My friend's just had a new baby (girl) and I want to buy her a gift. Some people say presents for newborns should be practical ie nappies or clothes. Others say it's nice to get them a special gift such as a cashmere blanket.

Any parents out there - when you had a newborn, which gifts did you like the best or find most helpful?

The best gift you can give your friend is time! Other presents were nice, but what I remember most after I had my baby was when friends cooked me a meal (and then cleaned up) or looked after the baby while I had a shower.

If you want to buy her a gift as well... ask her what she needs. She may have forgotten to get a baby monitor, or muslin cloths, so you'll be helping her and giving her a present she'll appreciate.

I think that sometimes you're so caught up with the practicalities of the baby - nappies, feeding etc, it's nice to receive a gift that is quite special - a silver box for a locket of baby's hair, or a gorgeous cashmere baby blanket.

When my little girl was born my friend bought me the most gorgeous presents - a pure silver photo frame and a very posh designer outfit for the baby that I would never have bought myself. I really appreciated the 'glam' gift as I spent the next 6 months feeling anything but glamorous!

I always buy a gift that's practical AND and gift that's cute - then you can't go wrong. Something like nappies and a cute clothes gift set from Myer or Pumpkin Patch - you know the matching hats, bibs, suits etc. Or a cute stuffed toy.

I think you need to see what the mother needs - just ask her. You'll really be doing her a favour buying her a gift she needs (whether it's a practical or cute gift)

absolutley agree with this. when my sister had her baby everyone gave her little gifts like photo frames and toys, but it would have been so much more helpful if someone had given her the things she really needed!