The Five Best Baby Shower Gifts
A Book Assortment
This may seem weird, since clearly the baby cannot read. However, it’s never too early to start reading to the baby! Choose books with bright pictures and hard cardboard pages. A lot of books have tactile elements so the baby can feel fuzzy, smooth, bumpy, rough, etcetera. This really gets the baby’s brain going! It might be nice to include an article or book on the benefits of reading to a baby early (some parents might not think of it). This is an often overlooked gift that is affordable and fun.
Baby Bath ‘Basket’
I know, you really want to shop for tiny newborn clothes, soft blankets, and toys. It is fun, which is these are popular shower gifts. Go for the unexpected though, and get the parents something they can use every day. You can get a baby bath (a basic one is just fine, that is all they will really need). Fill it with bath items like wash rag hand puppets, lotions, aromatherapy baby shampoo, and soft towels. Put a bow on top and you can present a beautiful and truly useful gift.
Diaper Pail
Again, this falls into the not-fun-to-buy group. But I cannot think of anything more needed than a quality diaper pail. If you go this route, do not skimp. Get one that seals properly, and one that can be opened without using your hands. If your budget allows, fill it with newborn diapers, trash bags that fit the pail, baby wipes, powder, and diaper rash cream. This gift may not get the crowd oohing and aahing, but it will be deeply valued by the parents, trust me.
Baby Bedding Collections
My sister’s favorite shower gift was a beautiful girls baby bedding collection. It had matching sheets, a quilt, baby-safe pillows and even a crib bumper! If you do not know the sex of the baby or prefer a gender-neutral option, look for themed collections like jungle animals or shapes. They often come in primary colors, or in green, yellow and beige. Since they can be expensive, it’s a good choice for a group gift.
Gift Certificate
A lot of people shy away from a gift certificate because they are afraid it will say they do not care enough to shop for a ‘real’ gift. But there is a way to make a gift certificate extra special. Think about it: the focus is usually on the baby. Getting the mother a gift can make her feel very valued and cared about. Go for a gift certificate that focuses on something she loves, such as the coffee she can now drink, a spa treatment, or her favorite bath and body shop.
