Baby shower gift ideasBaby shower gift ideas

The Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Gift Guides
Updated:
February 24, 2024
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There’s a new baby on the way and you’ve been invited to celebrate the little bundle of joy with the expecting parents, family, and friends.

Everyone is excited and happy to celebrate the new mom and shower her with love and gifts for her and for the little one.

What do you bring to the baby shower? What is the best baby shower gift idea? A gift that will truly be appreciated and won't be quickly exchanged.

Some parents may have a baby registry or baby fund where you can shop for great gifts that you know they want.

The best baby registries will have plenty of ideas and gifts from different price points that you can choose from.

And if they don’t have a registry?

We got you covered. In the following, we have the best baby shower gift ideas for boys and girls that every expecting mother really wants.

Up Ahead:

Financial Gifts for Babies

1) Money Gifts - Greatest Gift

You may be surprised, but many parents prefer to receive cash as gifts for their babies, and some parents even ask for cash as gifts for their baby.

Cash gifts allow parents to start saving for future goals like college or a first car fund. They also allow them the flexibility to buy anything they need for the baby right now.

Monetary gifts have become widely accepted and there are even dedicated cash gifting platforms that focus on creating a digital cash gifting experience.

Cash gifts allow parents to start saving for future goals

Greatest Gift turns investing in child’s future into a gift that you can send to a loved one.

You can add a personal greeting with a picture or video and send the financial gift directly to the new parent’s phone.

Mom and dad are encouraged to save and invest for the future, but they get to decide what to do with the money. They get to discover great financial guides, tips, and tools to really kickstart their little one’s financial future.

money gifts

2) Gift Cards

Gift cards give mom the freedom of choice and at the same time saves her from finding time in her busy no-sleep schedule to change the fifth baby towel she received.

Gift cards offer a world of choices for mom and dad to pick out the things they really need from the stores you like. Great options include gift cards to pharmacies, baby stores, and of course the all-in-one online store Amazon.

When buying a gift card, it is recommended to spend at least the same amount that you would on a traditional gift.

Make sure to add a nice card and envelope to make the card feel like a real gift.

baby shower gift cards

3) Savings Bonds

Savings bonds are a long-term investment that can be a great gift for a baby.

Buying savings bonds for kids used to be the gift of choice for many financially savvy family members.

However, since the paper versions became difficult to buy, most gift givers started giving other financial gifts for kids.

Greatest Gift offers an easy-to-give alternative that encourages new parents to save for the long term.

savings bonds

4) Stocks for Kids

Investing for babies can set them up for a bright financial future from day one.

Many parents are opening investment accounts for their kids, building generational wealth early on.

Find out more about buying stocks for kids and how a baby's first stock can be used to learn about the stock market he or she grows up.

stocks for kids

5) College Fund Contribution

Many parents set up a college fund as one of the first steps when they prepare for their baby financially.

Ask the expecting parents if they have a college fund or 529 plan set up and how you can contribute.

Alternatively, send them a gift with Greatest Gift's financial gifting platform for their baby's future goals.

They can then redeem their Greatest Gift funds to their favorite long term investment and savings account.

They will also learn about the different ways to save and invest for their baby's future, college, and any other financial goal they have.

College Fund

Diaper Gift Ideas

An essential item for every baby that you can never get enough of.

Babies will use at least 2,000 diapers in their first year, and over 600 in the first three months alone!

Helping out with diapers is welcome in any form. Here are a few diaper gift ideas.

6) Diaper Gift Set

Buy a pack or few packs of diapers to give as gifts.

You can include baby wipes as well to make for a complete set.

A diaper pail could complete the gift and provide a sanitary place to dispose of the diapers.

Gift wrap the packs or wrap with a ribbon.

You can also organize the diapers in a box, a bouquet, a basket, or find other cute ideas to to give diapers as gifts on Etsy.

7) Diaper Subscription Gift

A diaper subscription service guarantees parents their diaper supply for the coming months.

Subscriptions are versatile and can offer different sizes for different ages.

A consistent supply of diapers removes one worry from the new parents busy schedule.

8) Diaper Cakes

So, you know babies need diapers, and every party needs cake…

But have you heard of a diaper cake before?

One of the most appreciated gifts for both girls and boys is the Diaper Cake, and trust me, it’s a real showstopper.

If you’re confused, a diaper cake is actually just a large number of diapers, neatly organized, topped with a ribbon or stuffed animal and wrapped to look like a cake.

Inside the cake you can add layers of diaper and nursery essentials to help the new mama get started.

Diaper cakes by Honest

Baby shower gift idea: diaper cake by Honest

9) Diaper Fund Contribution

Instead of giving diapers that take up space, contribute money towards a diaper fund.

Diaper costs add up quickly. That's why many parents choose to add diaper funds to their baby registries.

With a diaper fund, you give money to go towards future diaper purchases. Many parents also use diaper funds to pay for other baby essentials.

In fact, some parents set up diaper funds to set up their baby's financial future with Greatest Gift's help.

diaper fund

Baby Essentials

Babies need essentials, and they need plenty of them.

Burp cloths, nursing covers, bottles, pacifiers, feeding supplies, sounds machines, towels, and the list goes on.

You can find these baby essentials at any large online store like Target.

Mix and match with essentials or with cash gifts to to set the little one for future success with a financial gift.

10) Clothes for Baby Boy & Girl

Clothes are always a great gift for babies.

Consider buying clothes for different age groups. Anything for the first twelve months should be good.

For essentials like onesies, buy for mostly for newborns and up to three months.

Clothes for baby boys

Clothes for baby girls

11) Bathing Supplies

For newborn babies, think more about towels, soaps, and lotions, and less about bath toys.

Soft and gentle washcloths made from good materials are a great idea.

Hooded towels will keep babies warm and cozy after a bath.

Gentile, tear-free baby shampoo and body wash free from fragrances are great options.

Bath toys are more relevant when a baby is able to sit up by itself, close to the first birthday.

Baby bath and hygiene kit

baby bath it

12) Baby Toys

In the first months, the baby learns to develop motor and sensory skills.

Developmental toys help the baby develop these skills faster and experiment with the world.

The baby's sensory system continues to mature in the first years.

Gradually, through repeated experiences, the baby develops the ability to hold and manipulate items.

The baby learns to process sounds and language.

Every toy that stimulates the senses can help the baby develop these senses and learn more about the world.

Rattles make a playful sound, plush toys are soft to touch. Colorful illustrated books and building blocks are stimulating to look at.

An activity gym and play mat will have a combination of developmental toys.

Lovevery's play gym

lovevery play gym

13) Baby Books

Reading to babies is important for their development.

Reading baby books builds a connection between the parent and baby. It helps develop their cognitive and language skills.

Choose one of your favorite childhood books or pick a new one.

Picture books and interactive books are easy for babies to follow along.

Nursery rhyme books are easy for babies to learn to repeat.

Explore baby books on amazon

14) Baby Gift Baskets

A perfect maternity gift that contains an assortment of useful and fun, soft items for the baby.

Baby gift boxes have a mix of items like soft blankets, hooded towels, pacifier holders and big, cuddly teddy bears.

Really anything goes here.

You can opt for a ready-made gift basket from a local gift store or shop on amazon, or you can make one yourself.

Some gift stores will let you make a bundle of your own choosing.

Giving a gift is an act of showing you care

A gift basket wouldn't be complete without gifts for expecting parents.

Add in something extra for the new dad, like chocolates or coffee for those long nights ahead.

If you’re a DIY person, this should be easy for you.

Start with getting a basket, then add a few baby essentials, some love, and a few toys as well. Wrap nicely and deliver on the happy occasion.

Explore gift boxes on Amazon

baby gift box

Baby Gear

If you have a bit more to spend, take a look at bigger ticket items in the baby gear categories.

15) Baby Bouncer

A baby bouncer is a must-have product for any home that has a new baby.

It gives the baby a feeling of relaxation and frees the mom up when the child is near her.

Plus, babies are so cute when they bounce!

16) Baby Monitor

A baby monitor will help the parents keep an eye on the baby while getting their own much needed rest.

Audio only monitors are more budget friendly and easy to install.

Video baby monitors can help parents feel more at ease and keep watch. Some monitors even offer night vision.

17) Diaper Bag

Every parent needs to have a diaper bag - a bag to hold all the baby essentials when they go out the door.

Functionality is most important, but don't neglect the style either. Get something the mom will enjoy walking around with.

18) Car Seat

Help mom and dad take the newborn baby out for a ride, in a safe way.

An infant car seat can fit the baby from anywhere between 9 months and 2 years, depending on the child's size.

Some strollers come with a detachable seat, so make sure to check which stroller the parents are getting.

Nursery Furniture

The nursery is where memories are created.

There are a few items that a nursery wouldn't be complete without.

If you're close to the mom-to-be and want to really splurge on a gift, buy a gift for the nursery.

19) Crib

The crib is a must-have for every nursery. Look for a sturdy, safe crib.

Match the crib with the parent's sense of decor for extra points.

20) Dresser

Dressers provide storage space for all of the baby's essentials.

Look for a dresser that will fit in the room nicely. Make sure it has enough drawers and is easy to use.

Like other nursery furniture, safety and durability are critical.

Dressers that have a built-in changing table on top can save space.

21) Comfy Chair

A comfortable chair is essential for late-night feedings and cuddles.

Look for one that is comfortable and easy to clean.

22) Bookcase & Shelves

A nursery bookcase encourages reading to the baby as a habit. It also adds a decorative element to the room.

Instead of going for a full bookcase, consider buying a set of book racks for the nursery.

23) Storage Solutions

You'll be surprise how much gear, toys, clothes, and kick knacks babies need.

Storage solutions make for great gifts.

Bins, boxes, containers, drawers, baskets, toy boxes.

Anything to help keep things organized for parents.

Gifts for Mom

New moms deserve a lot of appreciation and love.

Show them support with gifts that help them take care of themselves, so they can take care of their bundle of joy.

Here are gift ideas for mom:

24) Meal Trains and Food Deliveries

New parents barely have time to take care of themselves, and definitely don’t have time to cook.

This is the best time to organize a meal train or give a coupon for a gratifying home-cooked meal.

If you’re not the best cook out there, set mom and dad up with a gift card to a meal delivery service. You can also give a subscription to delivered home-cooked meals.

Giving mom and dad the gift of time and freeing them up from one more chore will be greatly appreciated. 

25) Self Care

Help mom recover from a job well done with gifts of self care.

There's nothing more relaxing than a bubble bath with calming music.

Self care continues with skincare. Give face masks as gifts for mom to make her nourish her skin and glow.

A scented candle can help relax and create a calm environment.

26) Pampering Gifts

Go beyond gifts of self care with pampering gifts for mom.

Give a gift card for a manicure & pedicure to set mom on the path to feeling her best self.

Check with the dad or family to see what salon she typically goes to or

Find a luxury salon in the parents' area or ask her spouse where shy typically goes to.

To go the extra mile find a home service manicure and pedicure services. Make things even more comfortable for mom.

A spa treatment goes a long way with reducing anxiety and stress following a birth.

Give a prepaid spa day or maternal massage for a few weeks after birth for the ultimate pampering day.

Additional Q&A 

How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?

The question of how much to spend on a baby shower gift concerns many of us. Typically, the answer depends on your closeness with the gift receiver. The closer you are, the more you should expect to spend, ranging from about $25 for a coworker to $100 and over for a close family member.

That being said, giving a gift is an act of showing you care, and not necessarily a dollar amount.

Putting thought and effort into a gift really goes a long way in making a gift personal and appreciated.

Pay attention to the gift recipients and choose something that’s meaningful to them and you’ll make them happy, no matter what your budget is.

What is an appropriate baby shower gift?

There are plenty of appropriate baby shower gifts, including baby essentials like towels and blankets, financial gifts for the baby’s future savings, diapers and diaper cakes, baby gift baskets, and more.

Most gifts that don’t make any assumptions (like breastfeeding vs formula) will be appropriate, and you can always add a gift receipt so that mom and dad can exchange something if they need.

Is it appropriate to give money at a baby shower?

It’s definitely appropriate to give cash as a gift for a baby shower, and it’s often even preferred by expecting parents.

A cash gift can be an investment in the child’s future. It can kickstart a college fund or a future house fund.

To encourage the parents to use the cash for a bigger purpose, send a gift through Greatest Gift’s financial gifting platform. Include a greeting for a more personal touch.

Cash offers flexibility and can also be used by the parents to buy anything they need for the newborn today.

Presentation goes a long way in making cash gifts feel personal.

Add a greeting and a nice card (digital counts!) to give the gift a personal touch.

transform money to baby shower gift

Happy gifting!

About Greatest Gift

Greatest Gift is the financial gifting platform for children's long term savings.

Send and receive monetary gifts for children's long term savings.

Discover great ways to save and invest for children.
Learn More

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