BABY SHOWER GIFT IDEAS

Baby shower gifts are a tradition dating back to the early 1900's where friends and family would throw a "shower" in much the same way they would for a bridal shower; to "shower" the woman with gifts before her big day (marriage or having a baby). In the early tradition, many of the gifts were made by the guests. Umbrellas were a popular symbol of the event because the baby shower was traditionally an afternoon event and the guests would use the umbrella to stay out of the sun.

Today, baby showers are much different and not just for tea. Baby shower gifts run the gamut of everything from practical to outlandish! Below we have listed some of the more popular baby shower gifts as well as some creative gifts to get the parents-to-be.
Also visit our baby shower directory for great baby shower gifts!
Remember you can always see if the mommy-to-be registered for gifts before deciding what you want to get:

Baby Shower Gifts: The Essentials

The first type of baby shower gifts are the more practical and immediate items that the parents-to-be can use as soon as their baby is born:

Clothing - Sleepers, Receiving Blanket, Undershirts, Onesies, diapers. socks and hats. Make sure they are easy to change since too many buttons or snaps may be difficult for new parents to take on and off the baby. Buy cute clothes to go home from the hospital in and Waterproof Lap Pads.

Health/Grooming Products - Baby Powder, Lotion, Baby Wipes, Desitin,Q-Tips, Hydrogen Peroxide (for the umbilical cord), baby safety pins, nail file, scissors, first aid kit, baby soaps and wash cloths, Baby Thermometer, Diaper Bag.

Feeding - Bibs, bottles, bottle holders, baby formula (if not breast feeding), breast pump (if going to be used), Nipples, Bottle Brush set (get multiple brushes of the same kind since they will go through them pretty fast), Tipper Cup, Feeding Spoon, Baby Burp Towels, Baby Dishes (plastic), and bathrobe.

In the Bath Products - Towel with cute hood, wash cloths, baby lotion, shampoo, soap, baby brush, bath toys (make sure they are age appropriate).

In the Crib/Bassinet Items - Crib Fitted Sheets (a few orders of them), Comforter, Bumper Pads (not recommended by all doctors and nurses due to the increase of SIDS), Mobile, Crib trim, Waterproof Crib Pads, blanket to swaddle the infant.

For the Baby Room - Stuffed Animals, Cute pictures for the wall, Gift Certificate for a Muralist to come out, dresser, changing table, Cute Initials of the baby on some type of ceramic item (i.e., toy blocks with his/her initials), Picture frame, Nursery Lamp, Furniture, Boppy, Bouncey Seats and Piggy bank.

Toy Time - Teething toys, colorful play matt, black and white play matt, Musical Toys and Plush/Stuffed Animals always go over well at a baby shower!

Learning Time - Baby Einstein CD's (or really any learning CD's for the infant), classical music CD's, Disney movies, Books for the Parents, baby books, Lamaze soft books and story books.

For the Parents - Pamper the parents-to-be with a gift certificate to a spa, book store, record store, or a nice gift such as baby hand and foot imprinting plaster, Baby Bjorn or other baby carrier Coupons for babysitting. Click here for Gifts for Mom and Dad!

More Expensive Practical Gifts - These baby shower gifts are more expensive but very useful for the parents-to-be including stroller, bassinet, baby dresser, baby changing table, baby car seat, baby car seat attachment, high chair, baby swing (very helpful in most cases for sleeping and entertainment), bouncy seat, sound monitor, video monitor (wireless), Potty Chair, Diaper Genie (container), Safety Gate, Baby Scale, Breast Pump, Rocking Chair.

Unique Gifts - Grow Chart, Gift for Siblings, Gift Certificate for baby pictures, U.S. Govt. Bonds for the Baby, Silver Spoon or Rattle, Baby proofing the house.

Baby Shower Coupons - For those that want to give their time for their gift and don't have much money, it is fun to be creative and make baby shower coupons for the parents such as " 2- Hour Babysitting", "Cook for the Mommy and Daddy two meals", etc. The parents to be will really appreciate this baby shower coupon gift book, especially for first time parents who appreciate the help!

Gift of Saving a Life - A fantastic baby shower gift is a gift certificate for a private CPR class for the mommy and daddy to be and a few of their selected family and friends who may become future babysitters. This idea was given to us by a paramedic who stated people can contact their local ambulance, hospital or Red Cross and set up a class for a nominal fee to cover the instructor and manuals if applicable. As our paramedic friend stated, "What better gift than life and the security to handle emergencies."

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers - A great gift that seems to always running out for the mommy-to-be is to have everyone bring a few packages of diapers. New mommies never have enough in the house so getting diapers is a perfect baby shower gift. Thanks to our visitor Sanguine who stated to us, "My sister bought 3 packs of diapers every 2 weeks for 6 months (which is about 36 packs) and was out in less than 3 months. Diapers is extremely helpful for a baby shower gift my friend. Diapers! Thanks for your feedback Sanguine.

Useful Laundry Basket Idea - Instead of spending the money on a gift bag that is likely to get thrown away, use laundry basket, line it with a baby blanket and put the gift inside and cover with tissue paper or another blanket. Then the basket can be used for the extra laundry that will be added or for toy storage. You can even get a small laundry basket usually at Dollar Tree stores or any type of everything's $1 store if you are on a limited budget! Thanks to visitor Renee for this great idea! This is a nice idea by one of our loyal visitors :)

Floating Ducky - Take a silver mini wash tub (they are available everywhere and in various shapes and sizes). Fill with water and float a rubber duck in each one. Tie balloons to one of the handles. It's simple, but sweet. You can also place various baby shower related items next to the wash tub, like shampoo, lotion and such.

Be sure to visit and add to our new baby shower Bulletin Boards!

It is important to keep your receipts and try and get a gift receipt so the parents-to-be can return anything they have doubles of or if they do not like the gift. This baby shower gift idea list above is not exhaustive, but does list the most essential of the items you can purchase for the couple. If you have any great ideas, feel free to email me at mommy@babyshower101.com.

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