We have compiled a comprehensive guide on baby shower gifts. Whether you are the mom-to-be, her best friend, or a shower guest you will find everything you need to know in this guide to baby shower gifts. For the mom-to-be we have compiled a list of items you must include on your registry. For the best friends, the baby shower planners we have some useful tips on unique baby shower gifts ideas. And, for shower guests we tell you how to step up the usual, straight from the registry gifts.
Baby Shower Gifts – What Should You Ask For
What makes baby shower gifts unique is that they generally come right off a list that you created yourself. A baby shower registry may take some of the surprise out of the gift opening process but, creating a great registry wish list is the best way to ensure you receive items essential for new baby and (hopefully) avoid those that are not quite in line with your taste. To get started on creating a great registry browse through the list of essential items we have compiled and broken into categories
Nursery Items
Big Ticket
Don’t be afraid to throw some big ticket items on your list; think mom, dad, in-laws, siblings, and other family members
- Baby Cribs
- Baby Crib Mattress
- Dresser
- Changing Table
Fun Stuff
These are items that you will fawn over at your shower and invitees will be happy to gift these; moderately priced these items will be available for the majority of your non-relative guests
- Mobile
- Decorations
- Rug
- Lighting
Essential Stuff
These items could be considered boring as gifts but, are generally inexpensive and you need them
Sheets
- Changing Pad Covers
- Baby Clothes Hangers
- Mattress Pads
Baby Gear
Big Ticket
- Car Seat
- Stroller
- Play Yards
- High Chairs
Fun Stuff
- Carriers
- Swings
- Bouncers
- Stroller/Car Seat Accessories
Essential Stuff
- Car Seat Base
- Car Seat Under-mat
- Stroller Weather Protector
- Play Yard Sheets
Baby Bath
Fun Stuff
- Bath Tub
- Baby Bath Towels
- Baby Wash Cloths
Essential Stuff
- Baby Bath Products
- Nail Scissors
- Hair Brush
- Cotton Swab
Baby Care
Big Ticket
- Humidifier
- Monitor
- Safety Gates
Essential Stuff
- Door Safety Locks
- Outlet Covers
- Thermometer
Baby Feeding
Big Ticket
- Breast Pump
- Bottle Sterilizer
- Bottle Warmer
Fun Stuff
- Breastfeeding Pillow
Essential Stuff
- Bottles
- Nipples
- Bottle Brush
- Breast Milk Storage Containers
- Breast Pads
Formula (even if you plan to strictly breast feed, we recommend having at least one can of formula on hand)
Baby Clothes
We recommend only asking for essential stuff in this category. Many smaller baby shower gifts will be supplemented by adorable outfits and this is a way to regain the element of surprise.
Essential Stuff
- Diapers
- Onesies
- T-shirts
- Rompers
- Sleepers
- Gowns
- Mittens
- Hats
- Socks
- Bibs
Unique Baby Shower Gifts from Best Friends and Shower Planners
While most of your friend’s baby shower gifts will come from her registry, she might be grateful if you, as her best friend, give her something a little more unique. For finding unique gifts, we have five tips:
- Remember Mommy – Baby shower gifts are all about baby, as they should be. In addition to showering baby you should consider sprinkling your best friend with some congratulations. The past few months, while exciting, may not have been easy on the mom-to-be. We suggest giving your friend spa gift certificates for a pre-natal massage, manicure or pedicure.
- Make a Memory – New moms will soon forget the magical sensation that washes over them while they are pregnant. Give your friend something that will help to make that feeling linger; a session with a professional pre-natal photographer.
- Save the Date – Help your friend remember all the wonderful people who attended her shower to honor new baby. Frame the baby shower invitation, a picture of your friend and an ultra sound picture. If your friend has already picked out baby’s name, add that to the frame. Have shower guests sign the matting and then frame it for your friend to treasure.
- Don’t Forget Daddy – Your friend and her husband may not have much alone time soon. A great gift for the couple may be a dinner at their favorite restaurant, an afternoon at the spa, or a night in a hotel.
- Family Tree – The new mom is not just having a baby, she is also starting a family. Create a family tree for your friend and her husband and make a branch for new baby.
Step Up Your Baby Shower Gifts
While shopping for baby shower gifts from a registry is definitely easier than guessing what your friend wants or needs, it can feel a bit dry when it’s time to open gifts. Essential baby items, like crib sheets and diapers, can be dressed up, added to, or modified to make them more fun.
Dress Up Your Baby Shower Gifts
Let’s face it; some baby shower gifts are boring. So, what do you do when you are the last one shopping off the registry and find yourself stuck giving the socks, hats and mittens your friend wished for? Even these really boring items can be stepped up. Purchase a drawer organizer for baby’s dresser, cover it in gender specific contact paper and then layer the socks, hats and mittens in the organizer. With all these tiny items your friend will certainly need some organizational tools and your possibly boring gift will actually look adorable.
Add To Your Baby Shower Gifts
Your friend added baby shampoo and lotion to her registry and these are the only items left when you start shopping. Spice up these essentials by purchasing some more unique baby bath items like the ones found at the [baby shop]. The soon to be mommy who used to indulge by pampering herself will now delight in pampering baby with these bath time goodies.
Modify Your Baby Shower Gifts
Blankets and hooded towels may seem like boring baby shower gifts but they are really great for two reasons: they will definitely be used and you can easily modify them to make them more personal. Have hooded towels monogrammed with baby’s name, initials or the family name. Blankets can also be personalized in this way or you could add baby’s birth date. Your friend will really appreciate the extra effort.
