Give Eco-friendly Baby Gifts on Special Occasions: They are Fresh, Unique, and Welcomed by Baby and the New Parents, As Well

My husband and I are especially blessed with babies in our life right now – from nieces and nephews, to grand-nieces and -nephews, to, of course, our new grandson, babies are appearing (or soon to appear) all around us. If you, too, are preparing for a baby shower or two, you’ll be thinking about the most special, appropriate, and thoughtful gift for a new baby and her parents. Why not take a step away from the predictable? Consider instead something fresh, fitting, and good not only for the family but for our planet, too, by choosing eco-friendly baby gifts.

• New parents are counting their pennies more than most, and one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give for a baby shower is an assortment of practical necessities. Add a green touch, of course, and fill a reusable basket or huge, lovely changing bag with glass bottles, organic baby food, eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products, natural diaper wipes and balm, soft organic cotton bath towels, an organic onesie, and more. While simple and sensible, a gift such as this will be treasured and loved for its consideration and usefulness.
• A gift certificate is a very planet-friendly and caring gift, particularly when it is to an organic website. Online shopping is very environmentally friendly, and giving a gift certificate to a online shop specializing in natural goods for babies will introduce the new mom and dad to eco-baby products and allow them to choose what they particularly want and need for Baby, whether that be natural soft or musical toys, all-natural baby clothes, or organic skincare and bath products for babies.
• Did you know that a four-year university education in 20 years will cost far more than double what it does today? Contributing to an RESP, 529 Plan, or some other educational savings plan is an eco-friendly and so very thoughtful gift – particularly for a new family today, when economic times are challenging and tucking away money for Baby’s college education just can’t be a top priority. Instead of wrapping up yet another toy, you can instead add a few dollars to the RESP for each birthday, Christmas, and any other special occasion, and he’ll have a nice little nest egg with which to start his education.
• Give gently used organic or natural baby furniture. A precious organic bassinet or Moses basket found on a website targeting second-hand goods, a charming antique crib snagged at a garage sale (and then refinished with a natural stain), or even a treasured natural wood rocker gifted from your own home – passing along planet-friendly heritage pieces such as these not only protects our burgeoning landfills, but also encourages a sense of tradition and connection in our sometimes impersonal world.
• The time invested in making a special baby gift yourself expresses your love and affection as much as the gift itself. From sweet, hand-sewn coordinating accessories for Baby’s nursery, to tiny knitted or crocheted garments, to a carved wooden train set, to handmade soaps and lotions for bath time… you can choose from a multitude of options for a cherished hand-crafted baby gift. And, of course, always use organic fabrics, fibres, and materials to keep Baby’s environment as clean, safe, and healthy as possible.

Giving a gift to welcome a child into the world is a special opportunity to joyously celebrate and support a new baby and her family. By giving an eco-friendly present, you can share your belief in helping Mother Earth, encourage the new parents to live a greener life, and do your part to give Baby the very best and healthiest start in life.