Planning a baby shower for a new mom-to-be is so much fun! This is a time for everyone to come together and share the excitement of birth. Whether you’re planning your own shower or hosting one for someone else, it is one of the most joyous times. But, it can also be a little stressful if you aren’t prepared.
And as the host, you’ll be responsible for planning a range of baby-related activities, serving food and dessert(s), and coordinating the guest list. You’ll also need to figure out gift-giving—registry, group gift, baby ‘fund’ etc.—which is arguably the hardest part!
Whether you’re just getting started, or have already dived into planning, here are some gift suggestions to help your party go great! Remember: this is a chance to bring together a selection of guests who mean something to the growing family—so, don’t stress!
The Best Part Of Baby Showers: The Gifts!
More than just a chance to spoil a mom-to-be, a baby shower is a significant show of support for mama, baby, and the whole family! This special day is also a way to alleviate some of the financial burden a new child can bring to a family. By organizing gifts and creating a wish list, you’re giving presents and providing a comforting hand in the new mom’s journey, whether it’s her first or fifth baby.
But what should you get for a baby shower, and how should gift-giving look?
First, it’s a good idea to determine whether it’s worth each guest contributing a specific gift (registry) or if you’re doing a collection for everyone to chip in for larger purchases (group gift). This way, you will know what to expect as the host (unless you are mom, then it will be a surprise!) so you can anticipate gifts and ensure that everything is exactly what is needed, especially in the absence of a baby shower wish list.
With this in mind, what are the most ideal gifts for a baby shower?
Stroller
A stroller, voucher, or cash sum towards a stroller can be massively helpful for new parents as some strollers—especially travel systems—can be expensive!
If the parents haven’t decided on what they want or need help funding a stroller purchase in general, pooling cash to purchase a voucher or cover the cost in full can be an amazing surprise! Of course, this isn’t going to be in everyone’s budget, and you might find that you need to get creative with your stroller choices depending on the amount you raise if it’s a collaborative gift, but covering this purchase can be an incredibly thoughtful gift.
Mini Crib
Mini cribs (like normal cribs but smaller), are a great asset for new parents. They’re easier to move, some can come on wheels, and are perfect for smaller spaces. They typically have the same features as larger cribs, making them preferable to bassinets for some people. You can adjust them to different heights as required until the baby outgrows them or moves to a standard-sized crib. Their versatility and space-saving design make them a practical and thoughtful gift for new parents.
If you’re not sure where to start, this mini crib buying guide can help you choose the right for the expecting family.
Towels, Sheets & Blankets
Staples, for all babies, these three items will be used time and time again. Babies are known for their messes, and having copious amounts of spare blankets, sheets, and towels on hand for those spit-up or explosive diaper moments can help get baby and bedding changed and cleaned in no time.
Coordinating with other guests to choose towels, bedding, and associated purchases can help you know what to expect and ensure you to get an even amount of all, not just a lot of the same items. (This is where a registry comes in handy!) The goal is to ensure that the parents-to-be receive a comprehensive set of essentials.
Even better, you can get them personalized with the baby’s initials or matching the color scheme/theme of the baby’s nursery.
Onesies
The sheer amount of clothing that babies go through is nothing short of incredible! Spills, spit-ups, and diaper messes can require multiple changes some days, and having a supply of comfy onesies or even sleepsuits can help parents get their baby changed and into clean clothes fast (without having to run a load of laundry!).
While baby clothes are cute, they’re not always practical. Tried-and-true onesies and sleepsuits can be lifesavers, especially for those 3AM clean-ups.
Bouncers
Bouncers are a safe place for babies to rest when not in a crib, and the gentle rocking motion can help calm and settle fussy babies. Whether you choose a simple bouncer that can be rocked by hand, or a top-of-the-line automated rocker or bouncer, collaborating with guests to share the cost of a bouncer can be the perfect baby shower gift.
Baby Monitor
Baby monitors are a must-have for any parent. They allow you to keep an eye on the baby while you’re in another room. These days, you can get baby monitors for really reasonable prices, and they have a range of features: two-way talk, temperature-checking capabilities, and more.
You can get a sound-only monitor or a video monitor so you can see and hear the baby. Some even have sound machines to play soothing music! If the family hasn’t decided on a brand they like, it’s worth doing some research prior to purchase to see what would work best for the parents you’re purchasing for and what is affordable for the guests pooling their funds.
Putting together a baby shower for someone special is a lovely thing to do. So is spoiling them with gifts — not only for the baby but also for the parents-to-be! Hopefully these gift ideas helped.
Feel free to share more ideas with us!
Featured Image Credit:Vidal Balielo Jr.