The issue of gender-neutral parenting has been making the rounds of the media lately so here’s some handy gift lists for those who like the philosophy and want to run with it. It’s a four part series of our suggestions for different age groups. We’d also love to hear what gender-neutral gifts you like to give so be sure to comment!
It is most definitely easier to give gender-neutral gifts to newborns. They don’t yet have a say about anything but feeding, sleeping and changing as well as a bit of yelling if mum or dad is too far away for comfort.
1. Sophie the Giraffe
Sophie the Giraffe (above) has taken the baby world by storm and at $34 from Urban Baby is the sure-fire gift that every baby will love. It’s a bit off-topic but this video on how they make Sophie is fascinating!
2. Bath toys
I am a bonafide, diehard Kid O fan. Even the sound the Stacking Cups make as they are plonked together by an enthusiastic six month old is lovely to the ears. The beautiful colours, quality and design appeal is unarguable and I can vouch that if you buy good bath toys, they can last an entire childhood and beyond. The Kid O Stacking Cups and Kid O Floating Ducks are $19.95 a set from Urban Baby.
3. Bamboo mobile
You cannot go past a superbly crafted bamboo mobile for a newborn gift. There’s nothing overtly boy or girl about any of the collection from Petit Collage, where prices start at US$56.
4. Sleep bag
For my besties, I always give a keepsake gift plus a practical gift. Introducing new parents to the wonders of the sleep bag is a must – you will forever be remembered as the person who gave them that fabulously useful gift and rest assured it will feature heavily in those first photos of baby sleeping.
The one shown above on that beautiful baby girl or boy is the Merino Kids newborn sleep bag; from Sustainababy and there are many others to choose from. Check out our fab Sleep Bag Roundup for more options.
5. Alphabet blocks
This one was Nikki’s suggestion and they featured in her Favourite Things post from last year. These beautiful Uncle Goose Alphabet Blocks make the most beautiful statement gift. Sometimes traditional is best! They’re $89 from Kido Store.
We have gender-neutral gifts for other age groups coming up.
5 Comments
Alimrose Red Monkey, all 4 of mine have one! So cute and it is still on the bed of mr8 :)
Great post, I love gender-neutral toys and gifts – but Uncle Goose blocks are much cheaper, at $62, from the online shop of Brisbane business Flying Fox Studios. My son is getting them for his birthday. :)
I bought a Sophie too but the rubber on its nose sort of peeled off and left a very sticky area that I didn’t think was safe for baby to suck on, so we had to throw her out. The baby usually only sucked on the legs, so not sure why the nose started disintegrating as it was well looked after and I didn’t wash it in anything more than soap and water. I contacted the Sophie people but because I’d bought her whilst I was on holiday in the USA they wouldn’t cover her in Australia. Very disappointed in their customer service :( Baby liked it but I wouldn’t bother spending all that money on another one incase the same thing happened. I thought a company with a product as well known as theirs would stand by their products.
Just a warning on Sophie the giraffe – she is a bit of a choking hazard for young babies, check out the reviews on Amazon, there are about 15 where parents have come into the room and found their kids turning blue because the legs have gone down the babies throat and it is difficult to get it back out again. So just be very careful – not a good product even though it is very popular now.
Sarah from my understanding this is true for the earlier models of Sophie – she was recalled and newer models (I think) have slightly shorter legs. Like all things I suppose, it’s best to supervise a small baby and child while they mouth their teething toys.