10 Unexpectedly Useful Items You Can Ask For As Baby Shower Gifts

10 Unexpectedly Useful Items You Can Ask For As Baby Shower Gifts

Are you planning a baby shower and wondering what to ask for as gifts? We’re joined by Cora Gold of lifestyle magazine Revivalist for ten practical suggestions of items for baby shower gifts that we’re sure your friends and family will love picking out. 

Why Make A Baby Shower Gift List?

Baby showers let you celebrate your little one’s new arrival with friends and family. However, you may end up with a pile of cute outfits that your baby will outgrow in a month. Explore practical, often-overlooked baby shower gifts that will make your life as a new parent more enjoyable.

1. Postpartum Care Package

baby shower gifts - the photo shows a lady wearing an abdominal support belt

While you’re busy buying clothes and supplies for your baby, it’s easy to forget that you’ll need things for yourself as a new mum. Proper care during postpartum is essential for mums to feel their best and stay healthy while they take care of their newborn. A postpartum kit can include items like:

2. Nappy Bin – Baby Shower Gifts

Many parents know the unpleasant scent of used nappies. While nappies are an obvious gift, a nappy bin may slip your mind as a necessity until your normal bin is full. A nappy bin is a specialised waste disposal container that helps prevent the spread of unpleasant odours and germs.

Look for a product that’s large enough to hold enough nappies without requiring frequent emptying, especially at night. You’ll likely change your newborn’s nappy around 10 to 12 times a day, so bin size is important.

3. Baby Bath Set

baby shower gifts - the photograph shows a baby being bathed in a baby bath

One of the most exciting and rewarding moments is bathing your baby, but this seemingly easy task can become overwhelming without the right tools. Ask for a baby bath set with shampoo, soap and lotion to soothe your little one’s delicate skin. Gentle items help prevent irritation and dryness, while hypoallergenic options are also a good choice if your baby has allergies.

In the newborn stages, you can just use warm water to bathe or ‘top and tail’ your baby. Look here for NHS advice on how to top, tail and bathe your baby safely. 

4. Baby Carrier

A good baby carrier helps calm your little one while keeping your hands free. It’s a rewarding way to be physically closer to your newborn while allowing you to get on with your day. Moreover, it helps reduce crying and boosts infant-parent attachment, helping make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Request a model that ticks off various factors, like ease of use, healthy positioning, comfort, style and value for money.

Always check current safety advice around slings and carriers. Make sure your baby’s airway is free and always take them out of the sling or carrier to feed. Here’s more safety information from the Lullaby Trust

5. Weekender Bag

baby shower gifts - the photograph shows a baby changing bag with nappies next to it

With a newborn comes more stuff, making this an ideal time to upgrade your bag. It will be your companion for checkups that may become an overnight stay, delivery day and early adventures with your little one. Picture nappies, clothes and wipes, all neatly organised in a stylish weekender.

A bag with plenty of space and compartments makes managing baby essentials a snap. Ensure it’s not too bulky to lug around but not too small that you can barely fit in a set of nappies.

6. Towel Cake – Baby Shower Gifts

This gift will have your creative friends excited to put it together. Requesting a towel cake as a gift is a smart move because it’s a practical gift that can double as a decor for your baby shower. Plus, it’s easy to make — it requires two large bath towels, two regular-sized hand towels, two washcloths, diaper pins and a ribbon. 

7. Baby Sound Machine

A baby white/noise sound machine creates a calm and cosy sleep space for you and your newborn. It plays soothing sounds like white noise, rain and ocean to block out other noises. Simply play it and help your baby get more peaceful slumbers. Opt for a portable device with night light features so your infant can sleep well at grandma’s house or in the pram after a morning of outdoor adventures.

8. No-Touch Thermometer

baby shower gifts - the photograph shows a baby with someone holding a baby thermometer above their forehead

Did you know newborns get six to eight colds during their first months? A no-touch thermometer provides a convenient way to check their temperature. Just point it at your baby’s forehead for a quick reading, allowing you to catch any changes early. Plus, you can use it to check friends and family before they visit, helping protect your infant from potential illnesses.

9. Smart Baby Monitor – Gifts For Baby Showers

baby shower gifts - the photograph shows a baby monitor with a video screen of a sleeping baby

The biggest gift a smart monitor gives you is peace of mind. Think of it as an extra set of eyes and ears on your little one, even when you’re not physically there with them. Suggest a device with features like two-way talk for your soothing coos, temperature, and humidity sensors to ensure your baby’s comfort and recording abilities that let you look back at those adorable snores.

10. Hands-Free Breast Pump

Unlike bulky, traditional pumps that require new mums to hold them for minutes, a wearable breast pump allows you to pump hands-free anytime, anywhere. It’s more lightweight and discreet, making it ideal if you balance breastfeeding as a working mum.

Because it allows more convenient and frequent pumping sessions, it can help create and maintain a healthy milk supply for your little one. Choose a product that provides ample suction power, comfort and minimal cleaning time.

Make Your Baby Shower Memorable With These Gift Ideas

When someone asks what you want for a gift, consider these unexpectedly practical items. These ideas can make a real difference to your life as a new parent. Remember to share your wish list with your loved ones in advance so they have time to save up and buy your suggestions. 

Thanks To Cora Gold – Parenting Writer And Editor Of Revivalist

Cora Gold is a parenting writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. When she’s not spending time with her little ones and pets, she loves crafting, doing yoga and reading. Cora has also written for CafeMom and Scary Mommy, and she can be found on LinkedIn, X and Pinterest.  

Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

Find a class today!

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The Types Of Stress And How To Relieve Them As A Parent

The Types Of Stress And How To Relieve Them As A Parent

The Types Of Stress And How To Relieve Them As A Parent

Are you a new or existing parent who’s suddenly found they’ve got a lot on their plate? It’s usual to experience a healthy level of stress in day-to-day life, but when you throw juggling work-life balance and kids into the mix, it’s true that stress levels can get ramped up to a less than healthy level. So check out our handy guide on the different types of stress and how to relieve them as a parent.

Physical Stress

Whether or not you already do a physically demanding job, having a new baby to lift and a car seat to haul in and out of the car along with other baby equipment can sometimes prove a bit too much. Or carrying toddlers (who’ve suddenly got really heavy!) can feel like the last straw (not to mention carrying a toddler and a baby!)

If you’ve had a C-section, you really should be avoiding all physical lifting work for the first six weeks and until you’re signed off by your GP. If you’ve had a vaginal birth, there can be tears and stitches to consider – not to mention abdominal separation (which in extreme cases can sometimes last for years if you don’t get on top of it). 

This is why pre and postnatal Pilates and yoga classes focus so much on rebuilding core strength. Really good providers will do some of those moves you naturally have to do as a parent (like drawing your arm back to lift shopping into a car, or rotating your body and arm to get a baby seat in the car).

How To Relieve Physical Stress As A Parent:

  • Get a partner to do the lifting and carrying where possible
  • Join a gentle exercise class like Pilates
  • Consider doing some buggy walks classes or just go for regular walks round the block
  • Carry your baby in a sling if it’s easier on your back (just be extra mindful of sling safety and positioning your baby correctly. Current guidance says don’t feed baby in a sling)
  • Dance with your baby! You could join a baby dance class or similar
  • See support from your GP, nurse or health professional if you think you need it or if you have abdominal separation (which should be checked out at your 6-week check-up)
  • Eat a well-balanced diet to give you the right sort of fuel for physical activity and keep your blood sugar levels in check

Emotional Stress

Parenting is emotional, yes (for all mums, dads and caregivers). So go with the flow. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to express your feelings, do so. We’re no longer in the age of keeping a stiff upper lip and holding all those emotions in. Being in tune with your own emotions more (and knowing how to release them safely) can, in turn, help you be in tune more with your children and partner’s feelings, and help them find ways to regulate and manage their own emotions too.

It’s normal to feel the ‘baby blues’ in the first few days or couple of weeks following the birth of your baby. But if your feelings last longer than these, or you think you may be suffering from postnatal depression, then make sure you contact your GP and seek support. We also have some PND resources and links to support here on our website.

Did you know that Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992? Try our tips below for how to relieve emotional stress as a parent.

How To Relieve Emotional Stress As A Parent:

relieve stress as a parent - the photograph shows a woman and child clapping and smiling together
  • Talk regularly to trusted friends or family members
  • Do active things you enjoy, like walking, going on days out, running, cycling (a walk in the rain can be surprisingly rejuvenating and is really good for you)
  • Meet with other parents and have a coffee or amble
  • Go to baby or toddler classes where you’ll find other parents with children of a similar age
  • Listen to music or a favourite podcast
  • Sing! Here are some of our favourite tunes you can sing with your baby or toddler as loudly or quietly as you like
  • Play a game with your children
  • Eat a healthy diet to help regulate your blood sugar and mood
  • Keep a diary or journal
  • Do a favourite hobby like crafting
  • Avoid too much time on your phone or social media if it’s contributing to your emotional stress
  • Seek support from medical professionals if needed
relieve stress as a parent - the photo shows a mum doing a Pilates move and smiling at her baby, while her baby lies on a mat

What Sort Of Things Can Lead To Extra Stress For Parents?

  • Worries about your baby or child’s eating/drinking habits – check our article about top tips for if your toddler’s a fussy eater
  • Your baby or child’s sleeping patterns – here’s an article from holistic sleep coach Keri Rock about newborn sleep
  • Lack of sleep or time with your family/partner 
  • Managing work-life balance and juggling work with childcare 
  • The physical and emotional demands of giving birth and changes to lifestyle that follows 
  • General anxiety about being or becoming a parent 
  • Issues your child may be facing at school or nursery – here are 9 top tips from a clinical psychologist about how to support your child as they start school or nursery
  • Developmental issues your child may be going through – read here for some different ways on how to manage toddler tantrums
  • Housework
  • Money worries  – check here for which benefits and support there is for parents
  • Conflict in your relationship or sorting out custody/childcare for your children
  • Managing life as a single parent – read one dad’s take on busting myths around single fatherhood
  • Trying to fit in time for self-care

The Maternal Mental Load

Loads has been written about the maternal mental load – another type of emotional stress where you’re constantly thinking and planning about what needs to be done. If you think your mental load is getting out of hand, look for ways to relieve it and redistribute it so you and your partner can take a more equal share.

Also, if your children are starting to be a bit more grown up, you may want to look at different styles of parenting which gives them a little bit more independence, like Viking Parenting

Did You Know That A Little Bit Of Stress Is Good For You?

A small amount of stress which motivates you to get stuff done is healthy. Ideally, you get a small adrenaline hit, complete the task, then your stress levels return to normal.

But if you’re constantly feeling in ‘flight or fight’ mode and your stress levels are either high or constantly in the background and low-level (which can lead to anxiety), maybe it’s time to see a doctor and try our stress-busting tactics. Nobody wants cortisol in their system all the time.

relieve stress as a parent  - the photograph shows a child in a bike seat on the back of a bicycle

Disclaimer: Here at Happity, we’re not experts, but we can point you in the direction of some useful resources and organisations, like: PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support) and loads more here

And, of course, please ask your GP or health professional if you’re worried about your stress levels, or you think you may be suffering from postnatal depression, which can also affect up to one in ten new dads too. 

Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

Find a class today!

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How To Navigate Identity In Motherhood – This Is Family

How To Navigate Identity In Motherhood – This Is Family

Prioritising motherhood is often misconstrued as unambitious, traditional or anti-feminist. None of this is true, but the associated stigma hits hard. Feminism, at its core, is about choice. Pausing paid work to enjoy and focus on motherhood is an empowered choice.

We’re joined by mum and newsletter editor from Mothers at Home Matter, Adele, who’s here to share her story about why she believes the narrative around ‘stay-at-home’ mums needs to change. She explains the challenges she’s faced navigating her own role and self-identity as a mother – and why parenting is so transformative. So read on for an empowering take on motherhood and identity.

How It All Started

My journey to motherhood was completely unexpected. It began with a chance encounter meeting my husband while we were both climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at the same time. I was a Master’s degree student in the UK, struggling to determine what I really wanted to be when I grew up, despite being almost thirty. He was a pilot in the US military, stationed in Germany. 

We got married and relocated to the US, putting more effort into planning future travelling and adventures than into potential future children. It was very much a ‘one day’ approach to starting a family. He then went on to deploy (unexpectedly) to Afghanistan for an 8-month tour. It was a week or so into this that I realised I was pregnant (also unexpectedly!). Thankfully, he made it back just in time for the birth of our daughter. 

The Love I Have As A Mother

Her arrival transformed my world. I was completely taken aback by the intensity of my love for her. I knew that this tiny little being needed me, but I also needed her. She was absolutely brilliant, amazing and mesmerising. I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to be here on this planet at the same time as her. 

Since then, we have been fortunate enough to have two more children (they are currently seven, three, and one.)  We have lived in three different locations during this time and may move again in the next year. While military life and frequent moves have had their challenges, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many other mums along the way in many different places. It’s shown me how much we share common experiences and face similar challenges, and how these challenges can impact our sense of identity and, consequently, our mental health.

Why The Narrative Around ‘Stay-At-Home Mums’ Needs To Change

The term ‘stay-at-home mum’ feels outdated; we need to rewrite the narrative.

Despite feeling strongly about wanting to take time away from work to be with my children, I still had trouble identifying myself as a ‘stay-at-home mum’. It seemed outdated and reductive. When people inevitably asked me, “What do you do?” I felt like I had to give a mini explainer every time. What I’m doing IS work; it just happens to be unpaid. It’s funny how when we outsource the work we do, i.e. to childcare, it becomes a respectable and recognised job. In a world that increasingly values productivity and profit above all else, motherhood is an unseen economy. However, our care work has economic value that goes unmeasured. 

Untangling Success And Worth

In the early days of motherhood, I often felt the need to prove my worth and justify my decision to take a break from paid work. My life before becoming a mum had very clear (and visible) success metrics. The most important things we do in parenting are often invisible and hard to quantify: love, warmth, compassion, encouragement, stories read, puddles jumped in… I came to realise that all too often, we try to define success in parenting by arbitrary things, such as our children being good eaters or sleepers, or them just being a particularly chilled-out individual. 

What we fail to recognise is that so much of this is out of our control. Perhaps the best way we can help our children thrive is just by encouraging them to grow into exactly the person they’re meant to be. Whether our children sleep through the night or not does not reflect upon us personally. It’s not indicative of the effectiveness of our parenting. A toddler having a tantrum in public doesn’t mean we are doing something wrong. It’s hard not to take it personally when people are staring, or we feel that they are staring. In reality, most people are engrossed in their own lives and barely notice. If you need further reassurance here, Google ‘The Spotlight Effect’.

In her novel ‘Madwoman’, Chelsea Bieker opens by saying, ‘The world is not made for mothers, yet mothers made the world. The world is not made for children, yet children are the future.’ It’s a sentiment with which many of us can probably relate, regardless of our current family dynamics or paid work situation. We have a long way to go culturally in accepting children in their natural, often messy, loud and energetic state! 

Motherhood And Feminism

Prioritising motherhood is often misconstrued as unambitious, traditional or anti-feminist. None of this is true, but the associated stigma hits hard. Feminism, at its core, is about choice. Pausing paid work to enjoy and focus on motherhood is an empowered choice. We all want what is best for our families, and there is no one right way or path to achieve that. However, the expectations placed on mums to be fully present both at home and at work create an impossible predicament. We are told to put our children first, yet at the same time not let having children ‘hold us back’. 

The societal systems we exist in contribute significantly to many maternal mental health issues and feelings such as loneliness and burnout. The problem is not our children. Mothers need a support system; we were never supposed to do this alone. 

Language Matters: You Are Not ‘Just A Mum’. 

Sociologist Dr Sophie Brock writes extensively about navigating modern motherhood and how when we view raising our children as important work and highlight that it matters, we elevate the status of motherhood. Instead of referring to ourselves as ‘just a mum’ we can talk about the value and contribution of caring for our children and how it has purpose and meaning. We need to rethink language that undermines what we do. Change starts at the individual level, and it begins with our own internal dialogue. Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled also has a wealth of resources for anyone looking to do a deeper dive.

Who we are is defined by our character, not our career. Similarly, our identity is not solely defined by being a mother; we need and deserve to be fully rounded humans with our own interests and pursuits. When the narrative is about polarisation: staying home versus working and the virtues and drawbacks of both, we lose sight of the bigger picture and oversimplify a complex and nuanced issue. All mums work, and parenting, while undeniably challenging, is also profoundly rewarding, fulfilling, and transformative. 

Why Childhood Is So Important

In the grand scheme of things, childhood really is such a short window, and we cannot go back and reclaim these moments once they have passed. There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one. Enjoy this time and find strength in knowing that what you are doing is valuable. It matters. You are making a difference. 

Thanks To Adele – Newsletter Editor At Mothers At Home Matter 

Mum of three Adele, a Brit currently living in the US, is newsletter editor at Mothers at Home Matter (MAHM). Before taking a break to focus on motherhood, she worked in Early Years education in Australia and the UK.

Mothers at Home Matter is a voice and support for mums wanting the choice to be based at home to care for their kids. MAHM campaign for an economic-level playing field for parents who stay at home, representing their voice in policy debates. Mothers at Home Matter promote research to enable a better understanding of children’s developmental need for loving and consistent care. They are non-partisan and represent a diverse group of mothers and fathers across the UK. 

Find Mothers at Home Matter on Instagram: @mothers_at_home_matter or on their website.

Would You Like To Share YOUR Story?

We’d love to hear from you. This Is Family is all about sharing family stories. Especially from families who feel like their voices are not often heard. Every family has a unique story to tell. We’d love to hear yours. Find out how you can feature on our blog and get involved. So that other parents can feel less alone.

More From This Is Family:

Raising Children In The Climate Crisis – This Is Family

IVF At 40: Our Story

Parenting As A Neurodivergent Person – This Is Family

Survey – Prize Draw Terms & Conditions

Survey – Prize Draw Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility

This prize draw is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 16 years or over who complete the Brand Love survey in full during the promotion period.

2. Entry

  • Entry is open to anyone who completes the survey in full between the stated opening and closing times.
  • Only one entry per person is permitted.
  • Incomplete survey responses will not be considered valid entries.

3. Promotion Period
The competition opens at 8:00 PM on 30th April and closes at 12:00 AM on 7th May.

4. Prizes

  • 9 winners will each receive a cookbook.
  • 1 winner will receive a £100 restaurant e-voucher.
  • The £100 e-voucher is valid for dine-in at any of the Brand Partner’s locations in the UK. The Brand Partner has not been named to avoid any survey bias.

5. Prize Conditions

  • Prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
  • No cash alternatives will be offered.
  • Happity reserves the right to substitute any prize with one of equal or greater value if necessary.

6. Winner Selection & Notification

  • 10 winners will be randomly selected from all valid entries after the competition closes.
  • Winners will be contacted by Happity using the details provided in the survey.
  • To claim the prize, winners will be asked to share their email with a third party.

7. General

  • By entering the promotion, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  • Happity reserves the right to cancel or amend the promotion at any time without prior notice due to circumstances beyond its control.
  • Happity is not responsible for any loss, damage, or disappointment suffered by any entrant as a result of entering the promotion or accepting a prize.

8. Promoter

The promotion is organised and promoted by Happity Ltd, in partnership with our partner brand,  Happity Ltd registered at 85 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 7LT.

12 Creative And Unusual Baby Names And Their Origins

12 Creative And Unusual Baby Names And Their Origins

There are loads of creative and unusual baby names out there at the moment. Take many celebrities and you will probably find they’ve chosen a slightly ‘out there’ name for their baby. But do you know the origins of these weird and wonderful baby names (which often have ancient and cultural roots) and will they inspire you with your own baby’s name? Read on to find out more.

1. Evren 

Adrian Grenier (of Entourage and The Devil Wears Prada fame) and his wife welcomed baby Evren Saint-Eros Grenier in March 2025.

Evren is a gender-neutral name with Turkish origins. As well as referring to a dragon-like creature in Turkik mythology that represents power, the name Evren also means ‘the universe’. So this is definitely a powerful name to choose for your baby. 

2. Tove  – Unusual Baby Names

Lily Collins (Emily In Paris) and American film director husband Charlie McDowell had baby Tove Jane McDowell via surrogate in January 2025. 

The name Tove comes from a similar Old Norse name so it has both Swedish and Norwegian roots. Meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘beloved’, this is a lovely name to choose for a cherished daughter. 

3. Athena 

Daughter to Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and born in January 2025, Athena’s full name is Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi.

Many people will recognise the name Athena from the famous Greek and Roman goddess of handicraft, wisdom and strategic warfare. So this could be a good choice for a daughter who seems wise!

4. Kasai 

Skai Jackson (from Disney Channel’s sitcom Jessie and Bunk’d) had baby Kasai in January 2025. 

Did you know that Kasai is a Japanese name that is unisex, though often given to boys? It means ‘fire’ or ‘flame’ so we’d expect babies with this name to be really sparky!

unusual baby names - the photograph shows a pregnant woman writing on a notepad

5. Liko’ula 

Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha is the name of the second child of Ronda Rousey, American professional wrestler and actress, and her husband, retired heavyweight fighter Travis Browne. Travis Browne grew up in Hawaii and his middle name is Kuualiialoha (meaning ‘Prince of love’). 

So Liko’ula is also a name with origins in Hawaii. ‘Liko’ means ‘leaf bud’ as well as ‘newly-opened leaf’ while ‘ula’ means ‘red’, so this is the perfect name for nature-lovers.

6. Leodis

Leodis Andrellton Jackson is son to American actress Keke Palmer (One Of Them Days) and ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson.. He was born in Black History Month and his name reflects this.

Leodis comes from the Greek root ‘leo’ while ‘dis’ means ‘like’ or ‘similar’. So Leodis means lion-like. Andrellton refers to ‘Andrew’s town’ and is a name used mainly by African Americans and Latin Americans.

7. Elio – Unusual Baby Names

Elio Ocean Wright Lococo is the name of Bonnie Wright (who played Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter) and Andrew Lococo’s son, who they welcomed in 2023. 

An Italian name which comes from the Greek Helios and Aelius, Elio means ‘sun’. So we’d be hoping for babies with this name to have bright and sunny personalities!

8. Royce 

Royce Lillian was born via surrogate to actor Rebel Wilson and girlfriend Ramona in November 2022. 

Traditionally a boy’s name of English origin meaning ‘a son of a king’ , since the early 2000s there have been many girls with the name Royce too. 

unusual baby names - the photograph shows a pregnant woman with post-it notes of different baby names on her stomach

9. Cyan – Unusual Baby Names

Cyan Lima Lemmers is the name of Victoria Secret model Adriana and boyfriend Andrew Lemmers’ son, who they welcomed in 2022.

But what is Cyan? It’s a colour on the green-blue spectrum and the colour of baby Cyan’s eyes. So look deep into your new baby’s eyes and see if the name Cyan will suit them too.

10. Sage 

YouTuber and Instagram star Tanya Burr and boyfriend welcomed son Sage Gabriel in November 2022. 

The gender-neutral name of Sage means not only ‘prophet’ and ‘wise’ but also refers to the famous English herb grown in so many gardens. Perfect for wise babies (and their parents) who love nature. 

11. Rumi – Unusual Baby Names

Rumi is the daughter of Jay-Z and Beyoncé, born in June 2017. Rumi’s twin brother is called Sir and her older sister Blue Ivy. 

Rumi is a name of Japanese origin which refers to both ‘beauty’ and the blue gemstone ‘lapis lazuli’ and can be given to boys and girls. Rumi was also the name of a famous 13th-century Persian poet. 

12. Luna 

The name Luna is rising in popularity in the UK and is also the name of singer-songwriter John Legend and model Chrissy Teigen’s first daughter born back in 2016. 

Just like magical Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, Luna is a Roman name referring to the ancient moon goddess.  

Looking For More Baby Names Inspiration?

Here are some more rare baby names if you want something even more unique for your little one. 

What Are The Top Ten Baby Names?

According to Bumps’n’Babies we are seeing lots of names inspired by nature (like Willow), traditional names (like Elsie and Arthur), short names (like Ivy) and multicultural names (like Luca) all gaining in popularity.

Top Ten Girl Names UK (April 2025)

unusual baby names - the photograph shows a baby lying down with the name 'Eva' behind her in wooden letters

Currently trending girls’ names for 2025 include Isla (1), Aria (2), Lila (3), Mia (4), Freya (5), Ivy (6), Ada (7), Aurora (8), Luna (9) and Evelyn (10).

The most recent official UK list comes from 2023 and is as follows:

  1.  Olivia
  2.  Amelia
  3.  Isla
  4. Lily
  5. Ava
  6. Freya
  7. Ivy
  8. Sophia
  9. Grace
  10. Willow

Top Ten Boy Names UK (April 2025)

unusual baby names - the photograph shows a dad with a sleeping baby

Currently trending boys’ names for 2025 are Arthur (1), Noah (2), Leo (3), Theodore (4), Oscar (5), Albie (6), Ethan (7), Jasper (8), Rowan (9) and Finn (10).

The most recent official UK list comes from 2023 and is as follows:

  1. Muhammad
  2. Noah
  3. Theo
  4. Leo
  5. Oliver
  6. Arthur
  7. George
  8. Luca
  9. Freddie
  10. Jack

Top Ten Gender Neutral Names UK (April 2025)

Top trending gender-neutral names are River (1), Sky (2), Ellis (3), Quinn (4), Taylor (5), Morgan (6), Rowan (7), Avery (8), Phoenix (9) and Reese (10). 

Sources: Office for National Statistics, US MagazineCosmopolitan, The Bump, AncestryNameberry, Bumps’n’Babies

Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?

Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!

Find a class today!

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