Not all baby shower gifts are created equal! When I was pregnant I was so appreciative of every gift we got at our baby shower, but there were some gifts that were not just cute, there were practical and made a huge difference in our experiences as new parents.
I received a few baby shower baskets that were filled with goods for mom and for baby, some cute and fun and others that were incredible thoughtful and helpful in our parenting journey.
No matter what your budget is, this list of baby shower gift idea will provide you with some inspiration and ideas to create a supportive an intentional baby shower gift. I recommend picking and choosing a few items from each category to create a well rounded gift basket that excites and delights.
Gift Ideas For Mom
Don't just get them some cute onesies and call it a day. If you really want to support your friends and family in this next chapter of their life, get some gifts that provide comfort, self care and just plain old practical.
Self Care Gift Ideas for Expecting Moms
Journals for Moms
Entering motherhood is a wild and chaotic time. Taking the time to sit and write down our thoughts, feeling and fleeting moments can bring a sense of calm and peace. Get your mama-to-be a Journal designed just for new moms or a journal that is designed for moms at any stage.
Body Wipes
Did you know postpartum night sweats were a thing? Because I didn't (until I was 5 days postpartum and changing my shirt 6 times a night.) But it's a very real thing that many new mother experience, and having some night big adult body wipes on hand is perfect for a quick 4 am refresh when they wake up drenched in sweat.
High Quality Lip Balm
One of the top items suggested for a hospital bag is lip balm (and hair ties.) Give them a luxurious new balm that they can use during labour and into this next. chapter of their lives.
Sitz Bath or Bath Soak
When you gift a Bath Soak or a Sitz Bath you are also gifting the suggestion of taking some time for themselves.
Practical Gift Ideas for Expecting Moms
Gift Card to a Local Kids Store
Support local and support the expecting mom in your life! This gives them the freedom to choose what they need or pick out something cute for their babe. So fun!
Amazon Gift Card for 2 am Impulse Buys
There no point in denying, there will be 2 am (and 4 am and 5:30 am) online purchases during those long nights at the start of the newborn phase. There's just something about the glow of that night light and the sleep deprived delirium that makes shopping so fun. So support them by alleviating those midnight shopping sprees with an Amazon Gift Card.
Cleaning Service Gift Certificate for Month One
No one has time to clean with a newborn so you. can either come over and help out or you can give them the glorious gift of not having to do the dishes or sweep the kitchen.
Audible Subscription
New moms spend a lot of time sitting around nursing and nap trapped. Giving the man audible subscription lets them soak up new stories, self help books or whatever they fancy to listen to during the long hours stuck under a baby.
Food Delivery Service Gift Card
While I always suggest bringing a new family ready-made dinner or some meal prep freezer meals ahead of time, sometimes getting some take out is the perfect treat when you they're in the newborn trenches.
Comfort Gift Ideas for Expecting Moms
Sipping Broth
Protein is so important during postpartum recovery and it can be hard to get enough through meal and snacks alone. A good quality sipping broth is high in protein and a nice savoury beverage to help keep them healthy and nourished.
Their favourite Snacks, Protein Bars, Nuts and Dried Fruits
Y'all new moms are HUNGRY all the time. Between breastfeeding and recovery their bodies need a lot of healthy, filling snacks all the time. These items are a nice touch if you are building a basket, they fill out your basket and they are always very appreciated.
A Luxurious Robe
A soft and warm robe to wear during those first weeks is such a treat, in fact it might be all they wear! I would recommend one with a hood just for that extra cozy feeling and one that is long and easy to tie up with an open front.
Cozy Slippers or Fuzzy Socks
It's important to stay warm during recovery and we loose a lot of heat through our feet. A nice pair of solid slippers or fuzzy socks are such a wonderful comfort item to have during postpartum recovery.
Gift Ideas for Baby
Everyone loves a cute onesie but sometimes when you're expecting what you really need is to be seen and supported. Sure sure get them that adorable tiny hat, but then also gift them some items that will create positive and meaningful influence in their tiny lives.
Practical Gift Ideas for Baby
Boogie Wipes
Boogies wipes are not something you think to buy (especially as first time parents) but they are SO NICE to have when you need them. When babies get snotty they get really snotty and these saline wipes are soft and perfect for their tiny sensitive noses.
Infant Tylenol
This is another one that you don't know you need until you need it, but maybe more serious than a Boogie Wipe. When you're a new parent you never know what to buy when you're preparing the nursery and when someone gifts you some basic supplies like Infant Tylenol it means you can stop wondering if you need it and just have it on hand for those scary nights when they get their first fever.
Wipes, Wipes and More Wipes
Do not underestimate how many wipes you need with a newborn. No matter how many you have, you'll always need more. Add a few packages of wipes in your gift basket and they'll thank you later. You can't go wrong with some sensitive wipes or water wipes (but make sure they are actually sensitive friendly ingredients and not just green washing you.)
Muslin Burp Clothes
You can never have too many burp clothes, and some nice muslin ones can be used for years. For burps and spit up and then later for cleaning up after a messy meal once they start solids. We had a few different types of burp clothes and the muslin ones have been my favourite. They are soft, machine washable and durable.
Cute Onesies
If you're going to get some onsies it might be a good idea to check in with the mom-to-be to see what they already have. Some babies only wear newborn sizes for a few weeks so they don't need a bunch of newborn sizes if they are already stocked up.
Fun and Cute Gift Ideas for Baby
Hand and Footprint Kit
These are so much fun as new parents, and they make such a wonderful keepsake. Make sure you get a kit made for babies so you know that it is safe and gentle for their skin.
Teethers and Toys
Newborns don't need toys or teethers but having a kid is expensive and having some of the products you need down the road already to go is a nice gesture. Customize them to the parents-to-be to make it even more special (for example if they are big scuba divers get them some ocean themed toys, or if they love cars get them some car themed toys.)
Cozy Blanket
When you have a newborn you need a blanket in everyroom (and the car and the stroller) so having a few extra soft and cozy blankets is always helpful. Plus you can line the bottom of your basket wit the blanket, it looks so cute.
Bubble Bath
They won't actually need bubble bath for a while, but it feels great to be well stocked for when those bubble bath days begin. Get them a few bath toys or some muslin towels as well to make it a full experience gift. Get all natural and for sensitive skin if you can, babies can be very sensitive and you don't want to gift a skin rash.
Meaningful Gift Ideas for Baby
A Kids Book That You Loved, Signed and Dated
It's so much more meaningful when you gift a book. that meant something to you. Take the time to inscribe a sweet message at the start of the book and sign it with love.
A “Day You Were Born” Kit
This one is for after they are born, but its' still a very sweet idea. Collect some headlines, weather, and fun facts from the date they were born. This can be gifted to the baby and the parents as a vey special keepsake.