The 5 Best Baby Shower Gifts
Are you wracking your brains to figure out what gift to get because a baby shower is around the corner? We've all been there. Baby showers — which are a phenomenon in many different cultures all across the world — are fun and festive occasions, but they can also be a little bit stressful. What do you get the expectant parents? How do you make sure your gift is unique and memorable? What is an appropriate baby shower gift?
Don't worry! We've compiled a list of the five best gifts for new babies. Whether you're looking for something practical or something fun, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the five best baby shower gifts!
And remember, whatever gift you choose is not about you, it's about the new parents and their baby. So make sure to get gifts that you know they will be able to use and love. We'll also take a look at how much you need to spend, based on your relationship with the arriving baby's parents.
How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?
This is a tough question, and unfortunately, there's no easy answer. It really depends on your budget and your relationship with the expectant parents. If you're close to family or friends, you may want to spend more than if you're a co-worker or acquaintance.
For example, most people say that they are willing to spend somewhere between $50 to $200 on baby shower gifts for close friends and family, and around $50 for gifts for coworkers, neighbors, distant relatives, and acquaintances.
Even if your gift doesn't cost much, make sure it's wrapped nicely and presented in a way that shows you care. Pro Tip: You can use pages from children's comic books or baby magazines to wrap your gifts, which are both unique and free! Add a heartfelt note, and your baby shower gift is good to go.
5 Best Baby Shower Gifts
Now that you've figured out how much to spend, it's time to start thinking about what gift to give! Here are five great ideas for baby shower gifts.
1. A Diaper Cake
What do new parents need the most? Diapers, for sure. A diaper cake is a creative and practical gift that any new parent will appreciate. It's essentially a "cake" made out of diapers, but you can also include baby lotion, baby powder (make sure it's organic and talc-free), baby clothes, burp cloths, bibs, and other small baby items in them.
If you're not sure how to make a diaper cake, don't worry. There are plenty of tutorials online, and you can even find some premade ones. Just do a quick search on Google or Pinterest, and you'll be sure to find something perfect for the baby shower.
If you want to take your diaper cake up a notch and be eco-friendly as well, consider a diaper cake made out of reusable cloth diapers, which are not only good for the environment but also better at preventing diaper rashes (when kept clean, of course).
However, make sure to check with the expectant parents first to see if they're open to using cloth diapers before you buy anything! Most people, though, will enjoy the idea of being eco-friendly parents. Still, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of washing cloth diapers on a daily basis, so always check first.
2. Baby Skin Care Products
You can never go wrong with baby skin care products for a baby shower! Newborns have delicate skin, so make sure you get natural and organic baby products that are free of harmful chemicals for the expectant parents and their arriving baby. Organic baby products are known to suit even the most sensitive skin. For example, Nature's Baby Organics has USDA-certified organic baby products that are specially formulated for problem-prone baby skin.
Look for a baby skin care set that includes a baby soap, shampoo, lotion, and diaper cream. You can check out our Most Popular Gift Bundle, our Organic Collection Bundle, our Essential Bath Bundle - Coconut, and our Hair, Body, Skin Bundle. The best part is that these products are great for the entire family, not just the arriving baby!
3. A Baby Wrap
A baby wrap is a great gift for new parents, as it allows them to keep their baby close while still having their hands free. Plus, cuddling with babies is important, and this will help them do just that but with much more ease.
There are many different types of wraps and carriers on the market, so do your research before choosing one. Even if the parents do not want to use the baby wrap, it will come in handy because they can always use it as a nursing cover, a stroller sunshade, a swaddle cloth, or a car seat canopy.
Make sure to choose a baby wrap that's mostly made of organic cotton and is stretchy and comfortable. Keep size in mind — you want a baby wrap that will grow with the baby, so choose one that's adjustable. Plus, the baby wrap should be able to fit both parents comfortably! To avoid taking any risk, go for a baby wrap that's plus-size friendly and so fits all body types.
4. Fun and Educational Baby Toys
Who doesn't love baby toys? Not only will baby toys look cute, they will also help the little one explore, learn, and grow. Look for fun and educational baby toys that are made of organic materials, such as bamboo, wood, or cotton. Plus, make sure they're free of harmful chemicals and toxins. It's best to avoid plastic toys, toys that are made of cheap and flimsy materials, and toys that make loud noises, as they can be harmful to the baby's developing ears.
If you're even a little bit artistic, consider making an eco-friendly baby toy yourself. Some great eco-friendly baby toys include wooden blocks, wooden rattles, sock puppets, shape sorters, cloth books, ragdolls, and activity mats. There are plenty of tutorials online, and you can use materials that you already have at home (make sure they're clean and sturdy). Of course, you might want to reserve this type of gift for those you are close to in order to avoid faux pas.
A good rule of thumb is to look for or make baby toys that stimulate the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. This will help the baby develop in a well-rounded way. Additionally, when choosing or making baby toys, always consider the age the child will have to be to play with them. For example, if the baby is 0-12 months old, they will be most interested in black-and-white patterns and high-contrast colors. If the baby is a little older, around 12-24 months old, they will be interested in exploring shapes and textures.
5. A Gift for the Parents
While the new baby is undoubtedly the focus of a baby shower, don't forget about the new parents — they need all the tips and tricks they can get to help them survive those first few months (or years). They will get exhausted from taking care of their new little one and can use all the help they can get. So, consider getting the expectant parents a baby shower gift that will make their lives with their new baby a little bit easier.
There are many thoughtful gifts you can give the new parents. For example, you can get them a book about parenting (this will come in handy when they have questions about anything and everything related to taking care of their new bundle of joy) or a gift certificate to a baby store (so that they can get exactly what they want). A lot of people think gift certificates are impersonal, but the truth is that they can be very helpful, especially to new parents who will be getting a lot of gifts and thus will need to figure out what else their baby needs.
If you are close to the mother and are aware that she's going to breastfeed the new baby, consider getting a book with tips on breastfeeding, a nursing pillow, or some other type of breastfeeding support. These are must-haves for breastfeeding moms and will come in handy during those late-night feedings and early-morning nursing.
You could also get the new parents a subscription to a baby magazine (or even better — start one for them!) and a nice frame for the first family photo with the new baby. Other good gift ideas for new parents are oft bathrobes, a bunch of food items they couldn't eat during pregnancy (make sure you know they like and what they are allergic to), a spa day certificate, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Whatever you decide to get the new parents and/or the new baby, make sure it is something that they will appreciate and find useful. Avoid getting them something that they will never use or that will just end up collecting dust on a shelf.
Do you have any other great ideas for baby shower gifts? Share them in the comments below!
Choose the Perfect Baby Showers Gifts with Nature's Baby Organics
Nurture and pamper the new parents and baby with Nature's Baby Organics! All of our baby products are made with love, using only the finest organic ingredients. USDA-certified organic and EU-certified and approved to be free from over 1500 chemicals, our award-winning line of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, powders, and oils are designed to nourish and protect delicate skin and hair.
Indeed, our organic products were formulated keeping in mind sensitive and problem-prone skin and are ideal for the entire family. Plus, we follow sustainable methods and fairtrade practices, so you can feel good knowing that our baby products are not only good for your loved ones and their baby, but also for the planet. Here's to the perfect baby shower gifts!