentials Johnson’s Baby know where it’s at. Their Newborn Starter Pack is an ideal gift for new mums and dads. Just maybe not for the reasons you may think.

The pack comes with a pack of Johnson’s Extra Sensitive Wipes, the brilliant Top to Toe Cream, a 300ml bottle of Baby Massage Oil (that I use just for me, though I did let L have some when he was little) and a 300ml bottle of Johnson’s Top to Toe Baby Bath.

It’s a great set of products and is everything you need when you get home, especially if your little bundle of joy arrived sooner than planned.

The thing I love most is the handy wipe clean bag it all comes in and the travel change mat they have also included. The bag is the perfect size to keep a few essentials together in the car, so if you’ve dashed out and forgotten or left your change bag, or if you’ve plain gone through everything in the change bag, you’ve always got back up in the car.

Booties

Now I know I said I was avoiding the cutesy clothes and toys type gifts and booties tend to be at the top of any adorable baby gift list, cute but pointless as they’ll never stay on.

With my little niece coming in December she faces a few cold months ahead and I didn’t want my sister stressed about cold toes when out and about. So a pair of Bambooties was a must.

Yes they are uber cute, they are also softer than the softest of kittens but what sets them apart is the fact they are actually useful!

Little fleecy delights that wrap around baby’s foot softly and securely they will not come off, even with vigorous kicking. They are like little slippers and honestly if they made them in adult sizes I would be the first in line to purchase them in all the colour options.

Memories

The early days are precious and fleeting. Though it may not seem like it at the time!

I simply adored the fabric photo albums for babies from My 1st Photos.

Most albums are aimed at the parents but this is a hand stitched fabric, totally washable, squishy little book that is perfect for little hands. Add pictures of baby, mummy, daddy and the rest of the fam with nice large text it’s the perfect way to create memories for everyone that is focused on the little one.

Pain Relief

Could there be a better gift?

The Kegel8 Mother Nurture Electronic Pelvic Toner & Labour TENS Machine is an amazing product. Not only does it work as a TENS Machine, hopefully making that whole childbirth thing less agonising but it also helps to restore your pelvic floor muscles afterwards.

Compact and in a handy carry case this little gem of a device is easy to use and super effective. An amazing gift for any woman.

For more information check out my review.

Sleep

Now I know I can’t actually guarantee anyone any sleep. But there’s no harm in a good book and a good routine from any age.

I really like the personalised “Goes to Sleep” bedtime book. Add the child’s name, hair colour and skin tone to pop them into the cutest story that will aid them in drifting off to sleep.

Created in partnership with ‘The Children’s Sleep Charity’, tried and tested by parents and babies, give the gift of sleep as children get to explore a delightful dream world, escorted by their own personal cloud. So cute.

Bath Time

Bath time is a special time but you want to make sure you are doing the best you can for your tiny one’s skin. So we love Dr. Bronner’s.

With no added fragrance and double the olive oil, their Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is great for sensitive skin, though it isn’t tear-free, so be mindful of that.

Dr. Bronner’s soap is concentrated, biodegradable, versatile and effective. Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients, packaged in a 100% recycled bottle.

The soaps are good for just about any cleaning task, not just the baby! Face, body, hair & food, dishes, laundry, mopping, pets. You can literally clean your house and body with this wonderful stuff and no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents.

Disclosure – I was gifted many items to see if I would like to include them in this guide, I have only included those I genuinely wanted to. All thoughts, opinions and images (unless stated) are my own.