Our Favorite Ethical and Organic Baby Gifts
Tane Organics
Have to buy a gift for a new arrival? We get a lot of questions about what clothing to give parents when a new baby is coming. People want to know what brands we recommend when they’re looking something special and sustainable. Here’s our guide to what to buy and why, from simple to luxe depending on your budget.
DON’T GO ROGUE.
First let us preface by saying that for baby showers, stick to the registry. These are usually the things they really need, even if they aren’t exciting. If you’re the person who likes to buy something from the registry and give a cute outfit, by all means, but fight the urge to forego the registry to buy an outfit instead.
We do like to bring the baby a welcome gift after they’re born. This is usually the time to splurge on a really nice piece of clothing or outfit for the new babe. We pair it with a non-toxic wooden teething rattle or small soft toy, current favorites include Fabelab, Konges Slojd and Quistitine. Boy or girl, we tend to go unisex, minimalist and organic. Parents have such specific taste, it’s good to give something they’ll actually wear.
Now if you have a friend that loves color and prints and will appreciate a bold style statement for their little one, have at it, but this list will probably not be for you. If that is your jam, brands like Stella McCartney, Bobo Choses and Mini Rodini might be a good place to start. You can also look to Hart & Land for fun prints in softer colors and Milkbarn, a Mama favorite for non-cutesy animal prints.
WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?
We are big advocates for quality over quantity. So if your budget is small, go with one high quality hat, onesie or a set of booties. It will be much more treasured than a lower quality outfit that falls apart after a few washes. High quality is always a win.
Another safe bet on a small budget is a quality footie sleeper. Since babies sleep on and off pretty much around the clock, lots of parents use footie jammies as a 24/7 item. When it comes to a footie sleeper, organic double zip jammies are our favorite, mostly because parents are sleepy and all those snaps and buttons can be a real test in patience when you’re tired and fumbling in the dark. Some of our favorites are Kyte are L’ovedbaby.
GETTING THE RIGHT SIZE.
As a general rule of thumb, don’t buy newborn clothing, unless requested. Babies come in all shapes and sizes and some skip NB all together. Even if they don’t, they’ll only wear NB for a month at most. If you know you’re meeting the little one soon after birth you can go 0-3m, but 3-6m or 6-9m ensures they’ll definitely be able to wear it.
The Stuff We Love
A layette set that features a kimono neckline and footie pant is a pretty perfect gift in either organic knit or cotton. Kimono necklines are great for the style and the convenience. Babies can be fussy and with a wobbly head and neck you really appreciated the easy on/off. Pair it with a footie pant or romper. Those baby toes can get cold and babies need help regulating their temps. Footies are just one less thing to think about.
A one piece is always great too, since it’s the ultimate in comfort for a baby and convenient for parents. One and done. It’s hard to beat the super soft organic cotton onesie rompers from Tane Organics and Gray Label. My luxury loving friend deemed this one from Tane as, “must have” and “perfect” from her vast baby wardrobe.
As far as material, it really depends on season and climate. Soft organic cotton is a year round favorite. For babes born in cooler months, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful knit. Mama Owl has an excellent assortment of ethical knits from heavier weight to light merino wool in clothing, accessories and plush toys.
Going to be buying for a summer baby and need something for warmer temps? We love hemp, linen or muslin from Numero 74 and Poudre Organic. Go Gently Nation also makes cute rompers and bubble onesies for those warmer months. They also have an entire eco section selling great green gifts like rattles and soft plush toys.
Here’s our edit of the best baby brands to buy organic and ethical gifts from, where you’ll be guaranteed to find something you’ll love.
Photo by Tane
Luxe certified organic pima cotton pieces in different textures, including brushed heathered and pointelle. You can also find coordinating knit hats, booties, mitts and stuffed animals, all in organic cotton, made in Peru. The neutral colors and unisex styles are a favorite with many Moms.
Photo by Bayiri
These beautiful knit pieces are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, made in Spain. They have everything from little knit overalls, layette sets, hats and booties. There’s also organic knit dolls and accessories if you to add a little something extra to the gift.
Photo by Gray Label
The softest coziest fleecey cotton in 100% GOTS organic cotton. You’ll find classic rompers in their newborn suits with or without footies and the sweetest collared onesies paired with their sleeveless coverall. There’s matching hats, booties, bibs and blankets for a complete gift set.
Photo by KidWild
Super soft and minimalist options from Kidwild in one pieces like the footed jumpsuits and kimono knotted gown. They also have separates for a layette set with kimono wrap top and footie pant. Everything is certified organic cotton in notable colors with rare options like black, black & white stripe and earthy neutrals.
Photo by Phil&Phae
Their year round organic cotton newborn options are minimalist and modern, with raw edges and contrast herringbone ties. They come in a variety of neutrals in styles like the crossover newborn suit and harem footie with matching onesie in short or long sleeve. You can also find hats, booties, bibs and blankets.
Photo by Hank.
Heirloom knit pieces handmade in Peru in soft alpaca and organic cotton. Bonnets and booties round out the small but sweet assortment. Besides the ready made collection, you can can something custom made, handmade in Australia by the founder of the company.
Photo by Oeuf
Their soft essentials are in organic pima cotton are much loved, in seasonal prints like radishes or tomatoes, but the cutest thing ever are their knit animal collections. Made in Peru in cozy baby alpaca wool, there’s rompers, jumpers, hoodies and booties in solid neutral colors with details like animal paws on the toes and ears on the hoods.
Meer is not sponsored or paid by the brands we feature on this site. We will always keep it that way to remain as authentic and honest as possible. All brands and products are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy through the links on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.
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