What gift would new parents most like?

Chakani

I think quilts and blankets are lovely, but we have a lot of them, and there is no guarantee that anything someone else chooses will fit in with the child's choice of decor (or the parents', for that matter!).

Although it's a bit unseasonal, I'd suggest something like a beautiful handmade Christmas stocking and advent calendar (assuming the family celebrate Christmas). I have a stocking for each of my children, handmade by a lovely, talented friend, and each year, we add something new. It has become a wonderful family tradition, unpacking the stockings and deciding what to add this year. And because they are so beautifully made, my children will have them for many years.

If you want to make something for daily use, I'd ask the parents if there is anything they want, as they are likely to have most things already by now.

Oh, one thing I have had made for mine as they grew older was a toddler sized buggy liner/footmuff with an open end for wellies, and a zip up the middle like a coat, so they could have it open, closed or partway as they chose. That could be an idea? But probably not useful until baby is quite a bit bigger.

Sus1e

The best thing I was given (son is now 17 months old) was a play mat made by my sister which was also made the right size as a cover for his toddler bed.

Stopped using it as a play mat and started using it as a blanket/duvet the next month.

Its bright coloured in a jungle theme to match his nursery.

Perfect!

cheeswright

what about a baby sling of some type
there are loads out there
and quick look round a good baby shop shoulld give you an idea of how they go together - most of them a purely fabric
or like this one - just have one fixing

and they are sooooooo expensive