Five Great Baby Shower Gift Ideas

A Book Assortment

People often do not think of this gift. After all, the baby cannot read! Studies show, however, that reading to babies activates their brains! Look for books with moving parts or textures (fuzzy, rough, smooth, bumpy). You want bright pictures and cardboard pages. Include a book or article for the parents explaining the benefits of reading to a baby early. This is an affordable gift that can also make for fun shopping!

Baby Bath ‘Basket’

The truth is that it’s much more fun to buy cute items for a baby shower gift. This is why you’ll see so many tiny clothes, adorable stuffed animals and soft blankets as shower gifts. This is exactly why you should aim for something practical. You can get a quality baby bath very inexpensively. Then, to make it look great for the party, you can stuff it with bath-related items like puppet washing gloves, baby shampoo, after-bath robes, bath toys for when the baby is older, and aromatherapy lotions. Add a pretty bow and you have an eye-catching gift they can actually use!

A Great Diaper Pail

Again, this falls into the not-fun-to-buy group. But I cannot think of anything more needed than a quality diaper pail. If you go this route, do not skimp. Get one that seals properly, and one that can be opened without using your hands. If your budget allows, fill it with newborn diapers, trash bags that fit the pail, baby wipes, powder, and diaper rash cream. This gift may not get the crowd oohing and aahing, but it will be deeply valued by the parents, trust me.

Baby Bedding Collections

My sister’s favorite shower gift was a beautiful girls baby bedding collection. It had matching sheets, a quilt, baby-safe pillows and even a crib bumper! If you do not know the sex of the baby or prefer a gender-neutral option, look for themed collections like jungle animals or shapes. They often come in primary colors, or in green, yellow and beige. Since they can be expensive, it’s a good choice for a group gift.

A Thoughtful Gift Certificate

A lot of people avoid this because it sends a message that you did not think the occasion important enough to make an effort. But there is a way to make a gift certificate very special. Often there is so much focus on the baby, that the mother is ignored. Getting her a gift certificate to her favorite bath and body store, spa, or other pampering place can be a thoughtful and much appreciated gesture.