So, you've just received an invite to a baby shower, and you have no idea what to buy! Buying gifts for friends can be tricky, and it's even trickier for their impending bundle of joy. Do you go with something cute like a toy or an outfit, or something useful like a baby carrier or changing bag?
Deciding on the right baby shower gift really comes down to a couple of things. First of all, the expectant parents themselves. Often, they will have strong preferences when it comes to the bigger buys like a stroller or crib - so unless they have a registry where they mention a specific item, it's best to leave these purchases to them.
Take into consideration what they would appreciate as a new parent. Do they care about design, or are they more eco-conscious? Perhaps they're both! Their interests can help you to find meaningful baby shower gifts - or baby shower ideas if planning the event has also landed in your lap.
Second, you may want to choose a gender-specific gift if the parents have already announced whether they are having a boy or a girl. This is a question of preference, as some parents might still prefer gender-neutral gifts.
If you need a little inspiration, below are some of the most popular baby shower gifts, from blankets to baby bouncers.
Quality over quantity is a good mantra when it comes to toys. You don't need to spend a fortune on an all-singing-all-dancing toy, and parents don't want hundreds of unwanted toys lying around. Rattles and baby mobiles are examples of functional toys that are both budget-friendly and beautifully made.
Baby gyms make excellent and handy gifts. These soft mats include hanging toys that help the baby's cognitive development by introducing them to different colors, textures, and sounds.
It could be that you choose a toy that's intended for use when the baby is older. Stacking toys and building blocks support the development of hand-eye coordination and motor skills while encouraging creativity and imagination.
While it's often safer to leave the bigger buys to the parents, there are still many accessories they'll be grateful to receive. A sturdy baby carrier, some spare pacifiers, and a changing bag are all practical baby shower gifts that will make a new parent's life easier.
Baby wraps initiate bonding between parent and baby while holding little ones safe and supported. Keep the baby's more sensitive skin in mind and choose a fabric like organic cotton that is light and breathable.
Bouncing helps the baby to self soothe while giving parents the opportunity for some "me time" - like a longed-for shower or several uninterrupted bites of food! A baby bouncer is perfect for hands-free sitting and soothing. They're usable from birth until the baby is around six months old, so they make the ideal baby shower gift.
A snuggly blanket is often a baby's first love. They can be used during cuddle time or in the car to replace a bulky coat. The first thing to consider is the material - a lighter blanket will be better suited to the warmer months, whereas a heavier blanket is better for colder weather. A cotton blanket is a safe bet - it's comfortable and breathable but also provides good insulation.
A muslin cloth is arguably the handiest baby shower gift, and most parents of newborns say they can't own enough. They can be used for nearly everything, from swaddling to burping, nursing to tummy time. They're even great as a carriage cover. They're a versatile, affordable gift that will undoubtedly get plenty of use.
It's not unusual to change a newborn's clothes up to five times a day (give or take a few!). And so the more outfits, the merrier, for parents of a young baby. Plenty of onesies are essential as they are easy to change in and out of. Onesies that zip open and closed are helpful as trying to button up a squirming baby can be challenging.
Depending on the time of year, you can gift seasonal accessories like a winter coverall for chilly months or cotton hats for the summer. As with toys, you can buy garments intended for use when the baby is older. For example, if it's a summer baby, buy a winter coat for 6-9 months so they can grow into it.
If you can't choose between the baby shower gift ideas above, why not create your own bundle of gifts? You could even throw in a gift for the expectant parents like a massage gift card for mom or a book of stories for dad to read to baby at bedtime. Simply fill a basket with a selection of items and wrap it up nicely. Putting a little effort into the presentation makes even lower-budget gifts feel special.
Ready to start looking for that perfect baby shower gift? Browse Babyshop's full selection of baby shower gift ideas.
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