What to Bring to a Baby Shower: The Ultimate List

When you’re invited to a baby shower, the present isn’t everything, but you will want to get something that the parents will appreciate ...

When you’re invited to a baby shower, the present isn’t everything, but you will want to get something that the parents will appreciate and will hopefully bring a smile to their face. Traditional presents include key items like books, clothes, highchairs, and strollers, and often the parents of the baby will create a list of things that they need. This is a good place to start if you want to make sure that you get something that the parents really want and not something that they may already have. If you know the parents well enough, you might want to get a surprise, and unexpected presents are often the best!

For most parents, and especially for mums, a baby shower is an exciting event that they will look forward to as a milestone of their pregnancy. You get the combination of celebrating the upcoming birth of a new child while getting gifts that will legitimately help when the baby comes. If you have ever had a child or know someone who has, then you’ll know the huge list of new items that you need to buy in preparation.

Check out the gift list.

Some mums will create a baby shower list with items that they need, which also helps to prevent people from getting the same item. There may be specific items that the mum would like for their new baby, be it certain colors or models that they would prefer. If you haven’t seen a list on the invite or otherwise, then it is always a good idea to ask as even if there isn’t an official list asking for a specific item that the mum would like can be thoughtful. If there is no list, then we have put together this list to help spark your imagination.

More expensive items

Often items that are more expensive will be on the gift list, or if not, then it can be a great idea to speak to some of the other people going to the shower and suggest that you split the cost between you. This can go a long way to help new parents get a new stroller, for example, which could be a lifesaver and mean a lot to them.

A highchair

Highchairs are needed to make sure a new baby is safe and able to eat at the table. If you are thinking about getting a highchair as your gift, then think about what style of furniture the mum likes and try to get something that fits in with the theme of their house. If you know the gender of the baby, then this can also help you pick out a suitable highchair, but either way, this will be a very useful and appreciated item.

A bouncy chair

This is a gift that you may be able to buy yourself as there are plenty of models that are relatively inexpensive, but if the mother-to-be has requested a bouncy chair with all the extra parts, then you might want to partner up with a few friends and buy this as your joint gift. These are great for keeping the little one in one place while also giving them the chance to burn off some energy.

Special clothes and outfits

If there is one thing that expecting parents will most likely be gifted its clothes, and for a good reason! Babies can get through outfits quickly, and having a good stock of the essentials is always appreciated. For something a little more special, why not get an outfit for a special occasion? If your pregnant friend is having a girl, then you could even buy matching dresses for the mother and daughter. Nothing is much cuter than a matching family, and the mum will appreciate something she can wear! It can also be a good idea to buy outfits that can be worn in the future, so rather than picking out clothes for a new-born, try to find something for 3-6 months or more. This will be perfect for when the first batch of clothes no longer fit, which won’t take long!

Everyday essentials

As well as big-ticket items and gifts for special occasions, it can be just as useful to gift essentials at a baby shower. These may not be as exciting as a new stroller, but will be a great welcome when the new parents are trying to survive on minimal sleep, and going to the store is like a trip to the moon! Baby wraps and swaddling blankets will make a great everyday essential, and you can shop for them at lewis is home.

Towels, cloths, and blankets

A selection of soft towels and blankets can be made into a hamper and turned into a lovely gift. You also get to go out and try to find the softest fabrics that exist, which is a fun experience in itself! Depending on the season, you may want to get cute towels for the baby’s first trip to the beach, or if it is coming to winter, then you can get a selection of warm blankets. 

Diaper bin

On the more practical side of the gifting spectrum, this is absolutely essential, and if you want to buy a gift that you know will be used every day, then this is a good option. When you gift it, you can fill the bin with extras like diapers or something a little more exciting like a pamper kit with face masks and bubble bath for the mum to help her relax.

Gifts for the mother

While many people will focus on buying gifts for the baby, the baby shower is really for the new mum as much as anyone. This may be the last chance that the mother is able to enjoy herself for a while, so anything that will make her feel special will be a welcome gift. A new dressing gown, jewelry

While, of course, the focus will be on the baby soon to arrive, the mum-to-be in your life might like a treat to herself! Gifts that can improve her comfort, or just put a smile on her face, could include a dressing gown, slippers, or an item of jewelry. If you really want to make her happy, then think about what she will need when the baby arrives – handmade childcare vouchers could be the best gift of all in a few months!