Baby showers are such a blessing to new parents shouldering the responsibility of a new child. Buying everything they need can be overwhelming, on top of how incredibly overwhelming it is to have a new child in the home.
Even those who already have children have major adjustments to make when it comes to a new addition, and baby showers are meant to lighten the load and share some good advice and laughter. Here are a few ideas for shower gift options for any sized budget.
Big Ticket Items
Items such as a crib, changing table, rocking chair, playpen, car seat, stroller, and diaper service are in this category. If this is her first child, or if she has other toddlers, these are great gifts if it’s appropriate for your budget and relationship to the mom-to-be.
Be sure to check with the hostess first as she will generally be aware of large items needed, and also may be gifting something along that line as well. Another thought is to pool your money with another friend, so that you can purchase a larger needed item together.
Do not think big ticket items are the best baby shower gifts out there. We still have a lot to explore so keep reading.
Gift Cards
Sometimes gift cards may seem like a cop out, but in the case of a baby on the way they are anything but. New parents have said numerous times how helpful gift cards are, not only for baby items, but also for forgotten items or whatever else they need to accommodate the new arrival.
Wrap the gift card up in a box with a bow and a nice card, like the true gift that they are. Be sure to include the receipt just in case they encounter any issues at the cash register.
Baby Clothes
It’s always a good idea to choose sizes between 3-9 months. Though a brand new Mom may not realize it, larger sizes are some of the best gifts she will get.
She will have tons of tiny new clothes, but when that baby gets bigger, the gifts are no longer coming. At that point, she will be thankful she has a few larger outfits put back. Not to mention the fact that infants grow rapidly, and some won’t even fit into the “newborn sizes” from the beginning.
Consider the climate and the coming seasons when purchasing. If you don’t yet know the baby’s gender, choose soft greens and yellows. Also, cloth diapers are helpful for a myriad of uses, and with the emphasis on “going green” Mom may prefer these while at home (they are cooler for the baby in the summer too).
Feeding Accessories
Sippy cups, spill-proof plates, baby forks and spoons, and travel snack containers will all be needed eventually, and Mom will not get a ton of these at the shower. Bibs in various sizes, baby wipes, and small Mason jars (buy the white plastic screw on caps) are great for pureed homemade food and leftovers.
Treasured Gifts
A monogrammed spoon or cup is always a special heirloom gift; or look for a beautiful baby scrapbook, a digital photo frame she can upload with all her favorite pictures, a colorful musical mobile, a nursery clock with a “soothing sounds” feature.
And of course, she will always welcome the luxury of a month of weekly housekeeping or door-to-door laundry service; the first month or two are so exhausting for new moms.
Always include the return slip (the portion that doesn’t show the price), in case a size is wrong or Mom receives duplicate gifts. And have fun with the wrappings, they are half the fun of the party; you can use anything from diapers to Sunday comics, or even fill a diaper pail with small gifts, etc.
The key to a great baby shower gift is giving something that is endearing and thoughtful. Feel free to leave your comments below and share this post if you think your friends can use it.