The Ultimate Guide to the Best Baby Shower Gifts
If your RSVP is a yes, but when it comes to knowing the best baby shower gifts to buy it’s a no – we’re here to help.
I’ve got four kids and have attended, and hosted, dozens of baby showers through the years so I’ve got plenty of thoughts here. New baby accessories are constantly coming to the market and the world of baby stuff is always evolving. But, some classics remain the same.
Whether you’re a seasoned gift-giver or a first-time shower attendee wondering where to begin, you’ve stumbled on the ultimate guide to the “best baby shower gifts.”
So let’s dive right in!
Choosing the Perfect Baby Shower Gift
From adorable onesies to practical diaper bags, the options are endless. But remember, it’s not just about the gift itself. It’s about the sentiment behind it.
Think about what the parents-to-be might need or cherish most during those early days of parenthood. Also, consider if they’ve already got a child or two at home. Their needs might be different with little ones already around.
Maybe it’s something personalized, like a custom-made blanket, or perhaps it’s a bundle of their favorite childhood books to kickstart the baby’s library. Whatever you choose, make sure it comes from the heart
Top Picks for Best Baby Shower Gifts
Essential Baby Gear:
There are some must-haves when it comes to baby geat so this is your chance to bring practical baby shower gifts. We’re talking things like:
Diaper Bag:
The diaper bag is an important gift because it’s going to be going everywhere with mom and dad for a few years. You want to make sure it has enough space to hold and organize diapers, a changing pad, extra clothes, clothes bottles, and everything else.
Since this is used so often, and reflects the family’s style because it’s worn, many new moms want to pick it out themselves. So check the registry for this one.
My favorites are the ones that don’t look like a diaper bag. They look like a stylish tote that just happens to include a changing pad and about a million pockets.
Baby Carrier or Wrap:
A hands-free baby carrier or wrap allows parents to keep their baby close while having their hands free for tasks or simply enjoying cuddle time. My friends always loved the Tula carrier. I never bought one of these because they’re pricey but people swear by them.
I also love the simple cloth slings that hold new babies close to mama’s chest.
Infant Car Seat:
The new parents have to have a car seat so this is an essential gift for the newborn. It can be expensive but it is a must-have. Make sure it adheres to the proper safety standards and is installed correctly. Many local fire stations and hospitals will do a car seat safety check for you for free.
This is a great group gift if you’ve got a couple of ladies who want to go in together and grab something pricier for the expectant parents.
Stroller:
A reliable stroller that suits your lifestyle is a must-have for walks, outings, and errands with your baby. Again, this is a great group gift. I also liked the strollers that had the car seat snap into it.
Baby Bathtub:
A small, safe, and comfortable baby bathtub makes bath time enjoyable and stress-free for both parents and babies.
Baby Swing or Bouncer:
These soothing devices provide a gentle rocking or bouncing motion to help calm fussy babies and provide a moment of relaxation.
Breast Pump (if breastfeeding):
For nursing mothers, a breast pump can be essential for expressing milk and maintaining milk supply, especially if they plan to return to work or need to be away from their baby for periods of time. Check with the new mom beforehand about this because many insurance companies will pay for this. I know my insurance covered it.
Bottles and Formula (if bottle-feeding):
If you’re bottle-feeding your baby, invest in a set of baby bottles, nipples, and formula suitable for your baby’s age and dietary needs.
Baby Feeding Supplies:
High chair or booster seat, bibs, burp cloths, and baby utensils are essential for introducing solid foods and feeding your baby as they grow.
I always loved making my own baby food out of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not every mom has the time to do this so again, I’d check before buying this for mom-to-be.
Baby Health and Grooming Kit:
Include essentials such as a thermometer, nasal aspirator, baby nail clippers, baby-safe lotion, and a baby hairbrush in your grooming kit to keep your baby clean and healthy.
Nursery Necessities:
Baby Bedding:
A crib or bassinet, along with fitted sheets, blankets, and sleep sacks, create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. This is a gift the new mom no doubt wants to carefully pick out herself so make sure you’ve checked the registry and are getting what the family wants.
Diapers and Wipes:
Stock up on diapers in various sizes and a plentiful supply of baby wipes for diaper changes and clean-ups. This doesn’t seem like that exciting of a gift, but diapers are expensive. Sometimes practical baby shower gifts are the best.
Baby Onesies and Bodysuits:
These are the staple outfits for babies that you just have to have. It’s best to choose ones that are comfortable and convenient during diaper changes. Get a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate growth spurts and different weather conditions.
I always like to get a bigger size than newborn because new parents get a lot of newborn items and fewer bigger-sized cloths. Also, they’re not in newborn size very long.
One of my favorite brands is the Magnetic Me company. They utilize magnets instead of zippers or snaps making changing baby simple and fast.
Swaddles and sleepwear
I loved swaddling my babies and am a big proponent of it to get your child to sleep restfully. As they grew out of the swaddle, the sleep sacks were always my favorite. They’re zipped into them, but their arms and hands are free. It’s a blanket that won’t fall off them as they roll around.
Baby Monitor:
Whether audio-only or video, a baby monitor allows parents to keep an eye (and ear) on their baby while they’re in another room. These have gotten better and better through the years.
Sound machine
Along with swaddling, I’m a huge fan of the white noise machine. It’s like having a professional baby shusher in the room. They make them where they’re incorporated into a night light. They also make some for when the kids are older. A green light will come on when the child is allowed to get out of bed. Until then, they need to stay in bed. We used this with my kids and it worked well! m
Thoughtful Keepsakes:
Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received were also the most thoughtful ones.
Monogrammed items
I loved anything monogrammed or that included my child’s name on it. It’s so fun to see the baby’s name that you’ve dreamed about for so long, actually printed or sewn onto a gift. It makes it extra thoughtful.
These gifts can include custom-made blankets, photo albums, and milestone markers.
Stuffed animal made from grandparent’s clothing
I also adored the gift my friend was given recently at her shower. It’s pictured above. It’s a stuffed animal teddy bear made from the great-grandpa’s old jacket. How cool is that?
Framed letter to new baby
Perhaps my favorite gift ever though, is to have the father-to-be secretly write a letter to the new baby. Then frame the letter in a shadow box. The mom opens it and reads the letter for the first time at the shower. Items like booties and the hospital bracelet can be added later on and the shadow box can sit in the nursery.
My friend gave this gift years ago and it was the most beautiful and emotional moment of the baby shower. I’ve since copied the idea and given this gift at numerous baby showers. It’s really beautiful to new the new mama reading the letter for the first time. What a special keepsake for the baby to have as he or she gets older.
Newborn Photography Session
So often the new mom is the one behind the camera and rarely gets pics with the new baby. This is a precious and fleeting time why not capture it with a sweet newborn photography session?
This could be a great gift idea for a new mom who loves sweet pictures. Sometimes researching and finding a good photographer and getting all the information can be a pain for a new mom trying to enjoy her little one. You could take away the stress by doing it for her.
Subscription Services:
Rather than offering a one-time present, subscription services provide the gift of ongoing fun. Whether it’s a monthly delivery of educational toys, a curated selection of children’s books, or even a diaper subscription, these services offer parents a consistent source of support and enrichment as they navigate the early stages of parenthood.
Be sure to encourage the new mom to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. If you’re in an eligible area, your child will receive a new book to keep each month. They will send the books monthly until the child goes to kindergarten. How great is that? And you can tell people you’re getting mail from Dolly Parton!
Gifts for sleepy time
Anything that helps baby sleep is a great gift. If you’re a mom yourself, and have something that has worked for you, let new mom know about it. I’ve already listed noise machines and swaddles. Pacifiers are also great gifts. My favorite was always the Wubbanub pacifiers with an animal attached to it.
It’s a lovey and a paci in one.
We told our kids as they got older that one day, the green pacifier part would fall off and go away. It was signify they were getting older. They would get to keep the stuffed animal lovely forever, but the paci wasn’t needed as they got older.
It was always exciting, and a little sad, when each of their paci’s fell off. It helped them make the transition of letting paci go a little easier.
My favorite books for teaching my kids about sleep are 12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks Old” and “Happiest Baby on The Block.” I did a blend of those two when sleep training my babies and they’re all 4 excellent sleepers even to this day.
Favorite Books
I love giving books to new little ones. There are so many sweet classics out there and reading to your baby is crucial for brain development. They’re never too young to read to and it’s important to start early.
DIY Gifts:
I’m a DIY gal so a home-made gift speaks right to my love language. If you’re a crafty person this is an opportunity to make something unique the parents will treasure.
I recently made the diaper cake (pictured above) for my friend’s baby shower and I thought it came out super cute!
Group Gifting:
I love the idea of pooling resources and going in on a bigger group gift. Items like strollers, car seats, and cribs are pricey. If several of you go in together it’s much more manageable.
FAQs
Q. How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
A. This really depends. Some of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever seen haven’t been pricey at all. Don’t break the bank here. Go for something thoughtful and special that the new parents will appreciate.
Q. What should I consider when choosing a baby shower gift?
A: Consider the parents’ lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Think about practicality, sentimental value, and whether the gift will be useful for the baby’s development.
Q. What are some essential baby shower gifts that every parent will appreciate?
A: Essential baby gear such as strollers, car seats, diaper bags, and baby carriers are always appreciated. Additionally, practical items like bottles, pacifiers, swaddle blankets, and diapers are often considered must-haves.
Q: Are there any budget-friendly baby shower gift ideas?
A: Yes! DIY gifts, group gifting options, and purchasing gently used baby items can all be budget-friendly alternatives. You can also consider smaller, thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank, such as books, bath products, or handmade items.
Q: Should I stick to items on the baby registry, or can I choose something unique?
A: While sticking to the baby registry ensures that you’re purchasing something the parents specifically want or need, choosing a unique gift that reflects your relationship with the parents-to-be can also be meaningful. Just make sure the gift is practical or sentimental and aligns with their tastes and lifestyle.
Q: What are some popular sentimental baby shower gift ideas?
A: Sentimental gifts can include personalized items like engraved jewelry, custom-made blankets or clothing, or photo albums. You can also consider creating a memory book or keepsake box for the baby to cherish as they grow older.
Q: How can I make my baby shower gift stand out?
A: Consider adding a personal touch, such as including a heartfelt handwritten note or wrapping the gift creatively.
Choosing a unique or unexpected item that the parents may not have thought of can also make your gift memorable.
Q: Are there any subscription services or gift sets specifically designed for baby showers?
A: Yes! There are numerous subscription boxes tailored to babies and new parents, offering items such as diapers, clothing, toys, or books delivered regularly.
Additionally, many retailers offer curated gift sets featuring a selection of baby essentials.
Q: Is it okay to give secondhand or gently used baby items as gifts?
A: Absolutely! As long as the items are clean, safe, and in good condition, secondhand baby items can be a sustainable and budget-friendly gift option. Just be sure to consider the parents’ preferences and any specific items they may have requested.
My former pastor’s wife, who was invited to a million baby showers, used to do this all the time. She would wrap up something sweet her children had worn, or a toy they had gently loved. She’d then tell the story about the item and why they had wanted the new baby to now have it. It was sweet and sentimental, and it didn’t cost her anything. I still have the little white dress she passed along to my daughter.
I also love the idea of giving something to the mom or dad to be used to own or love as a child. The jammies pictured above belonged to my friend’s husband when he was an infant. His mom included it with her baby shower gift.
Conclusion
This is such a special time in Mama to be’s life. Take the time to let her know she’s loved and that her new little one is loved as well. Remember, it’s not about the cost of the gift, it’s the love that went into giving it.
Let me know if you’ve come across any special baby shower gifts that I should include here. I’d love to add it to my list!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
