Advice · Baby gifts
Baby gift ideas in Quebec
A new baby among family or friends, a baby shower coming up? Here are our ideas for a gift that will really get used, that has character, and that won't end up at the back of a drawer. Plus our tips for getting the size right.
What makes a good baby gift
New parents often receive lots of newborn-size clothes that only fit for a few weeks. A good baby gift is useful, lasts a while, and has a little something personal about it. It also tells a story: the story of the person who chose it.
Before you choose, ask yourself three questions. Will it get used in the coming months? Is it easy to store and care for? Does it reflect the person giving it, even a little? If the answer is yes all three times, you've found your gift.
In Quebec, there's no shortage of occasions: the baby shower before the birth, the first visit to the new parents, the baptism or a party to welcome baby. For each one, here are a few ideas.
A first pair of slippers
Soft slippers are one of baby's very first accessories. They slip into the hospital bag, keep little feet covered at home and, later on, come along for the first steps. Before walking, they aren't essential, as the Canadian Paediatric Society points out: they're a gift of comfort and tenderness. We explain this in Baby's first slippers: when and why to choose them.
Our slippers are handmade from 100% natural cowhide leather, soft and breathable, with a non-slip suede sole and elastic around the ankle. Their colours are water-based, free of chemicals, and they meet NF safety standards. Each pair comes in a cotton pouch: it's ready to give.
For the parents, care is simple: a soft cloth for dust, then a damp cloth, and let them air dry, never near a heat source.
A model with a first name
At Petit Canon, every model has a first name: Timothe, Adèle, Cordélia, Marquise, Léonie… It's the model's name, not a personalization. But it's a lovely way to choose: a model whose name reminds you of a grandmother or a favourite character, or that simply makes you smile.
Each model also has its own original illustration: animals, stars and many other designs, depending on the model. For inspiration, browse the Girls, Boys and Unisex collections.
The baby gift set
For a ready-made gift, consider the baby gift set: the same model in consecutive sizes, to follow baby from one size to the next, with a discount on the price of the pairs. Details and price are on its page.
It's a good solution when you want to give a beautiful set without having to put it all together yourself, or guess when each size will be needed.
The gift card, when you're not sure
You don't know the baby's sex, the parents' tastes or the size they'll need yet? The gift card lets the parents choose the model and size themselves, at the right time. Petit Canon emails it to the recipient on the date you choose, once payment is received. It's also an easy idea for a group gift, among co-workers or friends.
Thinking ahead
A tip: give the next size up. An 18-19 (6 to 12 months) given at birth will be worn when baby starts getting around the house. For an older child, choose the size based on the age they'll be when they wear them.
Our article What size for baby? and the size guide help you get it right. When you're torn between two sizes, go with the larger one.
And if the size doesn't fit, your first size exchange is on us, within of receiving your parcel: see size exchange.
A pair for the older sibling too
On the day of the visit, think of the big brother or big sister. Our soft leather slippers go up to size 31-32, designed for 5 to 6 years: one pair for baby, one for the older sibling, and everyone leaves with a gift. Two matching models, or two different names, depending on their tastes.
The cotton pouch doubles as the first layer of wrapping. Just add a ribbon and a card and the gift is ready to give, and the pouch can then be used to store the slippers or take them along on visits.
Girls, boys or unisex?
Our models are sorted into three collections: Girls, Boys and Unisex. If you don't know the baby's sex, or if the parents would rather not choose, the Unisex collection is the natural choice. And nothing stops you from picking a model from another collection: what matters is that you love it.
Fringed Petit Moccs, in solid colours, are another understated option, from 16-17 to 22-23.
Ordering and delivery
When you order, check “This is a gift” and, if you like, add a gift message: Petit Canon receives it with your order. You can have the gift delivered straight to the parents: enter their address, and include the recipient's name in the order note. The “” option is also offered at checkout:
Expecting a baby yourself? Our baby registry lets you save the models you like, with their size, and share the list with your loved ones.
We ship within Canada, so anywhere in Quebec. Shipping is free on orders of or more. Allow for preparation, then for delivery. For a baby shower on a set date, order a little ahead. All the details are on the Shipping and returns page.
A few ideas for the card
A baby gift is even nicer with a few words. If you're stuck for inspiration:
- “Little slippers for big adventures.”
- “Welcome to the world, little treasure.”
- “For the first steps, and all the ones that follow.”
- “A little softness for tiny feet.”
Key takeaways
- A good baby gift is useful, lasts a while and has a personal touch.
- For a newborn, the 16-17; for later on, the 18-19.
- Not sure about the size? Aim for the age the child will be, and go with the larger of two sizes.
- Check “This is a gift” when you order to include a message.
Source
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Community Paediatrics Committee, Footwear for children, updated July 2022: caringforkids.cps.ca
