Baby gifts to avoid (our useful alternatives)
Welcoming a baby is magical. But choosing the perfect baby shower gift can be a real headache. If you want to give a present that will truly please (and won't end up at the bottom of a closet), here's a list of gifts to avoid ... and, more importantly, our alternatives that are full of usefulness and meaning.
Giving a birth gift: mission impossible?
Why settle for a simple bodysuit or a basic comforter when you can give a birth gift that will make an impression? New parents often receive the same items in duplicate (or even triple!). As a result, some gifts are never used. To avoid this, think about personalized, durable, and decorative gifts. For example, a handmade music box , a wooden name to hang in the bedroom, or a fun wall hook are all original ideas that combine emotion and practicality.
The Pitfalls of Useless Gifts (and How to Avoid Them)
The secret is to focus on creations that have a soul, made with love, and that tell a story. A true birth gift is not just an object, it is a thoughtful gesture, a proof of love, a memory that lasts for years. And if you really want to make a difference, choose committed French brands, like April Eleven, which value handmade and authenticity.
Baby gift ideas that really make a difference
When you become a parent for the first time, you're often inundated with gifts when your baby arrives. And that's normal: everything has to be built! You need all the basic equipment —from a bathtub to onesies, soft pajamas, a changing table, a stroller, and not forgetting the famous nightlight for peaceful nights.
These essentials are precious because they help create a reassuring and functional cocoon. But when a second child arrives, the situation is very different. We already have the essentials, the cupboards are full... and above all, we want to receive more targeted, more useful or more personal gifts.
A meaningful baby gift: what to really avoid
What we are looking for then are thoughtful gestures, beautiful and durable objects, which mark this new birth without falling into the already-seen. Offering an original and thoughtful birth gift shows that we really know the family and its needs...
To give your loved ones the best birth gifts, here is a list of 3 things not to give them!
1. Newborn size clothes
They're adorable, yes. But baby will barely wear them for a week , if at all! Between duplicate gifts and rapid infant growth, these clothes often go unused.
If you are giving clothes as a gift, take them in size 12/24 months, anticipating seasonality!
If you're afraid of making a mistake, opt for a decorative gift, like awooden music box . It will accompany baby for weeks and bring a touch of poetry to their room.
Three Missteps to Avoid When Choosing a Baby Gift
2. Giant stuffed animals
They take up space, collect dust, and aren't always suitable for toddlers. As a result, they often end up relegated to the cellar...
Cuddly toys are so cute and we all love them... but if you love your friends, forget about stuffed animals. Big or small, we receive dozens of them when we're parents.
If you have no other idea than stuffed animals, think about mirrors to decorate the baby's room! The mirror stimulates the natural curiosity of the baby. From the first months, it helps him recognize his reflection , explore his expressions and develop his self-awareness . Placed at his height, it is a sensory awakening tool that invites play, exchange... and the first smiles.
What not to give to celebrate a birth
3. Noisy battery-operated toys
They are often given as gifts... and quickly put away at the bottom of a drawer! The noise tires babies (and parents). And they are seriously lacking in charm because they are often made of plastic in all sorts of colors.
If you like objects that make noise, give awooden music box instead, soft and silent, soothes baby while decorating his cocoon. A real little ritual of sweetness to share.
Baby gifts to avoid… and why
Even with the best intentions, some choices can quickly become mistakes. The all-too- common comfort blanket , for example, often ends up in ten copies in the baby's room. Newborn-sized clothes are cute, but often too small or already given away in bulk. As for skincare products , they are very personal and sometimes incompatible with the fragile skin of the newborn. The result? These gifts end up at the bottom of a drawer, or even in the trash. To avoid this, it's better to opt for a unique, useful birth gift , and above all, one that is linked to the family's world. A personalized decorative object or a handcrafted creation, like at April Eleven, always makes a small impact.
Best baby shower gift
To offer a successful birth gift , focus on durability , originality , and above all... emotion .
And if you want to make a mistake, discover the April Eleven selection lovingly designed for modern moms and dreamy babies.
As a mom, what I loved receiving were clothes for later, personalized items, and little dishes for those days when time flies. Think of the parents when you're thinking about a baby shower gift. A photo shoot, a newborn bath, little dishes to slip into their freezer...
