The Best and Worst Baby Shower Gift Ideas to Give
This is a collaborative post
Baby showers are a time-honoured tradition for new parents. It’s a chance for friends and family to come together, celebrate the impending arrival of the new baby, and give the parents-to-be some much-needed gifts.
But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know what to get. Here’s a list of the best and worst baby shower gifts to give, so you can make sure you’re giving the new parents exactly what they need.
The Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a great baby shower gift. Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the best. If you know the parents-to-be well, you can also tailor your gift to their specific needs and interests. But there are also some great generic baby shower gift ideas that any new parent will appreciate.
1. Baby Store Gift Cards
Gift cards for baby-related stores are always a welcome gift. New parents can use them to buy whatever they need for their new arrival. It is expected that money will be tight for new parents, so having a few gift cards on hand will be very helpful. This way, they can purchase the items that they need without having to worry about the cost.
2. Baby Diapers
New parents go through A LOT of diapers. Giving them a few extra boxes will definitely be put to good use. Diapers and wipes are always needed and are always appreciated. Make sure you purchase the correct size – most newborns will need size 1 or 2 diapers.
3. Baby Clothes
Cute little onesies and sleepers are always welcome gifts for new babies. Just make sure you know what size the baby will need! You can also never go wrong with a soft, cosy blanket. If you don’t know the gender of the baby, stick to neutral colours like white, cream, or yellow.
4. Baby Toys
A few age-appropriate toys will help keep the baby entertained (and give the parents a much-needed break). Be careful not to purchase toys that could pose a choking hazard for small babies.
5. Baby Books & Stories
Books are always a great gift, and there are so many great options out there for babies and toddlers. Look for ones with bright colours and interesting textures for the best results. Make sure to choose baby books that are age-appropriate and avoid any books with small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
6. Nursery Furniture
Setting up a nursery for their newborn baby is a big expense for new parents. Help them out by gifting them some essential nursery furniture, like a crib or changing table. If you’re feeling generous, or if the parents-to-be are special friends or family members, you could even gift them a nursery furniture set. Opt for a neutral set if you don’t know the baby’s gender, or pick out a set that coordinates with the nursery’s décor if you do know.
The Worst Baby Shower Gifts
There are a few baby shower gift ideas that you should avoid unless you are 100% sure that the parents-to-be will love and appreciate them. Generally, it’s best to stick to practical gifts that the parents can use.
1. Any Breakable Ornaments or Items
Newborns are notoriously clumsy, so anything that’s easily breakable is likely to end up in pieces within minutes. Save the expensive china for when the baby is a little older! Any glass or ceramic items should be avoided altogether.
2. Used Baby Items
Unless it’s something that has been passed down from generation to generation, it’s best to avoid giving used items as gifts. New parents want everything to be fresh and clean for their new arrival. Especially any nursery furniture or car seats – you’ll want to make sure that these items have never been used before for safety reasons.
3. Scented Candles or Lotions
Strong scents can be overwhelming for both babies and adults, so it’s best to avoid giving scented candles or lotions as gifts (unless you know the recipient loves them). The baby may be sensitive to certain smells or allergic to them altogether, so it’s best to play it safe and stick to unscented options.
Conclusion: Baby Shower Gift Ideas Guaranteed to Please
When it comes time to pick out a gift for a baby shower, there are lots of things to consider! But with this list of the best and worst baby shower gifts, you’ll be sure to find something perfect for the occasion. Just remember to stay away from anything breakable, used, or hard to use, and you’ll be all set!
