If you are looking for a present for a new mum and dad, perhaps a work colleague or friend, and you are not sure what sort of gift to get, especially if you are on a budget, one idea is to put together a basket of items that they will find really useful when the new baby arrives. Items such as baby soap, towels, and a soft baby flannel will make bath time easier and you could add to this some small things such as a bib or two and some bootees.

These small items won’t break the bank, but will be very useful to and much appreciated by the new parents, who will have them to use as soon as they are needed.

Another idea is to ask your friend or colleague what they would like – most expectant parents will have their own list of other items that they need to buy and they will be pleased to have some of these things ticked off the list for them.

You can make up a pretty basket or parcel with a few of these small gifts for the new baby so that you have an attractive gift to give to the new parents and their baby.