Baby showers are a popular way to celebrate a new life and help the soon-to-be parents with essential baby gear. They are a fun gathering that puts the new mom in the spotlight and gives her friends and family a chance to spoil her. When you get invited to a baby shower, you may have some questions about what to buy as a baby shower gift and how to follow baby shower etiquette. Here are some ideas of how much to spend and what types of gifts can help the new mommy.
Relationship to Expectant Mother
Colleague or Acquaintance $25
It is difficult to know how much to spend on baby shower gifts. As a general rule, if the mother-to-be is a colleague or acquaintance, it is appropriate to spend about 25 to 35 dollars. Some great gift ideas are baby clothes, baby blankets, or toys.
A baby shower invitation from someone you don’t know well or who you aren’t close to doesn’t need to cause stress. Most expectant parents are thankful for any gifts the guests bring, so don’t worry too much. If you are unsure, pick something on the baby shower registry that fits your budget. You could also ask the party host for ideas on the gift. In most cases, they know the parents-to-be better than an acquaintance does, so they may have ideas.
Good Friend $50
If the mother-to-be is a friend, you can spend around 50-60 dollars on a baby shower gift. A fun gift to put together would be a baby basket with an assortment of clothes, creams and lotions, bibs and burp cloths, and other essentials the parents-to-be will need.
An appropriate gift in this range is a baby bottle warmer. You could also opt for a diaper pail, baby clothes, a gift card, a quality non-contact thermometer, or a diaper cake.
Best Friend or Sister $100
If the mother-to-be is a very close friend or family member, you can spend anywhere from 90-100 dollars. Often family members will get together to buy expensive big-ticket items like cribs and strollers as these can be a financial burden on new parents.
You should consider items that are a little out of range for an average friend if it is your best friend or sister who is pregnant. In that case, think of things like a baby monitor, baby swing, or playmat. Also, consider getting something for the parents instead of the baby. A very welcome gift may be a subscription to their favorite streaming service or a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
Unique Baby Shower Circumstances
Twins, Triplets, or More!
So, what do you do if the baby on board is babies on board? Luckily, it isn’t necessary to buy two or three of every gift. If it is an item that both or all babies will use, such as a diaper genie, or swing, just one is fine. However, if the items are smaller, like clothes or toys, it would be appropriate to have one for each baby.
Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is when families celebrate welcoming a second, third or fourth child. A baby sprinkle is a new idea that isn’t as traditional as a shower. A sprinkle is smaller than a baby shower. Unlike a baby shower, where the focus is on helping new parents stock up on much needed baby items, a sprinkle is focused less on gifts and more on celebrating a new family member and the beauty of new life. Some gift ideas for a sprinkle are diapers in different sizes, toys, and even gift cards.
If You Cannot Attend a Baby Shower
If you have been invited but cannot make the shower, you are not obligated to send a gift. However, it is a nice gesture and will be appreciated. You can stick to the level of familiarity with the new parents in determining the price range.
Jack and Jill Shower
A Jack and Jill baby shower is a relatively new idea and popular with a younger generation that doesn’t follow traditional baby shower rules. These showers are for the mommy and daddy-to-be. They allow the whole family to get together and celebrate the new addition. Whether it’s a co-ed or traditional baby shower, follow the same guidelines for gift giving.
Virtual Baby Shower
Virtual baby showers are held online, so your venue may be Zoom. The party host often acts as both the party planner and as the master of ceremonies. There may still be baby shower games and gift openings, it will all just happen online. This is great when there are many guests who don’t live nearby or who can’t attend for health reasons. It is also great for budget baby showers, since the host doesn’t need to spend nearly as much for a venue or buy as many supplies at stores like Party City.
Like any baby shower, there will still be party games, but there are some key differences. You may get only an electronic invitation, and there won’t be food or snacks for everyone. Some hosts come up with suggested snacks or drinks that guests can have ready when attending so that everyone has a shared experience. Gifts for these baby showers should follow the same guidelines as an in-person baby shower.
Where to Shop for Baby Shower Gifts
Shop the Baby Registry
Most new parents will sign up for a baby registry and add items that they need. It’s best to shop the registry and find an item that fits your budget. The registry is a polite way for parents to show the things they need and avoid receiving unnecessary items or the same item twice. Suppose you can’t find something that fits your budget, you can always give a gift card to the store where the couple is registered as a gift. A gift card is always a great gift.
Popular Baby Registry Stores
A baby registry is a must for all baby showers. It gives the new parents a chance to choose what they will need and helps the baby shower guests pick the perfect gift in their budget. A few popular places to register are Amazon, Target, and Buy Buy Baby. These stores make it simple and easy for the mom-to-be and her guests.
Creative Baby Shower Gift Ideas
DIY Baby Gifts
If shopping on the registry isn’t your thing and you are more creative, you can always do a DIY gift. A handmade blanket or hat are thoughtful gifts that any mother would love. If making something like homemade baby soaps, diaper cream, or cloth diapers, make sure all ingredients are baby safe and consider the mother’s wishes. You don’t want to make a set of cute cloth diapers if the mother plans to use disposable.
Personalized Gifts for the Baby
If the parents have already picked out names, you can do a personalized gift with the baby’s name. For example, you can make a decorated baby book for the parents to fill with pictures, a decorative art piece with the baby’s name, or another signature piece.
Gifts for the Expectant Mom and Dad
Gifts don’t have to just be for the baby. A little something for the parents-to-be is appreciated too. There are subscription boxes and meal planning services that are excellent gifts for sleep-deprived new parents. You can even get creative and make homemade coupons to offer your babysitting services. These are just a few gift ideas that can help make the transition to being a parent easier.
Gift Basket
Homemade gift baskets are another fun way to help new parents. You can combine products for mom, dad, and baby. These are best when you know the new parents well and can have some fun putting together a few items that you know they will love.
Expanding a family is a special time. Celebrate a new mom and new baby with a great gift that will be sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Baby Shower Last?
While some baby showers are longer than others, and some are very short, the typical baby shower is around two hours. This allows time for snacks or a light meal, some baby shower games, gifts, and time for the mom-to-be to chat with guests.
Should I Include a Receipt With My Gift?
It is always a good idea to include the receipt with your gift. Some people in the past have felt it is tacky to include a receipt with a gift, but most people do not feel this way anymore. This is especially true for baby shower gifts, since there is a possibility that the expectant parents get duplicates of some gifts. Many retailers provide gift receipts, too, so that makes this even easier to include the receipt without revealing how much you spent. With a receipt, they can return the gift and put that money toward other needs.
Do I RSVP For The Invitation?
Always RSVP an invitation for a baby shower. It is not only the polite thing to do, but it helps the host plan for the number of guests. Even if you do not plan to go, let the host know so they don’t expect you.
Who Else Will Be There?
Baby showers used to include only the mom-to-be, possibly a host, and female friends and relatives. Things can be quite different now, and you’re likely to see men and children there as well. You’ll see the expectant parent or parents there and usually a party host. You’re also likely to see the friends, colleagues, and relatives of the baby’s parent or parents.
