Finding the perfect baby shower gift can be both exciting and overwhelming. When I welcomed my first child, I was incredibly touched by the generosity of friends and family who showered us with thoughtful presents. From essential diapers and adorable outfits to comforting meals and engaging books, we felt truly supported as we embarked on this new chapter. Now, as it seems everyone around me is also starting their families, I’ve reflected on those gifts and pinpointed the ones that were truly the most helpful and appreciated.
Assortment of baby shower gifts including clothes, toys and essentials
Of course, there are the obvious necessities that every new parent needs, but it’s often the unexpected and uniquely thoughtful gifts that become the most cherished. To gather even more insights, I reached out to our community of Real Moms, asking them to share the best baby gifts they’ve received. Their recommendations range from incredibly practical items that make daily life easier to sentimental keepsakes that capture the preciousness of this time. Whether you’re a seasoned gift-giver or a first-timer, you’re sure to find inspiration in this curated list of top baby shower gifts.
A baby peacefully sleeping surrounded by essential baby items like diapers, wipes, and bottles
Best Practical Baby Gifts
As a new parent, you quickly learn to appreciate the wisdom of those who have been there before. Experienced moms often have the best insights into what items are truly indispensable. Many Real Moms echoed this sentiment, highlighting practical gifts as some of the most valuable they received.
Mini Fridge for the Nursery
Small mini fridge in a nursery setting
Real Mom Mariah D. raved about the mini fridge gifted for her bedroom. Exclusively pumping for her newborn, she found it an absolute game-changer to have a dedicated spot to store breast milk during nighttime hours. No more stumbling to the kitchen in the middle of the night! This small appliance offered a level of convenience she hadn’t anticipated.
Bonus Tip: Beyond breast milk, a mini fridge is perfect for keeping water bottles and snacks cold, providing quick refreshment during those frequent nighttime feedings or pumping sessions when thirst and hunger strike.
Electric Baby Nail File
Gentle electric baby nail file in use on a baby's hand
Ashton S., another Real Mom, declared an electric baby nail file as her top baby gift. Abigail C., a new mom of twins and my close friend, wholeheartedly agreed. If you’ve spent even a few days with a newborn, you’ve likely encountered those surprisingly sharp baby nails – often after a scratch to your face or theirs! Figuring out how to safely trim them can feel daunting.
At the hospital, nurses advised against using clippers or scissors on newborn nails. Manual files proved ineffective. Enter the electric nail file. This ingenious device, equipped with various pads for different growth stages, gently and quietly files down tiny nails while your baby sleeps or feeds. It’s a true lifesaver for preventing scratches and keeping those little hands smooth.
Ikea Dishes for Kids
Colorful and durable Ikea children's dishware set
Carrie D., a Real Mom, shared that Ikea dishes for kids have been the most enduring gift for her family. Even with children aged 7 and 9, these dishes are still in daily use! Known for their durability and fun colors, Ikea dishware might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a baby gift, but their longevity and practicality are undeniable.
Many first-time parents, myself included, don’t immediately think about the need for snack cups, sippy cups, or child-sized plates and utensils until their baby is ready to start solids. Gifting these essentials early is a thoughtful way to lighten a new parent’s mental load and prepare them for the feeding stages ahead.
Diaper Caddy Essentials
Well-organized diaper caddy filled with diapers, wipes and baby essentials
A diaper caddy stocked with necessities is both practical and visually appealing. Find a charming basket and fill it with diapers, wipes, bibs, burp cloths, a change of clothes, a small toy, hand sanitizer, and a snack for the new mom. This portable station can be kept in the car for on-the-go changes or placed on different floors of the house for ultimate convenience. The best part? It’s beautifully presented and requires no wrapping!
Baby Clothes in Larger Sizes & Size Dividers
Organized baby closet with clothes sorted by size using dividers
Having gone through the newborn stage myself, I’ve learned to steer clear of newborn-sized clothing when gifting. Babies outgrow those tiny sizes incredibly quickly, often before those adorable outfits get much wear. The best advice I received regarding baby clothes was to choose larger sizes – 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and beyond.
As my children grew, I was always grateful to have a stash of larger-sized clothes ready and waiting. To elevate this gift, include size divider hangers. These organizers help new parents keep the various clothing sizes neatly separated and accessible in the closet, making wardrobe management much easier.
Most Precious Baby Gifts
Beyond practicality, some gifts hold a special sentimental value. These “precious” gifts are chosen purely for their sweetness and the lasting memories they create. Real Moms shared their favorite suggestions for gifts that touch the heart.
Pacifier Lovey
Soft pacifier lovey toy with attached pacifier
Brigitte F., a Real Mom, highly recommends gifting a Chico Pocket Buddy Lovey and Paci Holder. More than just a blanket or stuffed animal, this clever combination attaches to the baby’s pacifier, keeping it close and preventing it from getting lost. Available in trendy colors for both boys and girls, it’s a unique and functional gift.
Simple Baby Book
Classic baby book for recording milestones and memories
Before my son arrived, my mom gifted me a simple baby book. It turned out to be one of the most meaningful presents. It wasn’t overly complicated or demanding, making it manageable even for a sleep-deprived new mom. I know this baby book will become a cherished keepsake for years to come. For more ideas on preserving baby memories, explore this post.
Children’s Books
Baby shower guest book designed as a children's book
For a baby shower or when meeting a new baby, you can never go wrong with gifting children’s books. I firmly believe a child can never have too many books! They add vibrancy and joy to a nursery and foster a love of reading from a young age.
The books I treasured most were those recommended by friends as their own children’s favorites. We received numerous Sandra Boynton board books, which have become our son’s beloved bedtime stories. For one of my baby showers, my coworkers gifted me a copy of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” filled with heartfelt messages and well wishes. You can discover more of our favorite children’s books here at RegistryFinder.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized baby onesie with baby's name and birth details
A personalized gift always adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness. A coworker gifted us handmade monogrammed burp cloths that perfectly matched our nursery décor. My sisters-in-law screen-printed an adorable onesie with our son’s birth statistics. Similar personalized treasures can be found on Etsy. Monogrammed items, birth stat keepsakes, or anything customized with the baby’s name create a uniquely special present.
Hand-Me-Down Clothes
My mother-in-law, a mother of seven sons, saved a few of their most cherished baby clothes to pass down to us daughters-in-law when we had sons. We now have a pair of my husband’s Osh-Kosh overalls and a sweet Christmas sweater he wore as a toddler in our son’s clothing collection. These hand-me-downs evoke the warmest family memories and add a layer of history to our son’s wardrobe. Sharing beloved items from your own children or family members is a deeply meaningful gesture.
Fun Gifts and Toys
While newborns won’t be actively playing with toys right away, you’ll be grateful for those fun gifts when they reach the playtime stage. These are some fun and engaging toy suggestions from Real Moms.
Baby Einstein Mirror and Art Cards
Baby Einstein activity mirror with high contrast cards
My mom sent us a Baby Einstein mirror and art cards when our son was still tiny. We quickly discovered how much he loved gazing at his reflection! This became our go-to toy for tummy time and car rides. Even as he grew older, he enjoyed holding and exploring the high-contrast cards.
Now, it’s one of my favorite gifts to give new parents. It’s a gift I know they and their baby will adore!
Flappy the Elephant
Adorable Flappy the Elephant animated plush toy
You can’t go wrong with a classic stuffed animal. Flappy the Elephant is an especially delightful choice, featuring incredibly soft fabric and interactive elements like singing, peek-a-boo, and flapping ears. It’s destined to become a treasured companion for years.
Boon Bath Tubes
Colorful Boon bath tubes for creative bath time play
Bath time has become a cherished part of our bedtime routine. Any bath-friendly toys are always a hit! I particularly love this set of Boon Bath Tubes because you can expand upon it over time. The more tubes, the more imaginative bath time fun!
These tubes combined with other Boon bath toys, such as the cogs building set or the stacking boat fleet set (personal favorites!), offer endless opportunities for creative play in the tub.
Collage of best baby shower gift ideas
If you’re still unsure what to choose, browsing the baby registry is always a fantastic idea to find any remaining needed items. Even if the baby shower has already occurred, new parents will always appreciate receiving items from their registry. Not sure how to locate the registry? RegistryFinder.com simplifies registry searching, allowing you to find all of the mom-to-be’s registries in one convenient location!
For more insights from our Real Moms, explore our GiveIt Blog! It’s always a great time to discover gift ideas for moms, babies, and toddlers, and we’re here to help you find the perfect present!
Written by Sami Moss, a gift-giving enthusiast who particularly loves personalized presents.
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