Fun and practical baby shower gift ideas

When a friend or family member has a baby on the way, you’ll no doubt be getting the girls together for a baby shower. Pick out the cutest and most practical baby shower gifts with the help of this guide.

Below is an assortment of popular baby gift ideas. Browse at any baby store and you’ll see that the options are endless.

• Clothes: Cute baby clothes and booties are easy to find and fun to buy. You can buy baby items for boys, girls or something that’s gender neutral if you don’t know yet.
• Diapers: Disposable diapers may not be the most adorable choice, but they’ll come to good use. Diapers are costly and babies use a lot of them. It’s common to create a diaper cake, a series of rolled up diapers stacked together to look like a fancy cake.
• Equipment: Baby quilts and blankets, bibs, feeding utensils, baby monitors, baby bags and baby toys are always appreciated.
• Books: Books are a nice gift that can have a positive impact on the baby’s education. Choose a classic baby book or a book that’s memorable from your own childhood.
• Personalized gifts: Buying unique baby gifts is great if you want to give something meaningful. A baby keepsake (like a trinket box or photo frame), an engraved baby’s rattle or a baby record book to collect memories are thoughtful options.
• Vouchers: If you’re in doubt, a gift certificate for baby stuff is always handy for new parents.

As with any gift, there are many things to think about when you’re buying baby gifts:

• Moms-to-be who are on to baby number two may already own the basics such as a baby blanket
• Not all baby shower gifts have to be for the baby – you could treat mom
• To add a meaningful touch, consider buying materials to make gifts yourself
• Find out the gender of the baby before going shopping as it may impact your decision
• Consider the parents’ lifestyle and buy a gift to suit, such as sunscreen and a sunhat for outdoor enthusiasts

Keep these practical tips in mind to help you decide what baby shower gift to buy:

• Find out if the mom-to-be has a gift registry
• Try to avoid bottles and pacifiers as they can be a personal choice
• Share the cost with a group if you want to buy an expensive item
• Don’t just buy newborn baby clothes and items – babies grow quickly

Make sure you consider the needs of the expectant mother before taking the plunge and purchasing the perfect gift. Check the gift registry if there’s one, keep the tips in this guide in mind and pick out practical or personalized baby gifts that will be treasured.