Practical, Helpful Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones About to Give Birth

Thoughtful ideas to support new parents this festive season.

Christmas is all about giving, and sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that make life a little easier. 

If someone in your life is preparing to welcome a new baby, this is the perfect moment to choose presents that are practical, comforting and genuinely helpful. 

And especially relevant at this Advent time of year.

Whether they’re due on Christmas week or early in the new year, your gift could make their transition into parenthood smoother, calmer and more joyful.

Here are some brilliant gift ideas that show your love and support during this exciting time.

Why Practical Gifts Matter for Parents-to-Be

While cute baby grows and soft toys are always lovely, new parents often need items that help with the day-to-day reality of pregnancy, birth and life with a newborn. Practical gifts offer:

Convenience during a physically demanding time.

Comfort for recovery and rest.

Support when their attention is on the baby, not on shopping.

Reassurance that they’re surrounded by people who care.

Choosing useful gifts shows you’re thinking about what they’ll need – not just what looks nice under the tree.

Comfort Gifts for Mum-to-Be

As birth approaches, comfort becomes top priority. These gifts can make a big difference:

Maternity loungewear

Soft, breathable sets offer comfort during late pregnancy and the early postnatal period.

A luxury pregnancy pillow

Perfect for helping them sleep more comfortably, especially in the final trimester.

A cosy dressing gown or fluffy slippers

A festive classic – and ideal for night feeds and early-morning cuddles.

Skincare for expectant mums

Think fragrance-free moisturisers, soothing balms or gentle bath products.

Practical Essentials for New Parents

These aren’t glamorous, but they’re the items new parents often appreciate most:

Meal kits or supermarket gift cards

A lifesaver when cooking becomes a challenge.

(You can even order through the That’s Christmas online shop!)

Muslin cloths and baby blankets

You can never have too many – genuinely.

Nappy caddy or organiser

Keeps everything in one easy-to-reach place for those late-night changes.

Feeding support items

Bottles, steriliser bags, a breastfeeding pillow or slow-flow teats.

(Stick to items you know they’ll use or have requested.)

Gifts to Help Them Rest and Recover

The early days can be beautiful – but exhausting. These picks are perfect for helping new parents recharge:

Prepared freezer meals

A homemade or ordered selection of hearty, warming dishes is priceless.

A weighted blanket (lightweight version)

Soothing for parents who need better rest in snatched moments.

A voucher for a cleaner or laundry service

A truly practical gift that frees up precious time.

A self-care hamper

Herbal teas, a gentle candle, lip balm, soft socks and a few festive treats.

Experience and Emotional Support Gifts

Sometimes the best gift isn’t an object, but time, care or confidence.

“Babysitting tokens” for future use

Offer a few hours so parents can sleep, shower or step outside for a breather.

 A photography voucher

Capturing those early family moments is something they’ll treasure forever.

A pregnancy or new-parent massage voucher

Just be sure the therapist is qualified in pre- and post-natal care.

 A beautiful notebook

Perfect for recording feeding patterns, milestones or late-night thoughts.

Thoughtful Gestures That Make a Big Difference

Not all gifts are bought – and sometimes these mean the most:

Drop off a hot casserole on a rainy December evening.

Offer a lift to hospital appointments.

Put together a “night feed basket” of snacks and drinks.

Help them decorate their home for Christmas when bending is tricky.

Small acts of kindness go a long way.

The Gift of Reassurance This Christmas

For parents on the cusp of bringing new life into the world, Christmas can feel magical – but also overwhelming. Practical gifts show thoughtfulness, understanding and genuine support at a time when it matters most.

Whether you opt for soft loungewear, a cosy pillow, a baby buggy or an old-school design pram, frozen meals or a simple offer of help, your Christmas gift could become one of the most appreciated presents they receive this year.

If you’d like recommendations or links to helpful products, browse the That’s Christmas online shop, powered by Amazon, for curated ideas perfect for new parents and little ones.

20 Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Father or the Father Figure in Your Life

Whether he’s a handyman, a history buff, or simply the hardest person to shop for, here’s a collection of Christmas gift ideas for your father that’s bound to inspire and impress.

1. Personalised Whisky Glass

For the dad who enjoys a dram, a personalised whisky glass is both thoughtful and unique. Engrave it with his name or a meaningful date. Pair it with a bottle from the English Whisky Festival for an extra special touch.

2. Classic Leather Wallet

A good-quality leather wallet is timeless and functional. Look for options that allow for personalisation, so you can have his initials embossed. Over time, the leather will develop a patina that’s uniquely his.

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If your dad loves listening to music or podcasts, noise-cancelling headphones will be a game-changer, particularly if he commutes or travels often. They offer superior sound quality and are ideal for a little peace and quiet.

4. Portable BBQ Grill

For the dad who loves to grill, a portable BBQ setup could be a fun choice. Compact and easy to carry, it’s perfect for picnics, camping, or even a winter barbecue at the local park.

5. Subscription to a Magazine or Online Service

From a monthly history magazine to an annual pass to a streaming service like BritBox, there are countless subscription options available. Tailor this to his hobbies, whether he loves sport, cars, cooking, or world news.

6. High-Quality Coffee Machine

If he’s a coffee aficionado, elevate his mornings with a top-notch coffee machine. Look for models that are easy to use and offer barista-quality brews. A selection of fine ground coffee or beans is a perfect accompaniment.

7. Personalised Recipe Book

For a dad who’s always in the kitchen, gift him a recipe book where he can jot down his culinary creations. You could even add a few family favourites to get him started.

8. Electric Screwdriver Set

Help make his next project easier with an electric screwdriver set. It’s a great gift for DIY enthusiasts, reducing manual effort and offering speed and efficiency.

9. Luxury Skincare Set

Men’s grooming is now as popular as ever, and luxury skincare is a lovely way to spoil him. Opt for a brand that offers rich, nourishing products that are simple to use and perfectly suited to his routine.

10. Smart Watch

For dads who love technology, a smartwatch is a brilliant gift. Track fitness, receive notifications, and even monitor health stats. Many come with interchangeable straps, so he can switch up his look.

11. Whisky Tasting Set

Introduce him to a selection of whiskies with a tasting set. This is ideal for any whisky enthusiast, letting him explore different regions and styles. Look for UK-based options that may even feature local distilleries.

12. Gardening Tool Set

For the dad with a green thumb, a high-quality gardening tool set is both practical and thoughtful. Add in a sturdy pair of gloves and perhaps some plant seeds to complete the gift.

13. Cashmere Scarf

A luxury scarf in fine cashmere or wool is an elegant and versatile winter accessory. It’s a stylish addition to any dad’s wardrobe, perfect for warmth and comfort throughout the colder months.

14. Ancestry DNA Kit

If your dad is curious about family history, an ancestry DNA kit could be the start of a fascinating journey. It’s a unique and educational gift, and a great way to learn more about family heritage.

15. Personalised Photo Album

Gather your favourite memories in a photo album, personalised just for him. Arrange the photos chronologically or by themes, like holidays, special occasions, or snapshots from everyday life.

16. Online Cooking Class

Whether he’s a novice or experienced in the kitchen, an online cooking class could provide some new tricks. Many classes focus on specific cuisines or dishes, and he could end up mastering a new recipe to impress at family gatherings.

17. Bluetooth Speaker

A quality Bluetooth speaker is ideal for dads who love their tunes. Look for one with excellent sound, good battery life, and water resistance, so he can use it everywhere from the garage to the garden.

18. Fitness Tracker

For the health-conscious dad, a fitness tracker is a practical tool to monitor steps, heart rate, and even sleep quality. Many models sync with smartphones, providing detailed insights and keeping him motivated.ntls 

19. Vinyl Record Player

Bring a touch of nostalgia with a vinyl record player. If he has a collection of old records (or wants to start one), this can be a fantastic way to rediscover the rich, warm sound of vinyl. Buy him some vinyls of his favourite acts to go with it.

20. Weekend Getaway

Sometimes, the best gift is quality time. Plan a short getaway, perhaps a country hotel or a cosy cabin. Spend a couple of days together, exploring a new place or just enjoying some rest and relaxation.

Whatever you choose, your father is sure to appreciate the thought and effort behind the gift. Here's to a memorable Christmas filled with love, laughter, and perfect presents!

Itsyourstory launch unique photo-personalised letter from Santa

If you think you've seen every festive letter on the market, you could be in for a surprise. 

Because this year, with the help of Itsyourstory, you can make the run up to Christmas extra special with a unique photo-personalised letter unlike any you've seen before.

The Father Christmas photo-personalised letter features your child in the illustrations dressed as Father Christmas's elf. Share in your child's excitement as they see their photograph on Father Christmas's notepaper and information above them woven into the letter.

Each letter is personalised when ordering to feature the child's address, the name of two of their friends, their age and a uniquely personal PS at the bottom of the letter. This will create even more magic as it is written by the sender and relates to something personal in their lives eg – how well they’re doing at school, getting a new pet etc. The letter also reveals which friend or family member has asked Father Christmas to get in touch.

Priced at £4.50, the Father Christmas photo-personalised letter is available exclusively from Itsyourstory.co.uk. Customers can choose from two letter designs featuring the child alongside Rudolf or Father Christmas. The letter arrives in a Christmas-themed envelope addressed to the child and complete with a North Pole stamp. What better way to build the excitement in the run up to Christmas!

Orders are being taken NOW. Last delivery date before Christmas is December 19th.

FACTFILE:

Itsyourstory launched in 2004, specialising in photo-personalised children’s books. It was the first company in the UK to offer books which include the child’s face in the illustrations as well as their name and information about them in the text. It has a range of 20 books for children aged two to eight and also sells personalised birthday cards, thank you cards and party invitations. The Love Is… book is its first product for adults. For further information please visit www.itsyourstory.co.uk.

A message from Father Christmas direct to your child!

You will have seen letters from Father Christmas to children, before. Some are better than others. But the best by far is the letter produced by Itsyourstory, because it will help you make the run up to Christmas an even more magical experience for you and your children, with the unique photo-personalised Christmas letter. You will never have seen anything like it before!

The Father Christmas photo-personalised letter features your child in the illustrations dressed dressed as Santa's elf! You will be able to share in their glee and excitement as they see their own photograph on Santa's notepaper and the information about them cleverly and carefully woven into the letter.

Each letter is specially personalised when you order it to feature your child's address, the names of two of thier best friends, their age and a unique PS at the bottom of the letter. This will generate even more special Christmas magic as it is written by the sender and will relate to something personal in the lives of the child, something that is important to them and that they will relate to. The letter will also reveal who asked Santa to write to them!

The cost of the letter is a very modest £4.50, but do not let the modest price put you off, it's a very well produced product which your child will treasure. There's a choice of letter styles and the letter will arrive in a special Christmas envelope with a highly apropriate North Pole stamp!

Last delivery date before Christmas is 19th December. To order just visit www.itsyourstory.com.