A baby shower is a chance to give something meaningful. It’s not just about what’s inside the gift but how it’s put together, and the thought that goes into each piece. A wicker basket is a simple way to bring it all together. It looks beautiful, feels personal, and becomes something the parents can keep and use.
Instead of a throwaway gift bag, you’re giving them something they’ll find useful long after the day. It might end up filled with nappies next to the changing table, or tucked on a shelf holding tiny clothes and keepsakes. It’s a practical gift, but it still feels special.
You don’t need to overthink it. A few carefully chosen and well-presented items will go a long way. It’s a gift that feels calm, considered, and genuinely thoughtful, something the parents can use and appreciate without fuss.
Build-Your-Own Baby Shower Gift Basket
If you’re putting together a gift yourself, a basket gives you freedom to choose exactly what goes in. You can keep it simple with a few gentle essentials, or fill it with a full bundle of bits the parents will use every day. Either way, it’s a thoughtful way to show care without being over the top.
Start with a medium-sized open basket, something deep enough to hold a few items without being bulky. Neutral tones work best, especially if the parents haven’t shared a theme or colour palette. From there, fill it with a mix of practical and comforting pieces:
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Muslins or soft swaddles
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A gentle baby lotion for hair and body wash.
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A cotton hat or booties
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A wooden teether or a small soft toy
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A bedtime book or milestone cards
Line the base with a folded blanket or shredded paper to lift the contents and add a little softness. If you’re giving the basket in person, a simple fabric wrap or ribbon is all you need to finish it.
The result feels calm and personal. Nothing fussy, just well chosen and well presented.
Our willow storage hamper is a good option for any gift hampers.
Baby Spa or Self-Care Basket for Mum
It’s easy to focus only on the baby when choosing a gift, but the mum-to-be will appreciate something just for her. A basket filled with quiet comforts can offer real relief, especially in the weeks leading up to the birth or during those early, tiring days at home.
Go for a smaller basket with a soft, natural finish. Something she can keep nearby, whether by the bed, in the bathroom, or tucked on a shelf. Fill it with simple items that help her slow down and take a moment for herself:
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Herbal tea or a calming infusion
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Bath salts or nourishing body oil
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A linen eye pillow or cotton face cloth
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Lip balm or hand cream
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A small notebook, or a gentle book to dip in and out of
It doesn’t need to be overdone. A few useful, comforting things arranged with care will feel far more personal than anything off the shelf.
Practical Storage for a Busy Nursery
Some of the most useful gifts aren’t decorative or sentimental. They’re the ones that help keep daily life a little more organised. A well-made basket does exactly that. In a nursery, storage needs build up quickly, and parents are always looking for ways to stay on top of the mess without resorting to plastic tubs.
You can give a basket that’s ready to be used from day one. It might sit beside the cot, under the changing table, or on an open shelf. You could tuck in a folded blanket, a few nappies, or leave it empty so the parents can decide what works best.
Good options include:
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Shallow rectangular baskets for shelving
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Lidded baskets for bits they’d rather keep out of sight
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Taller styles for blankets or baby laundry
It’s a gift that fits into their home, works with their routine, and remains useful long after the celebration is over.
A Gift for the Things They’ll Want to Keep
Not everything a new parent receives gets used. But some things are held onto for years - first outfits, hospital tags, birthday cards, little mementoes they won’t want to misplace. A lidded basket makes a simple, lasting way to keep it all in one place.
It doesn’t need to be large. Something with a secure lid and a woven texture feels personal and easy to store, whether under a bed or on a shelf. You can give it empty, with a tag or note suggesting its purpose, or start them off with one or two small keepsakes inside:
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A cotton newborn hat or baby grow
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A printed milestone card
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A note or photo frame
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A small book with a handwritten message inside
This kind of gift feels different. It’s not about what gets used today, but what gets remembered later.
Our handled storage basket is great for storing smaller items and gifts.
A Basket for the First Week Home
The first few days after bringing a baby home can be a blur. Sleep is short, routines don’t exist, and everything feels a bit upside down. A basket that’s designed with that week in mind can be a real comfort.
Rather than focusing on classic baby items, this one’s built to support the rhythm of those early days. You’re giving a small bit of calm and convenience, all in one place.
Ideas to include:
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A pack of snacks or oat bars for quick energy
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Herbal tea or decaf coffee
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A soft muslin or two for reach-for-it moments
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A nightlight or small battery-powered lamp
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Hand cream or lip balm
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A printed card with a few words of encouragement
It’s the kind of gift that shows you’ve thought about what those first few days are really like. Not just the baby essentials, but the quiet, in-between moments where a little comfort goes a long way.
In Summary
A well-made basket makes a gift feel considered. It holds more than just things. It shows time, care, and attention to what new parents might genuinely find useful. Whether you fill it with essentials, small comforts, or something for later on, it’s a gift that fits into real life.
Keep it simple. Choose natural materials, add a few good pieces, and let the basket do part of the work. It won’t be thrown away or tucked in a cupboard. It’ll find a place in the nursery or the living room, used again and again in the months that follow.
