Which baby shower gifts are best?
When attending a baby shower, you should never turn up empty-handed unless the invite states "no gifts." The trouble is picking out the right baby shower gift, especially if there isn't a registry to guide you in the right direction.
Babies need so much gear that there's no shortage of gift options. Plus, you can choose gifts that are specifically for the parent to help them through those trying newborn weeks.
Still, it's natural to need inspiration when picking a baby shower gift, especially if you don't have kids or it's been a long time since you parented a baby.
What gifts are given at baby showers?
If you're wondering where to start, consider the types of gifts given at baby showers in a broad way before moving onto specifics. Once you know roughly what type of gift you want to give, it will be easier to narrow it down to a single item.
Toys
Teething toys, loveys, soft toys, play centers, and any other toys for babies are all great choices. Even if the baby won't be interested in it for the first few months of their lives, time flies with newborns, and parents appreciate receiving items that will be useful down the line.
Clothing
Clothing is a safe bet at a baby shower. Parents always need more basics like rompers and bodysuits. However, if you want to buy something more special, nobody can resist an adorable, tiny outfit. If they're a winter baby, also consider things like coats and snowsuits, which are often overlooked.
Parents tend to be overwhelmed with newborn and zero- to three-month clothes when their baby has just been born and people are buying gifts, but lack larger outfits. Consider buying some three- to six-month garments, as they'll appreciate having some clothes their baby can grow into.
Books
If the expectant parent is a book lover, they'll be happy to receive books for their babies. Simple board books are great for little ones, but if you have a favorite slightly longer children's book, it's fine to give it. After all, the parents will be the ones reading the books for the foreseeable future.
Practical baby gear
These are all the practical items that are necessary but not always particularly cute or fun. Think diapers, wipes, diaper bags, changing pads, and burp cloths if you're on a modest budget. Big-ticket practical items include cribs, bassinets, strollers, and nursing chairs.
Gifts for parents
Of course, the parent or parents in question are excited for their new arrival and want to receive gifts for them, but they're not going to be mad about receiving gifts just for themselves. Comfy clothing and meal delivery kits are likely to be gratefully received by tired new parents. If you're buying for someone who's giving birth, postpartum kits can offer relief.
How to choose a gift for a baby shower
Check if there's a registry
If there's a gift registry for the baby shower you're attending, this is the first place you should look for gifts. Registries prevent parents from receiving multiples and having to return them. You’ll likely be told about any registry that exists by the person organizing the shower; otherwise, it's safe to assume there isn't one.
Ask about preferences
When there's no registry, it's fine to ask about preferences or what items are needed. It's best to go to the organizer with these questions rather than the person who the shower's being thrown for. Even if you don't get any specific recommendations, you might find out whether the parents prefer bright or neutral items, toys over practical items, or any other personal preferences.
Go gender-neutral
Even if you know the sex of the baby, it's safer to stick with gender-neutral options. You don't know whether the parents are fans of certain colors of clothing, and the baby’s comfort comes first and foremost. Also note that gender-neutral doesn't have to mean white, beige, gray, or yellow. There are all kinds of bold hues and designs that work, such as designs featuring tacos, nautical prints, and woodland creatures.
Consider the season
Think about the time of year the baby is due and choose gifts accordingly. You might see the cutest snow boots for newborns, for instance, but if the baby's due in July, they'll never get used. Some fabrics are better suited to summer or winter, as well as items such as baby carriers and stroller seats.
Best baby shower gifts
Baby shower gifts under $25
Hudson Baby 4-Pack Bees Burp Cloth Set
Burp cloths might not seem like the most exciting gift, but they're extremely useful for newborns and it's practically impossible to have too many. Each cloth in this four-pack has a different but equally adorable bee-related design.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
Everywhere Babies Board Book by Susan Meyers and Marla Frazee
This adorable book celebrates the magic of babies and features a diverse range of families. Not only is it gorgeously illustrated, but it's also beautifully paced and a pleasure to read for such a simple book. It's one parents won't mind being asked to read every bedtime for years to come.
Sold by Amazon
Hudson Baby Cotton Sleeveless Bodysuits
Bodysuits are worn under basically any outfit and even on their own in warmer months, so parents can't receive too many. This pack of five is available in a range of designs, featuring tacos, sharks, rabbits, and cacti, to name a few.
Sold by Amazon
Baby Einstein Curiosity Clutch Sensory Toy
Suitable from ages three months and up, the new baby will soon grow into this toy. It features seven sensory pieces that babies can grab, twist, pop, and press, introducing them to various sounds, shapes, and colors early in life.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby
Lil Fox Portable Baby Changing Pad
Diaper changes can't be neatly scheduled, but this changing pad makes them easier to carry out whenever and wherever necessary. The waterproof pad has two pockets attached: one to hold a pack of wipes and one to hold up to five diapers.
Sold by Amazon
Baby shower gifts $25 to $50
Burt's Bees Parent and Baby Gift Sets
You can choose from a number of gift sets, some of which feature products for parents or parents-to-be, some for babies, and others for both parent and baby. These products are responsibly sourced and made predominantly from natural ingredients, so they're gentle on delicate skin.
Sold by Amazon
Kindred Bravely Tulip Hem Maternity & Nursing Pajamas
In those difficult first few weeks, parents won't find much time to worry about what to wear, so they'll appreciate having these comfortable and practical pajamas on hand. Not only are they soft with a wide, gentle waistband, they're easy to nurse in if needed.
Sold by Amazon
Charlie Banana One-Size Reusable Cloth Diaper, Cactus Print
Anyone planning to use cloth diapers will be happy to have extras, especially one as cute as this cactus print offering. You get one diaper plus two inserts, and it's designed for babies and toddlers from 0 to 36 months.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby
Mama & Wish Labor and Postpartum Care Package
Although not all parents give birth to their children and others don't give birth vaginally, those who do will appreciate this postpartum essentials kit. The needs of the parent can sometimes be forgotten in the excitement of a new baby, but this kit contains care products to help with common issues after a vaginal birth.
Sold by Amazon
Vulli Sophie la Girafe Teething Toy
This popular teething toy is made using natural rubber from the heva tree and food paint, so it's totally safe for babies to put in their mouths. It's gentle on the gums and free from BPA and phthalates.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
Skip Hop Grab & Go Stroller Organizer
Strollers generally have plenty of underseat storage, but it's not always easy to dig through it to find what's needed. Parents will love the fact that this stroller organizer provides space to keep more items in easy reach, such as phones and water bottles.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby
Spacious and stylish, this backpack diaper bag is more convenient for many parents to carry around compared to a standard shoulder diaper bag. There's plenty of room inside for baby essentials, plus pockets for easy access.
Sold by Amazon
Baby shower gifts $50 to $100
Hatch Rest+ Baby Sound Machine
The Hatch Rest+ acts as a two-way audio monitor, a nightlight, and a sound machine to help babies sleep through the night. Not only is it useful for infants, but it's great for toddlers and kids too, so the recipient will potentially get years of use from it.
Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
VTech VM819-2 Video Baby Monitor
This video baby monitor helps give parents peace of mind since they can keep an eye on their infants even when not in the room. It has excellent night vision, a temperature sensor, and two-way audio.
Sold by Amazon
Fisher-Price Animal Wonders Jumperoo
Suitable for use as soon as babies can hold their head up independently, this baby bouncer provides stimulation for babies while giving parents a break for a moment. As babies jump, they see and hear lights, sounds, and music.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
Aden + Anais Silky Soft Dream Blanket
Soft, lightweight, and breathable with a choice of gorgeous designs, this blanket isn't cheap but it's one that a parent will cherish. The designs are beautiful yet understated and include a celestial motif, jungle animals, and golden suns.
Sold by Amazon
Baby shower gifts over $100
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
This popular travel system includes a stroller and an infant car seat. It's a versatile choice that can be configured in six ways to best suit the needs of the baby. It's suitable for use from birth.
Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
DaVinci Gabby Pillowback Swivel Glider
If you're looking to splurge on a baby shower gift, this swivel glider chair is an excellent gift. It swivels 360 degrees and glides gently back and forth so parents can more easily soothe their baby and feed them in comfort.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
4Moms MamaRoo 4 Classic Multi-Motion Baby Swing
It might be a splurge, but parents swear by the MamaRoo for soothing their babies. It can rock in a range of motions, including one that simulates the motion of a car ride, helping to lull fussy babies to sleep.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
With a newborn, it can be hard to eat so much as a microwave burrito, let alone a nutritious meal. Splendid Spoon delivers a range of nutritionally balanced meals, including soups and noodle bowls that need nothing more than a few minutes in the microwave.
Sold by Splendid Spoon
FAQ
Q. How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
A. This largely depends on your budget and your relationship with the recipient. It's fine to spend under $20 on a gift when you're on a low budget or the shower is for a new colleague, friend's cousin, or someone else you don't know well.
On the other hand, you may spend several hundred dollars on a big-ticket item for a close family member or good friend if you have the spare money to do so. Ultimately, there's no right or wrong amount to spend. Put some thought into your gift and it's sure to be appreciated.
Q. Are you supposed to wrap baby shower gifts?
A. Generally speaking, you should wrap them unless the invite explicitly asks you not to. At "display showers," guests are asked to simply put a bow or ribbon on their gift so the recipient can see what they've received. This saves time, as there's no need for guests to sit around and watch while the parent-to-be opens their gifts. However, unless it's stated otherwise, assume you should wrap your gift.
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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