The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

You’re excited for your friend or relative to have a baby and you want to do something special for them to celebrate. After all, newborns are expensive and time consuming! 

In fact, it’s common for new parents to be overwhelmed with the process of getting ready for their little one. But what do you get them? A onesie? An adorable set of mittens? A swaddle blanket? Well, yes, those things would be great gifts too. 

My Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts to Give & Receive
Takeaways
Choosing the perfect baby shower gift can be challenging, but narrowing down your options and considering the parents’ needs and preferences can help.
Personalized baby gifts make a lasting impression and show that you put thought and effort into the present.
Practical gifts like baby clothes, diapers, and baby hygiene products are always appreciated and useful.
Sentimental baby gifts like photo albums and memory boxes create long-lasting memories and hold emotional value.
Wrapping the baby shower gift shows that you put effort into the presentation and makes the gift more attractive.

It’s Practical

When buying a gift for a new mom, you want to think about the practicality of your purchase. It should be something that she can use every day, and it should also be something that will last for many years to come.

It’s also important that your gift not end up sitting in a closet somewhere as soon as the baby shower is over. If it’s not useful or if there are other things in the house which already do what your present does better, then there may end up being no real need for it at all.

For example: if you buy someone a bottle warmer because they said their house doesn’t have any (and they didn’t already own one), then chances are good that they’ll be returning it shortly after receiving it!

Finally and this is super important you want to make sure that your gift is actually usable by everyone in the family! When buying for babies and toddlers who aren’t yet walking around on their own yet just yet (or even when buying stuff for older kids), keep in mind how much space there might be available inside those homes before deciding where exactly these items should go so as not to block paths unnecessarily

To personalize baby gifts, you need to be creative and focused. Learn how to create gifts that can make a lasting memory via our guide on personalized baby gifts and make your gift-giving stand out.

It Solves A Problem

Giving a gift that solves a problem is the perfect way to make sure your friends and family feel appreciated without breaking the bank. It’s also a great way to show them how much you care about their new little one!

If you’re thinking about what kinds of items are appropriate for this type of gift, keep these things in mind:

  • The gift should be something they didn’t register for. If it’s something they’ve already put on their registry, then it’s unlikely that they’ll need or want anything else from there.
  • The gift should be helpful in some way either by providing practical assistance or simply making life easier for mom and dad once baby arrives (for example, whether or not they decide to breastfeed).
  • The item should be something that wouldn’t normally cross their mind as being necessary but would come in handy once baby arrives (like diapers when mom didn’t have time to buy them before labor).

Top Solutions for Common Parenting Problems

Parenting ProblemSolution
Difficulty breastfeedingMedela Symphony Breast Pump
Fussy baby who won’t sleepHappiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper
Limited mobility when carrying babyErgobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
Fear of losing baby while travelingAngelcare AC517 Baby Movement Monitor
Messy and time-consuming feeding processBaby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser
Trouble calming fussy babyFisher-Price Deluxe Cradle ‘n Swing

Note: Brand names are recommended based on their reputation and effectiveness to solve common parenting problems. However, other brands may also provide reliable solutions.

It’s Something They Registered For

The most important thing to consider when choosing a baby shower gift is the parents’ registry. If you have time, it would be helpful to check out their registries and see what they’ve registered for already. 

This will give you an idea of what kinds of things they need or want, since most items on the registry can only go toward a specific item (you can’t use your money to buy diapers if they’re already registered for them). 

You might also want to check for any notes about specific items, brands, colors and sizes as well as materials for example: “This stuffed animal has sentimental value,” “We don’t like yellow” or “We’re hoping this newborn outfit fits our son.”

It’s also important not just because it saves time but also because it shows thoughtfulness on your part! Plus there’s nothing nicer than receiving something that someone else knows would make me happy instead of getting random odds and ends off my registry (even though those are nice too).

As a thoughtful guest, you want to find baby shower gifts that will be loved and appreciated. Check out our gift guide on top picks for baby shower gifts to find the perfect present that will make the parents-to-be grateful and happy.

It’s Something They Didn’t Register For

If you’re wondering what to get as a baby shower gift, but the couple has already registered for all the things they need, then you’re in luck! 

Buying them something they didn’t register for is one of the best ways to show that you’re paying attention and that you care enough about them to take time out of your busy life to find just the right thing. 

You’ll also be helping them avoid having duplicate items around their home, which will make it feel more personal when guests drop by and see some of those cute little things on display.

And if there’s anything better than making someone smile? It’s seeing their child grow up happy because he or she had a good start in life thanks to your kindness!

Table: Perfect Baby Shower Gifts They Didn’t Register For

GiftDescriptionBrand
Baby Keepsake LibraryA set of 50 cards for capturing baby’s first milestones and memoriesLucy Darling
Baby Carrier WrapA hands-free and comfortable way to carry babyBoba
Baby Bathrobe and Slippers SetSoft and absorbent bathrobe and slippers for babyHudson Baby
Baby Skincare Essentials Gift SetA collection of organic and hypoallergenic baby skincare productsBurt’s Bees Baby
Baby Play Mat GymA soft and safe place for baby to play and exerciseSkip Hop
Baby Memory BookA customizable and beautiful diary for recording baby’s first yearC.R. Gibson

Note: While finding gifts that are not on the registry can be challenging, these unique gifts are sure to make an impression and provide lasting memories. Brand names are recommended based on their reputation and effectiveness, but other brands may also provide reliable solutions.

It’s Something They Can Use As They Grow

Another thing to consider is whether or not the gift you’re thinking of purchasing will be something that can grow with your baby. “Think about things like clothing,” says Weiss-Wolf. 

“It’s not just about getting a cute outfit, but one that can last through all stages of development.” In other words, don’t get something that’s only going to fit for a few months—or worse, only weeks because it’s cute.

If you aren’t sure what gender the baby is yet (this is especially common if people are throwing a surprise shower), Weiss-Wolf recommends steering clear of buying clothes or shoes.”You don’t want someone opening up an outfit and then having it sit in their closet because they had no use for it,” she says.  

If you really want to buy an item that may not fit right away but could later on down the line (for example: blankets), try asking mommy friends who have been there before what they suggest as far as size goes.

Do you want to give a unique and memorable baby shower gift? Get inspired by our list of 11 unique baby shower gift ideas that will wow the new parents and set your present apart from the rest.

It’s A Meaningful Keepsake

A baby shower gift is something that is not only practical, but will last for years to come. It’s a keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation a piece of history and tradition, if you will. 

And since there are so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start or what type of gift would be the most meaningful for your friend or family member who has just welcomed their first child.

You want a gift that says “I care about you and your family” without being too sentimental (even though it might make them cry). 

You want them to think: “Wow! I didn’t realize how much this person actually thought about us! They really get me!”

 Meaningful Keepsake Baby Shower Gifts

GiftDescriptionBrand
Personalized Name BlanketA soft and warm blanket with the baby’s name embroidered on itPersonalization Mall
Baby Handprint and Footprint KitA kit for creating and framing a lasting impression of the baby’s hands and feetBubzi Co
Baby Memory Shadow BoxA customizable box for displaying and preserving baby’s keepsakes and mementosLittle Hippo
Baby Milestone BlanketA soft blanket with milestone markers for capturing baby’s growth and milestonesGrowthChart Art
Baby Photo AlbumA beautiful and customizable photo album for storing and displaying baby’s photosPearhead
Baby Time CapsuleA collection of letters and items that will be opened at a significant later datePotter Gifts

Note: Meaningful keepsakes are cherished for years to come and are perfect for special occasions like baby showers. Brand names are recommended based on their reputation and effectiveness, but other brands may also provide reliable solutions.

It’s Something The Parents Need

So, what is the perfect baby shower gift?

It’s one that you would want for yourself (and preferably one that you can’t return).

Here’s how to get it right:

Check with the parents to make sure they’re registered for it. If they are, great! Throw away your list of gift ideas and go pick out something from their registry. If not, go back to your list; there’s no need to register for a bunch of stuff if they don’t want or need it. 

And definitely don’t buy them anything that isn’t on their registry it doesn’t matter if they have been married for 20 years or just got engaged last week they will still be grateful either way!

From classic to creative baby shower gift ideas, our baby shower gift guide covers them all. Get inspired and find the perfect gift for the baby shower that you’re attending!

It’s Something The Baby Needs To Wear Or Play With Right Away

Baby needs to wear something. They need to be fed, entertained, loved and held. Babies are born with a lot of needs, so it’s important that the gift you give take care of one or more of these needs immediately.

Baby clothes are a good choice because they get dirty very quickly and new ones will most likely be needed in the near future. Baby toys are also good because babies have short attention spans and enjoy variety in their play time activities. 

Some parents prefer not to buy plastic toys for their children as they believe that these types of toys can harm their health by causing breathing problems and other associated conditions like allergies or asthma later on down the road (if at all). 

If this is something you’re concerned about too then perhaps skip out on buying anything made out of plastic material!

If possible try finding an item that grows with your child such as a stroller or car seat which allows them room enough grow into once they’re big enough; otherwise just look out for something that has adjustable straps so it’ll last longer than what would usually come standard with any given product (and save money as well!).

It’s Fun And Unique

Novelty items are a great choice for baby shower gifts. They’re fun and unique, and they’ll be something the parents will actually want to give out to guests at their next baby shower.

Novelty items come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits the personality of your giftee perfectly. If you’ve never been to one of these parties before, you may not know what’s typical or expected but novelty items are always welcome!

It Shows You “Get” The Parents-To-Be.

You can never go wrong by getting a gift that shows you “get” the parents-to-be. There are so many ways to do this, but here are some ideas:

Get something that fits into their taste and style. You know your friend’s love for all things gold, or maybe you know your sister has been wanting to paint her baby’s nursery yellow. A personalized gift is one way to show that you’ve put thought into the present.

Get something they’ll want to use. The best gifts aren’t just fun and functional—they’re fun and functional! For example, if the couple is expecting triplets (or even quadruplets), splurge on two or three of these maternity gowns instead of only one because they’ll definitely need extra onesies in rotation (and who knows what else might come up).

You Put Some Extra Thought Into It

It’s not just a gift card, or something they can’t use. You’ve thought about the parents and what they need and want, and you’ve picked out a thoughtful present that shows them you care about their baby as well as themselves. 

A gift like this is thoughtful because it shows that you care enough to make an effort; if they don’t have room for another stroller or swing in their house, then this isn’t going to be much help but there are lots of other things you could choose! 

There are lots of ways to show your love for a new family member without giving them something totally impractical (or completely unnecessary).

Conclusion

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing the perfect shower gift for your friend or family member. It can be tough, but don’t feel like you need to go big on this one! There are plenty of great ideas out there that won’t cost an arm and a leg (or two). 

Remember: it’s all about thoughtful gifts that show your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to help you with choosing the perfect baby shower gift:

The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Baby Shower Gift: A comprehensive guide that will help you find the perfect baby shower gift for any situation.

22 Baby Shower Gift Ideas: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gift: A list of creative and practical baby shower gift ideas that will make the new parents happy.

How to Choose the Best Baby Shower Gifts: A helpful guide that provides tips and inspiration to find the best baby shower gift that suits the baby and parents.

FAQs

What are some good baby shower gift ideas?

Some good baby shower gift ideas are personalized blankets, baby clothes, nursing covers, baby carriers, strollers, and baby hygiene products.

How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?

The amount you spend on a baby shower gift depends on factors like your budget and your relationship with the parents-to-be. On average, people spend between $25 to $50 on a baby shower gift.

Is it better to buy a practical or sentimental baby shower gift?

Both practical and sentimental baby shower gifts have their advantages. Practical gifts are useful and usually last longer, while sentimental gifts hold emotional relevance and create long-lasting memories.

How can I ensure that the baby shower gift is safe for the baby?

It’s wise to do thorough research on the manufacturer, read reviews, and get recommendations before buying a baby shower gift. Also, consider checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety guidelines and recalls.

Should I wrap the baby shower gift?

Yes, wrapping the baby shower gift shows that you put effort and thought into the presentation. It’s also a standard practice and makes the gift more attractive and exciting to open.