Love them or hate them, baby showers are here to stay.
From traditional ladies-only showers to fun and casual baby-Q shindigs in the park with all involved, they are a beautiful way to celebrate new life and shower the expecting parents with love, support, and prezzies!
Choosing the perfect baby shower gift can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with the vast range of baby gifts available. Whether you’re shopping for a baby girl, baby boy, or the parents-to-be, finding that special gift will bring joy to everyone involved.
Here’s a guide to help you find thoughtful and practical baby shower gift ideas that every new parent will appreciate.
What's the fuss about?
While the sceptical among us might just assume a baby shower is only an excuse for new parents to stock up on gifts, they’d only be partially right. A baby shower is more than that, it’s a gathering of friends, family, and loved ones, offering their support and celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new life.
And yes, gifts are an important part of this event, providing new parents with essential items for their baby’s arrival while inviting friends and family to be part of the journey.
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How to choose the perfect baby shower gift
When searching for the ideal baby shower presents, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider the parents’ lifestyle: Are they laid-back or super organised? Tailor your gift to match their needs.
- Think long-term: Opt for items that can grow with the baby or have lasting value.
- Check reviews and recommendations: Get advice from friends or online reviews to find the best-rated baby shower gifts.
- Look for both practical and sentimental gifts: Thoughtful gifts can range from everyday essentials to personalised keepsakes.
Baby shower gift ideas
Teething ring toy
Teething ring toys are a classic yet essential gift that every newborn needs. Babies start teething at around four to seven months, and a well-made teething ring can bring much-needed relief. Opt for high-quality, non-toxic materials that are safe for babies to chew on.
- Why it’s a great choice: It’s a practical gift that will get a lot of use over the baby’s first years.
- Price: $15 to $25
- Where to buy: We love the PureBaby selection – they have the cutest animal shapes!
Baby keepsake library
A baby keepsake library is the perfect way for new parents to store cherished memories. These beautifully designed boxes have compartments to keep first baby shoes, hospital bracelets, and other special items, making it a thoughtful gift that will be treasured for years.
- Why it’s a great choice: It’s a beautiful sentimental option for preserving special memories.
- Price: Around $80
- Where to Buy: Available at Hardtofind
Personalised nursery pillow
To add a personal touch to the nursery, a personalised pillow with the baby’s name and birth details is perfect. Custom-made pillows are a beautiful decor piece and a keepsake that the family will cherish.
- Why it’s a great choice: Personalised gifts show extra thought and care.
- Price: $50 to $70
- Where to Buy: Find a range of personalised options at Etsy Australia.
Wipe clean changing mat
If you ask any new mum what one of the most practical gifts they received was, they’ll say it was a durable wipe-clean changing pad or mat. These pads are essential for nappy changes at home or on the go because babies always need changing in the weirdest places. Look for ones with easy-to-clean, wipe-down surfaces and comfortable padding for the baby.
- Why it’s a great choice: It’s highly practical and will be used daily by new parents.
- Price: $30 to $50
- Where to buy: Schnuggle (adorable name) has a changing mat that comes in cute neutral colours.
Baby books
Sharing your favourite baby books from childhood is a wonderful, timeless gift, with a thoughtful personal touch. Plus, it’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Baby books with thick, colourful pages are excellent for newborns and toddlers alike. Board books that are easy to hold and visually stimulating are great for early development (and they’re durable enough to withhold the chaos). A wonderful, timeless gift, with a thoughtful personal touch.
- Why it’s a great choice: Promotes learning and bonding between parents and baby, with a nice personal touch
- Price: $10 to $30
- Where to buy: Explore the collection at Booktopia Australia.
Baby blankets
Soft and cosy baby blankets are always appreciated, particularly for babies due in the cooler months. Look for breathable materials like cotton or bamboo that are gentle on a newborn’s skin. These blankets can be used for swaddling, as pram covers, or even as playmats. They always come in handy and many babies go on to form attachments to their childhood ‘blankies’!
- Why it’s a great choice: It’s versatile, practical, and provides comfort.
- Price: $30 to $60
- Where to buy: Myer offers a wide range of blankets.
Baby shower gift etiquette
When attending a baby shower, it’s generally expected to bring a gift. If budget is a concern, there are plenty of practical gifts like nappies or group gift ideas to consider. Most people spend between $20 and $100 on a baby shower gift, but even a small, thoughtful gift can mean a lot to new parents. Every little gesture counts.
Many parents opt for registries, but if you’re unsure what to get, check with friends or the parents-to-be for a list of suggestions. A personalised or sentimental touch can make a gift even more special.
Wrapping it up
Choosing the best baby shower gifts doesn’t have to be stressful, and whatever you choose will be sure to be received gratefully.
Whether you’re looking for a practical gift like a changing mat or a more sentimental option like a personalised keepsake, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift to welcome the new life with love and care.
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