By Cradle & Tonic
Celebrate the new arrival: The best baby shower gifts for 2024
Finding the perfect baby shower gift is a thoughtful way to celebrate an expectant mother. Whether you're looking for something practical, unique or simply down right adorable, there are countless options to choose from.
To help make your search a little easier, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled this extensive list of the best baby shower gift ideas. These span a range of products including gifts for the expectant mother and useful items for once the baby is born and all are parent-approved.
No matter your budget or style, you're sure to find something special on this list!
Useful baby shower gifts
While unique and beautiful gifts are always appreciated, there's something truly special about receiving practical and useful presents at a baby shower. Knowing that friends and family have chosen items to make the transition into parenthood easier is both thoughtful and incredibly helpful.
Here are some of the best baby shower gift ideas that go beyond the ordinary and offer genuine support to the new parents.
- Nappy subscription: A supply of nappy delivered right to their doorstep can be a lifesaver for busy parents. Try Kit and Kin or Eco by Naty.
- Baby clothes in larger sizes: Babies grow quickly, so clothes in sizes 3-6 months or even bigger will be useful for longer.
- Baby carrier or sling: A good carrier allows parents to keep their baby close while having their hands free. We love the flax sling from Free Rider.
- Meal delivery service: Gift certificates or pre-made meals can ease the burden of cooking during those early weeks. COOK do gift vouchers or you could give the new parents a Just Eat gift card.
- Postpartum recovery kit: Items like maternity pads, bath salts, our wonder balm and comfortable pants can make all the difference in those early postpartum days.
- House cleaning service: A few hours of professional cleaning can be a lifesaver for a new mum adjusting to life with a baby. If you're on a budget, offer to lend a hand with cleaning, tidying, or even just making a cup of tea during those early days – it's a gesture she'll truly appreciate.
- Night light: A nightlight – perhaps one with white noise or music – is one of those gifts that can go from baby to child. We love this one that projects underwater scenes in the room, while the Lumi nightlight has a choice of colour and white noise to help soothe baby to sleep.
DIY baby shower hampers
Baby shower gift baskets and hampers offer a wonderful opportunity to curate a collection of presents that express your unique love and support for the new parents. We've gathered some inspiring ideas to help you create a truly special basket, filled with both elegant and practical gifts for baby and mum.
Toys: From teddy bears to rattles, you can also include soft activity books, stacking cups, teethers, crinkle toys, and mobiles to keep the little one entertained and stimulated.
Pampering products for mum: Hampers offer the perfect chance to shower the expectant mother with a little self-care. Our skincare range is always a luxurious treat, but if you know her favourite brand, including some of their products is a surefire way to make her feel special.
Candles: One of our candles – or perhaps even the Mini Motherhood gift set – makes a great addition to any baby shower hamper.
Bibs: Bibs are a perfect addition to any hamper. Guaranteed to get plenty of daily use, and whether you’re looking for a baby shower gifts for girl or a baby shower gift for boys, there’s plenty to choose from. Go luxe with this bib from Burberry or keep stylishly in budget with these cute dribble bibs from Marks & Spencer.
Baby bath toiletries: A collection of baby bath essentials like lotion, oils, shampoo, wipes, and an all-rounder balm will make bath time a breeze for both baby and parents.
If you’d rather have some help creating the perfect baby shower hamper, why not try Roo & Little Boo and Baby Blooms who put together lovely, personalised hampers for you.
FAQ
What's the perfect baby shower gift?
The ideal baby shower gift is thoughtful and reflects the needs of the parents-to-be. If the baby's gender is a surprise, opt for charming unisex options. Personalised gifts, whether with a special message or a handcrafted touch, add an extra layer of love and care.
What essential baby items are often overlooked at showers?
Practical baby care products can be surprisingly absent from many showers. Consider gifting useful items like cleaning supplies or diaper disposal solutions. If you have a larger budget, big-ticket items such as strollers or cribs can significantly ease the financial burden on new parents.
How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as the ideal spending amount varies depending on your relationship with the parents, your budget, and the type of gift you choose.
Typically, people spend between £20 and £40 on a baby shower gift. This range allows for thoughtful presents without breaking the bank. Remember, the most important thing is to choose something that shows your love and support for the growing family.