This article was written in partnership with Tommee Tippee, a supporter of Peanut and women alike.
This article also contains affiliate links, so we earn a small commission if you choose to buy ‒ at no extra cost to you. Happy shopping!
You’ve just received the invite. Excitement abounds.
Now it’s time to go gift-hunting.
And while there’s a wealth of baby shower gift ideas out there, you want to get something that the new mama is actually going to use.
Plus, you want to make it unique. And, of course, adorable. (Ah, the awww factor.)
First things first, if you need to hear this right now: take the pressure off yourself.
The point of a baby shower is to offer support for the mama-to-be.
That’s the goal.
Provided they feel like their community has their back (and their bump), the rest is gravy.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our favorite baby shower gifts for every taste and budget.
From the highly useful to the more unique, there’s a gift out there with your name about to be signed on it.
In this article: 📝
- What should you not bring to a baby shower as a gift?
- How much to spend on a baby shower gift
- The ultimate list of baby shower gifts
What should you not bring to a baby shower as a gift?
There are so many ways to throw a baby shower.
Some are elaborate affairs, others happen online, and others are tiny sprinkles.
And the same goes for gifts—there’s no one way to do this.
While it’s likely that the mama will appreciate whatever you bring, some things are perhaps best left off the list.
For example, seasonal clothes that don’t consider how old the baby will be in a particular season are not a great idea.
The first thing to do is check to see if they have a registry.
This can make your life a lot easier as it means you can simply pick from a list already laid out for you.
If they don’t have a registry, decide how much you want to spend.
(We’ve included some excellent cost-effective options on our list, so don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of money to spend.)
If possible, check in on the mama’s preferences.
Bringing disposable diapers to a cloth diaper mama may not be the best choice, for example.
How much to spend on a baby shower gift
It depends on your budget and how close you are with the mom-to-be, but most of our Peanut community say they would spend between $30 to $100 on a baby shower gift.
That’s a pretty big range, which tells us that there is no real answer to this.
But if you’re not sure, check in with the mama-to-be to see what they would like to receive, or whether they’ve put together a baby registry list.
The ultimate list of baby shower gifts
If you’re not sure where to start, or you have a vague idea of what you want to give as a baby shower gift, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s go.
Useful baby shower gift ideas
Okay, we’re going to kick off with things that new mamas actually need.
(That doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to go full-cute on this. But the practicality of the gift is also important.)
- Side-snap bodysuit. These all-white side-snap bodysuits are likely to become a staple. They even have foldover cuffs to stop tiny fingers scratching.
- Portable changing pad. Because poop happens, and often at inopportune moments. This portable changing pad has space to keep all the essentials while providing a comfortable, hygienic spot to change on the run.
- Diaper bag. On the topic—diapers. Baby’s going to need them when they’re out and about. And diaper bags have come a long way. Waterproof backpacks with handy compartments for all your mobile baby needs, for the win.
- Diaper pail. Okay, we’re staying on the poop wagon for the moment. A diaper pail (basically a garbage bin especially for diapers) is a very handy gift. Some versions even help neutralize odors and prevent germ spread.
- Baby skincare. Those baby soft cheeks aren’t always just down to good genes. Sometimes, they need a helping hand. We love this adorably-named Mini Mio Sweet Cheeks Moisturizer by Mama Mio.
- The sleep sack. While baby blankets are exceedingly cute, the sleep sack is more on the practical side for a newborn. That’s because the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep their cribs or bassinets free of blankets to help prevent suffocation.
- Swaddle wraps. Like sleep sacks, swaddled help keep babies safe when they sleep. Because not all parents choose to swaddle their babies, if possible check in to see if swaddling is on the cards for the mama-to-be. If so, this can make an ideal gift. Have a look at these cute options.
- Crib sheets. We’re going to continue with the beauty sleep theme here. Fitted crib sheets are important to keep babies safe while slumbering. And also, the cute factor is high, as you’ll see with these sweet options.
- A baby carrier. Our Peanut mamas love the Hemp collection by Baby Tula
- Stroller organizer. Babies come with a LOT of paraphernalia. With a stroller organizer, they can keep it all together and organized.
- Nursing cover. Opt for a poncho or over-the-shoulder cover. This simple solution gives new mamas the freedom to feed when they need.
- Nursing pillow. Along with having the perfect nursing cover, a nursing pillow can go a long way to making breastfeeding more comfortable, both at home and on the road.
- Postpartum recovery kit. While the excitement of the baby’s arrival tends to be the star of the baby shower, it’s also important to remember that the postpartum period (AKA the fourth trimester) comes with a unique set of challenges for the mama. This kit includes pads, perineal sprays, and a peri bottle.
- Convertible bath. This fun bath center adapts to the needs of a growing baby. They’ll be able to use it right into toddlerdom.
- Bath support. And while we’re on the topic of relaxing in the tub, here’s another fine option. This top pick from Amazon will up the fun factor of bath time, while lowering the stress. It’s non-slip and mildew resistant, which will help keep the baby secure and their skin healthy.
- Baby play gym. From practicing tummy time to providing the stimulation important for a baby’s development, the baby play gym is a winner of a gift.
- Breast pump kit. This is beyond handy for new mamas. But before you head out and buy this one, see if you can check in with the mama about their breastfeeding preferences. If pumping is in their plan, here’s a great option.
- Nursing bra. We’d keep this useful gift for very close friends or family members who you know well. You’ll have to do a little snooping to find out their nursing bra sizes, but this is one gift that will definitely get some use.
- Stroller. Okay, a stroller is by no means an inexpensive gift, but it is most certainly necessary. It can be a good idea to pool your resources and buy this sought-after item with a few friends or family members.
- Pregnancy and postpartum pamper set. Probably the best baby shower gift, according to our moms-to-be of Peanut ‒ a gift for them. We love the Bloomin Lovely set by Mama Mio, which comes with their viral Tummy Rub Butter, Lucky Legs cooling gel, Boob Tube hydrating cream, and Megamama Shower Milk, for the ultimate pamper sesh.
- Baby bottles. An absolute essential, even if mama’s planning on breastfeeding. Go for bottles that best mimic the shape of nipples, so baby can get a better latch, like the range of baby bottles by Tommee Tippee (they’re also self-sterilising — just put them in the microwave for 3 minutes to kill 99.9% of bacteria) — only the best for baby! Or you can go one step further and get everything she needs for baby feeding, with a complete Baby Bundle.
- Breast pump kit. This is beyond handy for new mamas. But before you head out and buy this one, see if you can check in with the mama about their breastfeeding preferences. If pumping is in their plan, a wearable one, like the Made for Me In-Bra Wearable Breast Pump, is our top pick.
- Formula essentials. Again, check with mama whether formula is in her plan — even if it’s a necessary alternative later on, you don’t want to presume. If she is planning on using formula, the Perfect Prep™ Day & Night makes the perfect baby shower gift — it prepares a bottle of formula at the right temperature in just two minutes!
- Baby monitor. The best gift is peace of mind. Opt for a baby monitor with some extra features, like the DreamSense Smart Baby Monitor, with an HD night-vision camera that picks up sound, humidity, temperature, and light, handy app on mama’s phone, two-way microphone, and so many more bells and whistles.
Unique baby shower gifts
If you want your gift to stand out from the crowd, here’s where you find it.
- Personalized soft toy. If you still have a toy in your life that has stuck around since you were but a babe, you know the impact these cuddly friends can make.
- Books for them to grow with. If you and the new mama share a love of a certain children’s book, this can make for a very meaningful gift.
- “Letters to My Baby” book. This truly is the gift that keeps on giving. It helps capture that first chapter in 12 fold-and-mail letters. Later in life, those little letters will be transformed into priceless keepsakes. You can get your copy here.
- Door cushion. Okay, here’s one we may not always think of. But loud door bangs are the enemy of the sleeping baby. This simple fix can be a lifesaver for new mamas.
- Unbuckle Me. In other gifts we don’t immediately think of, this car seat buckle release tool helps get those little bodies out of car seats much easier.
- bökee bottle holder. Because mamahood and multitasking go arm in arm, the bökee bottle holder will allow the new mama to prepare bottles with just one hand.
- My First Year Frame. The perfect way to document the journey of the baby’s first year, this sweet frame offers an option for every month.
- A daily journal. Those moments fly by so fast. Capturing thoughts and feelings in a journal is a great way to create a unique time capsule. Plus, research has shown that journaling can have a positive impact on mental health.
- A light robe. In those first few weeks, a robe is often a new mama’s most loved clothing item. Treat them to something soft and light. Here’s a lovely option that can take them right from the last stages of pregnancy to the postpartum period and beyond.
- Portable bassinet. Particularly for mamas who want to travel with their babies. This option folds out and is ideal for the nap times of the jet-setting baby.
- Soft toy wicker basket. Okay, we had to put this one on the list because of its sheer cuteness. It’s a cat-faced wicker basket specifically designed to keep the baby’s toys safe and happy.
- Art for the baby’s nursery. Find out if they have a nursery theme or color scheme to contribute a pop of beauty to. Making something yourself or finding a piece of art from a local artist can help add that extra personalized touch.
Cheap baby shower gift ideas
Because let’s face it, budgets exist.
- Baby booties! There are few things more adorable than baby feet and the soft shoes that cover them. Check out these sweet options that up the cuteness without breaking the bank.
- Anti-scratch mittens. And now for something for the hands. Who would have thought it, but baby nails can do some damage. And particularly if a little one is struggling with a rash or hives, those tiny claws can get in the way of healing. Anti-scratch mittens can help.
- First rattle. Make some noise with a cute rattle. Not only do they hit high on the cute-o-meter, they’re also important for encouraging development.
- Baby bibs. Yep, they’re going to get a lot of use out of these drool-catching friends. A sweet, simple gift that will always come in handy.
- Stroller phone holder. This one’s for the mama, to help them stay in touch and navigate their way, hands-free!
- Electric nail care set. Because babies are very particular about their manicure needs, this gift will, well, nail it.
- Baby photo album. Those first years are likely to be very well documented. Even if they already have an album or two in their lives, there’s room for more. This simple find is a great option.
- Baby milestone blanket. For the ultimate in social-media-friendly shots, there’s the milestone blanket. This cute option offers the opportunity for both weekly and monthly updates.
- Hooded towel. More than just utterly adorable, this soft, absorbent bamboo-fiber baby towel will become a favorite at bath times. Plus, the baby will be able to use it for the first few years of their life.
- Diapers. Okay, we’re going to end with this most useful of gifts. These may seem like the simplest option, but one thing’s for sure, they will definitely get used. Pro tip? Find out the mama’s diaper preference beforehand so that you can get them what they need.
Happy gift hunting!
And if you want to check your baby shower gift ideas for a second opinion, why not ask the moms-to-be of Peanut?