Guide to Buying Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore
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Guide to Buying Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore: A Mother’s POV

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Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most joyous occasions! However, if you’ve ever found yourself in the position of choosing a gift for a baby shower, first-month party, or 100 days party, or even Christmas party, you’ll know it can be tricky to select the perfect newborn baby gift in Singapore. As a new mother myself, I can tell you that what really warms our hearts are thoughtful, practical gifts that genuinely help during those overwhelming early months.

In this guide, I’ll share insights and recommendations to help you choose meaningful newborn gifts in Singapore – with some picks of my own! From practical essentials to unique experiences, this article aims to inspire you to give gifts that new parents will appreciate and cherish. Let’s dive in!

Overview: Buying Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore

What New Mums Really Want

What New Mums Don’t Want (But Paiseh To Tell You)

Practical Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore Mums Will Love

Educational Gifts for Baby’s Development

Experiences For Baby, Mummy, and Family

Personalized Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore

Newborn Baby Gift Sets in Singapore – When Convenience is Key

What New Mums Really Want

When it comes to gift-giving, the key is understanding what will truly assist new parents in their journey.

Practical Gifts (Overwhelming Winner From Mummy Poll)

New parents often find themselves navigating the chaos of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes. That’s why practical gifts that alleviate some of the burdens (physical, mental, or financial) are often the most appreciated.

I did a casual poll amongst 50 mummies that I know, asking what they would have liked on hindsight for their baby’s newborn baby gifts in Singapore- and NO ONE mentioned a gift set at all! But here are the top 5 favourites:

  • Red packets for parents to use as they see fit
  • Grocery or baby store vouchers to help with recurring baby expenses
  • Diapers (because who has too many diapers? no one)
  • Formula – if baby isn’t breastfed (because babies guzzle them like nobody’s business)
  • Educational items for baby (e.g. Montessori toys or books were big hits)

After my informal survey, I came to a simple conclusion. The best newborn baby gifts fulfil at least one or more of the following criteria:

  • Helps with expenses
  • Time-saving
  • Offer convenience
  • Benefits the baby

Still not sure what to get? I have specific examples in the sections below!

Note: Picks are items I’ve used personally and would recommend! Examples are to illustrate what these items are.

What New Mums Don’t Want (But Paiseh To Tell You)

While it’s the thought that counts, not every gift is practical for new parents. So let’s get this out of the way. After chatting with my mummy friends, we realized there were quite a few types of gifts we would rather NOT have received. Here’s what to steer clear of:

  • Fruit baskets – Not the freshest of fruits, spoils easily, and the mother may not be able to eat them during confinement.
  • Random hampers – Think Dom Chinese wine, bird’s nest, chicken’s essence etc. Not everyone is a fan of such supplements (e.g. me!) so it’s an entire waste on us + it takes up a lot of kitchen space during confinement.
  • Flowers or balloons – Unless they are flower or balloon lovers, for the majority of people these spoil and have to be disposed off within the week
  • Soft toys – I cannot tell you how many soft toys I received haha and did not use at all. Also many mums will attest that not all soft toys are of good quality and suitable for newborns.
  • Photo frames – Unless you have a very good understanding of the person’s aesthetics and taste, don’t get something so personal – I’ve received a few which I’ve just given away without using.
  • Baby clothes (unless they’re truly needed) – As a person who had bags and bags of baby hand me downs, receiving MORE baby clothes as presents was sometimes a nightmare because babies grow soooo fast and I felt guilty about not being able to let baby wear them all. Not to mention I really didn’t have enough space to store them all.

BUT… that is not to say you cannot gift any of the above. The point is to know your recipient well and what they like or dislike.

Practical Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore Mums Will Love

When it comes to practicality, there are essentials that every new mum or dad will use. Here are some tried-and-tested items that are sure to be appreciated:

When it comes to baby items, be sure to check with them on their preferred brands, as some parents (or even babies) have specific preferences!

Mummylist 2024

Practical Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore Ideas (Higher Budget >$100)

Baby Formula

If the new parents are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, formula can be a lifesaver. Babies go through formula like nobody’s business, so having those extra cans will definitely help! But don’t buy before checking what brand they use – babies can be SUPER particular about what they drink.

Gifts for Mum’s Recovery

Don’t forget the new mum! Postpartum recovery items show you care about her well-being. Think about things like nipple balms, lactation cookies, disposable postpartum underwear, health supplements and more.

Products aside, some services that would be great for mum include:

Baby Equipment

Baby equipment can be really expensive. If you do want to help alleviate some of their expenses, do consider gifting items like:

  • Strollers
  • Car Seats
  • Baby Cots
  • Bottle Sterilizers
  • Baby Bouncers or Rockers

These may come at a higher price point, but they are absolutely essential for new parents.

Hot tip: Try to offer these type of gifts before baby is born, as many of these items then to be required almost immediately after baby is born.

Practical Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore Ideas ( Budget- Friendly < $100)

If you’re on a budget, not to worry, there are still plenty of practical gifts that new mothers will love.

Diapers and Wipes

Let’s be real—diapers & wipes are an absolute must-have! Consider gifting bulk packs or cartons of these.

Hot Tip: Get them from Shoppee as they are usually much cheaper than retail supermarkets. My favourite diaper shops are Diaper King & Boughtnex

Baby Towels, Wash Clothes, and Burp Cloths

Soft, absorbent baby towels, washcloths, burp cloths are a must-have in the early months. They get dirty and need to be washed so frequently, so more of them will help save the parents some time. Look for sets that are gentle on a baby’s skin.

Swaddle Blankets or Zip Up Swaddles

Swaddling can help babies feel secure and sleep better. In Singapore’s warm weather, lightweight swaddle blankets or wraps are ideal.

Nursing Covers or Pillows (only relevant if mum is breastfeeding)

These gifts provide comfort and convenience for breastfeeding mums. Nursing covers offer privacy while out and about, and pillows can make feeding easier.

Baby Milestone Cards or Photo Props

Perfect for parents to capture those precious moments with milestone cards or props. They’re a fun and affordable way to document a baby’s early months.

Grocery and Baby Store Vouchers

Want to be super practical but not gift cash? Consider popular grocery chain or baby store vouchers. These are perfect for helping parents purchase what they need when they need it!

Baby Clothes with a Purpose

If you realllllly want to gift clothes, I would highly recommend to at least go with Bamboo material baby clothes. These are super soft and gentle on the skin and extra cooling for Singapore’s ridiculously hot climate. Not sure which brands to go for? I have a compilation of some of the BEST bamboo baby clothing brands in Singapore here

Best bamboo baby clothes in singapore for newborn gifts in singapore

Educational Gifts for Baby’s Development

Every parent wants the best for their baby’s growth and development so it’s not surprising why many parents are quite happy to receive such gifts! Not sure what to get? Here are some ideas:

Books for Baby’s First Library

Reading to newborns fosters early language development. Look for classic children’s books or soft fabric books that are safe for tiny hands.

Check out my Instagram reel here on all the types of books that are great for babies under the age of 1!

Montessori and Educational Toys

Toys that promote learning can be invaluable. Consider Montessori-style gifts that stimulate a baby’s development and encourage exploration.

If you have budget to splurge, a Lovevery subscription would be nice! Quite a few mummies have shared they liked it, but find it too expensive to subscribe themselves!

Sensory Toys and Teethers

These gifts can support motor skills development or provide baby some comfort during teething.

Best Teether Sg: My Baby's Favourite 7 Teething Toys for newborn gifts in singapore

Play Mats or Activity Gyms

These mats are perfect for tummy time and exploration. Choose options that are easy to clean and safe for babies to enjoy!

Experiences For Baby, Mummy, and Family

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t physical items but experiences that create lasting memories. Here are some options to pamper them:

Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates Classes in Singapore
For Baby– Baby swim classes
– Baby spa
– Baby massage sessions
– Baby enrichment classes (e.g. music, sensory play classes)
For Mummy– Postpartum massage session
– Postpartum exercise classes (check out some promo codes in the article below!)
– Spa vouchers
– Breast-feeding friendly facial session
For Family– Tickets or Annual membership to baby-friendly attraction like Gardens by The Bay
Experiences as gifts for baby, mummy & family!

Personalized Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore

While I’m personally NOT a fan of purely aesthetic gifts or keepsakes, I’m sure there are others who are! So if you know your friend is a sentimental soul, here are some personalized items that can be both meaningful and practical as a newborn baby gift in Singapore:

First Baby Book

Personalized baby books, like those from Wonderbly, can create a special keepsake for the family. These books often feature the baby’s name and can be a unique way to make storytime even more personal.

I have a promo code to get you $15 off for your first purchase!

Personalized Baby Blankets or Towels

Consider cozy blankets or towels embroidered with the baby’s name. It adds a personal touch that many parents will cherish.

Custom Name Prints or Nursery Decor

Personalized decor can make a nursery feel extra special. Think about custom name prints, art pieces, or even wooden or felt name signs. It’s a lovely way to brighten up the baby’s space and create a meaningful touch that’ll last for years.

Customized Baby Journals

Journals where parents can document milestones or their child’s growth can be a meaningful gift. Personalize it with the baby’s name or birth date for an extra special touch—something they can look back on together as a family.

Baby Photobook Subscriptions

Consider gifting a subscription to a service like Chatbooks, where parents can easily create photo books of their little one’s milestones. This helps busy parents organize and keep track of those precious first-year memories.

Baby Hand and Feet Molding

Baby hand and feet molding kits are also a thoughtful keepsake idea, capturing the tiny hands and feet of a newborn in time. Local brands offer these kits or services where they’ll professionally mold and frame the casts, creating a beautiful and sentimental display for the home.

Newborn Baby Gift Sets in Singapore – When Convenience is Key

If convenience is your priority, these brands offer beautifully curated baby gift sets in Singapore (and honestly, I wouldn’t have minded receiving these myself!):

  • Josh & Cherie Books: Perfect for little book lovers with thoughtfully selected reads.
  • Dressing in Gabe: If you’re going for clothes, I’m obsessed with their adorable prints!
  • Hatchery: A diverse selection of gifts that cover just about every baby & mummy need.

Personally, I’m not a fan of gift sets that bundle random baby items, as often only 1 or 2 items are truly useful. In those cases, I’d honestly prefer receiving just those select few essentials rather than a full, less practical set. And it’s more affordable for the gifter that way too! Also the reason why I’m not recommending other baby product brands I LOVE but just don’t love their gift set selections.

Start Shopping For Newborn Baby Gifts in Singapore Today!

In conclusion, finding the perfect newborn baby gift in Singapore doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re choosing a practical essential or a more personalized keepsake, the key is to focus on what will truly be useful and meaningful for new parents. With a range of options from budget-friendly items to thoughtful splurges, you’re sure to find something that makes both baby and parents feel special. Happy gift shopping!

If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out more tips and recommendations on our blog or follow us on Instagram at @mummy.list for daily updates, product recommendations, and more helpful mummy content.

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Find this article useful? Do help share this article with your fellow mummy and daddy friends and spread the love! It’s not easy putting all this information together and I do hope for more to benefit from it! Check out baby & toddler articles here:

Reflections: First year as a mother in Singapore
7D6N Jeju Itinerary with Baby Family Friendly Attrractions
Day in the Life of a 6 Month Old Infant

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