Maternity Leave Gift Ideas: What to Buy From the Team (That They'll Actually Use)

There are plenty of things you could buy someone before they head off on maternity leave. A baby outfit they'll grow out of in approximately one week. A cuddly toy. Another baby blanket (seriously, they have enough already…we promise). Or, you could give them something they’ll actually get some use out of – don’t worry, we’ll show you how. 

When a colleague is heading off on maternity leave, a gift from the whole team is a lovely way to say congratulations and remind them they’re still a part of the team, even while they’re away. The trick is bypassing the special torture ritual that is guessing what a brand-new parent will need and jumping straight to the freedom of choice – but there’s a trick to doing it right. 

Here are some maternity leave gift ideas that strike the balance of thoughtful and practical.

1. A Baby Bunting eGift Card

An eGift Card is probably the safest option when you're buying for a new parent – it gives new parents the freedom to choose what they actually need once the baby arrives, whether that's something for the nursery, feeding supplies, baby clothes or something they need for themselves.

A Baby Bunting eGift Card is a particularly practical option for a maternity leave gift because it can go towards the things new parents discover they need along the way. Baby Bunting offers digital gift cards specifically as a maternity and paternity leave gift, and they can be sent digitally or scheduled for a particular date.

And when you buy your eGift Card with GroupTogether, everyone can chip in any amount they’re comfortable with towards one useful gift rather than trying to work out whether the baby needs another blanket. (They don’t!) The other wonderful aspect here is that you can attach the Baby Bunting eGift Card to a group card signed by everyone, so the gift isn't just a voucher appearing in their inbox, rather it comes with all the warm and fuzzy messages from the team too.

2. Mix and Match with the AnyCard

Sometimes you know your colleague is going to need things…you just have absolutely no idea which things. Baby monitors, clothes, dinners, lots of coffee – maybe even all of the above? With the AnyCard, it’s possible and so easy. 

With a GroupTogether AnyCard, the new parents can choose from 100+ eGift Card brands and even split the value across multiple retailers rather than having to spend it all in one place.

So they could put a larger chunk towards something they really need or want from Baby Bunting, like a pram, car seat or cot, then use the rest on something practical for those early days – something like Woolworths for groceries or The Dinner Ladies for a few easy meals. Or, after all those sleepless nights, they might decide some of it is best spent on a little something just for themselves.

3. A Baby Essentials Bundle

If your team would rather give a physical gift, make sure to keep it practical. Think nappies, wipes, swaddles, bath-time bits, feeding essentials or other everyday newborn supplies. Baby Bunting's own gift and registry guides include practical categories such as nappies, wipes, swaddles, change mats and feeding and nursery essentials.

The trick is to not go overboard.

Top Tip: Use the AnyCard to go shopping for a range of bundles from major brands like Baby Bunting and easily attach your gift to your beautiful group card. 

4. Something for Mum, Not Just The Baby

Newborn gifts tend to have a habit of becoming gifts for the baby that technically happen to be handed to Mum. So why not make one specifically for her?

You can’t miss with a self-care gift like a massage, a favourite beauty product, a nice meal or a gift card she can spend on herself.

“This one's for you” is possibly one of the sweetest things a team could put on a maternity leave card.

5. A Really Good Nappy Bag

Okay, so it’s not the most glamorous gift…but just give us a chance. A good nappy bag is going to get a lot of use, for a long time.

It's also exactly the sort of thing that's worth pooling money for. Rather than everyone contributing towards lots of little baby gifts, the team can put it towards one bigger thing they'll use constantly.

6. A Group Card Filled with Messages

Technically, this isn't just a gift – it's the bit they're likely to keep. Get everyone in the team to add a message to a group baby card before they head off. Add photos and GIFs if your team has a few good ones.

And yes, maternity leave is probably one of those occasions where you're allowed to make the card just a little sentimental. Need a little help with inspiration? We’ve got you.