10 Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift Ideas to Wow the New Parents
From Sentimental Baby Gift to Practical Presents for New Moms and Dads, These Are the Gifts They’ll Be Excited to Unwrap at the Shower
Having a baby is a big deal – it’s an exciting time in any new parent’s life, but it’s also pretty stressful! It’s hard to flip through the pages of What to Expect When You’re Expecting or take friendly advice from well-meaning friends and relatives without feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. You’ll need to budget how much?! for diapers and formula? Not to mention the sticker shock on must-have baby items like cribs and bassinets, changing tables, and clothes.
That’s why baby showers are still so important. They give all of us who care about the growing family a chance to shower them with love and support – and some gifts to help ease the financial burden of having a baby so they can focus on what’s really important. Spending time with one another!
We’ve searched high and low for the best gift ideas for a baby shower that new moms and dads will truly appreciate. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the list:
- Essential baby supplies everyone with a newborn needs
- Toys and games to keep baby entertained with developmentally appropriate stimulation
- Gift cards they can cash in on whatever they need most, whenever they need it
PS – Throughout this list, we’ll also point out anywhere these gift ideas could be supplemented by the thousands of local and national merchants in the GiftYa catalog. By now, you probably know that our convenient digital gift cards can be redeemed in several different ways, including exchanged for another merchant (for a small fee). But if you want a little extra insurance that they’ll love this baby shower gift the first time, consider sending a GiftYa Select e-gift card. When you send a GiftYa Select, you skip the merchant exchange fee – it’s a special type of digital gift card that lets them choose their own merchant from the get-go. Which means they can redeem their balance for a gift card that lets them order groceries when they’re just too tired to head to the store, one to grab dinner out for a much needed date night when Grandma is in town to babysit, or anything else they might need as they adjust to life with their new bundle of joy. The choice is totally up to them. Learn more about GiftYa Select here!
1. Personalized Baby Blanket
Everyone has a special attachment to a few baby items from their earliest childhood – and for most of us, that means our teddy bear or baby blanket. So help give their new little human a cozy start in life when you buy or DIY a baby blanket just for them. A personalized baby blanket combines practical use with sentimental value. Its customization makes it a memorable gift that the baby and parents will treasure.
Choose a soft fabric that will stand the test of time – and all of those post spit-up washings – like fleece or cotton. Embroidering the baby’s name, birth date, or a special message also make thoughtful touches.
Marketplaces like Etsy have options in a whole variety of designs, colors, and aesthetics, so you can be sure you’re choosing one that suits the parents’ taste or the theme of the new baby’s nursery.
Pro Tip: Choose a high-quality fabric that’s gentle on the baby’s skin and easy to care for. Opt for classic colors or patterns that will complement the nursery decor.
2. Diaper Bag
A stylish yet functional diaper bag is an absolute must-have for new parents. Look for a design that’s not only trendy but also practical, with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep diapers, wipes, bottles, and other essentials organized. Many diaper bags come with adjustable straps, insulated bottle holders, and changing mats, making them even more convenient.
A well-designed diaper bag will make outings with the baby a breeze, ensuring that parents have everything they need at their fingertips. With various styles and colors available, you can find one that suits the parents’ lifestyle and personal style.
Tip: Consider a diaper bag with a waterproof lining or easy-to-clean materials. Extra features like stroller straps or detachable pouches can add to its functionality.
3. Baby Clothes Subscription Box
Babies are notorious for outgrowing their clothes almost as soon as you can buy them, so why not give mom and dad a leg up on the shopping? There are so many baby clothes subscription boxes out there these days that cater to different needs and styles, so you can find one that will really work for your favorite growing family.
Here are a few of our top picks:
🧸 KidPik is probably the best-known kids fashion subscription box. It gives families the option to try before they buy so they can make sure every personally styled box is the perfect fit.
🧸 UpChoose is another popular option because it’s a sustainable baby clothes subscription box option.
🧸 Stitch Fix was founded on styling adults, so this isn’t necessarily a gift for baby. But mom will love having a maternity clothes subscription box so that she continues to feel stylish and like herself even if her usual go-to clothes don’t quite fit!
Tip: Choose a subscription service that offers flexible plans or customization options, so the clothing can be tailored to the baby’s size and parents’ preferences.
4. Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is a practical gift that provides peace of mind for new parents, allowing them to keep an eye (or ear) on their little one from another room. Look for features like video capability, two-way audio, and motion or sound detection. Modern baby monitors often come with smartphone connectivity, so parents can check in on their baby from anywhere.
This gift helps parents feel more secure and connected, whether they’re in the next room or out for a quick errand. With the latest technology, baby monitors have become more advanced and user-friendly, offering additional features like night vision and temperature sensors.
Tip: Choose a baby monitor with a reliable range and easy-to-use controls. Features like clear audio and video quality will enhance its effectiveness.
5. Gift Cards
Gift cards make the perfect gift for new parents – they’re practical, they’re convenient, and they can be used for all sorts of baby and family-related expenses. Here are just a few ideas of the kinds of gift cards that make the ultimate baby shower present:
🍳 Buy a Blue Apron gift card so they can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals delivered right to their door
📺 Buy a Hulu gift card so they can cozy up and watch something together as a family
📚 Buy a Barnes & Noble gift card so they can stock up on books about early childhood development
🚗 Buy a Sheetz gift card so they can fuel up the car for all those early doctor appointments… and let’s face it, satisfy their Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce craving too
👚 Buy a Carters Babies & Kids gift card to keep their little one in cute kids clothes no matter the season
6. Baby Books
Starting a baby’s library is a wonderful way to encourage a love for reading from an early age. Choose a selection of classic children’s books, board books, or interactive storybooks. Look for books with vibrant illustrations, engaging stories, and educational content.
Reading to a baby helps with language development and bonding, making this gift both practical and enriching. Consider including a personalized book with the baby’s name or a special message for an added touch of sentiment.
Tip: Choose a variety of books that cover different themes and topics. Interactive or touch-and-feel books can be particularly engaging for infants!
7. Swaddle Blankets
You never have any idea exactly how many types of blankets there are until you have a newborn. Big cozy blankets and nursing blankets are just the beginning. Swaddle blankets are particularly great for newborns – they wrap the baby up tight, which makes them feel cozy and secure. This can help settle a fussy baby and is ideal for tummy time, but swaddle blankets are also helpful for light cover or even as a stroller blanket
The key is to look for blankets made of soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin. Swaddle blankets come in all sorts of colors, prints, and fabrics, so you’re sure to find something the growing family will love.
Tip: Choose swaddle blankets with adjustable features or easy-to-use (baby-safe!!) closures. You can also consider selecting a set with different patterns or colors for added variety.
8. Baby Carrier
Carrying a newborn around in their carseat all of the time can be surprisingly tiring. Who knew a human who only weighs 7lbs could be so heavy? So rather than carrying their child in a bulky plastic device that keeps their arms extended at an uncomfortable angle, a baby wrap / baby wrap carrier keeps the little one snuggled right up to mom or dad’s chest.
Wrap carriers are great for both the baby and the wearer because they’re comfortable and way more ergonomic than carrying a carseat. The close contact helps parents bond with their baby, and since many of them come with adjustable straps that are suited for multiple positions plus breathable fabrics that they can wear all day long, it’s perfect for parents on the go.
Tip: Choose a carrier with adjustable features to accommodate different body types and carrying preferences. Look for one with good reviews on comfort and support.
9. Nursery Decor
People might think of the nursery as a room for the baby, and it is… but it’s also a room mom and dad will be spending a lot of time in, too. That means those personal touches – cozy chairs for late nights up with their little one, sentimental decor so that their baby can grow up surrounded by family photos and cheerful art – are essential.
That’s why nursery decor makes such a great baby shower gift. Consider things like customized wall art like the wooden name sign above, name plaques, and other decorative accents. If you know that the nursery has a particular theme (circus, teddy bears, Lord of the Rings…) the job is even easier.
Tip: Choose decor items that complement the existing nursery theme or color scheme. Personalizing it makes the gift even more personal and meaningful.
10. Health and Wellness Gift Basket
Being a new parent is tough! There are late nights, collicky babies, and all sorts of new things to worry about you’ve never even considered before. So help mom and dad unwind a little bit with a health and wellness gift basket designed to give them a little bit of self care time.
Include items like herbal teas, bath salts, soothing lotions, and snacks that cater to their preferences. You can also add practical items like a cozy robe or slippers.
That’s it for our gift ideas for a baby shower.
We hope you found the perfect thing for the parents to be. If you’re still looking, be sure to check the GiftYa catalog for a full list of the national and local brands we partner with! There’s something for everyone.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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