Gifts That Give Back for New Parents and Babies

This Christmas, gift a new parent something that makes life easier—and pays it forward

Having a baby is exhausting work. But this list includes gift ideas that simplify daily life and benefit local charities, so these are presents you can feel good about giving while paying it forward to families in need.

1. Numpfer bibs, $14

Clean up whatever parenthood throws at you with these innovative, organic and super soft multiuse bibs for baby. They are the most absorbent organic bibs on the market, and also do triple duty as a washcloth and a burp cloth. The side-tie design means you can fasten it while baby is lying down. Use for everything from wiping snotty noses, drooling and spit up to cleaning up messy hands and spills.
Benefit: Sarah Robbins created Numpfer after her daughter received lifesaving care in the BC Women’s Hospital Neonatal ICU. A portion of sales from each bib (and matching blankets) gives back to the NICU.

2. Cuddle and Kind dolls, $59

Ethically produced and hand knit by female artisans in Peru, Cuddle and Kind dolls are the perfect keepsake, and an Instagram-worthy present for wee ones. From Willow the deer to Oliver the bear and Sebastian the lamb, these heirloom-quality snuggle buddies will be treasured for years. U.S.- and Canadian-safety-standard certified, they’re available in two sizes to fit every little person on your wish list.
Benefit: Cuddle and Kind provides 10 meals to children in need for each doll sold. Its goal is to provide 2 million meals by the end of 2017.

3. Aspen Clean gift cards, from $15

With all hands on deck caring for a new infant, gifting house-cleaning services can take a big burden off new parents’ shoulders. The eco-friendly services of Aspen Clean will leave their home sparkling for the holidays. Scented with lavender, bergamot and grapefruit essential oils, they only use non-toxic products that work hard and smell great. Their line of non-toxic products, which just received straight A’s in the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Living, make chores easier with colour-coded microfiber cloths.
Benefit: $5 from every gift card and 10 per cent of online product sales benefit the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Use promo code BCKIDS.

4. Malia Mu knots, from $25

Infant enrichment items that double as kick-ass home decor? Yes, please. Malia Mu creates handmade braided knot and cloud cushions that encourage babies to develop fine motor skills like finger grasping, pushing, pulling, gripping and exploring. They also make great accent pieces in the nursery or living room. Machine washable, the knots come in a variety of colours, but custom orders are also welcome. There’s even an option to send in a baby item you can’t let go of and they’ll turn it into a mini knot your child will love for years to come.
Benefits: $5 from every sale in December will be donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Use code GIVEBACK17 for 20 per cent off.

5. Primary Goods linen bedding sets, from $349

When you have a baby, every second spent in bed is precious. Give the gift of never having to make the bed again with these sumptuous linen bedding sets from Primary Goods. Their unique snap system on the edges of the duvet and top sheet mean that the pieces stay aligned. No more tucking in sheets or waking up with them tangled at your feet. Bonus: The 100 per cent French linen gets softer with every wash.
Benefit: Primary Goods donates bedding sets and mattresses to charities that help single mothers and families undergoing hardship. Use code BCLIVING for 10 per cent off any bedding set or mattress.

6. Spud for grocery, meal and baby product deliveries

Taking care of a new baby leaves little free time for preparing meals and eating healthy. Sustainable grocery delivery service Spud, which specializes in fresh, local and organic groceries and meals, will bring healthy delicacies right to your door. With ready-made offerings like salads, stir-fries, curries, soups, “Dinner for 4” packs and juices from Be Fresh, your favourite mom and dad will never go hungry again. Order online 24/7 for fresh produce and meals or to replenish your favourite organic and environmentally-friendly baby and home essentials, like diapers, wipes, formula and food.
Charity beneficiaries: Closer to Home, 1UP for single parents, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Quest Food Exchange and LEASH Animal Welfare Society. Use code CRVAN-MATDAH for $20 off your first order of $50 or more.

7. Canvas Pop prints, from $39

Turn Mom and Dad’s favourite social media photos of their new addition into canvas prints worthy of the poshest gallery—or nursery—wall. Canvas Pop allows you to create beautiful canvas prints straight from Instagram photos, and each print is coated with UV laminate to protect against fading. Its new custom pillows turn pics into 18×18 plush home decor pieces that bring photos to life.
Benefit: 5 per cent of purchases benefit the BC SPCA. Use code SPCA for 30 per cent off site wide.