Unique gift ideas to celebrate a new arrival and delight new parents
Finding a new baby gift that will really delight the new parents isn’t always easy. From clothes to toys and soft toys, there’s no shortage of classic ideas. To mark the arrival of a newborn, why not choose a gift that’s original, useful and heart-warming ? A practical accessory to make everyday life with a baby easier, a personalised portrait based on a photo, or a treat for the parents (because they deserve to be spoilt too) : here’s our selection to make a real difference !
What sort of baby gift should you give to make them happy ?
A useful gift to help through baby’s first few months
This category of new baby gifts is always a safe bet : a pretty embroidered bodysuit, a soft cuddly toy, a nursing necklace, a set of organic cotton nappies or a baby care accessory will always be appreciated. A quick bottle warmer or a night light can also make everyday life easier.
> Watch out for duplicates ! Remember to check with the parents or the baby registry before making your choice.
A personalised gift to cherish as a keepsake
An illustrated baby book, an engraved piece of jewellery, a keepsake box, a blanket embroidered with the baby’s name… personalised items allow you to celebrate this happy occasion by giving a unique gift.
> A hand-drawn portrait of the newborn surrounded by their parents can also make for a truly heart-warming gift.
A special thought for the new mum
Because she needs love too, a gift can be given directly to her : beauty treatments, a voucher for a massage, a professional family photo shoot, a comfortable nursing top, etc.
> A newborn portrait transforms a photo of the baby into an artistic creation full of emotion. Hung on the living room wall, it becomes a decorative feature in its own right as well as a precious keepsake for the parents.
The custom portrait : an original baby gift idea
Turning your baby’s first photo into an illustration
A newborn photo can form the basis of a gift that can be displayed as part of the home decor.
> Commissioning a personalised portrait at Votreportrait.fr is simple : using a photo provided by the family, our graphic designer Claire creates an illustration by refining the facial features, shadows and colours. The original photo is thus reimagined in the chosen artistic style, whilst retaining the resemblance to the newborn.
No off-the-shelf filters or artificial intelligence tools are used to alter the photo. Claire redraws the faces using her own artistic palette, creating a truly original and personalised piece for each artwork.
Transforming a photo of a baby and their sister into a painting-style creation
A gift that parents can cherish for years to come
A birth portrait isn't just a decorative addition to the nursery. It can also find its place elsewhere in the home : on a chest of drawers, on the landing of a staircase, or as part of a gallery wall above the sofa. It is therefore a more original gift than a run-of-the-mill consumer product.
> As the child grows up, this personalised birth gift takes on a whole new dimension : it becomes a touching keepsake that remains in plain sight as the years go by.
What style of portrait should you choose for a birth gift ?
Artistic, understated, colourful or expressive, the choice of style depends on personal taste as well as the interior decor. Here is a selection of personalised gifts for new parents, perfect for tenderly capturing the early days of their baby’s life :
A sketch or watercolour for a delicate finish
These creations, with their soft hues and delicate lines, offer an interpretation of the newborn’s photo that is both artistic and classic. A sketch or watercolour portrait will blend easily into their bedroom or a minimalist interior, without overwhelming the decor.
A realistic portrait to capture your baby’s features
A realistic portrait of baby preserves the expressions and facial features of your newborn. It’s a faithful interpretation of the photo, yet stands out thanks to a modern, vibrant painting style. You can even personalise the artwork by adding your baby’s first name or date of birth !
Pop Art or comic-style art for an original decorative piece
Why not opt for an original portrait, rich in contrast and bursting with colour ? Or a playful creation made up of panels and speech bubbles, to tell a story ? A Pop Art or comic-inspired portrait will appeal to parents who love modern and whimsical styles.
How do you create a personalised artwork from a newborn photo ?
Choosing a photo of the newborn
Taking a photo of a baby often requires a bit of patience. Here are a few simple tips :
- Choose a time when the baby is calm: in the morning, just after a nap or a feed.
- Avoid artificially lit areas: opt for natural light, near a window for example.
- Position yourself above the baby or at their eye level.
- Turn off the flash, as it can be harsh on their eyes.
- Finally, gently wave a toy to catch their attention and bring out their best smile !
The baby’s face must be clearly visible, well-lit and framed in close-up. Opt for a sharp photo where the head isn’t cut off or hidden. A photo of a sleeping baby or one in a parent’s arms may also be suitable, depending on the style you’ve chosen. If in doubt, the photo selection guide provides advice on choosing an image suitable for the artwork.
Customise the portrait and approve the result
Once you’ve found the right photo, visit Votreportrait.fr : choose one of our artistic styles, select the portrait options and upload your photo. Once the order has been confirmed, our illustrator will create the artwork and send you a proof before printing. You can then ask for adjustments until you’re happy with the final design.
Receive your gift, ready to give
Once we have received your approval, we print the file in high definition onto the medium you selected when placing your order : canvas stretched over a wooden frame (ready to hang), or glossy photo paper. Depending on our designs, the format may vary : square, portrait, landscape or panoramic; we can also produce bespoke sizes if you require a size that is not listed. Your personalised new baby gift is then carefully packaged and handed over to the courier.
Why give a baby portrait to new parents ?
Turning a photo of a baby into a custom portrait has several advantages :
- A unique baby gift created from a personal photo.
- An emotional keepsake of the baby’s first days.
- A decorative item that can be cherished for years to come.
- A bespoke artistic creation.
- A thoughtful gift for parents who already have most of their baby essentials.
Be inspired by the different styles of artwork available on VotrePortrait.fr and find the one that will best enhance your baby’s photo.
Frequently asked questions about new baby gifts
What baby gift should you give when the parents already have everything ?
We recommend choosing a sentimental gift, a custom newborn portrait or a thoughtful gift for the parents rather than an extra item of clothing or equipment.
Can we create a portrait using a photo of the baby taken in the maternity ward ?
Yes, the main thing is that the photo is clear and the baby’s face is well lit. If in doubt, please feel free to email your photos to contact@votreportrait.fr for a free assessment.
Can we add the baby’s first name and date of birth to a portrait ?
Yes, you can personalise the baby’s portrait by adding text, changing the colours of the design or suggesting elements to include in the background (subject to your request).
When should I order a portrait to celebrate a new birth ?
Between design, production and dispatch, please allow 7 to 8 working days to receive your order. This timeframe excludes weekends and public holidays, and may vary in the event of delays by the courier.
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