The perfect gift for a new baby
Books are the gift that creates opportunity. They stimulate so much, developmentally, particularly when children are young. There are many fantastic ideas for gifts for new parents and their babies and of course, we recommend books! Where do you even start in a book shop? There is so much choice, and it can be almost impossible to know what to pick up. In this article we make some recommendations for individual books, but of course you can purchase one of our gift subscriptions of gift boxes to help stock the bookcase of a new little person.
If you are buying individual books, then do consider buying pre-loved. Books in the hands (and mouths) of babies and toddlers get a lot of attention, and sometimes it is useful not to have to feel stressed about keeping things in perfect condition.
It can also be really hard to know what age to pitch your gift for. Do you buy something for now, or something that will be enjoyed later on? This is one of the reasons that we put an age range on our subscriptions, because it offers the opportunity to receive a range of titles.
Here are 10 books we love in the 0-2 age bracket:
Fox’s Socks: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Books where you can lift the flaps are particularly fun for little ones. This one (and indeed the whole series) has a lovely mix of bright colours, lovely illustrations, flaps to lift, and a simple rhyming story. There are additional things you can spot on each page, and it is an easy story to follow.
2. Wow Said The Owl: Tim Hopgood
Wow Said The Owl is a sweet and colourful story about an owl who decides to stay awake to see the beautiful things that the daytime brings. It is a great way to talk about and start to recognise colours, as each page is themed with a different colour.
3. Dear Zoo: Rod Campbell
A timeless classic with sturdy flaps that are perfect for curious little hands. The repetitive structure helps babies and toddlers anticipate what’s coming next, supporting early language development.
4. That’s Not My… (series): Fiona Watt
These sensory books are brilliant for babies. With touch-and-feel elements on every page, they encourage exploration and engagement while introducing simple descriptive language.
5. Guess How Much I Love You: Sam McBratney
A gentle, heartwarming story about love between parent and child. It’s a lovely bedtime read that many families return to again and again.
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Eric Carle
A firm favourite for generations, this book introduces counting, days of the week, and the concept of transformation—all through bold illustrations and a simple story.
7. Where’s Spot?: Eric Hill
Another lift-the-flap favourite, perfect for interactive reading. Babies and toddlers love the element of surprise as they help search for Spot.
8. Peepo! : Janet & Allan Ahlberg
A nostalgic and beautifully illustrated book that offers glimpses into everyday life. The rhyming text and peek-through holes make it especially engaging.
9. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
With its rhythmic, repetitive language, this story is perfect for reading aloud. It invites movement and participation, making storytime lively and memorable.
10. Each Peach Pear Plum: Janet & Allan Ahlberg
A charming “I spy” style book filled with familiar nursery rhyme characters. It encourages observation and interaction, even from a very young age.
Choosing a book for a new baby doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you opt for something interactive, sensory, or a timeless classic, you’re giving a gift that can be enjoyed again and again. Books create moments of connection, support early development, and help foster a lifelong love of reading.
And if you’re still unsure where to start, our carefully curated subscriptions are designed to take the guesswork out of choosing, delivering thoughtful, age-appropriate books straight to your door.
