A baby shower is a special celebration held in honour of an expectant parent or couple, typically before the birth of their child. It is a joyful gathering where family members, friends, and loved ones come together to express their love, support, and well wishes for the parents-to-be. Since babies need a lot of goods that are often expensive, the purpose of this occasion is to shower the expectant parents with gifts, usually baby essentials, to help them prepare for the arrival of their newborn.

If you’re attending a baby shower and want to gift something truly meaningful and useful, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore a handpicked selection of practical baby shower gifts that every parent needs.

Practical Gift Ideas

Depending on the amount of money you are willing to spend and the type of gift you want to buy, we’ve prepared a list of the most essential items new parents need. Some options are more budget-friendly, and some are in the more expensive range, but the choice is entirely up to you.

Toys

Toys can be an excellent gift for expectant parents because sooner or later they will need to acquire them for their bub. While the baby might not play with them immediately, they will eventually reach an age when toys will be an important part of their development and playtime. When shopping it’s best to purchase engaging toys for newborn babies that are safe, durable, fun, and appropriate for infants. There’s a wide range of baby toys such as dolls, rattles, stuffed animals, musical toys, and more. Also, there are developmental options that promote specific skills such as fine motor skills, problem-solving, or sensory exploration. Make sure you select toys for newborn playtime that are toxin-free and without small parts that could pose a choking hazard. That said, it is highly recommended to make your purchase from reputable and trustworthy stores.

Baby Essentials Gift Basket

For a practical and budget-friendly gift, create a curated kit filled with essential items like diapers, wipes, lotion, onesies, bibs, burp cloths, and baby toiletries. Arrange them in a nicely wrapped basket or a stylish container to present a thoughtful and useful gift. This will provide new parents with the everyday necessities they’ll need, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the journey of parenthood.

Clothes

Baby attire is not only a popular but an extremely essential gift for showers. Newborns go through multiple items of clothing a day due to feeding, diaper changes, and occasional accidents. Having an assortment of baby clothes ensures that parents have an adequate supply of clean outfits on hand. When purchasing clothes, consider the climate, material, and proper size. Buying a larger size is recommended as babies grow out of clothes quickly. Baby clothes usually come in a variety of style options, colours, and designs. You can opt for cute onesies, cozy pajamas, adorable dresses, or stylish outfits.

Blanket

Another gift that is useful and highly versatile is a baby blanket. There are countless types and uses of baby blankets, such as swaddling the newborn, burping, using it as a breastfeeding cover, a play mat, a tummy time mat, for shade and many more useful practices. Additionally, a baby blanket can be preserved and used even after the little one is grown up, serving them as a childhood keepsake that they cherish. That said, you should consider getting a quality muslin swaddle blanket that’s easy to clean. They’re extremely soft, organically made and come in neutral prints and colours.

Diaper Bag

A diaper bag is a practical and thoughtful gift that helps new parents stay organized and prepared while on the go with their little one. Babies require plenty of accessories and having a functional bag with lots of pockets is a must for parents. With lots of different diaper bags on the market, find one that matches the parents’ lifestyle, preferences, and needs. You can choose a modern backpack or a bag that can be attached to the stroller – the possibilities are endless.

Carrier or a Sling

A baby carrier or a sling can be a wonderful gift for a baby shower, offering numerous benefits to both parents and their bub. This is an ideal gift for active parents as it will give them the freedom to do their usual day-to-day errands while also holding their kid. Moreover, newborns like to be snug and cozy so putting them in a carrier or sling close to mum or dad will provide them a calming and soothing experience. Also, the close physical contact will allow the baby to feel the parent’s warmth and heartbeat, creating a strong bond and emotional connection.

Baby Monitor

This option is an obvious and highly convenient gift that every parent needs. Perhaps they won’t use it in the beginning as the baby will sleep closer to the mother, but when transitioning into a crib or during nap times, a baby monitor will provide the new parents with a piece of mind and a sense of security. When choosing a baby monitor as a gift, consider factors such as the monitor’s range, video and audio quality, ease of use, and additional features. Opt for a reliable and reputable brand that offers good reviews and customer support. While there are affordable options available, keep in mind that some advanced models with additional functionalities can be more expensive.

Should Baby Shower Gifts Be for Mum or Baby?

Baby shower gifts traditionally focus on items for the baby, because by doing so you’re helping out the mother. However, it can also be thoughtful to include gifts for the mum. Both options have their advantages and ultimately the choice depends on the preferences, and needs of the parents-to-be, and your relationship with them.

Is It Acceptable to Give Money as a Baby Shower Gift?

Cash gifts are never a bad idea, especially in cases when you don’t know what the parents need or already have. Money can help them navigate the transition into parenthood more smoothly and give them the freedom to use it for different purposes. If you choose to give money as a baby shower gift, consider presenting it in a creative and thoughtful manner. For example, you can include a heartfelt card and put the money in a unique box or envelope to add a personal touch. On the other hand, if they already have a baby registry, we recommend getting them something from there.

To Wrap Things Up

Selecting the right gift for a baby shower can be an overwhelming and challenging task. That’s why, we hope that our comprehensive list of practical baby shower gifts helped you to find the ideal one and answered some of the questions you might have had. From essential baby care items like diapers, wipes, clothes, and toys to convenient gear such as carriers and baby monitors, we covered a wide range of necessities that will ease the lives of new parents and shower them with love.