Yep, she’s having a baby! Depending on who she is, you’ll probably be invited to a baby shower, and you’ll want to find the perfect gift that reflects your relationship without making you look cheap. If you need a baby shower gift idea, the easiest thing to do is check her baby registry. If you have children, you’ll quickly realize that 90% of the items on her list are likely unnecessary, stemming from an overzealous shopping spree by an expectant mom. If you really want to make an impression, consider purchasing items she genuinely needs.
The problem with most baby shower gift ideas is that they can be somewhat senseless. You might buy cute outfits, bonnets, blankets, and toys that the baby won’t really need. Every mom knows that while cute outfits are great for portraits, life is much easier when a baby is dressed sensibly rather than for the sake of fashion. Moreover, most baby shower gifts cater to the first few months of life, which are often the easiest. So, while the arrangement of gifts may look adorable, little of it is truly usable beyond high-ticket items like cribs, strollers, or high chairs.
Perhaps the best approach is to gather a few friends who are also invited to the shower and pitch in to buy one of the bigger items. Strollers, car seats, cribs, high chairs, and walkers are typically expensive, especially if you want a quality one. If you can contribute to these essentials, you’ll know your money is going toward a worthwhile gift that the new mom can actually use.
If pitching in isn’t an option, consider baby shower gifts that will be useful down the road. During pregnancy and the first few weeks after birth, many people are willing to help out—dropping off formula, doing laundry, and babysitting—more than you really need. However, around the two-month mark, that support often dwindles, and parents can feel overwhelmed. Think about purchasing gifts for those later days: larger-sized diapers, seasonally appropriate baby clothes for the 3-6 month stage, shoes, baby safety equipment like gates or outlet covers, or a selection of sippy cups for when the baby gets older. Buying baby wipes and diapers in bulk (Size 4) is also a smart idea since they will soon be needed and can become a significant expense for the parents. Baby care items like soaps, washcloths, powders, and lotions are also helpful and tend to run out quickly.
Another great baby shower gift idea is to create a medicine cabinet filled with essentials that parents will need when the baby gets sick, many of which they may not have considered. Include baby Tylenol and Motrin, bulb syringes, nasal saline mists, vaporizers (with Vick’s Vapors), heating pads, and baby ice packs. A book on caring for a sick infant and information about common illnesses can provide reassurance, especially during those middle-of-the-night fevers.
When selecting baby shower gifts, don’t forget about mom. A happy mom makes for a happy baby! Once the baby arrives, the needs and desires of moms are often overlooked. Consider including gift certificates for a haircut or manicure, or perhaps a massage a few months later when she’s feeling the stress of motherhood. A gift certificate to her favorite restaurant can also allow the parents to enjoy a night out without worrying about stretching their budget. Share the names of good babysitters and even prepay a few sessions so that mom can occasionally escape the house. While the baby may be outfitted from the pages of a magazine, chances are mom will have little to wear for a while. Scheduling a bra fitting or providing a gift certificate for a women’s boutique can greatly support your friend as she transitions into motherhood. Items like perfume and other self-care products will also be appreciated, as those early months leave little room for pampering.
A baby shower is a lovely celebration of the new life entering the world. While it may be tempting to simply choose something from the registry, adding a personal touch by being thoughtful and considering mom’s needs can lead to lasting gratitude. This approach may also give her something to look forward to during those overwhelming days.
Baby shower gift ideas can be anything you wish to give to a mother, whether for the baby or the family. You’re not limited to a registry. One of the most underrated gifts can be cash. Babies are expensive! Some well-stocked gift cards or extra cash means that mom and dad can buy what they truly need later when they realize much of their registry consists of fluff and filler!
