How to Choose the Right Baby Shower Gift
When you start shopping for baby shower gifts, you’ll be amazed at how many options there are. However, the fact of the matter is that many of the purchases people make for baby showers are completely frivolous and either get tossed out by parents or go unused.
The best baby shower gifts will be items that parents will actually use, and while that might not be the most exciting purchase to make, it’s certainly the most practical. After all, you want your gift to be something that new parents can use to make their lives easier—not merely a cute gift that really serves no purpose.
If you’re having trouble deciding what the best baby shower gifts are, then you’re in luck. Below, you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to choose a baby shower gift that parents will regularly use.
Think Practically
As adorable as a baby item may be, you should always put aesthetics behind functionality when choosing the best baby shower gifts. Think practically when you’re shopping for new parents and ask yourself the following questions: Do they need this? Will it help them with a newborn? Is there something more practical that I could get them? These three questions will help you determine if the purchase you’re making is one that a new parent will actually use.
If you’re shopping for a big ticket item, think about purchasing new strollers, cribs, high chairs, and baby swings. If you’ve got a smaller budget, items such as baby sunscreen, shampoo, bibs, and bathtubs can be a smart purchase.
Check the Registry
Many parents set up online registries when they’re having a baby shower. You should always consider items on the registry list first, as they’ve been specifically chosen by the parents, so you know that they’ll be appreciated and utilized.
If you’re unsure if someone has a baby shower registry, you can search for their name on sites like Amazon to see if anything comes up. Also, don’t ever hesitate to ask. Even if a parent hasn’t set up a registry, this might encourage him or her to do so, making baby shower shopping easier for everyone who’s attending.
Always Size Up
Clothing is a popular choice for baby shower gifts, and with good reason. Not only are they fun to pick out, but they are extremely practical, as newborns go through plenty of outfit changes thanks to their messes (spit-up, diaper leaks, etc.).
The one rule to follow when purchasing baby clothes is to always size up. If you’re unsure whether or not a child will fit into a specifically-sized onesie, get the larger size. Children can always grow into clothing, but if you purchase something that is too small, the gift will go to waste. Additionally, because newborns are birthed at different sizes, you might want to skip clothing that is sized zero to three months altogether.
Avoid Nursery Decorations
As adorable as some nursery decorations may be, it’s best not to purchase any of these for a baby shower. There are two reasons for this, the first being that most parents want to decorate their nursery with their own style. The second reason for this is that decorations are non-practical, and even though they might brighten up a playroom or nursery, they won’t actually be something that is physically needed and used regularly.
Purchase Gifts That Are Exclusively for Parents
Baby shower gifts don’t all have to be about the baby. Rather, consider purchasing a gift for the mother, as chances are that she’ll be short on sleep and pushed to her limit during those first few months after bringing home a newborn.
Great gifts for parents include cozy slippers, coffee subscriptions, and breastfeeding pillows. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even purchase a photo session for the mother and newborn as an experiential gift that will be cherished for years to come.
Gift Cards
If you want a quick and easy purchase that won’t go unused, gift cards make the perfect choice. New parents are often busy and exhausted, which means not much cooking gets done. Purchasing gift cards for local carryout restaurants and delivery services will go much appreciated by any new parent.
Additionally, if you want to get something that will serve a longer-term use, consider purchasing a gift card to a local baby supply store, where parents can go and pick out their own items when the time comes.
Resources— ScaryMommy, Babble
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