Whether you're a future parent preparing to welcome a little one into the world, a close friend planning the perfect baby shower, or a distant relative eager to shower the newest addition to your family with love, finding the ideal baby shower gift can be exciting - but it can also be intimidating.
You want to find a gift that shows the mom and dad to be just how much you care, but you don't want to get them something that will collect dust before the baby's even learned how to roll over (or worse, will never even be taken out of the packaging).
If you're on the hunt for the best baby shower gifts, you're in luck. We've got everything you need to know in this guide.
Most Practical Baby Shower Gifts
When it comes to finding baby shower gifts that a new mom or dad will actually use, practicality is key. Look for gifts that are functional and in line with the new parents' plans. Understanding their preferences is key here.
For example, it probably doesn't make sense to buy a bottle warmer for a new baby if you know mom plans to exclusively breastfeed. You wouldn't want to buy them a glider for the baby if you know that the grandparents are thinking about passing along their favorite antique rocking chair.
Take a quick skim of the registry, if the parents have one, to get a feel for their style and preferences. Then, with that in mind, here are some out-of-the-box baby shower gifts that new parents will not only love - but will likely use each and every day.
A Mini Fridge for Milk Storage
Convenience is king for new parents, and that's where a mini fridge really shines. Typically thought of as college dorm must-haves, mini fridges also work wonders in nurseries.
For less than $100, a mini fridge can be a real gamechanger. It's perfect for storing breast milk, formula, and small snacks. Because it can conveniently be placed in a nursery or the parents' bedroom, it can make nighttime feedings a million times easier. No more schlepping up and down the stairs to put away bottles of pumped milk!
Grow-With-Me Dishes
Babies grow quickly, and unfortunately, so do their eating habits. It might be tempting to buy a set of bottles or even toddler plates for an expecting parent, but grow-with-me dishes might be the better pick. Opt for dishes that can adapt to every stage, from purees to toddler snacks, to equip Mom and Dad with a go-to in the kitchen.
Fully Stocked Baskets
Can't decide what to buy? You can never go wrong with diapers or baby wipes. Consider creating a care package filled with these essentials to save the new parents countless emergency trips to the store.
Pro tip? Fill the basket with diapers in several sizes so they aren't stuck with three boxes of size 1s they'll never end up using.
Portable White Noise Machine
White noise is a gamechanger for new parents, and a portable white noise machine can work wonders for parents on the go. These can also be lifesavers during car rides, walks, or even trips to grandma's house.
Hatch Night Light
More than just a night light, this gadget also serves as a sound machine and a wake-up alarm (the latter of which is especially helpful for toddlers as they're acclimating to their "big kid" beds).
Baby Carrier
Baby carriers promote bonding and make errands a million times easier. These hands-free lifesavers are great for multitasking parents (particularly parents who have other little ones to care for).
Nursing Pillow
Even if Mom doesn't plan to breastfeed the baby, a nursing pillow is a great choice. It can provide some much-needed support during feedings to make the experience more comfortable for mom and baby alike.
Most Fun Baby Shower Gifts
Who said useful had to be boring? Here are a few fun baby shower gifts to consider adding to your list.
Montessori Toys
Montessori toys are known for their ability to encourage development and discovery. They're designed to stimulate a baby's senses and motor skills, adhering to the Montessori principles of education. There are Montessori toys for all interests and ages, so consider creating a gift basket stocked to the brim with a wide variety of options.
Bath Toys
Turn bath time into fun time with engaging toys that float, spray, and offer endless giggles. By gifting a new baby a set of bath toys, you can help make hygiene a highlight of the day.
Newborn Rattles
Perfect for tiny hands, these stimulate auditory and tactile senses and can be a baby's first introduction to cause and effect. They're also inexpensive, meaning they're a great add-on to another gift, if you so choose.
Teething Book
Combining the need to soothe sore gums and the love for stories, teething books are both practical and entertaining for a teething tot. They also tend to be indestructible in tiny hands, a good feature to have.
Subscription Box
Another option is to give the new family a subscription box. Whether you choose a diaper delivery service, a baby snack of the month box, or even a subscription to a play kit, like Lovery or KiwiCo, subscription boxes offer a fresh new surprise each month. They can be tailored with age-appropriate toys, books, and all kinds of other goodies.
Most Memorable Baby Shower Gifts
One of the best parts about attending a baby shower is being able to connect with a person you love on one of the most special days of their lives. By investing in a thoughtful, sentimental baby shower gift, you can keep the memories flowing and remind the new baby just how much you love them - even long after when the baby shower itself has ended.
Here are some suggestions.
An EarlyBird Contribution
If you don't want to spend a fortune but still want to do your part to kickstart the baby's financial future, you can't beat EarlyBird.
By making a contribution to their EarlyBird account, you're providing a gift that keeps on giving. The funds can be used to support their education, fund their first car purchase, and so much more.
You can also extend the invitation to contribute to other family members and friends. By doing this, you amplify the potential for growth, leveraging the power of community and love.
EarlyBird offers families access to a tax-advantaged custodial investment account called an UGMA account, which provides flexibility for the child's future needs, whether they be for education, a down payment on a home, or even traveling the world.
Paci Teether Blankets
These blankets could easily be placed in one of the other categories described above, but we put them in this category because paci-teether blankets combine functionality with sentiment.
They're soft, comforting, and handy for soothing teething pain. They come with attached pacifiers and teethers and often become beloved companions, something that a family holds on to for generations.
To add to the sentimental value, consider embroidering the baby's name or some other memorable detail into the fabric.
Simple Baby Books
If you want to help the new mom and dad capture every precious moment, you may want to get them a baby book. The simpler, the better - new parents have enough to keep track of! You can also spring for a digital baby book, a feature EarlyBird offers with its digital time capsule.
Baby Milestone Monthly Blankets
Make sure each milestone is Insta-ready with milestone monthly blankets. These beautifully designed blankets mark each baby's monthly milestone and create a keepsake that the parents will treasure forever.
Childrens' Books
Inexpensive and practical, childrens' books are also some of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Invest in the new baby's library by gifting timeless classics (and be sure to sign the inside cover so they look back on the gift fondly for years to come).
A Personalized Gift
From embroidered blankets to custom-made story books featuring the baby’s name, personalized gifts add a unique touch that celebrates the individuality of the new addition.
Start Making Memories with EarlyBird
Remember, the best gifts come from the heart. Whether you opt for the practical, the fun, or the memorable, your gift is a warm welcome to the newest member of the family - and a gesture of support to the new parents.
And if you're looking to support the child's future beyond babyhood, consider opening an EarlyBird account for them. It takes less than three minutes to create a modern holistic portfolio that grows over time.
With EarlyBird, you're not just gifting - you're investing in a child's future prosperity. When all is said and done, that's the best baby shower gift you can possibly give.
This page contains general information and does not contain financial advice. All investments involve risk. Any hypothetical performance shown is for illustrative purposes only. Actual investment performance may be different for many reasons, including, but not limited to, market fluctuations, time horizon, taxes, and fees. Please consult a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional for investment guidance.
