When my friends decided to throw me a baby shower before Miles arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted most: Amazon gift cards. While I attempted to create a baby registry, I only included items I considered absolutely essential for those first few weeks at home. Gift cards offered the flexibility to get exactly what I needed, delivered quickly when I needed it. My priority was practical Baby Shower Gifts – not an overwhelming amount of toys (city condo living!), or even clothes, although I did appreciate the variety of sizes I received since I hadn’t bought much beforehand.
I understand that my registry might have seemed underwhelming to some, but I truly didn’t want to accumulate unnecessary items. Babies are so unique, and I wanted to wait and see what Miles actually needed before asking someone to invest in a $60 swaddle he might never use.
My strategy worked perfectly! I’m still using those Amazon gift cards to buy things for Miles (thank you, friends!). So, yes, gift cards are my top recommendation. However, I know many of you prefer giving tangible gifts. If you’re new to the parenting world, figuring out the right baby shower gift can be challenging. This post is for you. Here are some practical baby shower gifts that might not be the most exciting to give, but they will be incredibly appreciated by the expecting mom.
1. Swaddles: The Sleep Savior
Newborns have a startle reflex that persists for several months. Swaddling mimics the secure feeling of the womb, helping babies feel safe and preventing them from waking themselves up with involuntary movements. It’s a game-changer for sleep!
A friend of mine, who is a NICU nurse, gifted us a swaddle at my shower. Initially, we were just using the hospital blanket, but once we started swaddling with a proper swaddle, the difference was remarkable. Between spit-up incidents and fabric stretching (they do tighten after washing, thankfully!), we quickly realized we needed more. We now have four swaddles in rotation. I highly recommend the SwaddleMe swaddles. Another popular option is the Ollie swaddle, but given the $65 price tag, starting with SwaddleMe is a more budget-friendly and equally effective choice.
2. Baby Toiletries Gift Basket: Practicality in a Basket
Think of a baby toiletries gift basket as the baby shower equivalent of a cold medicine care package. It might not be the most glamorous gift, but it becomes invaluable when needed. Imagine having all the essentials on hand when the baby arrives – peace of mind for any new parent.
A friend of mine created a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy wreath of diapers and baby toiletries like shampoo, lotion, and diaper cream. While you can certainly get creative, a simple basket of baby essentials is just as appreciated. Having these items readily available has been incredibly convenient. Consider including these essentials:
- Baby Shampoo & Body Wash: Gentle cleansers for delicate skin.
- Baby Lotion: To keep baby’s skin hydrated and soft.
- Children’s Tylenol: A must-have for those post-vaccination fevers or general discomfort.
- Baby Wipes: For countless diaper changes and quick clean-ups.
- Diaper Rash Cream (Desitin): To prevent and treat diaper rash.
- NoseFrida: A surprisingly effective (though slightly unconventional) nasal aspirator.
- Thermometer: Essential for monitoring baby’s temperature.
- Baby Nail Clippers or Scissors: For safe and gentle nail trimming.
- Infant Hair Brush: Soft bristles for delicate scalps.
For convenience, you can also find pre-made infant toiletries kits on Amazon that bundle many of these items together.
3. Side Snap Shirts: Gentle on the Umbilical Cord
While cute baby clothes are always adorable and tempting to buy, remember to include practical clothing items as well. In the first couple of weeks after birth, babies still have a portion of the umbilical cord attached. Onesies that go over the belly button and snap at the bottom can irritate this sensitive area and potentially cause the cord to detach prematurely.
Side snap shirts, both long sleeve and short sleeve, are a fantastic alternative. They allow the umbilical cord area to remain free from friction and exposed to air, promoting faster drying and healing. These are a practical and thoughtful addition to any baby shower gift.
4. Wubbanub: Pacifier and Plush in One
The Wubbanub has been an incredibly helpful item for us. It’s essentially a pacifier with a small, soft stuffed animal attached. While I’m not including standard pacifiers on this list (we received plenty from the hospital!), the Wubbanub offers unique advantages.
A regular pacifier can be easily lost or fall out of the baby’s mouth. The attached stuffed animal makes it harder to misplace and easier for the baby to keep in their mouth. It can also be propped up gently in the crib to help keep the pacifier in place. I’ve linked this specific Wubbanub, but you can find various animal options by searching “Wubbanub” on Amazon to personalize your gift.
5. Postnatal Massage Gift Certificate: Pampering for the New Mom
I received a gift certificate for a prenatal massage during Christmas. While massages are always lovely, I felt awkward and uncomfortable on the massage table while heavily pregnant. Plus, I didn’t really have significant muscle issues before the baby arrived. In hindsight, I wish I had saved it for after Miles was born.
Once he arrived, I experienced all sorts of new aches and pains from holding him in unfamiliar positions and adjusting to new movements. A postnatal massage would be an incredible gift for any new mom! It’s a wonderful way to help her recover and relax during a demanding time.
6. Baby Blanket: Versatile and Comforting
A baby blanket was a baby shower gift that I initially underestimated, but now use constantly. I literally use it in some capacity every single day, mostly to drape over the stroller when we’re out and about. Mine is from Monica + Andy, although countless wonderful baby blankets are available.
A soft, quality baby blanket is incredibly versatile – for stroller rides, tummy time, swaddling (in a pinch), or just cuddling. It’s a comforting and practical gift that will be used for years to come.
7. Diapers & Wipes: The Never-Ending Supply
While new parents often bring home a supply of diapers from the hospital, you truly can never have too many. Gifting a case or two of diapers and wipes is an incredibly practical and appreciated gesture. The hospital (and now we) use Huggies, but it’s always a thoughtful idea to ask the mom-to-be if she has a preferred brand.
Diapers and wipes are an ongoing expense for new parents, making them a genuinely helpful and practical baby shower gift.
8. Amazon Gift Cards: The Ultimate Flexible Gift
I’ll say it again, and again – Amazon gift cards were the best baby shower gift I received. They empower new moms to purchase exactly what they need, precisely when they need it. While it might not feel as personal as a wrapped gift, it’s undeniably practical and brought me immense joy.
Gift cards provide unparalleled flexibility for new parents navigating the ever-changing needs of a newborn. They are a truly invaluable and practical baby shower gift.
9. Gifts from Her Registry: Giving What She Truly Wants
While the gifts listed above are all fantastic and practical, always take the time to check the mom-to-be’s baby registry. These are items she has specifically chosen and wants. I was thrilled when a friend purchased the changing table from my registry – it was the final piece we needed to complete the nursery (well, the corner of our bedroom!) and was absolutely essential.
Gifting from the registry shows you care about the mom’s specific needs and preferences, making it a thoughtful and guaranteed-to-be-appreciated baby shower gift.
What are your go-to practical baby shower gifts? Share your ideas in the comments below!
