5 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Gifts For New Parents

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting time, and finding the perfect gift for new parents can be a challenge - especially if you want to choose something sustainable and ethical.

Eco-friendly gifts not only show thoughtfulness but also help reduce waste and promote a healthier planet for the little one’s future. 

Here are five must-have eco-friendly gifts that any new parent will appreciate, you can’t go wrong with something from this list, and we believe we’ve covered every budget too.

1. Organic Baby Clothes

Why organic? Babies have delicate skin, and conventional cotton clothing can contain harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic baby clothes made from GOTS-certified cotton or bamboo are a safer and softer alternative. These fabrics are breathable, hypoallergenic, and free from toxins, making them perfect for newborns.

We love sourcing beautiful organic baby clothes, view our whole range here, but the ones we’re really excited to talk about are a new range of rompers we got in from ILO Clothing.

ILO Baby Rompers

The name ‘ILO’ (pronounced ee-loh) is derived from the Finnish word for ‘joy’, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating cheerful and vibrant clothing. Each romper is made in the UK (they are based in Bristol) and is crafted from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton, ensuring that the fabrics are free from harmful chemicals and produced under stringent environmental and social criteria. 

The brand is particularly known for its ‘grow with me’ designs, which incorporate adjustable features allowing the garments to expand and adapt as children grow. This thoughtful approach not only extends the lifespan of the clothing but also promotes sustainability by reducing textile waste. New parents will love the fact this romper is designed to fit from birth up to six months.

Browse the range here.

2. Soft Toys

Soft toys make excellent gifts for new babies because they provide comfort, security, and early sensory stimulation. Newborns find reassurance in soft, cuddly textures, which can help them feel safe and soothed, especially during naps or bedtime.

High-quality plush toys made from baby-safe materials are gentle on delicate skin and free from small parts, making them ideal for little hands to grasp and explore. Soft toys also support early emotional development, as babies begin to form attachments to familiar objects, which can help with self-soothing and transitioning to sleep.

Browse all of our soft toys for babies here.

The soft toys we’re especially obsessed with, however, is Miffy.

Miffy

Miffy soft toys make a wonderful gift for a new baby because they are soft, safe, and timeless. Made from high-quality, baby-friendly materials, they provide a comforting companion for little ones while being gentle on delicate skin. With their simple, minimalist design and neutral expressions, Miffy plush toys offer a sense of calm and familiarity, making them perfect for cuddles and early sensory development.

We find that all ages love Miffy, so you are buying a gift that will be valued potentially for years and years to come.

Browse our range of Miffy toys suitable from birth here.

3. Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are a fantastic gift for new babies because they support early development by stimulating their senses and encouraging exploration. From soft textures and gentle rattles to high-contrast patterns and crinkly fabrics, these toys help babies strengthen their vision, hearing, and touch while promoting cognitive growth.

Sensory play also aids in motor skill development as little hands learn to grasp, squeeze, and explore different shapes and materials. Additionally, engaging with sensory toys can have a calming effect, helping babies self-soothe and become more aware of their surroundings.

Browse our whole range of sensory toys for babies here. 

Crinkly Cloth Books

What was our bestselling baby product of 2024? We’re so glad you asked. We were actually quite surprised when we ran our sales report and found these Peekaboo cloth books dominating both 1st and 2nd place of the book charts - mainly because we don’t really see them as books, more as sensory toys - and also we’d all assumed Taylor Swift would be top dog. 

At £15, these crinkly books are an affordable new baby gift and they will be loved by parents. The designs are high-contrast, meaning babies can see them clearly, the pages have a crinkly texture which babies love, and they can be machine washed when they inevitably get dribbled on.

Browse our range here.

4. Rattles & Teethers

Rattles and teethers make excellent gifts for new babies because they support early development while providing comfort during teething. Rattles encourage babies to grasp, shake, and explore, helping to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The gentle sounds stimulate auditory development and keep little ones engaged.

Teethers, on the other hand, provide much-needed relief for sore gums as babies begin to teeth, offering a safe and soothing way to chew. Choosing rattles and teethers made from non-toxic, natural materials - such as wood, silicone, or organic rubber - ensures they are both safe and eco-friendly.

Browse our whole range of rattles and teethers here.

Oli & Carol Teethers

We’ve stocked these teethers for years, and we just can’t get enough of them. There’s something brilliant about seeing a young baby chewing on a larger-than-life broccoli floret or radish.

Handcrafted from 100% natural rubber sourced from Malaysian Hevea trees, these teethers are safe, sustainable, and biodegradable. Each teether is hand-painted with food-grade dyes, ensuring they are non-toxic and gentle on babies’ delicate gums.

By choosing Oli & Carol teethers, parents can provide their babies with safe, soothing toys that support sensory development and environmental responsibility. These teethers are versatile, serving as bath toys and sensory play items, making them a cherished addition to any baby’s collection.

Browse the range here.

5. A Keepsake Memory

If you want a gift that will keep giving over time you could consider gifting something that will become a keepsake memory, such as a memory box or our absolute favourite and bestseller: Letters To My Baby. 

This is such a sweet gift, it is a collection of twelve prompted letters encouraging you to write to your child for them to read when they are older. It’s a bestseller in our shop and for good reason, normally people well up when they flick through it. At only £13.99 it’s a great value gift and will be treasured. 

View the product here.

Explore our whole collection of eco-friendly gifts for new babies here.