Skip the guesswork, forget the fluffy toys. We asked Duo’s community of Mums what they were actually grateful to receive — and what they wish someone had thought to gift them.

This guide covers it all: from luxe crowd-pleasers (ahem, designer-looking baby bags and smart monitors), to practical MVPs (zip suits only, thanks), to feel-good experiences and sentimental keepsakes. Whether you’re a guest who wants to nail the brief or a parent-to-be crafting your wish list, these are the presents that hit different.

Bougie

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor

For the mum who wants eyes on the back of her head (and then some). The Nanit tracks sleep, breathing, and nursery temps—all while sending real-time updates to your phone. It’s basically a baby monitor with a PhD.

Portier Baby Carrier

Chic, compact, and cleverly designed — the Portier is made for style-conscious mums who want to keep bub close and comfy. It’s ergonomic, breathable, folds down into a neat little pouch (so useful, so satisfying) and is an Aussie brand…which makes us love it even more.

Phile Baby Bag

Proof that a baby bag can be both chic and practical. Made from lightweight nylon (read: machine washable 🙌), Phile’s cult-fave carryall looks like a designer tote but is built to survive leaks, crumbs, and whatever else your day throws at you. Fashionable? Yes. Functional? Very.

Practical

Nappies and Wipes

Sure, they’re not as sexy as a lot of other gifts—but trust us, these are the real MVPs. Want to make it fun? If the baby’s gender is a surprise, turn it into a game: have guests bring wipes if they’re Team Boy and nappies if they’re Team Girl.

Bonds Zip Wondersuit

If it doesn’t have a two-way zipper, we don’t want it. Zippys are the holy grail of newborn outfits: comfy, cute, and zero drama when dressing a squirmy baby in the dark. Even if the wardrobe is bursting with mini cardigans and impractical overalls, it’s the trusty Bonds that’ll be on repeat.

Baby pain relief (e.g. Panadol or Dymadon)

You might not get the credit at the baby shower, but you will get a silent thank you at 3am when teething hits. These are the unsung heroes of new parenthood—small bottles of pure relief that’ll earn you MVP status in the group chat.

Experiences

A massage at Bump Day Spa

Australia’s #1 pregnancy day spa, and for very good reason. Think: plush robes, heavenly oils, and someone else finally doing the work. Let’s be honest—the baby won’t remember if you bought it a gift. But Mum? She’ll remember this massage like it was the epidural.
Check it out here.

A zoo annual pass

If the parents are the out-and-about types, a zoo membership is chef’s kiss. It’s baby-friendly, buggy-friendly, and animal noises make for excellent entertainment. Plus, when you’re going every other weekend, the cost-per-use basically pays you. Financially savvy and adorable? We love to see it.
Head to Sydney Zoo or Taronga Zoo.

A Mother’s Blessing ceremony

Less games, more grounding. A Mother’s Blessing is a beautiful, soul-nourishing ritual—a women’s circle to honour the mum-to-be and wrap her in love, support, and good snacks. It’s a heartfelt alternative to a baby shower that focuses on her—her needs, her strength, and her transition into motherhood.

Check out Melissa Ambrosini’s guide on how to host a Mother’s Blessing.

Sentimental

One Little Day personalised essentials
Soft blankies, snuggly towels, adorable comforters… all custom-embroidered with baby’s name (if it’s been revealed—no pressure, secret-keepers). These are the kinds of gifts that end up in memory boxes... or dragged around the house for the next five years. Either way, 10/10.

Mae and Moo hand-crocheted blanket
Like a warm hug from Nana, but make it chic. These handmade heirloom blankets are equal parts practical and precious—aka perfect. A truly lovely keepsake that’ll be wrapped around generations of sleepy little burritos to come.

Wonderbly personalised story books
Their name, in a book, as the star of the story? Stop it. Too cute. These are the kind of bedtime reads that become the bedtime read—again, and again, and again (and again). Personalised magic for mini bookworms.

Bedtime MVPs

Baby Shusher
Sounds ridiculous until you’re pacing the hallway whispering “shh shh shh” like a broken sprinkler. This genius little gadget does it for you—using rhythmic shushing to mimic the womb (yes, really). Your arms? Saved. Your voice? Intact. Your sanity? Hanging in there.

Nodiee Smart Night Light
This dreamy little light does it all: warm glows, colour shifts, white noise, and it’s app-controlled (because the only thing worse than waking a sleeping baby is waking a sleeping baby with a light switch). You’ll use it from newborn cluster feeds to toddler monster patrol.

Riff Raff Sleep Toy
The cult comforter with a built-in lullaby and white noise, dressed up as a cuddly animal friend. Riff Raff is basically a baby whisperer disguised as a toy, and once it’s in the cot, you’re not going anywhere without it. (Tip: buy a spare. Future You will thank you.)

Out & about

A picnic blanket
You thought it was just a blanket? Oh no. It’s the parenting fashion statement. Whether it's the Kollab x Sage & Clare collab, Soleil Soleil’s woven beauties, or a bold Sunnup mat, these oversized wonders go from tummy time to park hangs to beach days real quick. Bonus: they roll up pretty, so you look like you’ve got your life together (even if you packed six snacks and forgot wipes).

Izimini outdoor baby chair
The cutest little camping chair you ever did see. Perfect for picnics, café dates, or supervising backyard chaos, this baby throne folds up nice and small and comes with a carry bag. Bonus points for making it look like you’re outdoorsy.

Mum Club hats
Because sometimes you just need your hat to say what you can’t. “Hands Full”, “A Lot On”... it’s merch that speaks for itself (and your nervous system). A+ gift for the mum who’s juggling five things and still somehow made it to the park on time.

Rockit Rocker

It’s the sleep-saving rocket ship you bolt onto your pram—but also your bassinet, your cot, and let’s be honest, your soul. This little legend rocks the pram while you sip coffee with two hands or finish a thought for the first time all day. Total game changer. Consider it your nap wingman.

Mum mode

Hommey Robe
This is not just a robe. It’s a uniform. For breastfeeding, bed-to-pram dashes, late-night pacing, and feeling vaguely human while doing it all. The Homey robe is buttery-soft, bump-to-baby-friendly, and—dare we say—elevated loungewear. She’ll live in it.

Dinner Ladies Vouchers
Because juggling baby feeds and laundry doesn’t leave much time for gourmet cooking. Dinner Ladies meals are homey, hearty, and require zero brain power to prepare—exactly what a sleep-deprived new parent needs. Bonus: they’re way better than another bunch of flowers.

Silverettes
Nothing says “I see you, new mumma” like something for her nipples. These little silver miracles are soothing, antibacterial, and a total godsend for breastfeeding mums. Less wincing, more winning.