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5 July 2026
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
One original baby gift, it should be useful, attractive and — if possible — not the same as the one given to the other six guests. Because a white bodysuit in size 1 month is all well and good. But an original idea that makes a lasting impression (and is actually useful) is even better. 🎁
Whether you are a friend, uncle, aunt, grandparent or colleague, this list of 21 original birth gifts is made for you. We have selected ideas for all budgets, for little boys as well as little girls — and for parents who already have everything.
Before diving in, a few useful points to bear in mind:
With that in mind, here are our 21 best ideas for original newborn gifts.
The birth print has become a must-have — and for good reason. First name, date, time, weight, length: all the details of the big day brought together in a decorative format to hang in the baby's room. A keepsake that parents will treasure for years to come.
Choose a rainbow or minimalist design to suit the atmosphere of the room. At PetitMaxou, our customisable rainbow birth poster is one of our most gifted products for this occasion. 🌈
For those who want to give something complete right from birth: a gift set brings together several essentials in a lovely ready-to-gift package. Practical, elegant, and particularly appreciated when you don't know where to start.
→ View the PetitMaxou baby gift set
Baby spends dozens of hours on a play mat in their first months. A lovely Montessori design, in soft colours and with sensory textures, becomes the main playground for those first weeks. Practical, durable, suitable from birth up to 12-18 months.
→ View PetitMaxou early learning toys
It might seem trivial — and yet, parents are always grateful for bavoirs. Especially when they’re made of silicone (dishwasher-safe, indestructible, and brightly coloured). A set of assorted bavoirs is a useful and original birth gift which far exceeds the standard bib made of fabric.
→ View the bavoirs silicone PetitMaxou
A night light with the baby's name in wood or illuminated acrylic: it's both decorative, practical for night-times, and personalised. Parents love it — and it's an idea few people think of giving as a gift. For an even more memorable result, choose a model with a dimmer switch. 🌙
→ View PetitMaxou night lights
Activity cubes can be used from 6 months to 2–3 years. Each side offers a different activity (wheel, mirror, buttons, xylophone, etc.) that stimulates baby's fine motor skills and curiosity. A original baby gift for a girl and boy that has real longevity.
→ View the PetitMaxou interactive cubes
Beautiful, soft, secure: an ergonomic silicone rattle for little hands is a timeless developmental toy. It serves as a first gripping toy from 3 months onwards, and also acts as a teething ring to soothe gums. 🐰
→ See the PetitMaxou rabbit rattle
To prepare for the weaning stage (around 4–6 months): a silicone meal set comprising a suction plate, a bowl, spoons and bib — BPA-free, in soft colours. A original baby gift practical, often not yet bought at birth.
→ See the PetitMaxou baby tableware range
For future reference: a Montessori activity suitcase brings together several manipulative toys (padlocks, zippers, laces, buttons, etc.) in a portable format. Suitable from 12 months to 3-4 years old, it's a gift investment that grows with the child. 🧳
→ See the Montessori PetitMaxou case
The classic newborn comfort toy is a timeless favourite — but when personalised with the baby’s name embroidered on it, it becomes truly unique. Choose a soft fabric (plush, organic cotton) and a timeless design (rabbit, bear, star).
→ View the doudous and PetitMaxous
Less glamorous than a night light, but ultra-practical: the high chair safety harness allows you to turn any ordinary chair into a safe baby chair. Ideal for family meals at grandparents' houses or when travelling. A original and clever newborn gift that parents never think of buying themselves.
→ See the PetitMaxou chair harness
An Instax Mini or Polaroid Now to capture the first few months. Physical prints have something that smartphone photos will never have: you stick them on the fridge, slip them into an album, and find them 20 years later.
A themed monthly box suited to baby's age: it's a original baby gift that lasts over time. Each month, parents receive a surprise tailored to their child's development.
Babywearing transforms parents' lives in the early months. A quality ergonomic baby carrier is an original and precious birth gift — especially for parents who haven't planned it yet.
→ View PetitMaxou baby carriers
A baby journal in which parents note down firsts: first smile, first word, first steps. An emotional gift that gains value over the years. 💛
Cloth books are baby's first books. Coloured, featuring different materials and sensory activities on every page. Lightweight, washable, unbreakable.
→ See the Montessori fabric book PetitMaxou
A quality mobile — with soothing music, slow rotation and high-contrast visuals — is a timeless classic. It stimulates a baby's vision and becomes their first bedtime companion.
→ View PetitMaxou bed accessories
Soft, absorbent and adorable: an animal-hooded bath cape turns every bath time into playtime. A original baby gift practice where parents do not always buy them themselves.
→ View PetitMaxou bath products
Babywearing classes, a newborn photo shoot with a professional photographer, or a baby massage class. These experiences mark the first weeks much more than just another gadget.
Unknown to non-parents, the fruit feeder is a brilliant tool for the teething phase (from 4-6 months): baby can slip a piece of cold fruit or vegetable into it to soothe their gums. A original baby gift, useful, and often unexpected.
→ See the PetitMaxou teething dummy
When you don't yet know the parents' first name, sex, or tastes: the good gift remains the safe bet. Parents choose what they really need. A original and elegant birth gift. 🎁
A personalised birth poster, a night light with the baby’s name on it, an embroidered «comfort toy» item or a gentle skincare set are timeless ideas. If you want to add a ‘girly’ touch, go for soft colours (dusty pink, mint, lavender) on a play mat or a musical mobile.
For a boy, natural wooden developmental toys, activity cubes, sensory rattles or a baby carrier kit are excellent options. Avoid clichés: a 0-12 month old baby has no «gender» in their developmental needs.
Opt for non-personalised gifts: a play mat, an activity cube, a bath gift set, or a gift voucher. If you still want to personalise it, wait until the birth and send the gift a little afterwards.
Between close friends and family, €30 to €60 is a common range. For a colleague or acquaintance, €15 to €30 is enough. For grandparents or a godfather/godmother, going above €60 allows you to aim for a original baby gift that lasts.
All the products featured in this article have been selected by PetitMaxou for their quality, durability and suitability for a baby’s first few months of life. Free delivery throughout the European Union, returns within 14 days, secure payment via Stripe or PayPal.
→ View the entire PetitMaxou shop
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